Voyager Elementary School

Dear Voyager Families,

The 2019-2020 school year officially ended yesterday (this is the last issue of the Viking View until August)!!  What a year it has been!! If someone had told me when I became the Principal of Voyager back in mid-August that the year would end the way it did, I wouldn’t have believed them.  Even with a world-wide pandemic impacting our first year together, I can still say it has been a wonderful year!  This past week I was able to arrange my schedule so I was able to bop on each classroom’s final Zoom Meeting for the year - from last week Thursday, May 28th through yesterday, I bopped on 24 Zoom Meetings to say “Bye for the Summer” to our Voyager Vikings!  In one of the Zoom Meetings, the teacher was asking her students 3 questions - 1) What was your favorite part of the year?, 2) What are you going to do this summer?, and 3) What is your hope for next year?  I answered those three questions for the class.  My answers were as follows:  Question #1 - My favorite part of the year was being the Principal at Voyager - what a great place to be a Principal when there is a pandemic going on world-wide!!!  The support that the staff and I received from you, our families, was fantastic and greatly appreciated.  Thank you for all you each did to support your students not only while we were in school, but especially when you were having to facilitate “schooling” at home!  Question #2 - This summer I hope to spend a lot of time with my two grandkids!!!  Miss Addie is 2.5 years old - her and I missed each other tremendously during the “safer at home” order!  My new grandson, Bodie (Addie’s baby brother) was born 3 days after schools closed on March 13th - I’ve only seen him 5 times since then!  He needs to get to know who “grandma” is!!!  Question #3 - Finally, my hope for next year is that we can all safely return to Voyager when school is scheduled to start on Wednesday, August 19th (yes, that is the first day of school)!

Before turning to some important reminders and information, I want to recognize the wonderful virtual "celebrations" that teachers and grade levels planned for their students!  Even though we weren’t able to be together and a lot of our traditional end of the year activities needed to be cancelled, our Voyager teachers still showed their students that they love them and have missed them tremendously.  The car parade that staff organized yesterday was fantastic...the positive energy was invigorating!!!  Many of the end of the year activities were shared on our Voyager Facebook Page, shared in SeeSaw or Google Classroom or emailed to families via emails from the teacher or through an email sent by me through School Messenger (final video messages from Mrs. Schoendorff were sent by me yesterday morning via School Messenger).  Mrs. Kemper shared two virtual art shows this past week.  Here are links to both of them:

HPS Virtual Elementary Art Show and Voyager’s Virtual Art Show

If you didn’t get a chance prior to now to check out these wonderful end of the year celebrations, please consider scrolling through the Voyager Facebook Page, logging into SeeSaw or Google Classroom, or going back through your email...they are must see celebrations!

LAST OPPORTUNITY before August to Get Your Child’s YEARBOOK and to Pick-up Your Child’s Personal Belongings from Last Year (this is the same information that was shared two weeks ago, as well as numerous times by classroom teachers during the past two weeks and on Facebook) - here is what you need to know:

1. The process for picking up personal belongings will be a “drive-thru” process utilizing the front parking lot.  Please enter off of Byron Rd. and follow the front circle drive around.  Staff will be there to direct you around the circle drive.  Please do not get out of your car.

2. Staff have placed student belongings from classrooms/lockers in a plastic bag or some other type of bag, and all of the “bags” have been moved down to the cafeteria.

3. Specific details:

   1. Please bring an index card or a piece of paper that contains a list of the children you are picking up belongings for - first and last name, teacher, and grade level.  You will hand this to a staff member who will go and get your child’s belongings from the cafeteria.

   2. Please let the staff member know if you have medication to pick up for your child - medication that was in the main office.

   3. Items that you may need to drop off or return to the school:

      1. Registration paperwork for in-coming kindergartners (sibling of a current student) - PLEASE make sure that paperwork is clearly marked and in a sealed envelope.

      2. VBC Read-a-Thon money - our VBC has let me know that there are parents who still have money from our “March is Reading Month Read-a-Thon” - PLEASE make sure that all money is sealed in an envelope or a plastic bag with clear information as to the amount in the envelope or plastic bag and who the money is coming from.

