Dear Voyager Families,
As you may be aware, on Monday, April 8, 2024, there will be a solar eclipse. Even though Howell is not in the path of totality, this is still a very exciting astronomical event. However, the risk of eye injury to everyone, especially children who may not understand that the danger of looking directly at the sun is heightened during an eclipse. In Howell, the eclipse will begin at 2:40 p.m., reach near totality around 3:15 p.m., and end by 4:20 p.m. During this time, children are transitioning to their homes, after-school activities, and after-school care, which presents a challenge in providing sufficient adult supervision. Please remind your child that at no time will it be safe to look at the sun without the protection of authentic and properly certified eclipse viewing glasses. At Voyager Elementary, we are taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students during this event.
It is important to note that only our 5th-grade students will be participating in viewing the solar eclipse as part of their science curriculum. Safety glasses will be provided to them, along with clear instructions and supervision during the viewing. However, we understand that some families may prefer for their 5th grader not to participate, and therefore, an opt-out option has been communicated by our 5th-grade teachers. Students in grades BK-4th will not be participating in the eclipse viewing.
We will be implementing the following safety plans due to the timing of the eclipse coinciding with our afternoon dismissal:
Bus Dismissal: Students riding the bus home will be dismissed by bus number. This allows our supervisors to manage fewer students at one time and provide reminders not to look directly at the sun.
Pick-Up Dismissal: We will have additional staff members stationed to remind students of safety precautions and supervise as they exit the building and head to their cars.
If you are planning to keep your child home on this day, we kindly ask that you consider calling their absence today. This will assist our office staff in managing the increased volume of attendance calls expected for that day. Additionally, if you plan on picking your child up early, please be aware that the eclipse will begin at 2:40 PM.
Your child's safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement these safety measures.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
Senior Survivor Kick-Off Carnival
Howell High School's Student Council is excited to launch this year's Senior Survivor Week with the Senior Survivor Kick-off Carnival. The carnival will be held on Friday, April 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the high school field house. There will be activities for all ages, including inflatables, games, a photo booth, entertainment, student performances, food trucks, crafts, raffles, prizes, and other attractions. Admission is $10 for children and students ages 3-18 and free for adults and children under 2. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3qff1Ry.
Voyager Junior Survivors
Thank you for supporting our Junior Survivors this week with our popcorn day. Don’t forget tonight they are hosting a Hawaiian Family Fun Night from 6-8 PM. Our Junior Survivors have been working hard making some amazing crafts to sell on Tuesday, April 9th through Thursday, April 11th. They will be selling in the main hallway by the gym before school starts each morning. All proceeds will benefit Senior Survivor and Community Catalysts.
2024 State of the District Event
On Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m., we will host our State of the District event. During this event, Superintendent MacGregor will update district stakeholders on this district's innovative initiatives and programs, district initiatives, projects relating to the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future bond, and our vision for the future. The event will be held in the Edinburg room at the district's administrative offices.
Family Educational Series
Please mark your calendars for the next installment of our family educational series webinar set for Thursday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. The April session is the ABCs of Substance Use and Vaping. During the webinar, families will learn about signs to watch for, signs of addiction, and ideas for talking to children about vaping and substance use. To learn more about April's session, please visit https://bit.ly/4cs34hG. To join the webinar on April 11, please visit https://cookcenter.info/April11Livingston.
Schoology/PowerSchool Grade and Assignment Issue
We have learned about an issue regarding confusing grading information for students in grades third through 12 in our learning management system, Schoology. While it is possible that grades can appear in Schoology, they should not be considered the official grade. Official grades are entered into PowerSchool. We recommend using Schoology to keep updated on the daily happenings in your child's class and PowerSchool to monitor attendance, grades, and assignments.
Pinwheels for Prevention
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. To raise awareness of child abuse prevention, our school is joining LACASA, and several businesses, community organizations, and other schools in displaying a pinwheel display in our office as part of LACASA's Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign. To read more about Pinwheels for Prevention, please visit http://bit.ly/3KHOtDj.
purdyc
Greetings,
It is hard to believe that we are fast approaching the end of the school year and beginning preparations for the 2024-2025 academic year. One important aspect of our preparation is determining teacher grade level placement and individual student class placement.
Our elementary schools provide an opportunity for parents to provide information that they believe will assist in the placement of their child through the Placement Consideration Form (PCF), which can be found here. This form allows you to describe the educational setting you believe would best benefit your child, without naming a specific teacher. Please be as detailed as possible when filling out the form, indicating the type of classroom environment that you believe would support your child's growth and development. Again it is important to note that specific teacher requests cannot be accommodated. If a teacher's name is written on the form, it will not be accepted or considered.
While we value your input through the PCF, please remember that your child's current teacher is most familiar with their learning style and needs. We strive to balance parental input with professional expertise to ensure the best possible placement for each student. If you chose to complete a form, please do so by Friday, April 12th, 2024.
Thank you for your support and collaboration in this process. Your input is invaluable as we work to create a successful learning environment for every student at Voyager Elementary School.
