Voyager Elementary School

Dear Voyager Families,

As we navigate our way through the month of February,  it's always surprising how quickly time flies.  I trust you've been enjoying the return to routine after the recent snow days and we have certainly enjoyed having our hallways filled with the energy and enthusiasm that only our students can bring. 

We recently concluded Kindness Week at Voyager. While kindness has always been a cornerstone of our school culture, it was particularly inspiring to witness the entire school community, both staff and students, coming together with a strong focus on kindness. This momentum leads us seamlessly into our next initiative: the annual Student Council Snack Drive.

Starting from Tuesday, February 6th, through Tuesday, February 13th, our Student Council will be actively collecting snacks. The goal is to gather a variety of snacks that will be evenly distributed throughout the school, ensuring they are readily available to any student in need of a quick snack during the day. I am proud to share that last year, the Student Council collected over 2,000 snacks, and this year, we hope to surpass that remarkable achievement. Your contributions, whether big or small, can make a significant difference in ensuring every student has access to a snack when needed.

If you would like to participate in this worthy cause, please send in or drop off your donations. Your generosity will undoubtedly contribute to fostering a caring and supportive environment for all our students.

Thank you for being an integral part of our Voyager community and for your ongoing support.

Warm regards,

Danielle Schmidt

Coffee Chat with Superintendent MacGregor

Join Superintendent Erin MacGregor for an engaging Coffee Chat on Thursday, February 15, from 9 to 10 a.m., in the Edinburgh Room at the Administrative Office. This session's focus is "Innovation In Education," featuring discussions on new programs, advanced technology initiatives, and AI's emerging role. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3ummALt. 

Begindergarten and Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year

Begindergarten and Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school is now open at 

HowellSchools.com/KDG. Join us on March 7, 6-7 p.m., for an informative night at your child's elementary school to meet educators and explore the school. Additionally, we're accepting applications for Academia Bilingüe's Spanish immersion kindergarten class until March 22. Discover the bilingual journey at HowellSchools.com/DualLanguage and attend the parent night on February 21 at Three Fires Elementary to learn more. 

Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance

Step into 'A Night in Candyland' with Howell Public Schools Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance, February 17, 6-8 p.m. at Voyager Elementary. Enjoy a sweet evening of dancing, treats, and crafts! Details at https://bit.ly/3vPAF4j. All proceeds from this event will go to the Hope Squad, allowing them to continue advocating for mental health support in our school and community. 

The next Family Educational Series Webinar is February 8

Mark your calendar for our upcoming family educational series on Thursday, February 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., spotlighting the theme 'Building Your Child's Confidence.' Gain insightful strategies to nurture your child's growth mindset and resilience. For details on this session, head to https://bit.ly/3O4dNEI. Please note that this month's session will be exclusively online with no in-person viewing. We look forward to having you join us for this enriching session.

Summer EBT is Coming to Michigan

Michigan launches the Summer EBT program, providing eligible families up to $120 per child for the summer. To apply, please submit a Free and Reduced Price Meal application by February 10. Even if you're uncertain of eligibility, apply at https://bit.ly/2z6nDlP. ou do not need to complete another one if you have already completed a Free and Reduce Price Meal application for this school year.

Nominate an Outstanding Teacher of Support Person for HPS Of the Year Awards

Howell Public Schools is now accepting nominations for its esteemed Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year awards. Celebrate our remarkable educators and staff by submitting your nomination by Friday, February 9, at 4 p.m. Visit https://bit.ly/3SyS0Yx for details and to submit a nomination.

Important Dates

2/6-2/13 Snack Drive

2/8 Family Education Webinar

2/15 Superintendent Coffee Chat

2/17 Daddy Daughter Dance

2/16-2/19 No School 

2/23 Voyager Movie Night 6:30PM 

VBC Movie Night 

Students were able to cast their vote for the VBC Movie Night on February 23rd. There were four choices and the winner is....Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhen!

Counselor's Connection 

Parents often ask for tips on how to improve their children’s focus. Being able to engage, focus, and maintain attention is “what connects us to others, defines our experiences, deepens our curiosity, and determines what we tune in to see” (taken from Dr. Michele Borba’s book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine). Here are some “attention robbers” -- things that can stand in the way of our kids and their ability to focus -- and what to do to fix the problem (hint: think FOCUS):

F = FOOD

Minimize caffeinated or energy drinks and food with high sugar content.

O = OVERSCHEDULED

Cutting just one activity can free time for kids to recharge.

C = COMPUTERS AND SCREENS

Electronic screens and bright lights can delay the release of melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Turn digital devices off at least 30 minutes before bed.

U = UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Too high of expectations create stress and reduce focus. Too low of expectations make kids feel that “anyone could.” Aim expectations slightly above your kid’s performance level to strengthen focus and boost success odds.

S = SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Inconsistent sleep routines (including on the weekends), as well as noise, heat, cold, light conditions, and electronics can rob sleep. Stick to routines. 

As always, reach out to your school counselor for more information or a more personalized family plan. This excerpt was taken from Dr. Michele Borba’s book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.

Dear Voyager Families,

We are thrilled to share some exciting news about the VBC's Dine to Donate program has just leveled up, and we're spreading our wings – literally!

Introducing our newest partner: Detroit Wings Company! We've teamed up with Detroit Wings Company to bring you mouthwatering delights while making a positive impact in our school community. Here's the delicious deal: Detroit Wings Company will generously donate a whopping 20% of their proceeds each Monday between 4-8 PM. The funds raised will go towards purchasing prizes for our school wide student recognition program.  

With the chilly weather settling in, we want to make sure our students are warm, cozy, and ready to conquer the great outdoors. Our students go outside for recess each day, as long as the real feel temperature is above 10 degrees. Please ensure your child comes to school prepared to go outside each day. If you need support with warm winter gear, please contact our school counselor, Mrs. Peffer at [email protected].

Enjoy your weekend. 

Sincerely, 

Danielle Schmidt 

Community Connect 2024 is Coming Soon

Don't miss Community Connect 2024 on Saturday, February 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton at 7526 Grand River Ave. for a day of community services, connection, and freebies! This event is open to everyone and will feature 50+ exhibitors offering everything from basic need info to personal care items and services like health screenings and haircuts. There will be fantastic giveaways like laundry detergent, winter gear, and more! Mark your calendars and spread the word! To learn more, please click here. 

The next Family Educational Series Webinar is February 8

Our next monthly family educational series session is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This month's session will focus on Building your child's confidence. The session will equip families with strategies that foster a growth mindset and resilience. To learn more about this session, please visit https://bit.ly/3O4dNEI. This month, there will not be an in-person viewing option. We hope you will join us for this valuable learning experience. 

Shrek's Swamp Party

Join the cast of Parker Middle School's spring musical Sherk for Sherk's Swamp Party on Sunday, January 28, from 3-5 p.m. at Parker Middle School. You can meet Sherk, Donkey, and Fiona at the Swamp Party and enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and more. Tickets are $15 per child. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3HoRF41. 

Dance the Night Away at the Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance

Howell Public Schools Hope Squad is excited to be hosting its inaugural Daddy Daughter Dance! This event will be hosted at Voyager Elementary School on Saturday, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. Please join us for A Night in Candyland, where there will be dancing, refreshments, crafts, and much more! To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3vPAF4j. All proceeds from this event will go to the Hope Squad and will allow them to continue advocating for mental health support in our school and community. 

Teacher of the Year/Support Person of the Year Nomination Window is Now Open

The nomination window for the Howell Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year awards is now open. Each year, Howell Public Schools recognizes an outstanding teacher and support staff member through these awards. Individuals associated with Howell Public Schools (students, parents, employees, and community members) are invited to submit award nominations. You can read more about both awards and submit nominations at https://bit.ly/3SyS0Yx. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 9, at 4 p.m.

Important Dates

1/22 Weekly Monday DIne to Donate (DWC) begins

2/1 VBC Meeting 6-7 PM

2/9 Teacher/Support Person of the Year Nomination Due

BK/KG Registration

Begindergarten & Kindergarten 2024-2025 School Year Registration 

Begindergarten and kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open. All registrations will be done online at HowellSchools.com/KDG. On Thursday, March 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., each elementary school will host a Begindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night. At this event, families will learn about the school, meet the principal and begindergarten and kindergarten teachers, and tour the school. 

The Viking View 12/22/2023

Dear Voyager Families,

As we approach the much-anticipated holiday break, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible energy and enthusiasm that filled our school building this week. 

Our week was highlighted by a special assembly sponsored by the Voyager Booster Club, featuring the dynamic “Jim Basketball Jones." The assembly was not only entertaining but also carried a powerful message centered around the Growth Mindset and the "Power of Yet." It was a highly engaging and interactive experience that left a lasting impact on our school community.

Additionally, we were treated to a mesmerizing performance by the Howell High School Chorale. The students were captivated by their singing talent, and it served as a wonderful reminder of the importance of the arts in our school.

Throughout the week, both staff and students participated in fun spirit days, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere within our school walls. These spirit days not only brought joy but also fostered a sense of unity and camaraderie among our Voyager family.

As we approach the holiday season, the entire staff at Voyager would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May your holiday be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments. Please take this time to relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an outstanding second semester!

