Greetings, Voyager Families.
What an amazing first week of school! While this time is often exhausting for everyone, it is also an exhilarating time that is filled with hope and promise for a new year. Thank you for sharing your children with us; we could not be more pleased with how well our first week of school went and are excited for what is yet to come.
I want to take a moment to extend my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome I have received this week. Seeing so many of you taking time out of your busy schedules to join us at Open House and our Popsicles on the Playground event is heartwarming and serves as a testament to the strong sense of community that we have here at Voyager Elementary. The enthusiasm and energy you brought Monday evening was truly infectious and helped us start our school year off strong. Thank you for your partnership; we are looking forward to an amazing year together.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
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Counselor’s Corner
One way to ensure continued success for your child is to reinforce school rules at home. Studies show that children are more successful when the rules are consistent in all areas of their life (home, school, etc.). This consistency will make life easier (and more enjoyable) for kids, parents, and teachers!
Here are some strategies for getting your family plan aligned with school expectations, as well as some fun ways to practice these positive behaviors at home:
School Expectation: Be a Good Listener
How to practice at home: encourage him/her to listen intently when you or anyone else is speaking. 93% of communication is nonverbal, so give your child opportunities to practice active listening skills, like eye contact and head nods.
School Expectation: Sit with Feet on the Floor and Bottom in the Seat
How to practice at home: expect him/her to sit properly when dining. For older kids that require a rationale, explain that chairs are designed with intention: to support your back and other bones.
School Expectation: Keep Hands and Feet to Yourself
How to practice at home: model self-control and responsible calming strategies (deep breathing, taking a break from a situation, going for a refreshing walk). Correct him/her when they act impulsively and explain the rationale (“Sometimes when we touch other people we can hurt them or make them uncomfortable.”)
School Expectation: Wait your Turn
How to practice at home: point out people being respectful and waiting their turn. Give your child opportunities to wait – they will quickly learn they can survive a little delay!
School Expectation: Use Quiet Voices
How to practice at home: encourage your child to use quiet voices indoors and louder voices outside.
School Expectation: Be Respectful to Others
How to practice at home: insist on kind words and actions - have a “zero tolerance” policy for mean behavior. Model the behavior we want to see in our children. When you are out and about, point out situations where children are and are not being respectful to others - reflect with your child. Also, and most importantly, be respectful to your child - kids that feel good, do good.
While our instinct is sometimes to punish or reprimand when our children aren’t cooperating, consider coaching. Offer a “do over” to make a better choice, or simply sit down and intentionally make a plan for the next time so your child is coached and prepared.
If you need additional support developing a meaningful family management plan, please reach out ([email protected])
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District Updates
Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal
On Tuesday, November 7, the Howell community will vote on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal. If approved, the proposal would provide $258 million to fund the highest priorities improvements in each of the district’s school buildings. To learn about the projects the bond would support at Voyager Elementary, please click here. To learn more about the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal as a whole, please visit HowellSchools.com/Bond.
Support the Howell Highlanders Football Team
Come support the Howell Highlanders Varsity Football team, which will host the Canton Chiefs on Thursday, August 31, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Stadium. In addition to being the team’s home opener, Thursday will be youth football night, and we will host our youth football players, cheerleaders, and pompon girls. Halftime will feature a performance by youth pompon and two youth football teams. Below are a few reminders and updates for the Athletic Department about the game.
All tickets are $6.00. We will accept cash at the gate.
Season passes will be available for purchase at the ticket booth at the main entrance.
No advanced seat saving will be permitted on varsity football nights. No blankets or stadium seats will be allowed to be placed in the grandstand before the gates open.
We’re Hiring Bus Drivers
Howell Public Schools is currently hiring additional bus drivers and substitute drivers. During August, we will be offering a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 for fully trained certified bus drivers, up to $3,000 for fully trained licensed bus drivers taking on substitute runs for at least 20 hours per week, and up to $2,000 for individuals who participate in the paid training we offer. Please help us spread the word about these limited-time incentives. Individuals interested in applying can do so at BeABusDriver.org.
Highlander Reading Express Books
If your child still has books checked out from The Highlander Reading Express, please have them return them to their school’s main office. The office will ensure that the books are returned to the Highlander Reading Express to be enjoyed next summer.
School Meal Update
The State of Michigan has made school meals free for all students this school year. We encourage all qualifying families to complete a Free and Reduced Price School Meal Application, as completing an application has additional benefits. Completing an application may allow qualifying families to receive other benefits such as reduced Chromebook fees, discounts on college admissions and academic tests, discounted home internet, and access to the Summer EBT program. Additionally, completing the application helps ensure the district receives the proper funding from several state and federal sources and programs. To learn more or to complete an application, please visit https://bit.ly/3BkO45d. The free meals do not apply to ala carte items purchased at the secondary level.