Northwest Elementary School

Hutchings Herald

December 6, 2024

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

The Food Drive ended today, and I want to celebrate the generosity of the Hutchings’s community. I am sure our Student Council needs time to tally the final numbers, but I can confidently say we are providing much needed and appreciated contributions to Gleaners Food Bank. Thanks, and great job!

 

It was a warm autumn, but this week sent us some reminders that we’ve got a Michigan winter ahead. Here are some reminders for the next 3-4 months:

• As we approach winter break, look for communication from your classroom teacher for fun holiday events and spirit days. Please remember that Hutchings will be closed from Monday, December 23rd through Friday, January 3rd. School will start again on Monday, January 6th.
• Students will go outside two times daily if the temperature (factoring in windchill) is 10 degrees or warmer. Please plan to send cold weather clothing everyday until Spring Break! At minimum, we want students to have hats, gloves, coats and boots. While we occasionally have some items, we do NOT have the ability to outfit students everyday.
• If you are in need of winter clothing for your child, please let us know. We will work to secure necessary items for your students.
• One snow day call has already happened, and perhaps more will in the weeks ahead. Please ensure that your phone numbers and contacts are updated in our PowerSchool system. You can go online or give our office a call to change your contact information so you get information where you’ll see it. I’d hate to hear about waiting at a bus stop when you could have stayed in jammies!
• As winter illnesses and colds increase, please don’t forget to call the school office when your child is absent. We generally see increases in absences during the winter, but we appreciate your diligence in sending your child to school and prioritizing their education whenever they’re well. 

 

Finally, I want to take a moment to celebrate a well-deserved honor that a colleague just received. Mr. David Cherry is the principal at Challenger Elementary here in Howell. Every year, MEMSPA (Michigan Elementary and Middle Schools Principals Association) selects a Principal of the Year for the state of Michigan. This year, Mr. Cherry has been recognized as the Principal of the Year for Michigan. He is incredibly deserving of this honor. If you know Mr. Cherry, you likely have a sense of his incredible character. At Challenger Elementary, he effectively makes everyone feel like they belong. He gives selflessly to his community, even beyond his role as principal. I have no doubt that his impact has made Hutchings better, because that is truly the sphere of his influence. Congratulations Mr. Cherry!

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Join Us for an Informational Evening!

Discover how technology impacts mental health and learn strategies to promote digital well-being and healthy online habits during an informational evening on Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m. in the Highlander Way Middle School Media Center. This session will provide parents with tools to facilitate meaningful conversations with their students. Families are encouraged to bring students ages ten and up, though younger children are welcome to attend. Please note that childcare will not be provided. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4eZ6fOh.

 

December Celebrating Awareness Theme

As part of our new Celebrating Awareness program, during December we will focus on our shared Highlander identity that unites us while honoring individuality. Through visual and performing arts or writing, students are encouraged to celebrate their unique identities and how they contribute to a vibrant, united community. To learn how your child can participate in this optional program, please visit https://bit.ly/4eYpwza. Entries can be submitted to your child's school office or online at https://bit.ly/3OHeiEE. 

Counselor's Corner:

 

Helping Your Child Stay Calm During the Holidays

 

The holiday season can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for children with all the changes in routine, busy schedules, and new experiences. As parents, there are simple ways to help your child stay calm and enjoy the festivities.

• Maintain Routines: Try to keep regular bedtime and mealtime schedules as much as possible to provide structure and stability.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Let your child know what to expect during the holidays—whether it's travel plans, visitors, or events—so they can mentally prepare.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Encourage deep breathing, quiet time, or even a short walk to help them manage any stress.
• Limit Over-Scheduling: While it’s tempting to fit in as much as possible, remember that downtime is important for your child to recharge.
• Talk About Feelings: Take time to listen to your child’s emotions and offer reassurance. Acknowledge their feelings, whether it's excitement or anxiety. 

By following these tips, you can help your child feel more grounded and enjoy the holidays with less stress!

 

Please feel free to reach out with any questions - [email protected]

 

Kristen Kinney

School Counselor

Upcoming Dates

Roo Crew shirts are once again on sale, but only until Monday at 12:00 pm. You can get them here - Roo Crew Shirts!

Our PTO has it's December Meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 6 pm in the Hutchings Library.

 

To attend virtually, just use this Google Meet link.

PTO's Holiday Shop kicked off this week and will continue next week.

 

Each classroom has a dedicated time to shop. Classes that haven't shopped yet will either shop on December 9th or 12th, and students who were absent to shop will have an opportunity to shop on the 12th as well.

 

Please check with your classroom teacher if you have questions!

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075