Wishing you a restful and enjoyable Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, April 1st, for the final 43 days of the school year.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
Important Dates
3/18-3/19 Hearing Screening
3/20 3rd Grade Music Program 7-8 PM
3/25-3/29 Spring Break
4/1 School Resumes
4/3 Choir Performance at Howell Library 11:30 AM
4/6 VBC Meeting 6:00 PM
MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey
This past Monday, Superintendent MacGregor sent an email inviting you to share your insights on our school and district through the MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey. Your feedback provided in the survey helps us gauge how we are doing as a school and district and informs us of our continuous improvement efforts. Please complete the survey for your oldest child's school, and if your time permits, we would greatly appreciate your input on any other schools your children attend within our district. To access the survey, please visit https://bit.ly/4a7xnIB. The survey window is open through Friday, March 29, 2024.
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, March 21
On Thursday, March 21, Gleaners Food Bank's Mobile Food Pantry will be in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The 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. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
purdyc
Greetings, Voyager Families.
Get ready to power up your reading skills because it's March is Reading Month, and we're gearing up for an epic adventure with our "Game On" theme! Throughout the month, we have planned a variety of exciting activities and events to get students excited about reading and inspire them to dive into new worlds through books. From engaging read-aloud sessions to fun reading challenges and themed activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
We encourage you to join us in celebrating March is Reading Month at home by setting aside time each day to read with your child, exploring new books together, and sharing your own love of reading. By making reading a priority in our homes and in our school, we can instill a lifelong love of learning and literacy in our children.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
National School Breakfast Week is March 4-8
Howell Public Schools will celebrate National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) from March 4-8, 2024, to encourage more families to take advantage of the healthy choices available with school breakfast. The NSBW campaign theme, "Surf's Up with School Breakfast," reminds the entire school community that healthy breakfast options are available to give students an energizing start to the day. Busy weekday mornings can make it challenging for families to find time for a healthy breakfast. Fortunately, our Food Service Department offers nutritious school breakfasts with fruit and low-fat or fat-free milk to ensure students are fueled for learning every school day. To view our school's breakfast menu, please visit http://bit.ly/3ENeVYD.
Howell Public Schools Student Perception Survey
This year, the district and our school will participate in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey. The survey provides invaluable insights into how we are doing as a district to help guide district improvement planning. The survey will be administered to fifth through twelfth-grade students and is designed to provide a holistic picture of the student experience beyond test scores. Topics covered include perceptions of students' engagement, belonging, and social-emotional learning. The survey does not ask questions regarding drug or alcohol use, intimate relationships, political or religious affiliations, or other personal information. You can review the survey questions at https://bit.ly/3uI5Iz2. If you would prefer your child not take part in the survey, please complete an opt-out form at https://bit.ly/49kk7QR by Friday, March 8, 2024
Monthly Family Educational Series
Our next session in the district's family educational series is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The March session will focus on bullying. The session will equip families with strategies to identify bullying, treatment options, and strategies for prevention. To learn more about this session, please visit https://bit.ly/3OSwnjk. This month, there will not be an in-person viewing option. We encourage families to participate virtually by visiting https://cookcenter.info/March14Livingston.
Attention Fifth-Grade Parents
Before you know it, your students will move on to middle school. We wanted to make you aware of some important upcoming dates. The middle school principals (Dr. Tim Moore, Highlander Way Middle School principal, and Dr. Trish Poelke, Parker Middle School principal) will visit all fifth-grade classes on March 4. Before the visit, students will watch a video created by Dr. Moore and Dr. Poelke that will go over the changes to expect in the transition to middle school and some things they can start doing now to prepare. They will review the structure of the middle school day and the different encore classes offered. During the visit, the principals will answer questions from students. A fifth-grade parent night will be held on Tuesday, March 5, at 6:00 p.m. at both Parker and Highlander Way.
Begindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night is Next Week
Next Thursday, March 7, from 6-7 p.m., we will host our annual Begindergarten and Kindergarten information night. At this event, incoming begindergarten and kindergarten families will gain insights into the educational experiences our begindergarten and kindergarten programs offer, tour the school, and students will receive a special stuffed animal with their child's graduation year. If you have an incoming begindergarten or kindergarten student who still needs to register, please visit HowellSchools.com/KDG to start the registration process.
Important Dates
3/5 Middle School Parent Night @ HWMS/Parker 6 PM
3/7 BK/KG Information Night 6PM
3/8 PJ Day
3/11-3/15 Book Fair
3/13 Books Before the Bell 9:20-10:20 AM
3/14 BOBA and Books 4-7 PM
3/13 Late Start
3/14 LOC Credit Union during lunches
3/15 Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day
3/18 Dine to Donate - Jet's Pizza
Counselor’s Corner
Reading not only exercises your mind, but helps to build social and emotional skills as well! Reading can increase empathy, improve relationships with others, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, promote better communication between parents and children, and encourage a greater understanding of other people and cultures.
Just 15 minutes of daily reading at home can make a difference. Here are 5 quick tips to make reading a priority in your home:
Always have books on hand. Keep books in odd places, like your purse and car. Make frequent trips to the library. Check out bargain book sales and garage sales.
