Dear Hutchings Community,
I don't typically begin issues of The Hutchings Herald with an administrative request, but over the weekend, I'm asking for a favor. Could all of our families please make sure to check backpacks and make sure students aren't bringing toys to school? Toys are fantastic - they inspire creative play for kids. Our classrooms are packed with toys and games for indoor recess and, in our lower elementary classrooms, for opportunities to learn through play. What we've experienced an uptick in is toys as distractions. Students want what other students bring and occasionally we're spending valuable time helping students locate items that don't really need to be at school in the first place. Checking your student's backpack regularly is a good habit for the rest of the year. We'll have plenty of fun without added toys! Thank you for your understanding, partnership, and support in this!
You may have heard, but since the last time I sent out a newsletter, Hutchings flooded! It made for an unforgettable Spring Break to learn about the flood. I want to thank you for your flexibility in delaying students' return to Hutchings by a day. Teachers absolutely needed a work day, because district Maintenance and Technology crews worked all of Spring Break week to make sure the building was dry, clean, and operational, but our Hutchings teachers needed the time to make sure it was truly 'student-ready'. They put the finishing touches on. I would not be surprised if students didn't even notice the difference.
One of the really impressive ways teachers prepared for our return was launching One Book, One School. And, for the first time ever, it's Two Books, One School. I hope you and your Husky are enjoying Piper Morgan Joins the Circus and/or Mr. Lemoncello's Very First Game. The circus decorations went up over break, and then went up again on our work day, and students came back to school 'under the big top'. It's not too late to catch up with our One Book, One School plans. Just use the resources linked below, and don't forget that Wednesday, April 22 is an Earth Day Spirit Day. (We'll dress in greens and blues.)
And we're typing One Book, One School to Field Day with some fantastic culminating activities. Our PTO met this past Monday and has worked with our staff on themes for an unforgettable experience. We are looking for some Field Day Items. If you'd like to see what we need to make our dream for your students a reality, please check out the Donation List HERE. Also, if you'd like to volunteer to work at Field Day, make sure you have a background check completed and check out the Volunteer Sign Up HERE.
Hutchings is made up of some really special people. Thank you all for your special contributions in whatever ways you are able. This could include reading with us, donating to Field Day, or volunteering.
Enjoy your weekends! Go Huskies!
Ben Malecki
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District Updates
Highlander Robotics Open House Welcomes Future Innovators
Curious about robotics and STEM opportunities for students? The Highlander Robotics program is hosting an open house on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Parker Commons. The event will feature all levels of the program, welcoming students from Kindergarten through 12th grade to explore the Highlander Robotics program. Highlander Robotics proudly participates in multiple programs, including FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition. Each program offers students unique opportunities to build technical skills, collaborate with peers, and engage in real-world problem-solving. To learn more, please complete the Highlander Robotics interest form at https://bit.ly/4vwJpXL or visit https://bit.ly/3Qr4DWH to view the event flyer.
Take a New Career for a Spin
What if you could try a new job before applying? On May 2, you can. Test drive your new career at the Livingston RTC Bus Driver Try-It-Out Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brighton Area Schools Transportation Department located at 5800 Borderline Dr, Brighton, MI 48116.
This interactive event gives you a real feel for the role, including the chance to sit in the driver’s seat and take a guided drive. No experience is needed, and no CDL is required to participate. At Howell Public Schools, we’re proud to offer careers that combine purpose with flexibility. School bus drivers enjoy competitive pay, paid training, time off during summers and holidays, and the opportunity to make a difference in students’ lives every day.
Join the team that drives the future. Get the details at BeABusDriver.org. We hope to see you there!
Library Board Seeks Community Applicants
The Howell Carnegie District Library Board of Trustees is currently seeking applicants to fill an upcoming vacancy. The Board plays an important role in shaping library policy, guiding long-term strategic planning, and overseeing the library’s budget. Trustees serve four-year terms and are appointed by either the Howell City Council or the Howell Public Schools Board of Education. At this time, the Board of Education is accepting letters of interest for a term beginning July 1, 2026. Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest to Sharin Smith, Executive Secretary to the Superintendent, at [email protected]. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 22.
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Counselor's Corner
We’re excited to share that our Mental Health and Wellness Resources have been updated on the HPS website! If your child is experiencing challenges with mental health or well-being - or if your family is looking for helpful support and resources - we encourage you to take a look.
Visit Howellschools.com → Parents → Mental Wellness Resources, or click here to explore!
Have a lovely weekend!
Kristen Kinney
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Hutchings Elementary School
3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855
Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075
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