      3. School/Classroom items that need to be returned (district Chromebooks and Ipads are to be kept over the summer and are not to be returned at this time):

         1. Any classroom books, instructional materials, take-home book bags, etc.

         2. Library Books

         3. Any other items that belong to the school that your child may have brought home.  

         4. Classroom teachers may have classroom-specific items that they will let parents know about in communications that they send next week or the week after.

1. Pick-up Times on Monday, June 8th and Tuesday, June 9th:

   1. Monday, June 8th - 

      1. 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

      2. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

      3. 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (there is also Meal Distribution occurring at HHS at this same time on Monday - more info. below in "District Updates) 

   2. Tuesday, June 9th - 

      1. 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

      2. 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

      3. 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

I know this is a lot of information.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  You can email me, text me, or call me - contact information is at the end of this newsletter.

Refunds for the field trip to the Community Theater of Howell’s production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” - When school closed on March 13th, we had every 1st-5th grade student paid and scheduled to attend the production of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” at the Freshman Campus auditorium.  These classroom field trips were scheduled to occur the week of March 16th.  Needless to say, students were unable to attend.  A handful of parents have inquired about a refund for this field trip.  By the time, we learned that we would not be going on the field trip, the money collected to pay for the tickets had already been sent to the Community Theater of Howell and the money collected to transport students to the Freshman Campus had already been sent to the district’s Transportation Department.  The cost of the tickets has been returned to the district and the district is in the process of redistributing the money back to the individual buildings (435 students alone at Voyager need to have money refunded to them).  The current plan is to put the refunds on a student’s lunch account when district staff return in August.  At that time parents can choose to leave the money on their child’s lunch account and use it during the school year or they will be able to request a check be sent to them from our Food Service Department.  Please let me know if you have specific questions regarding this field trip refund.

Kid-friendly information re: COVID-19 from U of M’s School of Public Health - If you are looking for kid-friendly information regarding COVID-19, please check out the video for children (geared towards children 6-11) and other family resources on their website at https://sph.umich.edu/kidscovidresources/

In closing, please make sure you continue reading the rest of the information contained in this newsletter - the “Counselor’s Corner” from Mrs. Starkey (great list of resources) and the “District Updates”.  

I wish each of you a fantastic summer...know that I am available throughout the summer if you need anything.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out - I can be reached through my district email address at [email protected], or you can text me at 517-404-1682.  If you choose to text me, please make sure you identify yourself at the start of the text so I know who is reaching out to me.  

Sincerely,

Kari Naghtin, Principal

Counselor’s Corner

Dear Howell Families,

Congratulations on finishing this 2019-2020 school year!   We hope that summer brings you all time to relax and spend time with family.    We truly miss all of our students, and we can't wait to see everyone again!   In the meantime, the counseling team has put together a list of supports and activities that can be a resource for the summer months.  Click HERE to check it out!  

Your Partner in Education,

Jennifer Starkey

School Counselor

District Updates

District Registration Office Reopening - The Howell Public Schools Registration Office will reopen on Monday, June 1. The registration office will operate differently for the immediate future. This will include setting appointments to help limit the number of visitors to the office. Additional information will be added to the Registration Office website at HowellSchools.com/Enroll. Families with incoming begindergarten and kindergarten students will receive an email next week regarding submitting the required paperwork needed to complete the registration process.

Meal Kit Distribution Extended Through Monday, June 29 - Each Monday in June, the district will hold a meal kit distribution. The distribution will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. We will also offer delivery to families who lack transportation to pick up meal kits. To request delivery for Monday, June 8, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday. This will allow our Food Service and Transportation Department time to plan for the deliveries. 

Howell Public Schools Family Perception Survey - Each year the district conducts a Family Perception Survey. The responses from the survey help the district evaluate its current practices and identify its strengths and weaknesses. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Family Perception Survey by Friday, June 26. You can access the survey at https://forms.gle/cUBDgAziN6pXuV3c8. 

Dear Voyager Families,

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all of you!  Please take a moment this weekend to remember and honor all of the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military!

