Dear Hutchings Community,
We just completed a great Spirit Week at Hutchings. It was so great to see many of our Huskies showing their Howell Spirit, and maybe I'll see you at the parade this afternoon (5:00 pm) or the game this evening (7:00 pm kickoff). Thank you for your spirit, participation and enthusiasm. GO HOWELL HIGHLANDERS!
Along with the principals at the other elementary schools across Howell, I wanted to take a few moments to share with you a new initiative that all Howell elementary schools have adopted this year. We are pleased to announce that this year, for the first time, our school will be implementing the Orton-Gillingham approach to enhance literacy instruction for all students. This is a big step forward in ensuring that every child develops strong reading, writing, and spelling skills, which are essential for their overall academic success.
What is Orton-Gillingham?
Orton-Gillingham is a research-based, multisensory approach that has been proven to support reading development, particularly for students who struggle with literacy. It is designed to teach language skills in a clear and structured way, using sight, sound, movement, and touch to help students make connections between letters, sounds, and words.
How Will This Benefit Our Students?
By using this approach, our teachers will be able to provide more personalized instruction, meeting each child where they are in their literacy journey. Whether a student is just starting to read or needs more support to strengthen their skills, Orton-Gillingham’s tailored method ensures that all learners can make meaningful progress.
We believe this approach will play a vital role in fostering a love for reading and providing the tools our students need to become confident, lifelong learners. We are excited to see the growth and success that will come from this new initiative.
What Can Parents Expect?
You may notice new activities and strategies that your child talks about at home, such as using hands-on materials or practicing sounds in creative ways. These are all part of the Orton-Gillingham process. We encourage you to ask your child about what they’re learning and support them as they explore reading in new and exciting ways.
As we begin this journey, we will keep you updated on your child’s progress and share tips on how you can continue to support literacy development at home.
Thank you for your partnership and trust as we work together to provide the best learning experience for your child! Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki