Greetings, Voyager Families.
While November often feels like a short month, it has been a busy one at Voyager! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your enthusiastic support and participation in our recent student coloring contest. It was truly heartwarming to witness the creativity and talent showcased by our students.
The stairwell, which now serves as a vibrant display of the 312 colorful scarecrow creations, has become a focal point in our school. Your children's artwork has not only brightened up our physical space but has also added an extra layer of joy and positivity to our school environment.
This month, we have also collected nearly 2,700 cans for the Gleaner’s Food Drive! This is an amazing accomplishment that will greatly benefit our community. Please keep those cans coming in; the drive ends on December 1st.
Looking ahead, we are excited to return from the Thanksgiving break and finish off the semester on a strong note. There are still many exciting learning opportunities, events, and milestones to come, and we are confident that, together, we can make the remainder of the semester just as successful as the beginning.
Wishing you and your family a joyful Thanksgiving filled with warmth and gratitude. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school and finishing the semester strong!
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
VBC December Dine to Donate
The Voyager Booster Club has arranged a special Dine to Donate for the month of December at Detroit Wings Company. Dine to Donate nights are always a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a meal with family and friends while contributing to our school's fundraising efforts, but December’s proceeds will be put directly towards purchasing a class set of yoga mats for our physical education program! If you are looking for an easy dinner on December 8th, please consider dining at DWC!
Playground Update
We have some exciting news to share regarding our school playground, and we wanted to keep you in the loop!
You may have heard from your child that one of the playground structures has unfortunately become largely unusable. We understand how important this space is for our students, and we're thrilled to let you know that we are taking steps to upgrade the playground!
The old structure will soon be removed, making way for a fantastic new addition. We are currently in the process of selecting a new piece of equipment that will not only provide hours of fun but also contribute to the overall development and enjoyment of our students.
Here's where it gets even more exciting—students will have the opportunity to have their say in choosing the new structure! We believe their input is invaluable, and we want to make sure the new addition is something they are genuinely excited about.
Now Hiring Kids Kare Staff
The Howell Public Schools Early Childhood Education Department is hiring additional staff for its before and after-school care programs for elementary students. The starting pay for these positions is $15.50 per hour. To learn more about these job openings, please visit https://bit.ly/3R0HbNZ.
Important Dates
12/1 Gleaners Food Drive Ends
12/6 5th Grade Music Program 7 PM
12/7 VBC Meeting 6-7 PM
12/8 Dine to Donate - Detroit Wings Co.
12/8 4th Grade Choir Caroling 4-7 PM
12/13 1st Grade Music Program 7 PM
12/18-12/22 Santa Shop
12/25-1/5 No School
Counselor's Corner
“It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy.” (unknown)
This month brings to mind the idea of being grateful. Gratitude is not an instinct, it is something we are taught and must practice. The ability to show gratitude and be grateful not only allows us to feel at peace with our lives, but also helps us to build strong relationships with others.
Here are simple ways that we can help children appreciate the people and things in their lives:
MODEL GRATITUDE- Find time during the day when you can talk about the people and things for which you are grateful. At school, we often talk about sunshines and clouds (sunshines are things that inspire us to feel good, clouds are things that might be icky or uncomfortable). This reinforces the idea that we can be grateful, despite everything not going our way.
DEVELOP PERSPECTIVE - When you have your child write a “wishlist” for a birthday or holiday, also have him/her write a “thankful for” list (spending time with family, baking, decorating, etc.). This is a healthy perspective to develop at an early age.
SAY THANK YOU - Make writing thank you notes or drawing pictures a normal ritual after receiving a gift or sharing a special event together.
VOLUNTEER - Volunteering, even a few hours a month, helps us connect with the world around us and affirms our part in something bigger than ourselves. It can easily help children to feel grateful for their own situation. Check out this link for volunteering needs in our area: Volunteer Livingston.
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Greetings, Voyager Families.
As we embark on this season of gratitude, I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for your unwavering support and commitment to our school community. The past few weeks have been a wonderful time for fostering a sense of togetherness among our students, parents, and staff.
Even a week later, many of our families are still enjoying the sweet memories of our recent Trunk or Treat event. It was truly a spooktacular evening, and we are grateful to have had the pleasure of your company.
Last week, we also wrapped up our fall Book Fair. Whether you volunteered your time, purchased books, or helped spread the word about the fair, your dedication did not go unnoticed. Thanks to your collective efforts, our amazing VBC was able to provide our students with an array of captivating books and fundraise to continue to support a variety of their initiatives, all aimed at improving our school and benefitting our students and families.
Thank you all for joining us for our Parent-Teacher Conferences. It has been a pleasure seeing so many of our families engaging in conversations with our teachers about their child's progress and educational journey. As we wrap up our fall conferences, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration in education. It's the combined efforts of parents, teachers, and students that create a nurturing and thriving learning environment. Together, we have accomplished so much, and there is much to be thankful for.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
- 11/6 Gleaner's Food Drive
- 11/7 Election Day
- 11/9 VBC Meetin 6-7 PM
- 11/14 Picture Retakes
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District Updates
Vote on Tuesday, November 7
Please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 7. The Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal will be on the ballot, outlining plans for district-wide improvements focusing on safety and security, learning environments, learning tools, aging infrastructure, and community needs. This proposal is structured with no expected tax rate increase from the current tax rate of 5.5 mills. For a comprehensive overview of what the bond encompasses, we invite you to visit HowellSchools.com/Bond. Participation in local elections is vital, and we encourage all eligible community members to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday.
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, November 16, 2023
On Thursday, November 16, Gleaners Food Bank will have a Mobile Food Pantry in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The Mobile will be open from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile. A family of 4 receives about 40-45 pounds of food. A Family of 5 or more receives double the amount. Each portion consists of fresh produce, milk, fresh meat, and shelf-stable items. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
ParentGuidance.org November Newsletter
Financial stress can significantly impact mental health, and as a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate these challenges. Understand the profound link between financial stress and mental well-being. The ParentGuidance.com November Newsletter provides insights into strategies to equip your child with the resilience to face financial challenges head-on. As always, check out the ParentGuidance.org resources, where you can access free courses led by licensed therapists on more than 50 topics. To access the course, navigate to ParentGuidance.org and click courses.
Reality Tour Program
On Tuesday, November 7, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Livingston County Community Alliance will host a Reality Tour program. The program is geared toward families with children ages ten and above. The Reality Tour is an immersive experience designed to engage children and their families in conversations surrounding drug use and healthy coping skills. The event is free to attend. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/40cBpvF.
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Greetings, Voyager Families.
As we bid farewell to the first quarter, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared with your children over the past few months. It has been a season of growth, discovery, and joy, and we are thrilled to share some highlights from the past quarter.
Our students have shown remarkable effort, and we are proud to see their academic progress. From mastering new math concepts to expressing creativity in writing assignments, their accomplishments are a testament to their hard work and the support they receive at home. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Your involvement is vital to the success of our school, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work together in shaping the educational journey of your children. Teachers are looking forward to connecting with families during our fall conferences on October 26th and November 2nd, and sharing more successes of our first quarter.
Sock-tober has been a huge success this month! Our Student Council is still gathering new socks for all ages and donating them to LACASA. If you wish to donate to this cause, please send in those socks next week! Another highlight for the Student Council was walking in the homecoming parade, starting the STUCO store and kicking off their recycling program. We are fortunate to have a great group of student leaders organizing and carrying out activities, working in partnership with our community, and serving as positive role models in our school.
By the end of the month, our K-5 students will have all had the opportunity to engage in at least one authentic learning experience outside of the classroom. Whether it was our kindergarteners field trip to Peacock Farms or our 4th graders in school field trip and guest speaker leading an exploration in Michigan Furs, these hands-on experiences help to reinforce what students have learned in class and make often abstract concepts more tangible. I am grateful for our teachers who plan these memorable experiences for our students.
Thank you again for a wonderful first quarter. I hope you each enjoy the long weekend. Please remember there is no school tomorrow, Friday, October 2oth, for our Fall Break. We look forward to seeing students on Monday, October 23rd.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
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District Updates
Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal
On Tuesday, November 7, our community will vote on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal. This proposal focuses on five important areas: Safety and Security, Learning Environments, Teaching Tools, Aging Building Infrastructure, and Community Facilities. If it's approved, the bond proposal would provide $258 million to make improvements in these areas across the district while expecting to maintain the current tax rate of 5.5 mills. To find out more about the bond proposal, please visit HowellSchools.com/Bond. Don't forget to vote on November 7 on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal.
Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal Informational Meeting
On Wednesday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m., the district will host an informational meeting on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal. This meeting is an opportunity for families and the community to come and learn about the bond proposal and to ask any questions they may have about it. The meeting will be held in the District Office Edinburgh Room at 411 N. Highlander Way.
KLAA Cross Country Championship Races to Affect Traffic on Friday, October 20
Tomorrow, Friday, October 20, the Howell Athletic Department is hosting the KLAA Cross Country Championship Races on the Howell High School Campus. To ensure the safety of the student-athletes, the Grand River Avenue entrance to the campus will be closed at 2:15 p.m. The road will be closed between Grand River Avenue and the south parking lot of Howell High School. The M-59 entrance to campus will remain open throughout the day. Since we do not have school on Friday, this will have a minimal impact on our school, but we wanted to share this information in case you need to visit the school on Friday.
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Dear Voyager Families,
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we prepare to welcome the vibrant colors and cooler temperatures of the fall season. It's hard to believe that another school year is already in full swing, and I want to take a moment to share some information, and exciting happenings at Voyager.
The Voyager Student Council is participating in Sock-tober! What is Sock-tober you ask? It’s a way for Voyager students to give back to their community by gathering new socks for all ages and donating them to LACASA. LACASA focuses on supporting and advocating for survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and assault. They provide prevention, education and awareness to strengthen individuals/families to help make our community safer. In doing so, they also help survivors by supplying them items they may need for day-to-day living.
Please consider having your family donate new socks to our Sock-tober tub which will be placed outside the Voyager Elementary main office. We will be collecting socks Friday, October 27, 2023.
Voyager 4th grade LOC students are ready to help your child save their money with LOC’s Student-Run Credit Union at Voyager! Open a youth savings account with LOC and your student can save and win prizes at Voyager every other Thursday! To learn more or to open an account, visit: www.loccreditunion.com/kids-and-teens.
Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekend.
Sincerely,
Danielle Schmidt
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District Updates
Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal
On Tuesday, November 7, our community will vote on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal. If approved, the bond proposal would allocate $258 million for enhancements to our district while expecting to maintain the current tax rate of 5.5 mills. Notably, this tax rate is the lowest among all school districts in Livingston County. For additional details about the bond proposal, please visit HowellSchools.com/Bond. We encourage you to remember to cast your vote on November 7 on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal.
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, October 19, 2023
On Thursday, October 19, Gleaners Food Bank will have a Mobile Food Pantry in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The Mobile will be open from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
Currently, the Mobile Food Pantry is held on the third Thursday of each month from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. To better meet the community's needs, Gleaners is considering changing the time that the Mobile Food Pantry is available on the third Thursday of the month. Please complete a short survey at https://bit.ly/3F4DFeG by Monday, October 16, to let the Gleaners Team know which time would work best for your family.
Coffee Chat With Superintendent MacGregor
Superintendent MacGregor will host his first Coffee Chat of the school year on Tuesday, October 10, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Black Iron Coffee Roasters in Downtown Howell. Members of the Board of Education will join Mr. MacGregor as they share information on the Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond Proposal, and overall district updates. There will also be time for questions about the bond proposal or general questions about the district. To read more about Coffee Chat, please visit https://bit.ly/46Bx3A1.
Important Dates
10/20 No School
10/23-10/27 Book Fair
Before the Bell 8:00-8:35 AM 10/24 and 10/25 ONLY
10/26 Parent Teacher Conferences
Book Fair Open 4-7 PM
10/27 Trunk or Treat 6-8 PM
11/01 Late Start Day
11/02 Parent Teacher Conferences
Counselor's Corner
Friendships are the cornerstone of your child's social development, and as a parent, you can empower them with the tools for success. Check out this Mental Health Newsletter (English) (Spanish) focused on understanding why teaching your child how to make and maintain healthy friendships is vital!
Please remember: Howell families have access to FREE parenting coaching from ParentGuidance.org, which includes:
-Weekly calls with a coach
-24/7 texting with 24 hour response
-Guided, step-by-step resources
-Tools and tips to help you parent
-Confidential help
For more support, don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected].
Voyager Elementary School, 1450 Byron Rd., Howell, MI 48843, Phone: 517.540.8084, Fax: 517.540.8173
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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.
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