IMPORTANT information re: Parent Pick-up of K-4 Students’ Personal Belongings:

From the start of this journey that we have been on, my mantra has been “We’re building the plane as we are flying it!”  As we approach what would have been the “official” end of the 2019-2020 school year, my new mantra is “The best laid plans…”!!  On Tuesday of this week, the Superintendent shared information regarding a plan for allowing parents to pick up their child(ren)’s personal items from school.  That communication shared that the district’s tentative plan was to allow for pick-up during the week of June 1.  It should have also included that the plan was contingent on bond construction work occurring at each individual school.  As a result, Voyager’s pick up plan will be different from other elementary schools in the district (right now it appears that Northwest Elementary will be on an adjusted plan, as well). 

I had a plan (Plan A) for parents to pick up their child(ren)’s personal belongings during the week of June 1st, but learned on Thursday of this week that due to the recent rains our parking lot will probably not be ready for parents to pick up student belongings until the week of June 8th [Insert Plan B]. Before I provide details regarding Plan B, let me just be up front and let you all know that there could be reasons to adjust Plan B and implement Plan C or even Plan D.  Know that I will keep you updated via School Messenger and the Voyager FaceBook page of any changes to the plan.

In all of the plans one thing has remained consistent:  Staff have placed student belongings from classrooms/lockers in a plastic bag or some other type of bag, and all of the “bags” have been moved down to the cafeteria.  On the designated days for pick up, parents will not have access to the building.  There will be a drive-through process where staff will bring a student(s)’ belongings out to the parents car, along with the student’s 19-20 year book. 

Details that you need to know as a parent:

1. K-4 Families - Tentative schedule of pick up days and times (families with a 5th grade student will receive a separate email from me by June 1st, regarding when they can pick up their 5th grader’s belongings, as well as the belongings of younger students in the school) -

   1. Monday, June 8th - 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.; and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

   2. Tuesday, June 9th - 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; and 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

2. Items to bring with you:

   1. Please bring an index card or a piece of paper that contains a list of the children you are picking up belongings for - first and last name, teacher, and grade level.

   2. Items that you may need to drop off or return to the school:

      1. Registration paperwork for in-coming kindergartners (sibling of a current student) - PLEASE make sure that paperwork is clearly marked and in a sealed envelope.

      2. VBC Read-a-Thon money - our VBC has let me know that there are parents who still have money from our “March is Reading Month Read-a-Thon” - PLEASE make sure that all money is sealed in an envelope or a plastic bag with clear information as to the amount in the envelope or plastic bag and who the money is coming from.

      3. School/Classroom items that need to be returned (district Chromebooks and Ipads are to be kept over the summer and are not to be returned at this time):

         1. Any classroom books, instructional materials, take-home book bags, etc.

         2. Library Books

         3. 5th grade safety belts (if you can wash them that would be greatly appreciated)

         4. Any other items that belong to the school that your child may have brought home.  

         5. Classroom teachers may have classroom-specific items that they will let parents know about in communications that they send next week or the week after.

I know this is a lot of information related to picking up personal belongings.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  You can email me, text me, or call me - contact information is at the end of this newsletter.

Our last week of sending home ELA and Math lessons, special area lessons, and SEL lessons is next week.  During the week of June 1st-4th (the last four days of the school year), teachers/grade levels will be planning fun virtual activities to “celebrate” the end of the school year!  Our Music Teacher, Mrs. Schoendorff, has posted information on the Voyager Facebook page regarding an end-of-the year Talent Show for 3rd-5th grade students, and I believe that our Art Teacher, Mrs. Kemper, has something fun planned as well for this week.  Information re: a Staff "Neighborhood" Parade on Thursday, June 4th, at 12:00 p.m. has also been posted on the Voyager FaceBook page.  Please continue to check SeeSaw, Google Classroom, the Voyager FaceBook page, or email relative to the final lessons for next week and the end-of-the-year activities for June 1st-4th.

In closing, please make sure you continue reading the rest of the information contained in this newsletter - the “Counselor’s Corner” from Mrs. Starkey and the “District Updates” - information regarding the summer reading opportunities at the Howell Carnegie District Library is included in this section, as well as a lot of other important information.  Please remember that in addition to your child’s teacher and other building staff, I, too, am available if you need anything.  I can be reached through my district email address at [email protected], or you can text me at 517-404-1682.  If you choose to text me, please make sure you identify yourself at the start of the text so I know who is reaching out to me.  

Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

Sincerely,

Kari Naghtin, Principal

Counselor’s Corner

Hello families!

The Howell counselors have created a document that includes 100+ local, free/low-cost resources and opportunities for Howell families! You can access that extensive list here.

While everything on the list is helpful and worthwhile, I have shared my “favorite” resource in each category below. To offer support to others, or to access support for yourself, please reach out to me!

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Check our district link for details. You can also peek at some frequently asked questions at https://bit.ly/2yR440R. Lastly, if you have questions not answered in the FAQ, submit your question using this form: https://bit.ly/2y1qyeW. 

FOOD

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, our next meal kit distribution will be on Tuesday, May 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. We will also offer delivery to families who lack transportation to pick up meal kits. To request delivery for Tuesday, May 26, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. This will allow our Food Service and Transportation Departments to plan for the deliveries.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE

Are you in crisis, or do you have a specific need? Post it on this new, local posting board. Our community is coming together to ensure people’s basic needs are met.

SPECIAL CONCERNS - CHILDCARE

If you are an Essential Worker (such as first responders, medical personnel, key government officials, etc.) during the COVID-19 pandemic and are in need of child care, please fill out this form: Livingston County Essential Worker Child Care Form. 

LEARNING

Howell Public Library is offering Howell Public Schools students access to their online resources using their student ID card. The library barcode number is the student ID number and the PIN is 1234. For more information, click here. 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

By texting the keyword RESTORE to 741741, Michigan residents can have a confidential text conversation with a crisis counselor. Additional information can be found on the Stay Home, Stay Well webpage michigan.gov/StayWell.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Gleaners Food Bank is looking for temporary workers to help the mobile food distribution teams through the end of September. These positions pay $15/hour - check them out at   bit.ly/tempatgleaners2020. The 2020 Census Team is also looking for hard workers: visit 2020census.gov/jobs or call 855.JOB.2020

JUST FOR FUN

Take a Virtual Field Trip to places like Mars, The Great Wall of China, zoos, and more.

Again, for the full list, click here. In the meantime, you can reach me anytime:

• Email: [email protected]

• Office Hours:  Mondays and Wednesdays - 1:00 - 3:30  -  517-552-7500, Ext. 46124

Jennifer Starkey, LPC

School Counselor

District Updates

Howell Public Library Summer Reading Program Opportunities

Every summer, our local public library in Howell offers wonderful summer reading programs that our students and families look forward to participating in.  This summer is no different - even with a pandemic in our midst, the library has a wonderful line up of activities planned for our students and families.  There are weekly activities for kids and teens; a month long naturalist activity in June; and activities that will be happening throughout the summer (May 30-August 1).  In addition to all of these activities, there is a summer reading challenge for pre-readers; kids (grades 1-5); and teens (grades 6-12).  All of the information is outlined at this link: Howell Library Summer Reading Programs. Registration opens on Saturday, May 30th.  Thank you to the Howell Carnegie District Library for keeping this tradition alive for all of us!!

Meal Kit Distribution Will Be on Tuesday, May 26

Due to Memorial Day, the district’s next meal kit distribution will take place on Tuesday, May 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. Additionally, the district will offer delivery for families who lack transportation to pick up meal kits. To request delivery for Tuesday, May 26, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. This will allow the Food Service and Transportation Departments to plan for the deliveries.

Bond Work is Starting

Many of the projects funded by the 2019 Capital and Security Bond are beginning at our school and around the district. This summer, our school is set to receive a new secure entrance, resurfaced parking lots, new gym floor, and carpeting throughout the hallways and in most classrooms.  These projects were outlined in the bond proposal. Per state law, bond dollars cannot be used to cover normal district operations, such as employee salaries.

