Principal's Message


Recent Posts
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10 

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.


Posted by purdyc  On Mar 18, 2024 at 10:58 AM
  

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
Posted by purdyc  On Mar 18, 2024 at 10:43 AM
  

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


Posted by purdyc  On Feb 15, 2024 at 4:19 PM
  

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.


Posted by purdyc  On Feb 05, 2024 at 9:48 AM
  

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. 


Posted by purdyc  On Jan 19, 2024 at 4:38 PM
  
1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10