Challenger Families,
First and foremost, I am again blown away by the generosity of our Challenger community. This year’s canned food drive was extremely successful. We collected approximately 1,900 items! On behalf of Gleaners Food Bank, I want to thank you for your contributions and continued support! Great job, Challenger Champions!
As we all know, the snow is falling in Michigan and we are headed for another winter of snow, ice, and cold. Just a few reminders as we head into the next 3-4 months:
- Students will go outside two times per day if the temperature (including windchill) is 10 degrees or warmer. Please plan to send cold weather clothing from now...until pretty much spring break! Students should have at a minimum; hats, gloves, coats and boots. We have a few items in the office, but not enough to outfit students each day.
- If you are in need of winter clothing for your child, please let the office know. Our "Pathways to Potential" staff member, Nick Stodgell, will work with you to secure these items for your children. He is a great resource for many needs such as this!
- Snow day calls are on the horizon, please ensure that your phone numbers and contacts are updated in Powerschool. You can go online or give our office a quick call to change information. Nothing is worse than heading to the bus stop to realize you could have still been in bed!
- As winter illnesses and colds are increasing, please don't forget to call the school office if your child will not be in attendance. With that said, we generally see absences increase during the winter months. Please continue to be diligent with sending your child to school unless they are truly sick. We appreciate your support!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Cherry
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Livingston County Health Department is providing Hearing Screening on 12/12, 12/13 & 1/9/24 for Grades BK, K, 2, and 4. Also screened are last-year follow-ups and parent/teacher requests.
Please call the school and provide your child’s name and teacher if:
• You do not want your child screened.
• Your child has hearing aids but cannot remove/replace themselves.
• You have a concern for your child and your child is not in above grades.
(Technicians will accept parent/teacher requests on the first day of screening.)
Please call the Health Department at (517) 546-9850 and ask for the Hearing & Vision Coordinator if:
• Your child has a programmable shunt or any implanted medical device (child should not be screened due to magnets in audiometer headphones).
• You have questions regarding Hearing Screening.
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Family Educational Series on School Avoidance
On Thursday, December 14, from 6 to 7 p.m., Howell Public Schools is offering an insightful session on school avoidance as part of its monthly family educational series. This webinar will explore common causes and offer strategies to address this challenge. Attend in person at the Howell High School Freshman Campus Media Center, with refreshments and child care available (register at https://bit.ly/3QXLWGL) or join online at https://cookcenter.info/Dec14Livingston. Take advantage of this opportunity to support your child's educational journey!
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, December 21, 2023
On Thursday, December 21, Gleaners Food Bank will have a Mobile Food Pantry in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The Mobile Food Pantry will be open from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile Food Pantry. A family of 4 receives about 40-45 pounds of food. A Family of 5 or more receives double the amount. Each portion comprises fresh produce, milk, meat, and shelf-stable items. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
District Holiday Card Art Contest
Each year, Superintendent MacGregor selects holiday-themed artwork created by a student to be featured on the district's holiday card. Students from begindergarten through fifth grade are invited to showcase their creativity by submitting an original holiday design for the card. With your help and permission, students should send their artwork to communications@howellschools.com by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email.
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Counselor's Corner
Some Tips for Having a More Peaceful Holiday Break
As you gear up for the holidays, here are some helpful things to keep in mind!
Most kids are excited about having time away from school and the freedom to do as they please! What they don't know, however, is that their brain actually craves structure. Maintaining a predictable schedule and routine (like knowing what is coming next and what is expected of them) helps kids feel emotionally and physically safe, and will improve behavior at home.
Here are seven other suggestions for a great time at home this holiday.
Make time for physical activity every day. Creating some unstructured time for kids to run around, be noisy, and work off energy will decrease crankiness, boredom, and bad behavior throughout the day.
Keep an eye on sugar. Don’t take all the treats out of the holidays, but remember that sugar can make it hard for kids to regulate their behavior and often results in mood crashes and emotional meltdowns.
Remember others in need. Most communities, schools, and churches have activities around the holidays in which kids and families can help others. These activities help children develop a sense of community, responsibility, and value.
Get rest. Sure, you may not need to keep them to their usual 8:00 pm bedtime for the entire break, but try to make sure your kids get adequate sleep (9-11 hours). This will help avoid exhaustion-induced meltdowns and it will help them (you) transition better back into their school routine when the holidays are over.
Practice mindfulness. It’s easy to get swept away by the inertia of the holidays. Take time to be quiet and close.
Take care of yourself. If you’re stressed out, it will very likely pass on to your kids. It’s ok not to be perfect. It’s ok to say no to some invitations, projects, outings, or decorating extravaganzas. Choose to put your heart into doing the things you and your family really enjoy.
Most importantly - enjoy this well-deserved time with your family.