Warm regards,

Danielle Schmidt

Parking Lot Update

Due to traffic and safety concerns during the high school dismissal, there will be a slight change in our dismissal procedures that will be implemented for the safety and well-being of our students and families. Beginning January 8, 2024, the parking lot gate will be closed and locked each day until 3:00 PM. We understand that this adjustment may cause a slight inconvenience and temporary backup in our pick-up line, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of everyone on our school premises.

This decision was not taken lightly, and we want to assure you that it is essential to maintain a safe environment within our parking lot. Unfortunately, recent circumstances have compromised the safety of our students, staff, and parents. Despite our efforts to address the issues without resorting to closing the gate, we have experienced continued high school traffic cutting through our lots at unsafe speeds, posing a risk to everyone present.

By closing the gate until 3:00 PM, we aim to minimize the potential for accidents and ensure the safety of all individuals within our school grounds. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to create a secure environment for everyone.

I would also like to extend our gratitude for Officer Sawyer, who has been a great partner in ensuring we maintain safety on school grounds. 

Important Dates

12/25-1/5: Holiday Break; No School 

1/8: School Resumes

1/11: VBC Meeting 6-7 PM

1/15: NO SCHOOL 

Holiday Break

This year, our Holiday Break runs from Monday, December 25, through Friday, January 5, with classes resuming on Monday, January 8. During the break, our office and district office hours will be adjusted to accommodate the holiday schedule. If you need to visit our school of the district office during the break, please call before visiting to ensure the office is open on the day of your planned visit. 

District Food Drive a Huge Success 

We are thrilled to share the remarkable results of the recent district-wide food drive supporting Gleaners Community Food Bank. The community's generosity has been overwhelming, with 14,648 pounds of food donated and $9,091.633 in monetary donations. The monetary contributions were matched on Giving Tuesday, doubling our impact to $18,183.26. This effort will provide approximately 72,127 meals to our neighbors in Livingston County. We are immensely grateful for everyone's support during this holiday season.

Greetings, Voyager Families.

I trust this message finds you well as we approach the conclusion of the first semester. It's incredible to reflect on the myriad accomplishments we've achieved together as a school community. With only 10 school wake-ups left until the holiday break, it's an opportune time to acknowledge and celebrate our successes.

This past weekend, our Robotics Teams demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork at the annual Robotics Festival. Their dedication and enthusiasm were truly commendable, and they represented our school with pride. Congratulations to all students and mentors involved for a job well done!

Exciting news continues as the Voices of Voyager Choir has been selected to participate in Channel 10 WILX's A Mid-Michigan Christmas. This prestigious opportunity not only showcases the incredible talent within our school but also spreads festive joy to the wider community. Kudos to our choir members for their outstanding achievement.

Our first music program of the year took place this week. It was a bittersweet moment for all of us as we gathered for the last music performance of our incredible 5th graders' elementary school journey. It was a great evening as we cherished the laughter, applauded the talent, and continued to make lasting memories with this class.  

A special mention is due for our Student Council, whose exceptional efforts in supporting the high school leadership students with the canned food drive have not gone unnoticed. The Voyager Community collected 2207 cans and raised $2,306. Congratulations to Mrs. Runion’s class for 1st place with 1061 cans, Mrs. Hibbard’s class for 2nd place with 880 cans and Mrs. DeJaegher’s class for 3rd place with 512 cans!

We are thrilled to share the exciting news of the recent Reaching Higher Graduation Ceremony held earlier this week. It was truly an inspiring and momentous occasion, and we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding students.For those who may not be familiar, Reaching Higher is a youth personal leadership program that focuses on building essential skills for success. The program emphasizes the development of self-confidence, goal attainment, positive stress management, positive decision-making skills, and increased motivation.

This holiday season, I encourage you to celebrate the successes, big and small, with your children. Whether it's mastering a new concept, making new friends, or participating in extracurricular activities, every achievement is a testament to their efforts and your ongoing support. Here's to a strong finish and an even stronger start to the second semester!

Warm Regards. 

Danielle Schmidt

____________________________________________________________________________

District Holiday Card Art Contest

Each year, Superintendent MacGregor selects holiday-themed artwork created by a student to be featured on the district's holiday card. Students from begindergarten through fifth grade are invited to showcase their creativity by submitting an original holiday design for the card. With your help and permission, students should send their artwork to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email.

____________________________________________________________________________

Important Dates

12/13: 1st Grade Music Program 7 PM 

12/18: HOLIDAY HAT DAY

           Santa Shop (12/18-12/21)

           Dine to Donate Detroit Wings

12/19  FLANNEL VS FANCY

12/20: UGLY SWEATER DAY

12/21: RED/GREEN DAY

12/22: WINTER PJ DAY

12/25-1/5: Holiday Break; No School 

1/8: School Resumes

1/11: VBC Meeting 6-7 PM

The Student Council has planned some fun SPIRIT Days for the last week of school!

