Dear Challenger Families,
As you have heard and seen, January is School Board Appreciation Month! I just wanted to extend my sincere thanks to our amazing Howell Board of Education. On behalf of Challenger Elementary, we THANK YOU!
The Board of Education is composed of seven local citizens, each elected to a four-year term of office. Formally, the board of education is the policy-making body of the school district. However, these individuals do and provide so much for our students and our community. They spend countless hours advocating for and supporting our schools.
We have to give a special shout out to Mrs. Crystal Zurek - Crystal was elected to the board and is a Challenger parent. Thank you, Mrs. Zurek, for your selfless service to our school and community!
If you are interested in learning more about the Howell Board of Education, here is a link to the board of education page, which includes the meeting schedule, video links, and minutes to previous board meetings.
Yours in Education,
David Cherry
Principal
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Community Connect 2024 is Coming Soon
Don't miss Community Connect 2024 on Saturday, February 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2|42 Community Church in Brighton at 7526 Grand River Ave. for a day of community services, connection, and freebies! This event is open to everyone and will feature 50+ exhibitors offering everything from basic need info to personal care items and services like health screenings and haircuts. There will be fantastic giveaways like laundry detergent, winter gear, and more! Mark your calendars and spread the word! To learn more, please click here.
The next Family Educational Series Webinar is February 8
Our next monthly family educational series session is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This month's session will focus on Building your child's confidence. The session will equip families with strategies that foster a growth mindset and resilience. To learn more about this session, please visit https://bit.ly/3O4dNEI. This month, there will not be an in-person viewing option. We hope you will join us for this valuable learning experience.
Shrek's Swamp Party
Join the cast of Parker Middle School's spring musical Shrek for Shrek's Swamp Party on Sunday, January 28, from 3-5 p.m. at Parker Middle School. You can meet Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona at the Swamp Party and enjoy games, crafts, snacks, and more. Tickets are $15 per child. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3HoRF41.
Dance the Night Away at the Hope Squad's Daddy Daughter Dance
Howell Public Schools Hope Squad is excited to be hosting its inaugural Daddy Daughter Dance! This event will be hosted at Voyager Elementary School on Saturday, February 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. Please join us for A Night in Candyland, where there will be dancing, refreshments, crafts, and much more! To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/3vPAF4j. All proceeds from this event will go to the Hope Squad and will allow them to continue advocating for mental health support in our school and community.
Begindergarten and Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year
Begindergarten and kindergarten registration for the 2024-2025 school year will open. All registrations will be done online at HowellSchools.com/KDG. On Thursday, March 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., each elementary school will host a Begindergarten and Kindergarten Information Night. At this event, families will learn about the school, meet the principal and begindergarten and kindergarten teachers, and tour the school.
The district is also accepting applications for the kindergarten classroom of Academia Bilingüe, its Spanish immersion program. In Academia Bilingüe, students will learn the same coursework as in other classrooms in the district but in Spanish. By the end of elementary school, students will be proficient in both English and Spanish. The application window for a spot in the kindergarten classroom for the 2024-2025 school year will run through Friday, March 22. To learn more about Academia Bilingüe, please visit HowellSchools.com/DualLanguage. There will also be a parent night on Wednesday, February 21, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Three Fires Elementary for families to learn more about Academia Bilingüe.
Summer EBT is Coming to Michigan
The State of Michigan will participate in the Summer EBT program this year. Through the program, qualifying families will receive up to $40 per month ($120 for the summer) for each child in their family. Families must complete a Free and Reduce Price Meal application to be eligible. The state will use those applications to determine eligibility for the program. Even if you do not think your family would qualify, I would encourage you to complete the application, which can be found at https://bit.ly/2z6nDlP. You do not need to complete another one if you have already completed a Free and Reduce Price Meal application for this school year. Applications must be submitted by February 10 to ensure they are processed on time.
Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Nomination Window is Now Open
The nomination window for the Howell Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year awards is now open. Each year, Howell Public Schools recognizes an outstanding teacher and support staff member through these awards. Individuals associated with Howell Public Schools (students, parents, employees, and community members) are invited to submit award nominations. You can read more about both awards and submit nominations at https://bit.ly/3SyS0Yx. The nomination deadline is Friday, February 9, at 4 p.m.
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Counselor Connect
Parents often ask for tips on how to improve their children’s focus. Being able to engage, focus, and maintain attention is “what connects us to others, defines our experiences, deepens our curiosity, and determines what we tune in to see” (taken from Dr. Michele Borba’s book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine). Here are some “attention robbers” -- things that can stand in the way of our kids and their ability to focus -- and what to do to fix the problem (hint: think FOCUS):
F = FOOD
Minimize caffeinated or energy drinks and food with high sugar content.
O = OVERSCHEDULED
Cutting just one activity can free time for kids to recharge.
C = COMPUTERS AND SCREENS
Electronic screens and bright lights can delay the release of melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep. Turn digital devices off at least 30 minutes before bed.
U = UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Too high of expectations create stress and reduce focus. Too low of expectations make kids feel that “anyone could.” Aim expectations slightly above your kid’s performance level to strengthen focus and boost success odds.
S = SLEEP DEPRIVATION
Inconsistent sleep routines (including on the weekends), as well as noise, heat, cold, light conditions, and electronics can rob sleep. Stick to routines.
As always, reach out to your school counselor for more information or a more personalized family plan. This excerpt was taken from Dr. Michele Borba’s book Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.