Make it fun. Design a “reading bingo”game (read to a pet, read in a pillow fort). Consider subscribing your child to a magazine for kids. Focus on their interests.
Read routinely together. Schedule time to read aloud together. Take turns reading passages. There is no app to replace your lap! Make reading a regularly scheduled tradition in your home. Seek out other things to read, like menus, greeting cards, and street signs.
Be a patient listener. Even if your child reads slowly, try not to finish sentences for your child. Instead, gently correct mistakes, sound out words together, and let your child know you are proud of their effort. Cut out distractions.
Ask questions. Ask your child about what they are reading in school or about what you are reading together. Try to ask open-ended questions, such as “Why do you think the character did that?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
Books can have healing powers! Check out http://booksthathealkids.blogspot.com/. There are over 150 book topics, ranging from acceptance, anxiety, and arguing, to sibling rivalry, teamwork, and tattling. Reading Rockets has other great tips to help children become successful readers: www.pbs.org/launchingreaders/parenttips.html . Happy reading!
Your Partner in Education,
Kristen Peffer
purdyc
Greetings, Voyager Families.
This week, we had the pleasure of once again celebrating the musical talents of our students as our second graders took the stage for a wonderful performance. Witnessing our students' dedication and hard work as they prepared for these performances fills us with immense pride. What truly warms our hearts, however, is seeing the joy and pride radiating from them as they step off the stage after giving it their all.
Additionally, we're thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of our Student Council Snack Drive. Our young leaders worked tirelessly to collect, sort, and deliver over 70 snacks to each teacher, ensuring that this valuable resource is readily available for all. We're incredibly proud of their dedication to supporting our school community.
On another note, we're delighted to share that our students recently completed their NWEA testing, and we've been blown away by the remarkable growth and progress they've made. It's truly inspiring to see our students thrive and excel academically.
As we continue to grow and thrive together at Voyager Elementary, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Your involvement and dedication play a vital role in creating a vibrant and nurturing learning environment for our students.
Warm regards,
Danielle Schmidt
Voyager Movie Night
There is still time to get your tickets and join us next Friday, February 23, 2024 for our Voyager Movie Night at the Historic Howell Theater. Doors open at 5:30 PM for concessions and the staff are ready to take your order! Students voted on the movie and are excited to begin Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Mutant Mayhem at 6:30 PM.
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.
New Offering from ParentGuidance.org
Thanks to our partnership with ParentGuidance.org, we are pleased to offer families in Livingston County a new initiative called "Ask a Therapist Live." This is a no-cost event designed specifically for families in our community. "Ask a Therapist Live" provides an opportunity to receive expert answers to any questions you might have about your child's mental health or your parenting journey. You can submit your questions anonymously via the webinar chat or through their interactive tools. Alternatively, you may choose to listen to questions from other parents and the responses provided by our live therapist. The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, February 21, at 8 p.m. Please register at https://bit.ly/49bJ9la. To learn more about "Ask a Therapist Live,” please visit https://bit.ly/48iX9bu.
Counselor's Connection
Research shows that friendships are critical for social and emotional health: they can decrease stress and tension, help us develop empathy, and strengthen our defenses. To kids, though, choosing friends is a little simpler - they likely connect with people they have the most fun with. For a child, having even one good, dependable friend can make a huge difference! Similarly, when those friendships change, children can really feel a sense of loss.
There are three basic, social skills that are critical for making and keeping friends, whether you are 5 or 55:
Breaking the ice with kids/people you have not met before
Acting positively and appropriately with others
Managing conflicts/problems constructively
We are often very vigilant in helping our kids master concepts in math or reading, but we often forget to teach behaviors. Here are some strategies for teaching these important friendship skills to our children:
First and foremost, do a self-assessment and make sure you are modeling and showing the behaviors we are hoping to see in our children! Do you make friendships a priority? Are you friendly to new people? Are you open-minded and respectful when problems arise with others?
Pay close attention to how your child behaves with same-age peers. Point out his/her strengths (“I noticed you let Lilly go first - that was very thoughtful!” or “When Stuart tried to argue with you, you calmly walked away - that was a good choice.”).
Similarly, take note of what skills s/he needs to practice. For instance, does your child often interrupt others or boss them around? Is your child shy and afraid to try new activities, or hesitant to join a group?
Once you identify what your child needs to work on, come up with creative ways to practice the skill. When it’s not the heat of the moment, talk about what that skill looks like. Go to the park and role play different scenarios. Check out books from the library that illustrate children using these skills. At the least, talk with your child about your strengths and weaknesses, and work together to form and strengthen your personal relationships together.
Lastly, be patient. Teaching social skills takes time and lots of practice.
For more support, or a more personalized plan for your family, please reach out: [email protected]
Kristen Peffer
School Counselor
Important Dates
2/16-2/19 No School - Winter Break
2/23 Voyager Movie Night @ Howell Theater 6:30 PM
3/7 VBC Meeting 6-7 PM
purdyc
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.
purdyc
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