Northwest Elementary School

Where Dreams Take Flight

Hutchings Herald

January 30, 2026

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

Sometimes it’s tricky to think about what to put in a Hutchings Herald newsletter. I know I often bring up things that happen annually or regularly, like a visit from Sensei or The First Five. I find it more enjoyable to look for inspiration during the week that is unique and try to weave it into a newsletter.

 

Today, I had inspiration: Our clocks aren't working properly! Throughout the school, clocks are an hour fast. None of us know why, and none of us know how to fix it. It’s not the biggest problem in the world and more important was a higher priority, but boy was it annoying. I’d look up at the clock knowing I had a meeting to attend, rush to the conference room, look at my phone only to realize I was an hour early. We wondered why first graders weren’t in specials yet only to remember they were still in their classrooms. Again - not the biggest problem in the world, but annoying.

 

It made me think about the things we depend on and how we build routines. I had the ability to check the time all day (with my phone), but still had this clock issue making my day incrementally more difficult. Fortunately it was minor, but I know and have seen how little minor annoyances can begin to pile up and suddenly I'm struggling in big ways.

 

Our staff knows how important routines are and works hard to build them into our students' lives. The more predictable the school day is, the better it is for our staff and students. As great as the holiday break and snow days have been, it can make things difficult for our routines at Hutchings and at home. I've loved the extra time with my family that the long break and snow days provide. I also want to acknowledge how it may have made things more difficult. I'm sure that you've had to adjust on some mornings to keep things working for your family. Thank you for your effort.

 

 

Looking ahead, it looks like next week we won't have the deep cold we've had recently. When the 'real feel' is below 10 degrees, we keep students indoors as a district. The weather has been so unpredictable, but if it's steadier next week, we will be back to playing outside more frequently. It will still be winter, so please make sure your students are ready to play outside for some predictable winter fun. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Begindergarten and Kindergarten Registration

Begindergarten and kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open at HowellSchools.com/KDG. The webpage includes an Enrollment Guide with program details and helpful resources for families preparing their future Highlanders for school. Incoming begindergarten and kindergarten families are encouraged to mark their calendars for the Meet and Greet on March 10, 2026, when elementary schools will welcome new families to meet staff, tour the school, and connect with teachers.

 

The application window is also open for next year’s kindergarten class in Academia Bilingüe at Three Fires Elementary, the district’s Spanish immersion program. Students learn academic content in Spanish with the goal of fluency in both English and Spanish by fifth grade. Families can learn more by attending a parent night on Tuesday, February 10, at 6 p.m., at Three Fires Elementary or by visiting HowellSchools.com/DualLanguage.

 

Youth Solutions Select Survey

As part of Howell Public Schools’ ongoing commitment to preparing future-ready students, the Highlander College and Career Council and Youth Solutions Select will administer a brief survey to fourth- and fifth-grade students at each elementary school in early February. Families may review the student survey questions at https://bit.ly/3ZdgOaG. If you prefer that your child not participate, please complete the opt-out form by Wednesday, February 4, at https://bit.ly/4hwljUU. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to complete a family survey by Friday, February 6. The survey is anonymous, and your feedback will help guide future programs and opportunities for students. The family survey is available at https://bit.ly/45fYDoq.

 

GooLagoon with SpongeBob and Friends

Families are invited to make a splash at GooLagoon with SpongeBob and Friends, a fun-filled community event happening Saturday, February 7, from 9–11 a.m. at Parker Middle School. Students and families can enjoy a morning of crafts, games, snacks, and opportunities to meet SpongeBob and friends. It’s a great chance to bring friends, have fun together, and enjoy a special themed experience. The cost to attend is $20 per child, payable online at https://bit.ly/4rnszHL or at the door. All proceeds support Parker Middle School’s production of SpongeBob the Musical. 

 

Hope Squad Dances

Howell High School’s Hope Squad will once again host its popular Mother–Son and Daddy–Daughter Dances next month. This year’s theme, “The Greatest Dance on Earth,” will feature an evening of dancing, crafts, desserts, and circus performers. Proceeds support Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health awareness program that empowers students to support one another. Families are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as last year’s dances sold out quickly. Learn more and find additional details at https://bit.ly/3YsdXdV

 

Teacher and Support Person of the Year Award Nominations

Howell Public Schools is currently accepting nominations for the district’s Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of our outstanding staff members, who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, February 6, at 4 p.m. To read more about the awards or to submit a nomination, please visit https://bit.ly/4jw1sHV.

 

Annual Community Connect is Set for Saturday, February 7

Save the date for the annual Community Connect event at 2 | 42 Community Church on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event brings together more than 50 local organizations to offer resources, services, and information. Attendees can receive free items, including laundry detergent, coats, hats, gloves, personal care items, boxed lunches, blankets, food, socks, and diapers. Complimentary services include attorney consultations, health screenings, haircuts, immunizations, hearing care, and more. The Secretary of State Mobile Office will also be on-site to assist with select services. To learn more about the event, please visit https://bit.ly/4jHWQhT. 

Upcoming Dates

Swim/Pool Competition:

 

The Highlander Aquatics and Fitness Center is inviting Huskies to Open Swims in a competition to see which school can be the most active this winter!

 

And on February 6, from 4:30 - 6 pm, it's a dedicated Hutchings Open Swim Night!

PTO Meeting:

 

Our next PTO Meeting is at 6 pm in the Hutchings library on February 9! 

 

The plan is always to have high school students available to watch kids for busy parents who want to attend. We'd love to have you help make great plans for Hutchings!

Donuts for Grown-Ups:

 

Two upcoming Donuts for Grown-Ups events!

 

Students with last names A-L have their event on February 12 from 8 - 8:30

 

Students with last names M-Z have their event on February 25 from 8 - 8:30 am

 

PTO needs to know how many donuts to purchase! Please RSVP HERE.

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075