Begindergarten/Kindergarten and New Student Registration

While our Registration Office is currently closed, you may still register incoming begindergarten and kindergarten students online at HowellSchools.com/KDG. Additionally, new students can be enrolled at HowellSchools.com/Enroll. On these sites, you can complete all of the registration forms. When our Registration Office re-opens, we will work to collect the documents required to complete the registration process.

Budget Update

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has experienced a drastic drop in sales tax and income tax revenues. These two revenue streams make up 66% of the School Aid Fund (the fund which provides the majority of school funding in Michigan). Due to this all K-12 public schools in Michigan are facing significant reductions to their per-pupil funding. The district is working on a website to share information about its budgeting process and is committed to being open and transparent during this time. The link to the website will be shared in one of Superintendent MacGregor’s updates.

Dear Voyager Families,

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week!  I would like to thank our Voyager Booster Club (VBC) and everyone who posted words of appreciation and thanks on our Facebook page or did something else to make our teachers and staff feel so special this week!  You are all the best!

This was also Senior Survivor Week at Howell High School.  As part of Senior Survivor, we had three 5th grade students from Voyager competing as Junior Survivors.  I would like to congratulate Jack M. (Team Brad-bot, and Kate J. and Madyson P. (Team No-Slak) for representing Voyager this week in this competition!

Mother’s Day is on Sunday!!  I’d like to wish a happy Mother’s Day to all of the Voyager moms, step-moms, aunts, and guardians who care for and serve as a role model for our Voyager Vikings - hoping they make you all feel special on Sunday!  

Earth Day was on Wednesday, April 22nd!  During the school year I was meeting with a group of 5th grade students who are passionate about the environment and ways that they and the elementary students in our school can be better caretakers of the Earth.  They were focused on finding ways to make our school cafeteria more eco-friendly.  Their main project during the year was to look at ways that the school could reduce the number of styrofoam trays that were going to the landfill from our Voyager cafeteria. They had read that it takes 50+ years for styrofoam to decompose, but only 2-12 weeks for most cardboard containers to decompose.  They successfully worked with me to generate and research an idea, present the idea to our district Finance Director and our Food Service Director, and share the information with our school.  As a result of their work, the district Food Service Director allowed our kitchen staff to replace styrofoam trays with a cardboard “boat” when serving breakfast or lunch items that were pre-packaged.  For example, the items contained in the daily 3rd choice on the lunch menu (the “munch boat” option) are pre-packaged items - yogurt cup, string cheese, goldfish/graham crackers.  These items do not need to be put on a styrofoam tray - they can easily be placed in a cardboard “boat”.  As a result of their proposal, fewer styrofoam trays were being used on a weekly basis at Voyager.  With the year ending abruptly, this group reached out to me with an idea to share with our students and their families ideas for continuing to make a difference in our environment even while being quarantined.  I would like to thank Megan E., Ryan M., Madyson P., Gabe S., and Sophia T. for sharing this “Being Eco-Friendly While in Quarantine”.  Please take a look at this document that these students created to see if there are ways that your family can be more eco-friendly!!

Even though we don’t yet know what the start of the 20-21 school year is going to look like (we just learned yesterday that the stay at home order is being extended through May 28th), we, as a district, need to prepare for the eventual return of students to our buildings.  We need to begin the process of placing students into classrooms for the upcoming school year.  The Howell elementary schools have adopted a process that allows parents to provide the school with information about their child that will assist in the placement of the child through the use of a Placement Consideration Form (PCF).  The form asks that you describe the educational setting, (academics, behavioral and physical), that you would like to have for your child without naming a particular teacher.  We do not accept specific teacher requests.  It is important to be as detailed as possible stating the type of classroom environment that would benefit your child.  If you would like to complete this form, please email Kari Naghtin at [email protected].  The link to the form will then be emailed to you.  PFC forms will be accepted through Friday, May 22nd.    

