Dear Hutchings Community,
It was our first of four mid-winter Spirit Days- "Anything but a Backpack" Day! Highlights included loads of students with rolling luggage, moving things on a skateboard, some beach totes, a toy grocery cart, a laundry basket, a Home Depot bucket, some coolers and a cabinet drawer.
Though Spirit Days are just a fun way to feel like a connected community, today's Spirit Day is a good reminder that there's more than one approach that can get the job done. "Anything but a Backpack" Day was a chance to get creative. Is there really only one way to get my things to school? Of course not!
True, it might be hard to fit a grocery cart in a school locker, but if the goal is to get your things to school, a backpack is one option in an ocean of possibilities. It's fun that we got to our students' creativity on full display.
Thinking about our students' creativity had me thinking about the last few weeks, and I want to celebrate how creativity exists throughout Hutchings. The teams I work with here did some truly great and creative problem solving. Even when things are great, taking a step back and asking if they could get better is what we're about. When we bring humility, creativity, and collaboration to a problem, improvements are inevitable.
Sensei Sam helps us work on Courage, Self-Discipline, and Humility muscles, but "Anything but a Backpack" was tons of fun AND a chance to practice our creativity muscle!
Here are the other Spirit Days on the horizon:
- February 7 - NFL Gear Day!
- February 21 - Dress like your Teacher Day!
- February 28 - Fancy Dress-Up Day!
Have a lovely weekend!
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Teacher and Support Person of the Year Award Nominations Due Monday
Howell Public Schools is currently accepting nominations for our Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of our outstanding staff members, who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The deadline to submit a nomination is Monday, February 3, at 4 p.m. To read more about the awards or to submit a nomination, please visit https://bit.ly/3PtVngL.
Help Keep The Buses Rolling – Join The Transportation Team!
Howell Public Schools is actively hiring school bus drivers to keep our routes running smoothly. Right now, it's all hands on deck in the Transportation Department, with dispatchers, mechanics, and supervisors stepping in to cover routes and minimize cancellations. While they are doing everything possible, some disruptions may still occur. Being a bus driver is a rewarding career with great pay, paid training, summers off, snow days, and the opportunity to drive a "big yellow company car." If you're looking for a career change or know someone who is, now is the perfect time to get behind the wheel! Visit BeABusDriver.org to learn more and apply today!
Youth Solutions Select Survey
As part of our ongoing commitment to preparing future-ready students and as part of a partnership with the Highlander College and Career Council and Youth Solutions Select, a non-profit focused on building sustainable career development programs, we will administer a survey to students in grades 3-5 at each Howell elementary school in early February. You can review the survey questions at https://bit.ly/3WirDHy. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out form at https://bit.ly/4hwljUU by Monday, February 3.
We also ask all parents to complete a family survey by Friday, February 7. The survey is anonymous, and your feedback will help guide future programs. You can access the family survey at https://bit.ly/4hiscJv.
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Counselor's Corner:
Tackling the Winter Blahs: Simple Tips for Boosting Mood
February can feel like the longest month for both kids and adults, with the cold and dark days often bringing on the winter blues. As an elementary school counselor, I’ve seen how challenging this time of year can be, so here are a few easy ways families can tackle the winter blahs:
- Get Moving – Even a short walk outside or a quick dance party at home can help boost energy and mood.
- Stay Connected – Regular check-ins with friends or family (even virtually) can make a big difference. Let’s find small ways to stay connected and supported!
- Try New Hobbies – Experimenting with a new activity like drawing, cooking, or building something together can bring a sense of accomplishment and fun.
- Practice Gratitude – Take a moment each day to share one thing you’re thankful for. This simple practice can shift focus from the gray days to positive moments.
- Rest and Recharge – Don’t forget the importance of quality sleep! Establishing a calming bedtime routine helps everyone feel more refreshed.
- Limit Screen Time – Too much screen time can leave us feeling drained. Set some limits to make time for more face-to-face connections and physical activities.
- Eat the Rainbow – Fuel your body and mind with a variety of colorful fruits and veggies! A well-balanced diet can improve energy levels and mood.
Remember, it’s okay to feel a little down sometimes, but with small changes in routine, we can help lift each other up. Let’s get through February together!
Kristen Kinney
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Our first PTO Meeting of this calendar year is Thursday, February 6 at 6 pm in our Library! We'd love to see you!
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Husky Swim Night is Friday, February 21st from 4:30 - 6 pm. Find more information HERE.
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5th Grade Health Education Parent Information Night is Thursday, February 27 from 7 - 8:30 pm at Hutchings. This event is for parents from all of the elementary schools in the district.
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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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