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 six-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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Pathways to Future Ready is Tuesday, January 20
Families with children ages three to five are invited to attend Pathways to Future Ready, Howell Public Schools early learning information night, on Tuesday, January 20, at 6 p.m. at the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. During the event, families will explore the district’s early learning opportunities, including three-year-old preschool, Pre-K for All (four-year-old preschool), Begindergarten, Kindergarten, and Academia Bilingüe, Howell’s Spanish Immersion program. This evening will provide a valuable opportunity to learn more about each program, ask questions, and determine the best fit for your child before registration opens. To learn more, please visit https://bit.ly/491lg0J. We hope you’ll join us on January 20.
Teacher and Support Person of the Year Award Nominations
Howell Public Schools is currently accepting nominations for the district’s Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year Awards. These awards celebrate the dedication and hard work of our outstanding staff members, who make a difference in the lives of our students every day. The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, February 6, at 4 p.m. To read more about the awards or to submit a nomination, please visit https://bit.ly/4jw1sHV.
Hope Squad Dances
Howell High School’s Hope Squad will once again host its popular Mother–Son and Daddy–Daughter Dances next month. This year’s theme, “The Greatest Dance on Earth,” promises a fun-filled evening featuring dancing, crafts, desserts, and circus performers. Proceeds from the event will support the important work of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental health awareness program that empowers students to support one another. Families are encouraged to purchase tickets early, as last year’s dances sold out quickly. To learn more about Hope Squad and to find additional details about the dances, visit https://bit.ly/3YsdXdV.
Youth Solutions Select Survey
As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to preparing future-ready students, and through a partnership with the Highlander College and Career Council and Youth Solutions Select, a nonprofit organization focused on building sustainable career development programs, Howell Public Schools will administer a brief survey to students in fourth and fifth grade at each elementary school in early February. Families may review the student survey questions at https://bit.ly/3ZdgOaG. If you prefer that your child not participate, please complete the opt-out form by Wednesday, February 4, at https://bit.ly/4hwljUU
In addition, we encourage all parents and guardians to complete a family survey by Friday, February 6. This survey is anonymous, and your feedback will help guide future programs and opportunities for students. The family survey can be accessed at https://bit.ly/45fYDoq.
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Counselors Corner
Finding a Healthy Balance with Screens
After winter break, many families notice that screen time has naturally increased. While technology can be fun and useful, too much screen time can sometimes affect children’s sleep, mood, and ability to focus - especially for elementary-aged students.
Rather than eliminating screens altogether, we encourage families to think about balance. Creating screen-free times during the day (such as before bedtime, during meals, or right after school) can help children reconnect with routines, family conversations, and play.
Simple activities like reading together, playing a board game, drawing, or spending time outdoors - even in short bursts - can make a big difference. Small changes can support big benefits for children’s learning, emotional well-being, and overall health.