Ruahmah J. Hutchings Elementary School

Hutchings Herald

November 15, 2024

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

I want to begin by echoing Superintendent MacGregor's 'thank you' message on our district website. Last week, voters elected to renew the Livingston ESA Special Education Millage. The passing of this initiative will help us continue to support the educate of every student. I am proud of the way Hutchings and Howell Public School take this work seriously, and grateful to have our community's backing.

 

 

It was Slumber Party Day at Hutchings Elementary School! Students joined staff in their comfiest gear as the first spirit day connected to our Canned Food Drive. It's wonderful to give back to our community and recognize our many gifts. 

 

And in case you were wondering, it IS possible to do karate in jammies! Today, Sensei Sam visited Hutchings for his second lesson! He met with begindergarteners, kindergarteners, first and second graders to talk about the COURAGE muscle. Sensei reminded us that we all have fears, but that "every time we run away from our fears, ALL our fears get bigger." This means that strong people learn how to deal with fears. Strong people believe "I can solve any problem."

 

Next week, Sensei visits to deliver this lesson to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students on Friday, which is ANOTHER spirit day. I guess we'll see if students can do karate dressed in Roo Gear or Animal Gear, too! In fact, here's the remainder of the upcoming spirit days:

• November 22 - Roo / Animal Day
• November 26 - Decades Day
• December 4 - Wacky Wednesday
• December 6 - Holiday Movie Day

And thank you for the generous donations already coming in for our food drive. Annually, Howell Public Schools partners with the Salvation Army and with Gleaners Food Bank to help families in our own community. Our Student Council is working closely with Howell High School's Leadership Students to raise nonperishable food items and cash until Friday, December 6.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Superintendent’s Holiday Card Art Contest

With the holiday season approaching, we’re excited to share one of our district’s favorite traditions: the Superintendent's Holiday Card Art Contest. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students in Begindergarten through fifth grade to share their creativity. With your support, students are invited to submit an original holiday design by emailing their artwork to communications@howellschools.com by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email. The chosen artwork will be featured on the holiday card sent to families and community members.

 

New Optional Program Celebrates Awareness in Highlander Nation

Last month, the district launched a new optional program aligned with our Adaptive Plan focus on creating “Engaging, Positive, and Safe Learning Environments” that foster “a shared Highlander identity, appreciating each student's individuality while bringing all students together.” This program, separate from curriculum and classroom instruction, encourages students to highlight selected awareness months. For November, the topics are Homelessness Awareness Month and Native American Heritage Month. To learn about participation options, please visit https://bit.ly/3ZhjAwN. Entries may be submitted to our school office or online at https://forms.gle/fAwS6tnoyGHaeZMh6 and will be judged by the 

district’s Instructional Services Department.

 

Special Thanksgiving Lunch

Our Food Service Department is thrilled to bring back its Thanksgiving Meal. Next Thursday, November 21, each school cafeteria will serve a festive meal. The menu includes shredded roast turkey, a dinner roll, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, green beans, sliced apples, and cranberry sauce. Thanks to the Michigan School Meals program, this meal is free for all students.

Counselor's Corner:

 

Last Wednesday was World Kindness Day - a day dedicated to promoting and encouraging good deeds. The ancient Storyteller, Aesop, once said, “No act of kindness, however small, will go unnoticed.” There is no better time to step outside of ourselves and extend some care and compassion to our neighbors, friends, and family.  

 

Here are a few simple ideas for encouraging kindness at home:

• Challenge your family to do 100 acts of kindness.
• Create a Kindness Jar.
• Read Books on Kindness (many also available as read-alouds on YouTube)
  • "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwing
  • "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell
  • "Horton Hears a Who" by Dr Seuss
  • "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud
  • "The Very Frustrated Monster" by Andi Green
  • "Kindness Snippet Jar" by Diane Alber
• Write a letter to a soldier through Operation Gratitude.
• Use sidewalk chalk to leave positive and inspiring messages for your neighbors. 
• Let someone go in front of you in line at the grocery store.

• Spread joy through a simple smile.

• Write a thoughtful thank you note to your teacher or mail carrier.

• Surprise a neighbor with some baked goods. 

If everyone committed to one act of kindness, think about how much stronger our community would be!

 

Kristen Kinney

School Counselor

SPIRIT WEAR!

The official Hutchings spirit wear stores have launched a holiday sale! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments, all with home delivery guaranteed by December 23rd!

 

Enjoy a limited-time savings of 25% sitewide with great gifts for the entire family! In addition, all orders over $75 will receive free shipping. Sale now through December 10th! 

 

Hutchings Gear: https://1stplace.sale/48993

 

Howell Gear: https://1stplace.sale/114324

HUSKY NIGHT at ROLLERAMA!

Come skate with us at Rollerama on Thursday, November 21!

 

Hutchings Night starts at 6 and goes until 9 pm!

 

(I wonder if Sensei has ever tried karate on roller skates!?!)

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075