Northwest Elementary School

Hutchings Herald

June 1, 2023

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

It's amazing what can happen in a year. A year ago today, had you told me I'd be finishing my first year at Hutchings Elementary School as principal, I'm not sure I would have believed you. 

 

Thankfully, Dr. Moore moved up to Highlander Way and, in early, August, I applied. I remember everyone I met at my first interview for the Hutchings principal position. After the interview finished, I drove by Hutchings for the first time. I didn't have the job yet (I was waiting to hear about a follow-up interview), but when I saw Hutchings for the first time, I sensed it was a special place.

 

Learning I'd become principal so close to the beginning of the school year could have been overwhelming, but my senses about Hutchings were right- it is a special place. I felt welcomed by staff members immediately. I felt supported by other district administrators. I felt inspired by warm welcomes from students and families. And what's made it all the more special is none of it has gone away.

 

Thank you for an outstanding first year together. I feel a kind of gratefulness that isn't easily put into words. 

 

The truth is, when I applied to become the Principal at Hutchings, I was looking for something, and I've found it. I'm so excited to continue working alongside the teachers, support staff, ancillary team, and office staff at Hutchings that made the school special long before I arrived. My feet are firmly planted here, and I have done a year's worth of learning about our school and community. With that experience, it's going to be a marvelous 2023-24 school year.

 

 

Thank you to the Hutchings staff for your commitment to kids. Thank you to everyone involved in today's fifth grade graduation. Thank you to the Hutchings PTO and volunteers for Field Day. Thank you to Hutchings students for being such positive forces.

 

I hope everyone has a wonderful summer!

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Howell Library Summer Reading Program and Events

Howell Carnegie District Library's 2023 2023 Summer Reading Challenge is easy and fun for all ages/ Pick up your child's age group's Bingo card in the library or participate online. Read, explore the library, and be engaged this summer as you complete activity squares on your card to get BINGOs and chances to win prizes. Visit www.howelllibrary.org to find out more!

 

The Howell Carnegie District Library will also host great family events this summer, such as Cirque Amongus & More, 3,2,1, Blast Off!... A Family Science Show, And the Beat Goes On A Family Musical Celebration with Katie Welty, Family Art, Community, and more!

Some require registration; some have a free lunch after the event; see the Howell Library events calendar for details.

 

Howell Public Schools Family Perception Survey

Each year the district conducts a Family Perception Survey. The responses from the survey help the district evaluate its current practices and identify its strengths and areas for improvement. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Family Perception Survey by Friday, June 2, at 5:00 p.m. You can access the survey at https://bit.ly/3VUXTPJ. 

 

Highlander Reading Express

This summer, the Highlander Reading Express will be in various locations around our community. The Reading Express is the district's mobile library. This year the Reading Express will run on Tuesday and Thursday. On Tuesdays, the Reading Express will be in the Hidden Creek Subdivision and the Rolling Ridge Subdivision. On Thursdays, it will visit Southeast Elementary, Marion Township Park #1, and on select Thursdays, Howell Estates. To view the schedule, locations, and times, please visit HowellSchools.com/ReadingExpress.

 

Food Service Account Balances

As the school year winds, please check your child's school meal account to ensure all overdue balances are paid. Payments can be made through the Meal Magic Family Portal by sending in payment with your child or mailed to the Howell Public Schools Food Service Department at 1200 W. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843. 

Hawk & Roo

Highlander Way's Therapy Dog in Training, Hawk (left), is Roo's brother. They recently got back together and posed for a quick picture.

 

Roo will likely go for her training shortly after the Fourth of July! It's only a matter of time before Roo's back at Hutchings, helping kids! 

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075