Dear Hutchings Community,
I'm not sure if you've seen the acronym CARE at Hutchings. The next time you visit, keep your eyes peeled for signs across the building with those letters.
We had a great start last year, and we are continuing to work on being Huskies that CARE (Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful, and Engaged). This is our 2nd year of this focus at Hutchings, and our work is mirrored across all the elementary schools of HPS. With all of the current "challenges" impacting most every aspect of our daily life, I would say that reinforcing these positive behaviors is even MORE important each and every day.
The behavior we model as adults will continue to shape the behaviors of our children. We all have a large responsibility of positively leading our children each day. I challenge all adults (staff, parents, and principals) to look at how we approach each day and ask ourselves these questions:
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Am I approaching each situation with respect and compassion in my heart? Do I think about the other person's perspective before reacting with frustration or anger?
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Am I engaged and accountable in each situation? Do I put aside distractions (phones, Internet) to prioritize those around us and listen?
At Hutchings, we will continue to promote these values with our students. You can help by having conversations with your children about showing compassion, being accountable, demonstrating respect, and engaging with their community. You can truly help by encouraging these behaviors at home. Here are some prompts for extending this conversation at home:
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What does compassion mean? (the act/art of being gentle, helpful, and considerate of others' feelings)
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What does being accountable for our thoughts and actions look like? (how can we acknowledge the impact we make)
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How can we show respect to others? (wave at a neighbor, ask someone to play, donate toys, help someone tie their shoe, hold the door, saying 'please' and 'thank you')
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What are some ways we can be engaged while at home? (eating dinner together, turning off the phone/TV, going for a walk, playing a game together)
We appreciate the partnership we have with our Hutchings families, and we appreciate your willingness to support our programs through conversations at home. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Livingston ESA Special Education Millage Vote on November 5
On November 5, voters will decide on the renewal and restoration of the Livingston ESA Special Education Millage. This funding helps fund the costs of services and programs such as unified sports, peer-to-peer programs, assistive technology, and behavioral support. Without the millage, the gap left by limited state and federal funding would need to be filled using general funds, which could impact programs for all students. Learn more about the millage and its impact at https://bit.ly/3yYj7VT.
Help Give a Student in Need a Happy Holiday Season
There is still time to become a sponsor for the Christmas Elf Program, which partners with Livingston County schools and generous sponsors to support underprivileged students in our community during the holiday season. Last year, the program helped over 435 children and families in Brighton Area Schools, Howell Public Schools, and the Livingston ESA. There are two ways to support this excellent program: 1) by sponsoring a student or 2) by making a monetary donation to help provide gift cards for high school students. To sponsor a child, please visit https://bit.ly/3zUHOTq. To make a monetary donation, please visit https://bit.ly/3YjQTyv.
Great Start Livingston Speed Friending Event
The Great Start Livingston Family Coalition invites all Livingston County families raising children ages 0–8 to a special Speed Friending event on November 7. This fun and relaxed evening is designed to help parents connect, share parenting tips, and build a supportive community. The event will be held at the Livingston Educational Service Agency at 1425 W. Grand River Ave., Howell. The evening begins with a free dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by the main event from 6–7:45 p.m. Free childcare will be available. Don’t miss this opportunity to make new friends and expand your support network. Register here: https://bit.ly/November24FC.
Reminder: No School on Tuesday, November 5 & Late Start on Wednesday, November 6
Please remember there will be no school on Tuesday, November 5, as it is Election Day.
Additionally, please note that Wednesday, November 6, will be a late start day. Classes will begin at 10:20 a.m. Transportation will be provided, and approximate bus stop times can be found at https://bit.ly/3DDrgym. The goal of the late start days is to allow our staff more frequent professional development opportunities so they will be better equipped to serve our students.
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Counselor's Corner:
As we wrap up "Make a Plan" month in Howell, we want to encourage you to keep the conversation about college and career options alive at home! Here are a few simple ways to engage your child:
- Explore Interests: Ask your child about their favorite subjects or hobbies and discuss related careers. This helps them see the connection between their passions and future possibilities.
- Visit Local Colleges: If possible, plan a trip to a nearby college or vocational school. Experiencing the campus environment can spark excitement and curiosity.
- Share Your Journey: Talk about your own career path and the steps you took to get there. Personal stories can inspire your child and make these conversations more relatable.
- Set Goals Together: Help your child set small, achievable goals related to their interests, whether it’s a project or a skill they want to develop.
By keeping these discussions going, we can support our students in imagining their futures! As always, for support, resources, or a more personalized family plan, please reach out: [email protected]
Thanks!
Kristen Kinney
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Thanks to everyone who volunteered and attended our fabulous Trunk-or-Treat last Sunday!
It also featured the reveal of our classroom RAFFLE BASKETS!
Raffle Tickets are on sale now until November 9. To see baskets or purchase tickets for specific baskets, visit Hutchings Elementary Teacher Raffle Baskets.
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Nearly all Husky Hustle prizes have been awarded!
Top earners school-wide were "Roo Handlers for the Day" today!
Top earners in each class got to Silly String Mr. Malecki while he took his first ever ride on the Spinny Thing on the Playground! (Video on the PTO Facebook page!)
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November 7 - Parent Teacher Conferences
November 13 - November PTO Meeting at 6 pm, Hutchings Library
November 21 - Hutchings Night at Rollerama
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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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