Dear Hutchings Families,
Friday was fun and busy, which means I’m sending out this issue of Hutchings Herald later than I intended. Thanks for understanding.
Our food drive is chugging along. Thank you for your generosity as we endeavor to support those in our community who can use some help this holiday season. The competition between “The Odds” (First, Third, and Fifth Grades) and “The Evens” (BK/Kindergarten, Second, and Fourth Grades) to raise the most got even closer last week! This was announced at our school’s Husky Huddle Assembly for December, led by our Student Council.
As a building, we showed our spirit on Friday with a Food Drive Spirit Day. It was “Hat/Hoodie Day”, and some pretty spectacular hats were on display across the classrooms of Hutchings. This coming Friday is our final Food Drive Spirit Day, “Silly Sweater Day”. The Food Drive ends on Friday, December 12th, too, so please consider donating any way you can! (Food Drive Info)
Another fun festive experience for our Huskies started last week. Our Music Teacher extraordinaire, Ms. Shultz, hosted the first ‘Pop-Up Choir’ practice on Tuesday! Music is one way for our students to express their joy, and fourth and fifth grade students the opportunity to join in another practice, attend a Ring and Sing Event at Kroger, and carol around Hutchings Elementary. I know I speak for the staff when I say that I can’t wait to hear our Husky Chorale (Pop Up Choir Info)
Finally, I’m stealing a page from Howell’s Superintendent. Mr. MacGregor periodically holds “Coffee Chats” to share district updates and connect with families. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I arrived at Hutchings, and I’m excited to finally try it. I’ll be holding a Hutchings Coffee Chat this Thursday from 10 - 11 am. Some of the things I’m excited to talk about is our building’s work with PBIS and how our Huskies CARE.
Since a Coffee Chat is new to me, I’d like to know how many Husky family members plan to attend- especially so I can get the right amount of coffee for guests. If you plan to attend this Thursday, December 11 at 10 am, please let me know by completing this Hutchings Coffee Chat RSVP. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Superintendent’s Holiday Card Art Contest Entries due by Wednesday, December 10 at 5 p.m.
The holiday season is just around the corner, and we’re excited to continue one of our district’s favorite traditions: the Superintendent’s Holiday Card Art Contest! This annual contest invites students in Begindergarten through fifth grade to showcase their creativity and artistic talents. Families are encouraged to help students submit an original holiday-themed design by emailing the artwork to communications@howellschools.com no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10. Please be sure to include the student’s name, grade, and school in the message. The winning design will be featured on the Superintendent’s holiday card sent to families and community members across the district.
Complete the Benefits Application to Support Your Family and Our Schools
While the Michigan School Meals Program provides universal free meals for all students, it is still very important for families to complete the Child Nutrition, Education Benefits, and Summer EBT Application. Submitting the application ensures that eligible families can be considered for additional supports, such as reduced Chromebook fees, discounts on college admissions and academic tests, lower-cost home internet, and access to the Summer EBT program. The application also plays a critical role in helping our district secure essential state and federal funding, which is determined in part by the number of eligible families who complete it. To fill out the application, please visit HowellSchools.com/Food.
Job Opportunities At Hutchings & Howell Public Schools
Hutchings is still looking for caring, dedicated professionals to fill some building needs. Specifically, we need a Special Education Aide and an Art Teacher. There are opportunities at Hutchings and across Howell Public Schools. To view all of the open positions and apply, please visit Howell Schools Jobs Listings.
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Counselor's Corner:
Managing Holiday Excitement
Howell Public Schools is committed to helping every student become “Future Ready for college, careers, and life.” This year, our newsletters will feature quick, plug-and-play tips you can use at home to support your child in building the skills they need for a successful future.
The holiday season brings joy, fun, and lots of excitement - which can sometimes become overwhelming for young nervous systems! Helping children recognize when they need a break builds important self-regulation skills they’ll use for life. Try creating simple “reset routines” at home: a cozy spot to relax, a few deep breaths together, or a quiet moment with a book or stuffed animal. When we model and encourage these pauses, kids learn that listening to their bodies is a strength - one that sets them up to be Future Ready by helping them navigate busy school days, friendships, and new challenges with confidence.
Kristen Kinney
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Our December PTO Meeting is tomorrow, December 8 at 6 pm in the Hutchings Library! We hope you can join us!
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Husky Holiday Shop runs from December 15-17.
Interested in volunteering to help students shop and wrap? You can Sign Up HERE. Please remember that we always need a background check.
Flyers were sent home (or will be shortly). If you need a replacement envelope, they can be found in the office. This year, there is also an eWallet option for paying. For more information, please email the Hutchings PTO Treasurer. (hutchingsptotreasurer@gmail)
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Hutchings Qdoba Night is Tuesday, December 16 from 4 - 8 pm at the Howell Qdoba location!
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