Northwest Elementary School

Where Dreams Take Flight

Hutchings Herald

May 15, 2026

Dear Hutchings Community,

 

It's unbelievable that we're two weeks from the end of this school year! The weather is getting nicer, and it's hard to focus on writing the Herald when I just want to get outside.

 

And getting outside is on the horizon! One of the big events coming soon for all of our students is Field Day. You may have already had this information shared, but please review the "Field Day Info for Parents" before the week and talk with your Husky about what to expect. Field Day is tons of fun, but it can also be exhausting for students - even emotional. All of the fun activities we have can bring out our Huskies' competitive nature. Please have lots of conversations about being a good sport, taking turns, cheering on all classmates, and the overall purpose of the day.

 

One really specific field day request was to wear a class or grade level shirt (you can find out more about that in the linked document). This will help us know where students are and keep the event organized and safe. Thank you for doing whatever you can to remember to wear the color our organizers have assigned.

 

And finally, I want to once again thank everyone for understanding that Field Day is not a spectator event. We have a great team of volunteers and appreciate all of you who donated, but the safety and security of our staff and students is the highest priority which necessitated this decision. Feel free to reach out if you have questions. 

 

Have a wonderful weekend! Please do something fun outdoors!

 

Sincerely, 

 

Ben Malecki

Principal

District Updates:

 

Join our Team as a Paraprofessional

Howell Public Schools is hosting open interviews for Special Education Paraprofessionals on Tuesday, June 9, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and Wednesday, June 10, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. Interviews will be held in the Edinburgh Room of the district's administrative offices at 411 N. Highlander Way in Howell. We are looking for caring, compassionate individuals who are passionate about supporting students and making a difference each day. Positions are available at the elementary and middle school levels, with starting pay of $16.56 per hour, paid time off, and a school-calendar-aligned schedule. Applicants should bring a resume. Learn more please visit https://bit.ly/3PGNnwF. 

 

Take Our Company Car for a Test Drive on May 30

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive one of the most recognizable vehicles in the community, a school bus? Join Howell Public Schools at the Livingston RTC Bus Driver Try-It-Out Day on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hartland Consolidated Schools Transportation Department, located at 9525 East Highland Road, to learn about a rewarding career as a school bus driver and experience what it’s like to get behind the wheel in a safe, guided environment. No experience or CDL is required to participate. At Howell Public Schools school bus drivers play an important role in supporting students and families every day. With flexible schedules, paid training, and meaningful work, becoming a bus driver can be an excellent opportunity for parents, retirees, or anyone looking for a career with purpose. Learn more at BeABusDriver.org.

 

Summer Lunch Bunch Starts June 1

The Salvation Army will host its Summer Lunch Bunch at locations across our district and county starting June 1. The Summer Lunch Bunch provides an essential source of meals during the summer months. To view this year's Summer Lunch Bunch flyer with all the stops listed, please visit https://bit.ly/4dHjgOS. 

Counselor's Corner:

 

Howell Public Schools is committed to helping every student become "Future Ready" for college, careers, and life. This year, our newsletters feature quick, plug-and-play tips you can use at home to support your child in building the skills they need for a successful future.

 

The Power of Boredom: Why Unstructured Play Matters

 

As summer approaches, children often look forward to having more free time - and with that sometimes comes the familiar phrase: "I'm bored!" While boredom can feel uncomfortable at first, it can actually be an important opportunity for creativity, problem-solving, independence, and self-confidence to grow.

 

When children are not constantly entertained or scheduled, their brains begin to explore, imagine, create, and invent.

 

Here are some simple ways families can encourage healthy, unstructured play this summer:

• Leave some blank space in the day: Children do not need every minute planned. Downtime helps build creativity and independence.
• Resist solving boredom immediately: Instead of jumping in with ideas, try responding with, "I wonder what you might come up with"
• Keep simple materials available: Boxes, art supplies, sidewalk chalk, LEGO, blankets, books, nature items, and dress-up clothes might be all that's required for imaginative play
• Encourage outdoor exploration: Free play outside helps children build confidence, cooperation, curiosity, and problem-solving skills
• Limit passive screen time when possible: Children are more likely to engage in creative play when they have opportunities to unplug

Thank you for partnering with us as we help students build the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond!

 

Kristen Kinney

Classroom Consideration Form

Our staff is begin to plan for next school year. We'd love your input, too. Consider taking a moment to let us know about your Husky as a learner, and let us know what environment suits their needs from your parent perspective. 

 

Please remember that this is not an opportunity to request specific teachers, as there is no guarantee that teams will be the exact same next school year. Any forms with specific teacher requests will not be considered.

 

2026-27 Hutchings Classroom Consideration Form

Hutchings Elementary School

3503 Bigelow Rd., Howell, MI 48855

Phone 517.540.8081 | Fax 517.234.6075