Voyager Elementary School

Greetings, Voyager Families. 

A special thanks to our Voyager families and friends for your incredible efforts in making our first annual Fun Run a resounding success! The enthusiasm and energy displayed by our students during the event were truly infectious. It was heartwarming to see them having such a fantastic time while participating in this healthy and enjoyable activity.

A massive round of applause is also due to our exceptional VBC and volunteers. Your dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for the support you provided throughout the event.

I am thrilled to announce that, thanks to everyone's combined efforts, we were able to raise an impressive $9,912! This achievement is a testament to the generosity and community spirit that thrives within our school. The funds raised will be utilized by the Voyager Booster Club to further support our students and enhance their educational experience. Whether it's through providing additional resources, organizing enriching activities, or supporting various school initiatives, your generosity will undoubtedly make a significant impact.

There is still time to show your support! We currently have 30% of our students signed up and would love to get to 50%!  Click the link to sign up: https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/register?school_uuid=66311c0e021a4

Donations will be accepted through May 27th at midnight. Donations to determine our Top 10 fundraisers will close this Sunday, May 19th. On Monday, Field day, they will get to soak a staff member who has volunteered!  

Have a wonderful weekend!

Warm regards,

Danielle Schmidt

A Field Day Message from Mrs. Schrock

Hi everyone,

We are SO close to Field Day! It is this upcoming Monday, May 20th. Here are a couple of reminders:

Please send a water bottle to school with your child. They will be able to keep them in a wagon that a volunteer will bring around as students move to the different stations.

If you signed up to donate items please bring them in no later than this Friday (I am still waiting on a couple items that were signed up for). I will be setting up stations this weekend and need all the items to set them up.

If you signed up to volunteer, please arrive at 9:00 am for the morning session and at 12:30 pm for the afternoon session so that I can give directions and we can start promptly. In order to volunteer, you must have a completed background check. Also, your flexibility with volunteering is appreciated if unexpected last minute changes are needed.

More information is included in the attached photo, and I have included the sign up genius link as well as a reminder.

Please let me know if you have any questions ([email protected])! 

Mrs. Schrock 

Highlander Reading Express Summer Schedule

Get ready for an exciting summer with The Highlander Reading Express! The district's mobile library is hitting the road, bringing books and fun to various areas throughout the district. Starting Tuesday, June 11, the Highlander Reading Express will embark on its summer route, spreading the joy of reading to all. Don't miss out on the excitement! Visit HowellSchools.com/ReadingExpress to find the schedule and stops, and join us for a summer full of stories and fun!

"Plant Great Seeds" Leadership Camp

This summer Reaching Higher is launching the "Plant Great Seeds" Leadership Camp. Designed for children entering grades 1-5 in Livingston County, this camp offers an incredible opportunity for young leaders to grow and thrive. The day camp will run from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., from July 22nd to 25th. We hope you can help us spread the word to families. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3UCLFuM. 

Howell Robotics Interest Form

If your child is interested in joining the Howell Robotics program, please fill out the Howell Robotics Interest form at https://bit.ly/3UHC5Ih. The program has teams at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, offering students a fantastic opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM activities while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Completing the interest form is the first step towards participation and helps us gauge and accommodate the enthusiasm for robotics at each school level. Don't miss this chance for your child to dive into the exciting world of robotics!

Howell Athletics Summer Camps

Get ready for a fun and active summer with Howell Athletics! Brochures and registration for our Summer Sports Camps are now available at https://bit.ly/4bna5iI. The Athletics Department is excited to offer several new camps alongside their traditional favorites this year. All registrations must be completed online. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your child's skills while they enjoy some fun, healthy competition. Register today and join Howell Athletics for a summer filled with sports and excitement!

Important Dates

5/20

Field Day
 

5/21

Kindergarten Music Performance

5/22  

5th Grade Camp Day 1

3rd Grade Agricultural Day

5/23

5th Grade Camp Day 2

5/24 

4th Grade Greenfield Village

2nd Grade Historic Howell Tour

5/27 

No School - Memorial Day

5/29

5th Grade Completion Ceremony 2-3:30 PM

5/30 

5th Grade Talent Show 9:15 AM

5th Grade Clap Out 3:15 PM

Report Cards Sent Home

Last Day of School

Fun Run Current Top 20!

Jaxon D. $710

Norah G. $465

Paisley S. $270

Asciana S. $270

Leo S. $250

Hudson R. $240

Tate M. $235

Ella V. $210

Luna L. $205

Emmett P. $200

Madison G. $200

Cole G. $195

Kane G. $195

Ben G. $180

Kaden R. $170

Lily T. $160

Finley M. $160

Ethan M. $160

Autumn P. $150

Khloe S. $145 

Dear Voyager Families,

Wow, spring is truly an incredible time of the year, isn't it? As the weather warms up and nature bursts into bloom, our school is filled with energy and excitement. I wanted to take a moment to share some highlights and upcoming events with you.

During a recent staff meeting, our team had the pleasure of reflecting on the incredible progress and success stories of our students. The growth we've witnessed this year is truly remarkable, and it fills us with pride and gratitude. Starting our day with these uplifting stories was a wonderful way to reaffirm our commitment to our students as we gear up for the busiest time of the year.

At Voyager, one of our key priorities is to provide authentic learning experiences for our students. As we enter this vibrant season, we're looking forward to offering new opportunities for hands-on learning through various field trips. Each grade level has an exciting excursion planned for May, and we can't wait to see our students engage with their learning in new and meaningful ways.

May will also be filled with activity as we also focus on strengthening our school community and celebrating our successes together. We're thrilled to announce our First Annual Voyager VBC Fun Run, where students and families can come together for a day of fitness, fun, and fundraising. Additionally, we'll be hosting Field Day, classroom celebrations, and our much-anticipated 5th grade Completion Ceremony. There's so much to look forward to, and we can't wait to share these special moments with all of you.

Here's to a spring season filled with growth, joy, and unforgettable memories!

Warm regards,

Danielle Schmidt

 Howell Robotics Open House

On Monday, April 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Highlander Robotics program is hosting an open house for anyone who would like to learn more about the robotics programs offered in the district. Attendees can meet with the elementary, middle, and high school teams to learn about the programs and FIRST Robotics. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3U5XlWt. 

Reminder: Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students

Thanks to the Michigan School Meals program, breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to all students. To qualify for a free meal, students must select a complete meal consisting of an entrée and at least a half cup of fruit or vegetable. A la carte items are not included in the free meal program, and students cannot incur negative balances on their meal accounts for additional servings or a la carte items. Meals for adults are not free, and adults are also prohibited from accruing negative balances on their meal accounts.

Important Dates

5/2 VBC Meeting 6-7 PM

5/17 VBC Voyager Fun Run

5/17 Voyager Choir to Sing National Anthem at Lugnuts Game

5/20 Field Day

5/21 KG Music Program 7-8 PM

5/27 Memorial Day - No School

5/29 5th Grade Completion Ceremony 2-3:30 PM

Counselor's Corner

Each summer, the elementary counselors share a comprehensive list of summer opportunities and activities for families! If you know of any low-cost or free resources, programs, or activities that could be helpful for Howell families, please share that information with your school counselor! We are looking for ideas in the areas of reading and learning, parenting, food, general assistance, and just for fun!

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.

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.