I can't believe we already thinking about the 2018-19 school year. This year has been a phenomenal experience that has surely been a year of growth for your child, academically, socially, and emotionally. Much of the growth can be attributed to your child's teacher. It is not by accident that your student has been placed in their teacher's classroom. We have processes in place to ensure we have the best possible fit for your child. To make sure we consider all factors, we ask for parent input about their child.
The Howell elementary schools have adopted a process that allows parents to provide the school information about their child that will assist in the placement of the child through the use of Placement Consideration Forms (PCF’s). The form asks that you describe the educational setting, (academics, behavioral and physical), that you would like to have for your child without naming a particular teacher. We do not accept specific teacher requests. The form is currently available in Challenger's office,and will be accepted through Friday, April 27th, 2018. We will use this information along with teacher input to make sure next year will be another great year of learning.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Mr. Cherry
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2018 State of the District
On Tuesday, April 24 at 6 p.m. Superintendent MacGregor will present the 2018 State of the District Address. This year the event will be held in the Three Fires Elementary media center. During the event, Mr. MacGregor will share updates on enrollment, the budget, current initiatives, and future plans. Three Fires Elementary is located at 4125 Crooked Lake Road.
Pinwheels for Prevention
Once again, every public school in Livingston County will be participating in LACASA’s Child Abuse Prevention Council’s annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. When you visit our school, you may notice a garden of bright blue and silver pinwheels. Prevent Child Abuse America uses the pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention.
The Livingston County Departments of Public Health, Human Services and Community Mental Health, the Howell Carnegie Library, McDonald’s restaurants, Biggby Coffee and various schools and municipalities have joined in hosting gardens to remind community members of the role we all play in keeping kids safe. This year, there will be a total of 60 pinwheel gardens on display across the county in April.
Last Day of School Moved to June 14
As Superintendent MacGregor shared in a previous edition of MacGregor’s Message, due to the extreme winter we had, the district has exceeded its allowed inclement weather days. As such, there is a need to make up one school day. To make-up this day, the district has added an additional day to the school year. The last day of school will now be Thursday, June 14.
Third Quarter Report Cards Now in PoweSchool
Report cards for the third quarter are now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you have not yet set up your PowerSchool Parent Account, please visit https://goo.gl/CuCq4k. If you would like to receive a paper copy of your child’s report card, please contact their school’s main office.
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Testing Season is Here!
State testing for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students is upon us and, naturally, we may notice some changes in their moods and behaviors. The familiar schedule they are used to will be adjusted, they are receiving formal instructions with lots of directives, and there is a natural nervousness that all people feel before an examination.
Test anxiety, or performance anxiety, occurs when we anticipate something stressful. It can affect the body (headache, increased heartbeat, butterflies in the tummy) and the mind (lack of focus, increased irritability, feelings of helplessness).
Whatever it is for your child, here are some tips and strategies for helping your child manage the feelings that may accompany testing season!
Maintain a positive attitude. Remind your child that his/her self worth is not hinging on this test. This test is just one small part of their total school experience.
Practice relaxation techniques. Practice taking deep breaths and consciously relaxing your muscles, one at a time. Identify one or two simple stretches that calm their body and mind.
Stay healthy. As always, get plenty of rest (9-11 hours is recommended for school-aged children), eat the rainbow (healthy, colorful foods), and encourage at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day (if your child or children don't have a full 60-minute activity break each day, try to provide at least two 30-minute periods or four 15-minute periods in which they can engage in vigorous activities appropriate to their age, gender, and stage of physical and emotional development).
Eat breakfast. Studies show that kids who eat breakfast have an easier time focusing and performing in school. There are plenty of traditional options, like whole-grain cereal with milk or a yogurt and granola parfait. You can also challenge your child to create some fun breakfast options (like a “banana bun”: banana, peanut butter, granola, and raisins in a whole-grain bun).
For more insight or support, or to create a more personalized plan, please reach out!
Kim Martin
School Counselor