Dear Hutchings Community,
May has arrived, and we've got a lot to celebrate as we wind down our school year. Nearly all of our grade level concerts are done, and the performances have been great! Thanks to Mrs. Shultz and the teachers who help for all of their preparation!
Girls on the Run brings so much positivity to school. We have so many 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade girls running on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thanks to Mrs. Buckingham and her team of coaches and parent mentors for maintaining such a positive experience for girls year after year at Hutchings. Their trial 5k is coming up on the 14th, and their official 5k is just around the corner, too!
More besides - 5th grade graduation is on the horizon, and we have field trips galore. Trips to the zoo, trips to downtown Howell, trips to visit pen pals, and some team building at Howell Nature Center are some of the experiences on the horizon. Sensei Sam Larioza has a final trip planned in the coming weeks, too. He'll finish his series of lessons for us by talking about humility.
I want to thank our PTO for all of their efforts this year, too. Our final PTO Meeting of the school year was held yesterday evening, and a new PTO Board was elected. Thanks to the outgoing Board members for all of their dedication, and welcome to our new Board! We're excited to see what we can accomplish next year. And just because there's a transition in PTO Leadership doesn't mean there aren't great projects happening. Our PTO is still active: we have Hutch the caterpillar nearly completely wound around the building, they've planned a wonderful Staff Appreciation Week, and they have worked with Mr. Adam on coordinating a fabulous Field Day.
Every month, all of the principals in the county converge, typically at LESA, to discuss and align our work. Last week, we had our final meeting for the school year, and our facilitator did a fabulous job to get us thinking about and talking about transitions.
The end of a school year is all about transitions. Students and teachers want to celebrate the year they've shared and how they've grown.
At our principals meeting, we talked about how it's important to have the right tone with these celebrations and transitions. In the last month of the year, we will need to celebrate together. We have accomplished so much, and we've had a fun time in the accomplishing. In the celebrating, we want to also keep an eye one what's ahead. You accomplished so much AND you're ready for what's next. This year was special AND next year can be special, too. After all, it's impossible to become a complete person in one year, so we celebrate the way each kid has grown, knowing it's time for a new grand experience.
I really enjoyed this perspective, and I plan to carry it with me for the celebrations to come this May. I hope to celebrate with you, too.
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Howell Athletics Summer Camps
Get ready for a fun and active summer with Howell Athletics! Brochures and registration for our Summer Sports Camps are now available at https://bit.ly/4bna5iI. The Athletics Department is excited to offer several new camps alongside their traditional favorites this year. All registrations must be completed online. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your child’s skills while they enjoy some fun, healthy competition. Register today and join Howell Athletics for a summer filled with sports and excitement!
Howell Robotics Interest Form
If your child is interested in joining the Howell Robotics program, please fill out the Howell Robotics Interest form at https://bit.ly/3UHC5Ih. The program has teams at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, offering students a fantastic opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM activities while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Completing the interest form is the first step towards participation and helps us gauge and accommodate the enthusiasm for robotics at each school level. Don’t miss this chance for your child to dive into the exciting world of robotics!
Free Parent Educational Opportunity, Harmony At Home: Encouraging Social Emotional Growth in Children
Join Great Start Livingston on Thursday, May 16, 2024, for "Harmony At Home: Encouraging Social Emotional Growth in Children" at the Livingston Educational Service Agency, 1425 W. Grand River Ave., Howell, MI 48843. The event will begin with a free dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by a meeting from 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. This event is open to all caregivers in Livingston County who are raising children ages eight and under. Kim Martin, Northwest Elementary's school counselor, will share insights on nurturing social and emotional growth in children, managing caretaker fatigue, and the significant influence parents hold. The evening will also feature an interactive activity, helpful resources, and a Q&A session. Free childcare is available. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/4dlHagL. If you plan to attend the event, please register to secure your spot at https://bit.ly/May24FC.
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Counselor's Corner:
As we prepare for summer vacation and potentially more time together as a family, here are some simple tips for building and/or re-establishing a strong relationship with your child!
Communication:
As parents, we often get caught up in our busy lives, juggling work, responsibilities, and personal pursuits. Make a point to really listen to the things your child tells you - big or small. This allows them to feel valued and increases the likelihood they will continue to trust and confide in you.
Spending Time Together:
Set your cell phone aside periodically and be fully present with your child. Take an active interest in something s/he enjoys and be present in that moment.
Family Habits:
Invite your child into establishing family traditions and rules. Have periodic meetings to talk about family plans, goals, and activities!
As always, reach out for more information, or a more personalized family plan!
Kristen Hogan
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Hutchings Elementary School
3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855
Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075
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