Dear Hutchings Community,
Good afternoon! I hope you had a lovely Spring Break!
If you haven’t heard, your students came back and found the school transformed into Perchance, the fictional village from Willodeen, which is this year’s pick for One Book, One School. Take a look! I added some pictures at the bottom so you could see for yourself!
Thanks to the staff members who transformed school over Spring Break, who coordinate the acquisition and distribution of books, and who generate all the activities on the horizon! Our OBOS Committee loves reading and loves Hutchings, and we’re all the better for it.
Books were distributed earlier this week, so that each family could read along with Willodeen. If you’re wondering how to make it fit with a packed spring schedule, don’t forget all the resources we’ve compiled. Staff members did a complete read-through of the book, and you can access it here: Hutchings Willodeen Staff Readers.
Our team also created a OBOS Calendar that can help you pace out your reading! It includes our Willodeen inspired Spirit Days, too, which are:
- Wild Hair Day - April 10
- Inventors Day - April 17
- Camouflage Creatures Day - April 24
- Kindness Day - May 1
- Eco-Hero Day - May 8
Descriptions of each of these days are built right into the calendar.
This would be a great weekend to catch up with us. And as I said before, we LOVE reading and want to always encourage you to send your student as many strong, positive messages about reading at home as you can. Whether Willodeen or anything else, you are the most important reader in your student’s eyes. By turning off technology and dedicating time to reading yourself, reading with you kid, or visiting the library, you’re going to send those messages!
Thanks! Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Ben Malecki
Principal
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District Updates:
Highlander Virtual Enrollment for the 2025-26 School Year
As we enter the final quarter of the school year, Howell Public Schools is actively planning for the 2025–2026 school year, including staffing our in-person buildings and Highlander Virtual. As part of this process, the enrollment window for Highlander Virtual is now open for students in grades 6–12. Highlander Virtual students learn from home through Schoology while remaining connected to Howell teachers and having access to social and emotional support, sports, performing arts, and clubs. Families wishing to enroll their child in Highlander Virtual for the first time or those who would like their child to remain in the program for the 2025–2026 school year must complete the Highlander Virtual Application and Consent Form by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025. If you have any questions about the program, please get in touch with Brooklyn Gehringer, Highlander Virtual administrator, at [email protected].
Help Guide Our Health Education Curriculum – Parent Survey Now Open
Every three years, Howell Public Schools seeks input from parents and guardians to help review and guide the district’s sex education and reproductive health education program. As part of this process, the district’s Sex Education Advisory Board is inviting parents to complete a brief survey to ensure the program continues to meet the needs of our students. Please note that this survey is intended for parents and guardians only and is not being administered to students. We value your feedback and encourage you to share your thoughts by completing the survey by Sunday, April 14. Thank you for your support and partnership. You can complete the survey at https://bit.ly/3FN6P5x.
April Celebrating Awareness Themes
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.
Highlander Robotics Open House – April 28
Come explore the world of robotics at the Highlander Robotics Open House on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Parker Commons! Families and students in grades K-12 are invited to see our robotics programs in action, with robots on display and team members available to answer questions. Interest forms will also be available for those who want to learn more about joining a team.
April Mental Health Resources
The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) has partnered with ParentGuidance.org to offer free mental wellness resources for families in Livingston County. Parents can access on-demand courses, self-help tools, and a personal parenting coach for up to 30 minutes per week at no cost. Our Mental Wellness Resources webpage now features the April webinar calendar, including the Ask a Therapist Live event on Wednesday, April 16, where families can receive real-time advice from a licensed therapist. To explore ParentGuidance.org and see how it can support your family, visit https://bit.ly/3AexYvV.
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Considering Placement for the 2025-26 School Year:
Can you believe we are already preparing for the 2025-2026 school year? At this time of year, we begin to consider teacher grade level placement as well as student placement in individual classes. All Howell elementary schools use a process that allows parents to provide the school information about their child that will assist in the placement of their child through the use of a Placement Consideration Form (PCF). The form asks that you describe the educational setting, (academics, behavioral and physical) that you would like to have for your children without naming a particular teacher. It is important to be as detailed as possible stating the type of classroom environment that would most benefit your child. Example: structured, relaxed, hands-on, challenging, quiet, teacher-directed, etc. Please note: When a specific teacher name is written on the form, the form will not be accepted or considered.
To complete a PCF for your student, use the form here: Hutchings PCF (2025-26)
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Hutchings Concerts are coming up! Please note the date and time for your student!
- BK/KDG - April 10 at 5:30 pm
- 1st grade - April 10 at 6:30 pm
- 2nd grade - April 24 at 5:30 pm
- 3rd grade - April 24 at 6:30 pm
- 4th grade - May 8 at 6 pm
- 5th grade - May 8 at 7 pm
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PTO cordially invites you to"Donuts with Grownups" next Wednesday, April 9th from 8 - 8:30 am. It's a chance to connect over a donut before the school day!
This is the first time we've had this event, and PTO wants to make sure it stocks up on enough donuts. If you think you'll attend, please let them know who's coming HERE.
Also, our next PTO Meeting is Tuesday, April 8th at 6 pm. We hope you can attend
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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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