____________________________________________________________________________

Counselor's Corner

Family Educational Series on School Avoidance

On Thursday, December 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., Howell Public Schools is offering an insightful session on school avoidance as part of its monthly family educational series. This webinar will explore common causes and offer strategies to address this challenge. Attend in person at the Howell High School Freshman Campus Media Center, with refreshments and child care available (register at https://bit.ly/3QXLWGL) or join online at https://cookcenter.info/Dec14Livingston. Take advantage of this opportunity to support your child's educational journey!

Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, December 21, 2023

On Thursday, December 21, Gleaners Food Bank will have a Mobile Food Pantry in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The Mobile Food Pantry will be open from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile Food Pantry. A family of 4 receives about 40-45 pounds of food. A Family of 5 or more receives double the amount. Each portion comprises fresh produce, milk, meat, and shelf-stable items. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.

Greetings, Voyager Families.

While November often feels like a short month, it has been a busy one at Voyager!  I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your enthusiastic support and participation in our recent student coloring contest. It was truly heartwarming to witness the creativity and talent showcased by our students.

The stairwell, which now serves as a vibrant display of the 312 colorful scarecrow creations, has become a focal point in our school. Your children's artwork has not only brightened up our physical space but has also added an extra layer of joy and positivity to our school environment.

 This month, we have also collected nearly 2,700 cans for the Gleaner’s Food Drive!  This is an amazing accomplishment that will greatly benefit our community. Please keep those cans coming in; the drive ends on December 1st. 

Looking ahead, we are excited to return from the Thanksgiving break and finish off the semester on a strong note. There are still many exciting learning opportunities, events, and milestones to come, and we are confident that, together, we can make the remainder of the semester just as successful as the beginning.

Wishing you and your family a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and gratitude. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school and finishing the semester strong!

Sincerely, 

Danielle Schmidt

VBC December Dine to Donate

The Voyager Booster Club has arranged a special Dine to Donate for the month of December at Detroit Wings Company. Dine to Donate nights are always a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a meal with family and friends while contributing to our school's fundraising efforts, but December’s proceeds will be put directly towards purchasing a class set of yoga mats for our physical education program!  If you are looking for an easy dinner on December 8th, please consider dining at DWC!

Playground Update

We have some exciting news to share regarding our school playground, and we wanted to keep you in the loop!

You may have heard from your child that one of the playground structures has unfortunately become largely unusable. We understand how important this space is for our students, and we're thrilled to let you know that we are taking steps to upgrade the playground!

The old structure will soon be removed, making way for a fantastic new addition. We are currently in the process of selecting a new piece of equipment that will not only provide hours of fun but also contribute to the overall development and enjoyment of our students.

Here's where it gets even more exciting—students will have the opportunity to have their say in choosing the new structure! We believe their input is invaluable, and we want to make sure the new addition is something they are genuinely excited about.

Now Hiring Kids Kare Staff

The Howell Public Schools Early Childhood Education Department is hiring additional staff for its before and after-school care programs for elementary students. The starting pay for these positions is $15.50 per hour. To learn more about these job openings, please visit https://bit.ly/3R0HbNZ. 

Important Dates

12/1 Gleaners Food Drive Ends

12/6 5th Grade Music Program 7 PM

12/7 VBC Meeting 6-7 PM

12/8 Dine to Donate - Detroit Wings Co.

12/8 4th Grade Choir Caroling 4-7 PM

12/13 1st Grade Music Program 7 PM 

12/18-12/22 Santa Shop

12/25-1/5 No School 

Counselor's Corner

“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.”  (unknown) 

This month brings to mind the idea of being grateful. Gratitude is not an instinct, it is something we are taught and must practice. The ability to show gratitude and be grateful not only allows us to feel at peace with our lives, but also helps us to build strong relationships with others.

Here are simple ways that we can help children appreciate the people and things in their lives:

MODEL GRATITUDE- Find time during the day when you can talk about the people and things for which you are grateful. At school, we often talk about sunshines and clouds (sunshines are things that inspire us to feel good, clouds are things that might be icky or uncomfortable). This reinforces the idea that we can be grateful, despite everything not going our way.

DEVELOP PERSPECTIVE - When you have your child write a “wishlist” for a birthday or holiday, also have him/her write a “thankful for” list (spending time with family, baking, decorating, etc.). This is a healthy perspective to develop at an early age.

SAY THANK YOU - Make writing thank you notes or drawing pictures a normal ritual after receiving a gift or sharing a special event together.

VOLUNTEER - Volunteering, even a few hours a month, helps us connect with the world around us and affirms our part in something bigger than ourselves. It can easily help children to feel grateful for their own situation. Check out this link for volunteering needs in our area: Volunteer Livingston.