Dear Families,

I hope you and your family had a relaxing and enjoyable mid-winter break.

In this edition of MacGregor's Message:

• Parker Middle School Career Day
• MI Student Voice Perception Survey
• Family Educational Series
• Shrek the Musical
• Howell High School Assistant Principal Learns in Finland

Yesterday, Parker Middle School hosted a career day to teach students about various professional pathways and careers ranging from the skilled trades to first responders and engineering. With our district's commitment to preparing students to be future ready, this event allowed students to interact directly with professionals working in the various fields. Each student attended six sessions, which allowed them to begin thinking about their future and the multiple pathways to reach their career goals.

For the past several years, we have administered a student and family perception survey, which provides us invaluable insights into how we are doing as a district to help guide district improvement planning. This year, we will participate in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey. By joining with districts across the state, we will be able to evaluate our district and see how we compare to other districts in Michigan. The survey will be administered to fifth through twelfth-grade students and is designed to provide a holistic picture of the student experience beyond test scores. Topics covered include perceptions of students' engagement, belonging, and social-emotional learning. The survey does not ask questions regarding drug or alcohol use, intimate relationships, political or religious affiliations, or other personal information. You can review the survey questions at https://bit.ly/3uI5Iz2. If you would prefer your child not participate in the survey, please complete an opt-out form at https://bit.ly/49kk7QR by Friday, March 8, 2024. In addition to the student survey, we will participate in the MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey, which will be emailed to families on Monday, March 11.

Our next monthly family educational series session is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This March session will focus on bullying. The session will equip families with strategies to identify bullying, treatment options, and strategies for prevention. To learn more about this session, please visit https://bit.ly/3OSwnjk. This month, there will not be an in-person viewing option. We encourage families to participate virtually by visiting https://cookcenter.info/March14Livingston. We hope you will join us for this valuable learning experience.

Mark your calendars for a magical journey to the land of Far Far Away, as our talented Parker Middle School students bring "Shrek the Musical" to life at the Howell High School's Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center from March 7-9. The production promises an enchanting experience, complete with all the movie's humor, heart, and adventure. Adding to the fun will be a special Red Carpet Gala during the March 8 show. Red Carpet ticket holders will be treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the set and stage and enjoy snacks during intermission. To purchase tickets for the production, please visit https://bit.ly/3uTOjDr.

Recently, Brian McCarthy, Howell High School assistant principal, traveled to Finland as part of the prestigious Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program. Mr. McCarthy was one of only 34 school administrators from around the country selected for this year's cohort. While in Finland, McCarthy's cohort visited Finnish schools and teacher training institutions to enrich his leadership skills and global educational perspective. Mr. McCarthy's participation in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program will help further our goal of helping prepare students for the evolving demands of global careers and aligns with our district's commitment to fostering educational excellence and innovation.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,
Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.
Superintendent
Howell Public Schools