Ruahmah J. Hutchings Elementary School

Hutchings Herald

September 19, 2025

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

There are a lot of fun things to report from the week. Sensei Sam visited with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to give them the power to make Hutchings a bully-free school. 3rd graders finished BFG, 1st graders made and floated apple sailboats with their 4th grade buddies, and begindergarten students made homemade applesauce. 

 

I just checked the Husky Hustle fundraiser website (linked HERE) and am excited to see that we're nearly halfway to our fundraising goal! Thanks for all of the early contributions, and please consider contributing. If we can hit or exceed our fundraising goal, it supports our students and teachers.  The PTO at Hutchings helps provide assemblies, yearbooks and field trips for students with the funds they raise. They also put on great events like "Donuts with Grown-ups" and our Husky Hustle. This is the only fundraiser our PTO plans to run, and it's success hinges on our support. The website link above would allow you to donate for the Hustle, but don't forget that you can volunteer, too. The volunteer form is linked HERE. Thanks for all the ways you can help contribute and make our school community stronger.

 

 

Today, I did a Social and Emotional Learning lesson with a student. It was about being in a positive mental space. In the activity, the student and I had to think of specific events or activities that caused us to feel the following positive emotions: joyful, grateful, peaceful, confident, creative, and enthusiastic. The challenge was pushing for specifics, but it was fun to think about the things in our lives that bring us these emotions. I'll share a few now.

• I feel confident about the teams of people at Hutchings and the work they do to make students feel valued.
• I feel creative when I have to write a Hutchings Herald. (No AI here!)
• I feel joyful when I see students skipping and jumping because they're so excited to have arrived at school.
• I feel grateful for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community.
• I'll challenge you to take the time to think through these positive emotions, too. 

I hope this weekend gives you a lot of moments of positivity.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

Job Opportunities At Hutchings

Our Hutchings staff is working incredibly hard, but we're a little short-handed at the moment. We are looking to fill lunch/recess general aide and special education aide positions.

 

If you are interested, please look at job descriptions of both position types:

General Aide Position

Special Ed Aide Position

 

You can also find and apply for them at the page where all of Howell Public Schools Job Vacancies are posted, linked HERE.

 

Please email me if you have any questions about either of these positions.

District Updates:

 

FREE Parenting Classes (Ages 0–8) – Dinner & Childcare Included

Great Start Livingston is offering a free Parenting Class Series this fall for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–8. Each evening includes free dinner, free childcare, a take-home children’s book, and a $5 gas card for your family. Sessions will cover a variety of helpful topics, including potty training, positive discipline, screen time, and brain development. The workshops will take place at the Livingston Educational Service Agency on Tuesday evenings, beginning September 23 and continuing through October 14. Families are welcome to join for one session or attend them all. To earn more and register, please visit https://bit.ly/FY26FallClasses.

 

Howell Jr. Highlanders Basketball Tryouts

The Howell Jr. Highlanders competitive youth basketball program will hold tryouts for the 2025–26 season on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, at Parker Middle School. The program is open to students in grades 4–8 who attend Howell Public Schools or live within the district. Players should bring a completed registration form, the $5 tryout fee (cash or check), an appropriately sized basketball, a water bottle, and a jersey or shirt with a number (if available). Players will be informed immediately following tryouts if they have made a team.

To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/41rWYu4. The Howell Jr. Highlanders Basketball program is affiliated with the Howell Athletic Department.

Counselor's Corner:

 

Howell Public Schools is committed to helping every student become “Future Ready for college, careers, and life.” This year, our newsletters will feature quick, plug-and-play tips you can use at home to support your child in building the skills they need for a successful future.

 

Big feelings are a normal part of growing up! One simple way to help your child manage emotions is by teaching them to “pause and name it.” When they feel upset, encourage them to stop and put words to what they’re feeling (“I’m frustrated,” “I’m nervous,” etc.). Naming emotions helps kids calm down and think more clearly, making it easier to choose a healthy way to cope. These everyday habits not only make school days smoother, but also strengthen important life skills that prepare students to be Future Ready!

 

Kristen Kinney

Counselor

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075