In closing, please remember that even though your child’s teacher or other school staff may be reaching out to you or you may be reaching out to them, you can reach out to me as well if there is something I can assist you with as you navigate the coronavirus and the impact it is having on your life.  I can be reached through my district email address at [email protected], or you can text me at 517-404-1682.  If you choose to text me, please make sure you identify yourself at the start of the text so I know who is reaching out to me.  Please tell your children that Ms. Naghtin says, “Hi!” and that I miss them a lot - it has been great seeing several of their smiling faces in the grade level Zoom Meetings.  If your child would like to send me an email, I would love to hear from them - I promise I will write them back!  I am continuing to keep all of you in my thoughts until we are able to be together again in the school building we call “home”!!  Please do reach out if you need anything at any time between now and the start of the 2020-2021 school year in mid-August.

Sincerely,

Kari Naghtin, Principal

Counselor’s Corner

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, one in five adult Americans at some time in their life struggles with mental health. The goals of Mental Health Awareness Month are to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for support for those who must cope with mental health and their families. Just as we work on keeping our bodies healthy, we must work on keeping our minds healthy. After all, the body and the mind are interconnected.  

During this time of uncertainty, it is especially important to take care of our own mental health and to model healthy coping skills for our children. Stress, anxiety, fear, and loneliness are more prevalent for everyone - children and adults - due to COVID-19.   Here are some self-care strategies:

Take Care of Your Mind

• Do not focus on things out of our control. Because we cannot change them, we have to move on from them.  We have to take that energy and put it towards the things we can control like how we spend time with our children.

• Keep a set routine.  It is important to keep a regular bedtime, mealtime, and work/school schedule, attend to hygiene and exercise.  Be sure to include activities that are enjoyable.  Realize that it is okay to give yourself a pass when needed.  

• Limit exposure to news media. It can heighten fears, so take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories.

• Focus on positive thoughts. Begin each day by listing the good things in your life and end each day by listing the good things that happened that day. Try to keep problems in perspective and stay hopeful!

• Set priorities. Make reasonable goals for the day and write out a checklist to achieve them. Don’t overwhelm yourself with big projects. Take it step-by-step. 

• Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Don’t worry about what might never happen. Take a moment and engage in some mindfulness activities. For example, be aware of your sensory perceptions at that moment and name them (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures).

• Connect with others. Stay in touch through technology with friends and family.  Do something nice for someone else. For example; make a card, drop off groceries, etc.

Take Care of Your Body

• Get enough sleep.

• Participate in regular physical activity (yoga, dancing, exercise, etc.). Try to enjoy the outdoors on a daily basis. It helps reduce anxiety and improve your mood.

• Eat healthy.  Eat a balanced diet. Limit caffeine; it can increase anxiety.

• Limit screen time.  Make a conscious effort to spend less time in front of a screen (TV, phone, computer) especially before bedtime.

• Relax and recharge.  Put aside a few minutes each day to set the recharge button.  Do mediation, read a book, breathing exercises, etc.  Select a technique that works for you and practice it regularly.  

If you need resources or supports, please reach out to me anytime through email at [email protected] or call me (517-552-7500, Ext. 46124) during my office hours, which are Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:30.   

Inspired by: The Mayo Clinic and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

District Updates

Meal Kit Distribution Information:  The district's next meal kit distribution is scheduled for Monday, May 11, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. Additionally, the district continues to offer delivery for families who lack transportation to pick up meal kits. To request delivery, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. This will allow the Food Service and Transportation Departments to plan for the deliveries.

Continuity of Learning Plan Parent Survey:  In his updates this week, Superintendent MacGregor shared information about the district's Continuity of Learning Plan survey. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to do so. You can access the survey at https://bit.ly/2YAoLsw. The survey will be available until Wednesday, May 13, at 4 p.m.

Virtual Coffee Chat with Superintendent MacGregor:  On Wednesday, May 20, at 1 p.m., Superintendent MacGregor will host a Virtual Coffee Chat. During the Coffee Chat, he will provide updates on the 2019 Capital and Safety Bond projects that will take place this summer as well as discuss the budgeting process for the next school year. Additionally, there will be a time for district stakeholders to ask any questions that they may have about the district. The Virtual Coffee Chat will be hosted using Zoom Meetings. You will be able to access the meeting at https://bit.ly/2xH4YMX (ID: 81593765805, password: NJsCQ8ozL3). 

