Dear Families,
It seems like so long ago we were able to connect at Hutchings and as the year winds down I can only help but feel sad for not having all of our traditional celebrations that we normally would have at the end of the year. I’ve been working with each grade level to try and figure out how best to celebrate the learning of our students and I hope that they are able to celebrate with their teacher and classmates. I also hope we can see you all on our Drive By Parade, more info is our Facebook pages.
I did want to speak a little bit here about June 1st and June 2nd and the method in which we are going to deliver personal items back to students. Student personal belongings that were left in desks and lockers when schools were closed by the Governor in March have been collected and placed in plastic bags with each student’s name. We are planning for drive-through pick-up on these items during the week of June 1, as long as the Governor lifts the stay at home order on May 28, when the current order
We are going to do a curbside pick up of items using the BUS LOOP IN THE BACK families will pull their cars up following the cone path and we will have your items ready for pick up. In order to make this as efficient as possible I am asking families to sign up for a time, they PLAN on coming by Hutchings so we can get all your items out of the building and into the bus loop. For example, I am planning on getting there an hour before the first time slot, collecting all the bags, spreading them out, and directing families where to go. While this is occurring another staff member will be getting the bags for the 10:00 – 11:00 slot. I also understand that you have kids at home and just like in school sometimes they do not listen, and your timing could be off slightly, do not worry we can leave it there for a bit longer. I also understand that people do not read my newsletter and will just show up, that is fine as well it just will take us a bit longer to get your items out.
Please use the link here to sign up for a time slot. Hutchings Personal Item Pick Up
If for some reason you are unable to come pick up your items, we will hold onto them until the fall.
If a family friend is picking up items for you please have them list your family name in the sign up with theirs and please e-mail them with myself c.c.’d to the e-mail to confirm they are going to pick up your items for you.
We will do our best to make this go as fast as possible, but as with all things this is brand new and I am sure there will be some wait time needed.
Begindergarten/Kindergarten and New Student Registration
While our Registration Office is currently closed, you may still register incoming begindergarten and kindergarten students online at HowellSchools.com/KDG. Additionally, new students can be enrolled at HowellSchools.com/Enroll. On these sites, you can complete all of the registration forms. When our Registration Office re-opens, we will work to collect the documents required to complete the registration process.
Meal Kit Distribution Will Be on Tuesday, May 26
Due to Memorial Day, the district’s next meal kit distribution will take place on Tuesday, May 26, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. Additionally, the district will offer delivery for families who lack transportation to pick up meal kits. To request delivery for Tuesday, May 26, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. This will allow the Food Service and Transportation Departments to plan for the deliveries.
Bond Work is Starting
Many of the projects funded by the 2019 Capital and Security Bond are beginning at our school and around the district. This summer, our school is set to receive a new secure entrance, new gym floor, new technology lab, and some other heating and cooling work at the school.These projects were outlined in the bond proposal. Per state law, bond dollars cannot be used to cover normal district operations, such as employee salaries.
Budget Update
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has experienced a drastic drop in sales tax and income tax revenues. These two revenue streams make up 66% of the School Aid Fund (the fund which provides the majority of school funding in Michigan). Due to this all K-12 public schools in Michigan are facing significant reductions to their per-pupil funding. The district is working on a website to share information about its budgeting process and is committed to being open and transparent during this time. The link to the website will be shared in one of Superintendent MacGregor’s updates.
Counselor's Corner
The Howell counselors have created a document that includes 100+ local, free/low-cost resources and opportunities for Howell families! You can access that extensive list here.
While everything on the list is helpful and worthwhile, I have shared my “favorite” resource in each category below. To offer support to others, or to access support for yourself, please reach out to me!
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Check our district link for details. You can also peek at some frequently asked questions at https://bit.ly/2yR440R. Lastly, if you have questions not answered in the FAQ, submit your question using this form: https://bit.ly/2y1qyeW.
FOOD
Due to the Memorial Day holiday, our next meal kit distribution will be on Tuesday, May 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the circle drive on the north side of Howell High School. We will also offer delivery to families who lack transportation to pick up meal kits. To request delivery for Tuesday, May 26, please visit http://bit.ly/2vZoHa2. All requests for delivery will need to be submitted by 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 24. This will allow our Food Service and Transportation Departments to plan for the deliveries.
GENERAL ASSISTANCE
Are you in crisis, or do you have a specific need? Post it on this new, local posting board. Our community is coming together to ensure people’s basic needs are met.
SPECIAL CONCERNS - CHILDCARE
If you are an Essential Worker (such as first responders, medical personnel, key government officials, etc.) during the COVID-19 pandemic and are in need of child care, please fill out this form: Livingston County Essential Worker Child Care Form.
LEARNING
Howell Public Library is offering Howell Public Schools students access to their online resources using their student ID card. The library barcode number is the student ID number and the PIN is 1234. For more information, click here.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
By texting the keyword RESTORE to 741741, Michigan residents can have a confidential text conversation with a crisis counselor. Additional information can be found on the Stay Home, Stay Well webpage michigan.gov/StayWell.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Gleaners Food Bank is looking for temporary workers to help the mobile food distribution teams through the end of September. These positions pay $15/hour - check them out at bit.ly/tempatgleaners2020. The 2020 Census Team is also looking for hard workers: visit 2020census.gov/jobs or call 855.JOB.2020
JUST FOR FUN
Take a Virtual Field Trip to places like Mars, The Great Wall of China, zoos, and more.
Again, for the full list, click here. In the meantime, you can reach me anytime:
Sarah Boyd