Dear Hutchings Community,
For the second consecutive Hutchings Herald newsletter, I went to the Brainy Quote website for a spark. When I did this, I already had a topic in mind, but I wanted to see if it gave me a new direction or angle to take in my messaging. Today's quote is "Wisdom is oftentimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar" and is attributed to the 18th-19th century poet William Wordsworth.
I don't want to be a one-trick-pony. I won't keep pulling quotes from the same website- promise.
Before I read this quote, the message I wanted to share was about the best way I've found to work with kids, and the well-intended mistakes I can make that often make my work harder.
As far as well-intended mistakes, here's what I mean: If a student makes a poor choice of their own, the quickest response for me is to explain the mistake, to describe its impact, and to deliver a consequence. I can do that pretty quickly. As a classroom English teacher, the quickest way for me to deliver a lesson about prepositions or the plot of The Outsiders or figurative language was to lecture. I could say exactly what I want a student to know efficiently and clearly and give them time to finish their homework.
But that's not what learning is really about; an adult talking at me rarely resulted to a perfect transfer of knowledge (if ever). Kids need the chances to describe what they see, to question things, to connect new ideas to prior knowledge, to wonder, and to dream.
It seems a slower process initially. It takes patience and requires adults to respond to kids more than the other way around. It's the way that real learning happens- whether it's related to academic content or social and behavioral learning. It's also time well spent. Giving students the lead as often as we can creates lasting, deeper understandings.
Which brings me back to Mr. Wordsworth. Adults can often grasp concepts and understand situations quicker because of experience, it's true. But how do we gift students with the most valuable understandings we have? If we hope and expect our students to understand, our best work happens when we stoop rather than soar.
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Bus Drivers Wanted: Earn Up to a $5,000 Sign-on Bonus
Howell Public Schools is still in need of additional bus drivers. During February, the district is offering a sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 for fully trained certified bus drivers, up to $3,000 for fully trained licensed bus drivers taking on substitute runs for at least 20 hours per week, and up to $2000 for individuals who will take part in the paid training program. Please help us spread the word about these limited-time incentives. Individuals interested in applying can do so at BeABusDriver.org.
Coffee Chat with Superintendent MacGregor
Superintendent MacGregor will host his next Coffee Chat of the year on Thursday, February 9, from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Howell Carnegie District Library. At the chat, Mr. MacGregor will share general district updates and provide an update on the facility assessment the district is currently completing. Coffee Chat is free and open to all district families and community members. To read more about Coffee Chat, please visit http://bit.ly/3HN6G0w.
Don’t Delay, Register for Begindergarten and Kindergarten Today!
Begindergarten and kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open. If you have an incoming begindergarten or kindergarten student, please visit HowellSchools.com/KDG to enroll them. On Thursday, March 16, from 6–7 p.m., our school will host a Begindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night. At this event, families will learn about the school, meet the principal and begindergarten and kindergarten teachers, and tour the school.
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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 is our annual Community Connect: a Livingston County Resource Fair connecting people with information, resources, and free services! All are welcome! It’s from 10-1 on Saturday, February 4th at 242 Church (7526 Grand River, Brighton). Call L.E.T.S. Transportation (517.546.6600) if you need a ride (and ask the dispatcher about their app!). Click here for more information.
Sarah Marker
School Counselor
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Lisa Harde is our Lead Teacher at Hutchings Elementary School. She designs many of the interventions that help make students successful.
This year, some dedicated tutors from Hutchings families have helped us support more students. If you're able to contribute, too and interested in learning more, please look at Husky Tutoring - Volunteers Needed!
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SEEKING DONATIONS!!!!
We have a bin in the vestibule for any clean (please wash), gently used winter gear for students who are without on cold and snowy days.
Priorities are boots and snow pants. Mittens, gloves, hats, and winter coats are appreciated, too!
Many of our early donations have been used, so thank you for previous donations. If you have new items to contribute, thanks for those in advance!
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