Northwest News 12/9/2024 

Dear Northwest Families,

 

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal Association (MEMSPA) 99th annual conference. I always find this conference to be a fantastic space for professional development and making meaningful connections with educational leaders across Michigan. This year, the Awards Banquet emerged as the conference's highlight, where our elementary principal team orchestrated a perfect surprise for Mr. David Cherry, Principal of Challenger Elementary, who had no idea he was about to be named MEMSPA's Principal of the Year!

 

Mr. Cherry's selection reflects not only his individual dedication but also embodies the essence of transformative educational leadership. He has been a quiet force of positive change and his approach demonstrates that true educational leadership is about nurturing not just academic skills, but also the character and confidence of each student.

 

As a district, we take immense pride in cultivating an environment where educators like Mr. Cherry are recognized for their outstanding contributions to student success. His Principal of the Year award is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on entire school communities. I feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such an extraordinary group of professionals who are deeply committed to providing the highest quality care and education to our students. Please join me in celebrating Mr. David Cherry's incredible achievement as MEMSPA's Principal of the Year!

 

#OneHowell

 

Yours in Education,

 

Craig Munro

Principal

Join Us for an Informational Evening!

Discover how technology impacts mental health and learn strategies to promote digital well-being and healthy online habits during an informational evening on Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m. in the Highlander Way Middle School Media Center. This session will provide parents with tools to facilitate meaningful conversations with their students. Families are encouraged to bring students ages ten and up, though younger children are welcome to attend. Please note that childcare will not be provided. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4eZ6fOh.

 

December Celebrating Awareness Theme

As part of our new Celebrating Awareness program, during December we will focus on our shared Highlander identity that unites us while honoring individuality. Through visual and performing arts or writing, students are encouraged to celebrate their unique identities and how they contribute to a vibrant, united community. To learn how your child can participate in this optional program, please visit https://bit.ly/4eYpwza. Entries can be submitted to your child's school office or online at https://bit.ly/3OHeiEE

 

Electronics

Elementary students are allowed to bring personal electronic devices to school, but they must remain powered off and out of sight during the duration of the school day. We have seen a rise in the usage of smart watches (which are considered personal electronic devices) - please help us abide by Board Policy 5136 and either keep devices at home, or remind students to keep them powered off and in their locker.

 

Winter Weather and Attendance

Students will go outside two times per day if the temperature (including windchill) is 10 degrees or warmer. Please plan to send cold weather clothing from now until spring break! Students should have at a minimum: hats, gloves, coats and boots. Snow pants are recommended for staying warm and dry. We do NOT have enough items in the office to outfit students each day.

 

If you are in need of winter clothing for your child, please reach out to our school counselor, Kim Martin ([email protected]).

 

As winter illnesses and colds are increasing, please don't forget to call the school office if your child will not be in attendance.  With that said, we generally see absences increase during the winter months.  Please continue to be diligent with sending your child to school unless they are truly sick.  We appreciate your support!


Posted by KleinS On 09 December, 2024 at 8:35 AM