Challenger Families,
Families today are navigating something many of us think about every day, which is how to help children grow up healthy, confident, and safe while living in an increasingly digital world. The 2nd Annual Livingston County Parent Summit and Wellness Fair, presented by Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA), is a free community event created to support parents and caregivers with practical ideas, helpful resources, and meaningful conversations about technology, communication, and overall student well-being. This year’s theme, “Tech, Talk, and Well-Being: Finding Balance in a Digital World,” focuses on helping families find realistic ways to support children in today’s technology-filled environment.
The summit will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 8:15 AM to 12:30 PM at Parker Middle School. The morning begins with breakfast and time to connect from 8:15 to 9:00 AM, followed by engaging TED-style presentations, interactive workshops, and access to parent resources from local organizations. Families will hear from experienced presenters including Horacio Sanchez, Katey McPherson, Leslie Fisher, Brad Tate, and Matthew Anderson, along with performances by the Hartland High School Jazz Band and Voices of Voyager Singers.
This is a great opportunity to learn alongside other parents, walk away with practical strategies you can use right away, and feel more confident supporting your child’s emotional health and digital habits. Free childcare is available for students in grades BK through 5, making it easier for families to attend. We encourage all families to consider joining this informative and supportive community event.
I hope you will consider attending this event. As a principal, I see firsthand how the challenges of today’s digital world can impact students’ ability to learn, build relationships, and thrive at school. I also understand these pressures personally as my wife and I raise an 11 year old and a 14 year old in this same environment. I hope you will join me in March so we can learn side by side and continue working together to support our children.
Have a great weekend,
Mr. Cherry
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Register Today for Begindergarten & Kindergarten
Registration for Begindergarten and Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year is now open! Visit HowellSchools.com/KDG to access the Begindergarten and Kindergarten Enrollment Guide and begin the registration process. Families are encouraged to attend the Meet and Greet on March 10, 2026, at their child’s school to meet staff, tour the building, and learn more about the Begindergarten and Kindergarten experience. Don’t delay, register today!
MI Student Voice Perception Survey
Howell Public Schools will participate in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey, which provides valuable feedback to support our improvement efforts. The survey will be administered to students in grades 5–12 and will offer insight into the student experience beyond test scores, including engagement and belonging. The survey does not include questions about drug or alcohol use, intimate relationships, political or religious affiliations, or other personal information. Families may review the survey questions at: https://bit.ly/4tHardS. If you prefer that your child not participate, please complete the opt-out form at https://bit.ly/4aO9PL4 by Friday, March 6, 2026. Students will take the survey between March 9 and March 27. In addition, the MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey will be emailed to families during the week of March 9.
Don't Miss the Livingston County Parent Summit & Wellness Fair
Families are invited to the Second Annual Livingston County Parent Summit and Wellness Fair on Saturday, March 21, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. at Parker Middle School. This free event will feature TED-style talks, interactive workshops, and family resources centered on this year’s theme: Tech, Talk, and Well-Being: Finding Balance in a Digital World. Childcare will be provided for children in grades BK–5. To learn more or view the full event agenda, visit: https://bit.ly/4bccaAx.
Reminder: Fifth-Grade Parent Night
As our fifth-grade students begin preparing for the transition to middle school, families are encouraged to mark their calendars for several important events. On Monday, March 16, middle school principals Dr. Tim Moore (Highlander Way Middle School) and Dr. Trish Poelke (Parker Middle School) will visit all fifth-grade classrooms. Prior to the visit, students will watch a video created by the principals explaining what to expect in middle school and how they can begin preparing now. The video will include an overview of the middle school schedule and highlight the variety of encore classes available. During the classroom visits, principals will also answer students’ questions. Fifth-Grade Parent Night will be held on Monday, March 16, at 6:00 p.m. at both Parker Middle School and Highlander Way Middle School. Families are encouraged to attend to learn more about the middle school transition process.