REMINDER - Begindergarten/Kindergarten and New Student Registration:  While our Registration Office is currently closed, you may still register incoming begindergarten and kindergarten students online at HowellSchools.com/KDG. Additionally, new students can be enrolled at HowellSchools.com/Enroll. On these sites, you can complete all of the registration forms. When our Registration Office re-opens, we will work to collect the documents required to complete the registration process.

REMINDER - Tech Support and Loaner Devices:  If your family is in need of a device for remote learning or if you have other technology-related questions, support is available by calling 314-635-0638 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We ask that you only request a loaner device if your family is truly in need of one so that we can distribute devices as quickly and efficiently as possible to those who do not currently have a home device. Following the Governor's Stay at Home Order, technology support is only available remotely.

Counselor’s Corner

Parents and Guardians:  A Note of Gratitude

As our students navigate distance learning lessons and activities, Howell counselors would like to extend a note of sincere gratitude and appreciation for all that you are doing!   We know you love your children.  We know you are busy, and that many of you are juggling the roles of working from home while supervising your children and supporting their educational endeavors.  We know there is still laundry to fold, meals to prepare, bills to pay, and household tasks to complete.  We also know that the current state of the world can bring stress and anxiety not only for our children, but also to adults.  Below are some tips to support you - our distance learning partners and champions - have a successful and peaceful remainder of the school year.

1. Your “schedule” can change based on the day.  First, creating a daily schedule can be a positive, helpful, and practical tool to establish daily routines.  However, in a time of uncertainty, give yourself the “ok” to adjust a schedule to what best meets the needs of you and your child.  

2. Make exercise and outdoor time a priority.   Movement and fresh air not only helps our bodies stay healthy, but it can also help improve our mood and help us sleep better at night.  

3. Mental well-being comes first.   Support the mental health of yourself and your family.  Give yourself permission to limit news and/or social media intake.  Give yourself breaks during the day.

4. Stay “connected” to those you love.  Social distancing does not mean emotional distancing.   Call or text your loved ones.  Write “snail mail” cards or letters.  Use technology, such as online video-chats, to connect with family and friends.  

5. Do things you enjoy.  Think about things you enjoy doing that you can do in this situation, and do them. Play cards with your family, read a book, go for a walk, or call a friend.  Try to find joy in small moments throughout your day.  

Please remember to reach out to your school counselor for any needs your family may have during this time.  We thank you, our parents and guardians, once more for your partnership in education!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Starkey 

Inspired by Understood by All, Inc. and Partners in Health 

District Updates

Meal Distribution Returns to Howell High School 

On Monday, April 27, the district’s Food Service Department will resume distributing meal kits from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. Meal distribution will take place every Monday through June 1. For families who lack transportation to pick up a meal kit, delivery will be available. To request delivery, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted weekly and must be received by 2 p.m. on Sunday. This will allow our Food Service and Transportation Departments to plan for the deliveries. 

Technology Support

If your family is in need of a device for remote learning or if you have other technology-related questions, support is available by calling 314-635-0638 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. We ask that you only request a loaner device if your family is truly in need of one so that we can distribute devices as quickly and efficiently as possible to those who do not currently have a home device. Following the Governor's Stay at Home Order, technology support is only available remotely.

Howell Public Schools COVID-19 FAQ and Questions

The district continues to update the COVID-19 FAQ document as new questions are received, and answers are available. You can access the F.A.Q. at https://bit.ly/2yR440R. Additionally, if you have questions not answered in the F.A.Q., you can submit them at https://bit.ly/2y1qyeW.

Summer Kids Kare Interest Form

To help the district plan for its Summer Kids Kare Program, should we be able to offer it, we would like any families interested in utilizing this program to complete a short form, which can be found at https://bit.ly/2yi3jh2. Completing the form does not register your child(ren) for the program or guarantee a spot in the program, but will allow our staff to plan for staffing and to contact you when registration is open.