Dear Families,

From supporting a great cause to a national contest honoree, many wonderful things are happening in Highlander Nation. 

In this edition of MacGregor’s Message

• Coffee Chat set for Thursday, February 27

• MI Student Voice Perception Surveys

• WHMI Making the Grade Winner

• Howell student earns second place in national poster contest

• Howell students and staff take the plunge

• Replacement elementary school bids

My next Coffee Chat is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, from 9-10 a.m. at Howell High School’s Highlander Restaurant. The theme for this chat is co-curricular activities, and I will be joined by students and staff who will share how these clubs and programs enhance our students’ educational experience and support our district's commitment to preparing future-ready students. During the chat, I will also share district updates and answer any questions from attendees. To read more about Coffee Chat, please visit https://bit.ly/3ENL2Ky. 

Once again, our district will participate in the MI Student Voice Perception Survey, which provides valuable insights to guide district improvement planning. By joining other districts across Michigan, we can evaluate our progress and compare results statewide. The survey will be administered to fifth through twelfth-grade students and offers a view of the student experience beyond test scores. It covers topics such as engagement, belonging, and social-emotional learning. It does not include questions about drug or alcohol use, intimate relationships, political or religious affiliations, or other personal information. Survey questions can be reviewed at https://bit.ly/3uI5Iz2. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out form at https://bit.ly/49kk7QR by Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Students will take the survey between March 10 and March 21. Additionally, we will participate in the MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey, which will be emailed to families during the week of March 10.

This week, Voyager Elementary music teacher Christine Schoendorff was honored as a WHMI Making the Grade winner. The award honors exceptional teachers in the Livingston County area who are making a difference in the lives of their students. Mrs. Schoendorff puts her heart and soul into everything she does, instilling a love for music in her students. Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Schoendorff on this honor. 

Howell High School senior Elaina Pennell earned second place in the National Public Service Announcement (PSA) and Digital Poster Contest hosted by the Family and Consumer Sciences Education Association (FCSEA). Her poster, titled "Make Space for FCS," highlights the essential role of Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) education in preparing students to be future ready. Elaina's design emphasizes the need for qualified FCS educators and promotes the life skills these programs provide, such as career preparation, personal finance, child and family development, and nutrition. In recognition of her achievement, Elaina will receive a $250 prize. To view Elaina's winning design, please visit https://bit.ly/4gVcdAu. Congratulations, Elaina!

Last Wednesday, more than 160 Howell students and staff participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics Unified Sports program. In total, Howell raised more than $13,000 to support this incredible program. The Unified Sports program allows students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in various sports, building a culture of acceptance and inclusion in the school and community. Our participation in the Polar Plunge was featured in a story by WDIV Channel 4. Please visit https://bit.ly/3EzRTaz. 

Last Monday, the Board of Education approved the bids for site work for the replacement Southwest Elementary. We received a strong response to the request for proposals (RFP), and our construction management firm thoroughly reviewed and evaluated the bids, which came in under budget. Yesterday, we held a bid opening for the replacement Northwest Elementary and again saw a great response to the RFP. Our construction management firm will now complete the review and evaluation, and we will make a recommendation to the Board at an upcoming meeting.

I hope you have a great weekend. Go Highlanders!

Sincerely,

Erin J. MacGregor, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Howell Public Schools