Challenger Families,
Please see this letter from our Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Elson Liu. This letter is in regards to our new language arts curriculum in all Howell elementary schools. At Challenger, we are excited for this new opportunity to support our students. It will not come without challenges and possible hiccups, but we are committed to implementing this new program with fidelity. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Mr. Cherry
Dear Families,
This school year, Howell Public Schools is excited to launch a new English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. After a careful review process that included feedback from teachers, pilot testing, and curriculum research, the district has selected Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) as the new ELA program for all elementary classrooms.
CKLA is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that helps students build strong reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. What sets CKLA apart is how it combines the building blocks of reading, like phonics and vocabulary, with engaging lessons and stories that also introduce important topics from science and social studies. This approach not only strengthens reading skills but also supports students’ curiosity about the world around them.
As part of our commitment to transparency, your teacher will send home caregiver letters throughout the school year that come with the program. You may notice some references to previous years’ content; this is the first year of our implementation, so some of those references may not apply.
Why the Change?
Research has shown that CKLA will:
- Support all learners with structured, evidence-based instruction.
- Build stronger readers by connecting reading skills across multiple content areas.
- Encourage curiosity and deeper learning across subjects.
We are committed to supporting your child as they grow into a skilled, curious, and knowledgeable reader, building a strong academic foundation to become future ready. Thank you for your partnership in your child’s education; family involvement plays a vital role in a child’s success.
Sincerely,
Elson Liu
Executive Director of Instructional Services.
Howell Public School
Here is a PDF of the letter:
http://bit.ly/4p7lGtP
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Howell Jr. Highlanders Basketball Tryouts
The Howell Jr. Highlanders competitive youth basketball program will hold tryouts for the 2025–26 season on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28, at Parker Middle School. The program is open to students in grades 4–8 who attend Howell Public Schools or live within the district. Players should bring a completed registration form, the $5 tryout fee (cash or check), an appropriately sized basketball, a water bottle, and a jersey or shirt with a number (if available). Players will be informed immediately following tryouts if they have made a team.
To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/41rWYu4. The Howell Jr. Highlanders Basketball program is affiliated with the Howell Athletic Department.
Registration Now Open for the 2025 Howell Archery Fall Club
The Archery Club is open to all Howell students in grades 4–12. No experience is needed, and all equipment will be provided. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the National Archery in the Schools Program and the Howell Archery program. During the final week of the club, tryouts will be held for a spot on the Howell Archery Team; however, participation in the club is not required to participate in the tryouts. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/4n7dk3q.
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Fall Picture Day is Quickly Approaching!
Picture Day is coming on Wednesday, September 17!
You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTGHCRMF. Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping!
Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day. Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com .
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Howell Public Schools is committed to helping every student become “Future Ready for college, careers, and life.” This year, our newsletters will 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.
BUILDING FRIENDSHIP SKILLS AT HOME
Friendship is an important part of your child’s school experience—and an essential life skill! You can help your child grow their social confidence by practicing simple strategies at home, like making eye contact, introducing themselves, or asking a classmate to play. Talk about what it means to be a good friend: listening, sharing, and being kind. These small conversations and role-plays at home can go a long way in helping your child build strong, healthy friendships and feel more connected at school.