Ruahmah J. Hutchings Elementary School

Hutchings Herald

February 3, 2024

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

Normally, the  Hutchings Herald comes out on a Friday. Thanks for understanding the one-day delay! This week was packed, and I just needed an extra minute (or evening) to publish.

 

We haven't had a full week of school in awhile, and it was nice to back for a five-day week. It gave all of us a chance to reestablish routines with our students. Building routines and meeting expectations is so valuable to young learners.

 

It also gave us the time to work collaboratively as a staff to improve all of our systems at Hutchings. Behind the scenes at any effective school, staff members are meeting constantly. It's true that the work we love doing most is directly with students. But the work our staff takes just as seriously is the collaboration between adults during school days.

 

We have the same growth mindsets we want our learners to have. We believe we can get better, and I'm constantly impressed by the collaborators in our building and across our district. Whenever we have snow days, a lot of important work gets put on hold. This week meant teams of critical thinkers rescheduled meetings, and I'm excited about some of the solutions that came out of this week.

 

We are so happy to work with our Hutchings families. We also love the unexpected treat of a snow day. I just really wanted to take a moment in this issue of the  Herald to acknowledge and celebrate what felt like a monumentally collaborative week at our school, particularly coming off of our snow days. I'm proud of the work our staff does behind-the scenes that gives Huskies great experiences day-in, day-out.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Coffee Chat with Superintendent MacGregor

Join Superintendent Erin MacGregor for an engaging Coffee Chat on Thursday, February 15, from 9 to 10 a.m., in the Edinburgh Room at the Administrative Office. This session's focus is "Innovation In Education," featuring discussions on new programs, advanced technology initiatives, and AI's emerging role. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3ummALt. 

 

Begindergarten and Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year

Begindergarten and Kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school is now open at HowellSchools.com/KDG. Join us on March 7, 6-7 p.m., for an informative night at your child's elementary school to meet educators and explore the school. Additionally, we're accepting applications for Academia Bilingüe's Spanish immersion kindergarten class until March 22. Discover the bilingual journey at HowellSchools.com/DualLanguage and attend the parent night on February 21 at Three Fires Elementary to learn more. 

 

Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance

Step into 'A Night in Candyland' with Howell Public Schools Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance, February 17, 6-8 p.m. at Voyager Elementary. Enjoy a sweet evening of dancing, treats, and crafts! Details at https://bit.ly/3vPAF4j. All proceeds from this event will go to the Hope Squad, allowing them to continue advocating for mental health support in our school and community. 

 

The next Family Educational Series Webinar is February 8

Mark your calendar for our upcoming family educational series on Thursday, February 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., spotlighting the theme 'Building Your Child's Confidence.' Gain insightful strategies to nurture your child's growth mindset and resilience. For details on this session, head to https://bit.ly/3O4dNEI. Please note that this month's session will be exclusively online with no in-person viewing. We look forward to having you join us for this enriching session.

 

Summer EBT is Coming to Michigan

Michigan launches the Summer EBT program, providing eligible families up to $120 per child for the summer. To apply, please submit a Free and Reduced Price Meal application by February 10. Even if you're uncertain of eligibility, apply at https://bit.ly/2z6nDlP. ou do not need to complete another one if you have already completed a Free and Reduce Price Meal application for this school year.

 

Nominate an Outstanding Teacher of Support Person for HPS Of the Year Awards

Howell Public Schools is now accepting nominations for its esteemed Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year awards. Celebrate our remarkable educators and staff by submitting your nomination by Friday, February 9, at 4 p.m. Visit https://bit.ly/3SyS0Yx for details and to submit a nomination.

Counselor's Corner:

 

There are so many valuable resources in this community, but finding them can sometimes be a challenge. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to your school counselor with any needs, big or small; we have relationships and partnerships with a lot of awesome community organizations!

 

This Saturday, February 3rd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton at 7526 Grand River Ave. is the annual Community Connect! Come connect with FREE Resources and Services from 50+ Local Organizations. Free Resources, Services, Giveaways, Health Screenings, Children's Dental Screenings, Haircuts, Blankets, Diapers, Food, Winter Gear, and so much more!

 

Kristen Hogan

Roo Updates

We anticipated that Roo might be back before this edition of Hutchings Herald, but haven't been told she's ready yet! 

Upcoming Dates & PTO Events

Our next PTO Meeting is Thursday, February 8 at 6 pm in the Hutchings Library!

 

Here's the PTO January Newsletter!

 

Panda Express Fundraiser is on  February 5th. You can find more information HERE.

 

Please clear your calendar for Husky Skate Night at Rollerama on  February 22nd! We'd love to pack the place with Hutchings families! Event information is available HERE.

 

Fenway and Hattie - One Book, One School

If you're keeping up with Fenway and Hattie, remember Chapters 17/18 are for Tuesday, February 6th! Chapter 19 is for Thursday , February 8th!

 

This Friday, February 9th is "Friendship Day" - dress like a friend! We'd love to see participation!

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075