Northwest Elementary School

Hutchings Herald

January 19, 2024

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

It was an incredible end to our week. All of our students and staff were treated to a visit from Sensei Sam of Ohana Karate. He came to help our students build their "Courage Muscles!"

 

In three separate assemblies, Sensei spoke about the value of courage and led students through an exercise to practice courage. His big message, one that all of us used repeatedly, was, "Every time I back away from a fear, all my fears get bigger, but every time I power through a fear, I get bigger!"

 

Another teaching of Sensei's was about shifting our mindset from fear to excitement. We practiced with the phrase "I'm excited" and plan to use it at Hutchings when new experiences are on the horizon.

 

He'll visit Hutchings again in a few months to talk to us about two other core values: Discipline and Humility. 

 

Please take the time to hear about your Husky's experience today- I'd imagine they'll have plenty to share.

 

 

In other news, Roo isn't back, but is likely back in the building whenever the next issue of the Hutchings Herald comes out! Thank you to everyone who has made donations along the way, from last year's Senior Survivor to current wishlist needs, to help with our Roo preparations.

 

 

Finally, take some time to catch up with our One Book, One School book: Fenway and Hattie this weekend! Today was bring a dog stuffed animal or wear a dog shirt day at Hutchings! The calendar is attached in the column to the right.

 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and consider building your courage muscle along with us.

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Community Connect 2024 is Coming Soon

Don't miss Community Connect 2024 on Saturday, February 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton at 7526 Grand River Ave. for a day of community services, connection, and freebies! This event is open to everyone and will feature 50+ exhibitors offering everything from basic need info to personal care items and services like health screenings and haircuts. There will be fantastic giveaways like laundry detergent, winter gear, and more! Mark your calendars and spread the word! To learn more, please click here.

 

The next Family Educational Series Webinar is February 8

Our next monthly family educational series session is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This month's session will focus on Building your child's confidence. The session will equip families with strategies that foster a growth mindset and resilience. To learn more about this session, please visit https://bit.ly/3O4dNEI. This month, there will not be an in-person viewing option. We hope you will join us for this valuable learning experience.

 

Shrek's Swamp Party

Join the cast of Parker Middle School's spring musical Shrek for Shrek's Swamp Party on Sunday, January 28, from 3-5 p.m. at Parker Middle School. You can meet Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona at the Swamp Party and enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and more. Tickets are $15 per child. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3HoRF41.

 

Dance the Night Away at the Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance

Howell Public Schools Hope Squad is excited to be hosting its inaugural Daddy Daughter Dance! This event will be hosted at Voyager Elementary School on Saturday, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. Please join us for A Night in Candyland, where there will be dancing, refreshments, crafts, and much more! To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3vPAF4j. All proceeds from this event will go to the Hope Squad and will allow them to continue advocating for mental health support in our school and community.

 

Begindergarten and Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year

Begindergarten and kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open. All registrations will be done online at HowellSchools.com/KDG. On Thursday, March 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., each elementary 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. 

 

The district is also accepting applications for the kindergarten classroom of Academia Bilingüe, its Spanish immersion program. In Academia Bilingüe, students will learn the same coursework as in other classrooms in the district but in Spanish. By the end of elementary school, students will be proficient in both English and Spanish. The application window for a spot in the kindergarten classroom for the 2024-2025 school year will run through Friday, March 22. To learn more about Academia Bilingüe, please visit HowellSchools.com/DualLanguage. There will also be a parent night on Wednesday, February 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Three Fires Elementary for families to learn more about Academia Bilingüe.

 

Summer EBT is Coming to Michigan

The State of Michigan will participate in the Summer EBT program this year. Through the program, qualifying families will receive up to $40 per month ($120 for the summer) for each child in their family. Families must complete a Free and Reduce Price Meal application to be eligible. The state will use those applications to determine eligibility for the program. Even if you do not think your family would qualify, I would encourage you to complete the application, which can be found at https://bit.ly/2z6nDlP. You do not need to complete another one if you have already completed a Free and Reduce Price Meal application for this school year. Applications must be submitted by February 10 to ensure they are processed on time.

 

Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Nomination Window is Now Open

The nomination window for the Howell Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year awards is now open. Each year, Howell Public Schools recognizes an outstanding teacher and support staff member through these awards. Individuals associated with Howell Public Schools (students, parents, employees, and community members) are invited to submit award nominations. You can read more about both awards and submit nominations at https://bit.ly/3SyS0Yx. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 9, at 4 p.m.  

 

Career Opportunities At Howell Public Schools

If you are looking for a rewarding career working with children, Howell Public Schools has a job for you. The district has openings for Food Service Staff, Paraprofessionals, Child Care, and more. To view all of the open positions and apply, please visit HowellSchools.com/Jobs.

Counselor's Corner:

 

Parents often ask for tips on how to improve their children’s focus. Being able to engage, focus, and maintain attention is “what connects us to others, defines our experiences, deepens our curiosity, and determines what we tune in to see” (taken from Dr. Michele Borba’s book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine). Here are some “attention robbers” -- things that can stand in the way of our kids and their ability to focus -- and what to do to fix the problem (hint: think FOCUS):

 

F = FOOD

Minimize caffeinated or energy drinks and food with high sugar content.

 

O = OVERSCHEDULED

Cutting just one activity can free time for kids to recharge.

 

C = COMPUTERS AND SCREENS

Electronic screens and bright lights can delay the release of melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Turn digital devices off at least 30 minutes before bed.

 

U = UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Too high of expectations create stress and reduce focus. Too low of expectations make kids feel that “anyone could.” Aim expectations slightly above your kid’s performance level to strengthen focus and boost success odds.

 

S = SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Inconsistent sleep routines (including on the weekends), as well as noise, heat, cold, light conditions, and electronics can rob sleep. Stick to routines. 

 

As always, reach out to your school counselor for more information or a more personalized family plan. This excerpt was taken from Dr. Michele Borba’s book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.

 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Kristen Hogan

Position at Hutchings!

We have a need for a cafeteria and recess aide at Hutchings Elementary School!

 

If you are interested, go to the HPS Jobs page at find the "General Education Aide - 12.5 hrs/week" at Ruahmah J. Hutchings Elementary School posting for more information, or contact the school.

One Book, One School

 

Our One Book, One School committee did a wonderful job creating worthwhile opportunities for students who read along with Fenway and Hattie by Victoria J Coe. 

 

To hear the book read by members of our staff, check out our Fenway and Hattie site!

 

To see our calendar of events, check out our Fenway and Hattie calendar! Next Friday is BASEBALL DAY!

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075