Dear Families,

Homecoming Week in Howell is truly special. I love how everyone comes together to celebrate Highlander Nation. Whether it’s spirit days, the parade, or tonight’s football game, this week has shown that we stick together for our dear green and gold.

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message:

• School meal update

• Coffee Chat

• Get involved with Howell Public Schools

• October is Bullying Prevention Month

• Safe storage of firearms

• Save the date - Livingston County Public Safety Trunk or Treat

Last night, lawmakers in Lansing announced they had reached an agreement on the School Aid and state budgets and expect to pass them by the start of the new fiscal year on October 1. At the time of this message, details remain limited, and the budget has not been approved. If the final budget is not approved or does not continue funding for the Michigan School Meals program, which has provided free meals for all Michigan students, the district will resume charging for student meals starting October 1. At that time, only eligible students with an approved Child Nutrition, Education Benefits, and Summer EBT application will receive free or reduced-price meals. If meal charges resume, prices will remain the same as in the 2022–23 school year. To view meal prices, submit an application, or add funds to your child’s meal account, please visit HowellSchools.com/Food. We will keep families updated as we learn more about what is included in the budget.

I will host my first Coffee Chat of the school year on Thursday, October 9, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. in the Edinburgh Room at the district administrative offices. Coffee Chat is an informal opportunity to share district updates and connect with families and community members. During this first Coffee Chat, we will be sharing the various student support services that the district utilizes to help ensure every student reaches their full potential. 

Howell Public Schools values family and community engagement, and we’re always looking for parents and community members to serve on district committees. While each committee has its own application process and membership requirements, if you’re interested in serving, please complete the interest form at https://bit.ly/46pxpg7. As seats become available, we’ll use this information to appoint members.

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs to offer a series of free lunchtime webinars for families. To learn more about the sessions, please visit https://bit.ly/3IEdyAC. 

In accordance with the “Safe Storage Laws,” MCL 28.429, MCL 380.1313a, and MCL 380.1313b. all Michigan school districts are required to share information with families regarding the safe storage of firearms. These include a summary of the Secure Storage Law (https://bit.ly/4pI7HuC) and the Safe Storage Notice (https://bit.ly/4gHma6f), which have been developed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for the Michigan Department of Education. These resources explain how to store firearms unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition to help keep children safe. Additional resources and information can be found on MDE’s Safe Storage Law webpage at https://bit.ly/3IjSOOB.   

Mark your calendars for the annual Livingston County Public Safety Trunk or Treat event on Friday, October 24, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. Join the Livingston County Sheriff's Office and local public safety agencies, including EMS, 911, and local fire and police stations, for a fun and safe night of Halloween festivities! Everyone is welcome to attend, and the event is free.

I hope you have a great weekend. Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools