Challenger Families-
I hope this newsletter finds you well. I can't believe this is the last "official" Challenger Chronicle we will send to you this year. The year has flown by so fast, but it has been an incredible year of growth and fun.
I just want to take a moment to thank our entire Challenger Community for working together to support our students. Our Challenger staff, district staff, families, PTO, and students should all be proud of the work we have done since the beginning of August. At times it has been difficult, tiring, and frustrating, but I can say that it has also been a huge success. As we prepare for 5th grade graduation on the last day of school, I know that I will be proud of another group of successful Challenger Champions ready to take on a new chapter.
I hope you all take some time this summer to make memories with your families and find some time to relax as another busy year is just around the corner. Just a reminder that the Challenger office will be open through June 14th. We will be reopening in early August. Look for information to come out after August 1st. I will be available by email over the summer, but may not respond immediately.
If I do not see you before June 1st, have an amazing summer!
Mr. Cherry
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Howell Public Schools Family Perception Survey
Each year the district conducts a Family Perception Survey. The responses from the survey help the district evaluate its current practices and identify its strengths and areas for improvement. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Family Perception Survey by Friday, June 2, at 5:00 p.m. You can access the survey at https://bit.ly/3VUXTPJ.
Food Service Account Balances
As the school year winds, please check your child's school meal account to ensure all overdue balances are paid. Payments can be made through the Meal Magic Family Portal by sending in payment with your child or mailed to the Howell Public Schools Food Service Department at 1200 W. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843.
Howell Athletics Summer Sports Camps
Brochures for the Howell Athletics Summer Sports Camps are now available on the athletics page of the Howell Public Schools website or by clicking here. Registration for all camps is now open and must be completed online. The registration link can also be found on the athletics page of the Howell Public Schools website or by clicking here.
Summer Lunch Bunch
The Salvation Army will host its Summer Lunch Bunch at locations across our district and county starting June 12. 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/3W0lb6U.
Kids Read Now Summer Program
We are thrilled that Howell Public Schools is partnering with Kids Read Now again this summer to help maintain reading skills. Kids Read Now (KRN) is a non-profit summer reading program that keeps children reading all summer. Each child in grades BK-4 will select new books and have them mailed directly to the home completely FREE. Each book includes suggested learning activities to help build reading skills and the organization contacts families weekly via phone, text, or email with reminders and motivational messages. Your child's teacher will help your child choose eight books. The first book and KRN Parent Guide will be mailed to your home sometime in June. The remaining seven books, plus a bonus ninth writing book, will be sent to your home over the summer.
Kids Read Now is recommended by the State of Michigan Literacy Coaches Network as a research-informed program and is used successfully by peer districts in Livingston County.
Register for Preschool
Register your preschooler for the 2023/2024 school year with LESA Head Start and Great Start Readiness Programs. Please see the attached flyer for more information. 2023/2024 Preschool Information
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Counselor's Corner
There are a lot of theories circulating about why we are seeing an increase in “big” behaviors in children, as well as striking numbers of kids being diagnosed with things like ADHD.
One theory, of many, is directly related to screen time.
A study from the University of Alberta found that children who spend two hours or more with a screen (per day) displayed significantly stronger tendencies to act out and show oppositional behavior.
One small recommendation is to make screen time a special occasion and not a daily default. This can be difficult to do, but not impossible.
Many guidelines suggest that, within a 24 hour span, the average child should receive at least 3 hours of physical activity, spend no more than an hour in front of a screen, and get between 10 and 13 hours of sleep.
Just something to think about if you find yourself struggling with big behaviors at home! As always, for more support or a more personalized plan, please reach out:
Aubry Wilson
[email protected]