Dear Families,

As we move further into the school year, there are many exciting updates and accomplishments to share with you. From the success of our student-athletes to the renewal of the Livingston ESA Special Education Millage, our district continues to make strides in supporting every student, every day.

In this edition of MacGregor's Message:

• Livingston ESA Special Education Millage approved

• Board of Education election results

• Second semester Highlander Virtual enrollment

• Athletic post-season happenings

• Howell receives award from Michigan College Access Network

• Our Kids, Our Community, Our Future Bond update

• Superintendent Holiday Card contest

• Veterans Day

• Food Service Thanksgiving lunch

On Tuesday, voters in our county approved the renewal and restoration of the Livingston ESA Special Education Millage. This approval reaffirms our community's commitment to providing a high-quality education for every student, every day. The millage funds essential services like paraeducators, assistive technology, and behavioral support, ensuring students with special needs can fully access their education. Additionally, the positive effects of the millage extend well beyond the 3,500 students in Livingston County with special needs. The millage preserves general operating budgets by filling the gap left by state and federal funding shortfalls, allowing districts to maintain resources for all students. On behalf of our students and students across the county, thank you for supporting this millage.

Another important item on Tuesday's ballot was the election for two of the seven seats on our Board of Education. I want to congratulate Ms. Crystal Zurek on her reelection to the board and welcome Mr. Steve Dault as our newest board member. Steve will officially join the board in January, filling the seat left open when Mr. Brent Earl decided not to seek reelection.

As we prepare for second-semester enrollment in Highlander Virtual, families interested in switching their child's enrollment (from in-person to Highlander Virtual or vice versa) are encouraged to complete the Second Semester Placement Change form for each child by 4 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024. New Highlander Virtual students must also submit a Parent Consent form. No action is needed if your child's enrollment will remain the same. For questions, please contact Brooklyn Gehringer, Highlander Virtual Coordinator, at [email protected].

Our student-athletes are having an outstanding post-season. Last Saturday, three of our cross-country runners, Anna Halliday, Jack MacGregor, and Lucas Wood, competed in the MHSAA state event, where Jack achieved a top-ten finish and all-state recognition. Swimmer Anabelle Respondek has qualified for the MHSAA State Finals in the 50 Freestyle and our girls dive team is competing at the KLAA Diving Meet today. Our varsity football team extended their undefeated season by defeating Kalamazoo Central last Friday. Tonight, they will take on the Brighton Bulldogs for the district title at 7 p.m. in Memorial Stadium.

On Wednesday, the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) honored Howell High School and our district with its 2024 Catalyst Award. This award recognizes our district's commitment to strengthening college access and readiness for all students. Howell was chosen for this honor based on our dedication to creating a future-ready culture, supporting students in post-secondary planning, and making college access a priority. This award celebrates the impact of our district's collective effort to support every student's journey beyond high school. Much of this work is led by the Highlander College and Career Council, and I am thankful for each member of that team and their dedication to ensuring that all students know about the various post-secondary pathways available to them. 

The replacement youth softball and baseball fields at Three Fires Elementary and the replacement of the turf field at Parker Stadium are complete. This week, we met with our project managers and contractors to complete a "punch list" walk-through of the projects to ensure that they meet our design specifications and standards. The ball fields look great, with significant grass growth, especially on the north fields. The replacement turf at Parker Stadium looks fantastic in Highlander Green and Gold, giving our soccer and lacrosse teams who compete there a true home-field feel. Additionally, we installed a wrap on the Parker Scoreboard, so whenever our student-athletes are competing at Parker, they'll have the Howell Highlander watching over them. Check out the video below to see the progression of the work at the stadium. To keep up to date on our various bond projects, please visit HowellSchools.com/Bond. 

In honor of Veterans Day, Howell High School held its annual Veterans Day program today, featuring performances by our band and vocal music groups and a panel discussion with local veterans. This event serves to honor our nation's veterans and provide our students with a meaningful learning opportunity about the armed forces. A special thanks goes out to our Air Force JROTC cadets, who did an exceptional job organizing the program. I'd like to take a moment to extend my gratitude to all veterans in our community for their service and sacrifice.

While I won't weigh in on the debate of how early is too early to start decorating for the holiday season, it is time to think about one of my favorite holiday traditions, the Superintendent's Holiday Card Art Contest. This is a wonderful opportunity for students in grades Begindergarten through fifth grade to showcase their creativity. With your permission and support, students are invited to submit an original holiday design by emailing their artwork to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email. The selected artwork will be featured on the holiday card sent to families and community members.

Our Food Service Department is excited to bring back this year's special Thanksgiving Meal. On Thursday, November 21, each school will serve a Thanksgiving meal in the cafeteria. The menu includes shredded roast turkey, a dinner roll, mashed potatoes with gravy, cornbread stuffing, green beans, sliced apples, and cranberry sauce. Thanks to the Michigan School Meals program, this festive meal is free for all students.

Have a great weekend. Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.S.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools