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Archived June 10, 2008
High School Students Make "Hot Topics" A Success Story There are many negative things said about our young people today, but for the Howell High School students
that have participated in the "Hot Topics" meetings there are many words that are fitting: positive, extraordinary, unique, well rounded, insightful, tolerant, respectful, smart, kindhearted, problem solvers,
leaders and absolutely remarkable!
"Hot Topics" was started due to a need, a need for a place that students opinions, ideas and
thoughts could be heard on issues that directly affected them, in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. With that "Hot Topics"
was established in February 2007 by Colin MacGregor and Kim Witt with its sole purpose for the students to have a voice in
their own education. Mr. MacGregor, a retired Principal, facilitates the monthly meetings that are made up of members
from the Howell Board of Education, High School Administrators and any High School student that would like to participate
in the discussions. "At these meetings, students are free to comment, suggest or critique anything they please,
without fear of any consequences. How else can one really find out what students think and feel about their school? It is
clearly understood that what is discussed remains privileged to the meeting," Mr. MacGregor said. That is a way
that trust and understanding is established with the students.
When a problem is identified, the students work collaboratively to find a solution. The students have demonstrated
their ability to act with maturity and work together harmoniously to solve many problems. They discuss potentially contentious
subjects with courtesy and respect. When no solution is possible, the students have accepted that
with good grace.
"The Board and Administration have gained from the students a point of view that may
not have otherwise occurred with out this process" said MacGregor.
Kim Witt is proud of these students and
the opportunities and teachable moments that have come from the "Hot Topics" meetings. "Many issues have been
tackled and what makes me so proud of these students is that they take these issues seriously and most of the time it's
the adults that are learning something from them." Witt said. "Many more problems and issues could be resolved
in this world if everyone would take a the time to stop and just listen."
"Listening to students-really
listening-leads to involvement. Involvement leads to commitment. Listening to students leads to them being willing to listen
to adults. Not listening to students, or anyone else for that matter, leads to resentment and the behavior problems that derive
from that", MacGregor said.
With that being said,
MacGregor and Witt are looking forward to the fall. With the graduation of some extraordinary Howell young people and the
welcoming in of the new Freshman class, there is no doubt many "Hot Topics" will be up for discussion and lessons
will be learned.
Archived May26, 2008
Howell High School Honored by Michigan
Surgeon General
A Healthy School Environment promoted at Howell High
School/Howell Aquatic Center Howell High School stepped up to the plate to create a healthier school environment and students
are all on the winning team. On April 23rd Howell High School was one of 103 schools honored by Michigan Surgeon General Kimberlydawn
Wisdom and the Michigan Action for Healthy Kids Coalition as a 2008 First Place School of Outstanding Achievement in the Michigan
Healthy School Environment Recognition Program.
"We are tremendously excited that our educators and their
community partners are taking the lead in improving the health of our most treasured resources--our children," said Wisdom.
"A healthy school environment gives students clear and consistent health messages and ample opportunity to practice what
they've learned. Research shows healthy students do better academically, have better attendance, and have fewer behavior
problems."
To apply for the recognition program, schools provide information about nutrition, physical education/physical
activity, and tobacco-free practices and submit at least one success story. At Howell High School, the accomplishments that
helped make our school a healthier place for students and staff include a Healthy Snack Machine, and removing all soda from
vending machines.
"The 103 schools recognized this year represent almost 54,000 students impacted by the positive
changes," said Kandi Lannen, a registered dietitian and co-chair of Michigan Action for Healthy Kids. "This is the
third year of the program and the number of schools being recognized has increased threefold since its inception," added
Shannon Carney Oleksyk of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
HealthPlus of Michigan provided professional
development scholarships so staff from Howell Public Schools could attend the Eat Healthy + Play Hard = Smart Students conference
on April 22-23 in northern Michigan. "HealthPlus is proud to support the efforts of our schools to improve the health
of Howell Public Schools 517-548-6281
www.howellschools.com children," said HealthPlus Health & Lifestyle Management
Director Randy Jones. "HealthPlus' vision is a healthier community and those efforts can help make that vision a
reality."
To view all school success stories and learn more about the Healthy School Environment Recognition
Program and other resources available for schools, please visit the Michigan Department of Community Health-sponsor site www.mihealthtools.org/healthyschools.asp.
For more information about the Surgeon
General's health and fitness initiative visit, www.michiganstepsup.org. To join Michigan
Action for Healthy Kids see www.actionforhealthykids.org. Michigan Action for Healthy Kids is a grassroots coalition working
to improve the food and beverages offered in schools and increase the amount of quality daily physical education and physical
activity offered to students. For more information, please contact Saralee Bloese, Aquatics Director/Wellness
Coordinator, 517-548-6355 or email: bloeses@howellschools.com, Howell Public Schools, Howell Area Aquatic Center 1224
W. Grand River, Howell, MI 48843
Archived May 4, 2008
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| John Dukes Inducted into High School Football Coaches "Hall of Fame" |
A Once In A Lifetime Honor
For A Once In A lifetime Coach John Dukes Many great accomplishments have come out of Howell High School, but not many can be described as a once
in a lifetime, but for Coach John Dukes, Howell High School's football coach for 25 years, that is the only way you can
describe what he has achieved. On Saturday, April 19, 2008 surrounded by family, friends, former colleagues and players John Dukes was inducted
into the High School Football Coaches "Hall of Fame" at a ceremony held at the University of Michigan. An honor
that Coach Dukes is most deserving of. During his time as head coach,
his teams earned 130 wins. Those victories led to one Capitol Circuit Championship, four Kensington Valley Conference Championships
and three state play off appearances. Coach Dukes has also coached in the Michigan High School Athletic All-star Football
game in 2000 and in 2001. More important than the victories is what Coach Dukes stood for on and off the football field.
He was a team player in all area's of his life, a family man, respected educator, inspiring coach and trusted friend. To truly understand what Coach Dukes has
meant to Howell's football program here are a few words from a few that knew him best. "Win or lose, John always wanted his coaches to play as many players as possible
on game night. Any player that was in attendance and on time during the week had a chance to participate on game day.
All players knew that if they missed a practice they could not start that week, but family, church, and school came before
football and John understood that. As an educator John always made time for his students even if it meant that he had to arrive
a few minutes late to practice in order for a student to make up work at the end of a quarter in order to pass his class.
In 32 years of working for Howell Public Schools I never heard a student say anything disrespectful to or about Coach Dukes.
John Coached every team the same, wheather they were league champs or the team that only had one victory in two years".
said Steve Hable, Retired HPS teacher & Coach. Tom Maneikis,
HHS Teacher & Coach (1969-2000) had this to say, "One of the most satisfying parts of working with John for all those
years is that he let me and the other assistants coach. There was never an ego problem on the staff. We would discuss
issues in meetings and then we'd take the game plan to the players. John gave us great leeway as his assistants
to coach in our own style. He set the atmosphere in Howell football that we were a family; coaches, players and support
personnel worked together to achieve our goal. John has dedicated his career to teaching and coaching, to helping the youth
of Howell become better adults and citizens. I have had the privilege of being John's friend for the last thirty-five
years. I've learned a lot about football and I've learned a lot about life from John". As you can see many long lasting relationships have been formed
with Coach Dukes over the years, another one that has stood the test of time is that of friend and HPS Principal John Clay.
"I have known John Dukes since 1973 when I came to Howell. John has been an excellent teacher, coach and mentor
to countless students. Players and students have come back after graduation to say hello and in sports to talk about the games
and seasons. I have played basketball and softball with John for many years and against him in baseball for a few years. He
is a fierce competitor much like what he wanted his players to be when they took the field". In 1976 another friendship and working relationship was formed, that of Thomas Burkert, Physical Education
Teacher & Coach. "We coached football and baseball together. We have worked together as physical education
teachers for so long it's hard to remember how far back. He was the one who convinced me to coach and took me under his
wing. His love for football is second to none. He lives by the creed to treat people the way you would want them
to treat you. He doesn't realize how many lives throughout the years that he has touched through coaching and teaching.
I can remember when he put his swimming pool in, players used to come over to the house before and after practice. He and
his wife Chris just took them all in. And if that wasn't going on, there was always a basketball game going on back by
the garage. He is truly a wonderful man and I am honored to be able to call him a dear friend". Many words have described Coach Dukes, but a few shine a bit
brighter than the rest, sportsmanship, respect, dignity, honesty, integrity and compassion. Retired HPS Athletic Director
Douglas Paige uses some of those same words to describe Coach Dukes. "More important than the victories is the
example that Coach Dukes provided for the sportsmanship of the students involved in the Howell Football Program. John
has been a compassionate and caring friend to the participants. Coach Dukes demonstrated dignity win or lose and the
members of his team mirrored his example. He has kept in contact with his players as they progress out of high school;
following student's careers and keeping in touch as the former members of his teams come back to visit at Howell High
School. One of my most vivid memories of Coach Dukes is his inclusion of Mike Murphy, a blind student, as a member of
the student support staff. Coach Dukes included Mike in home and away contest. Mike gained a compassion for the
sport and the team and the team members developed a compassion and appreciation of Mike. Coach Dukes is a great example of
a coach who promotes respect for the opponent and for the spectators at the event. He is a coach that every athlete
would be proud to be a member of his team and every parent would want to coach their student". Whether you knew him as a collegue, parent, student or friend,
one thing is for sure Coach John Dukes has left Howell Public Schools with an amazing legacy in both teaching and coaching
that will be admired by many, for years to come.
Archived April 28, 2008
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| April is Autism Awareness Month - 1 in 150 children have Autism |
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| Noah's Buddies at Southeast Elementary |
Autism Has Buddies at
Southeast Elementary
Select students at Southeast Elementary School participate
in a Peer to Peer support group with their classmate Noah. The group meets regularly with the school social worker to
learn ways to include Noah in social activities with special emphasis on lunch and recess. Noah is able to practice
his social skills with his "buddies". Noah has Autism and by getting to know him better, the students have
learned to appreciate individual differences and value each other's strengths. The benefits of the group have even
been seen outside of school. Many members of the group recently attended a birthday party for Noah and had a great time!
Noah's parents are very active in the school and have designed a bulletin board for Autism Awareness Month, which is April.
Noah, his parents and his "buddies" are definitely positive people at Southeast Elementary.
Archived April 18, 2008
Three Fire's
Students Essay Contest Winners Three students from Three Fires Middle School have been named local winners in the 39th annual "America
& Me" Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. The three students, who earned the first, second and third
place awards for Three Fires, are Margaret Smith, first place, Alex Thomas, second place and Payton Reilly, third place.
All three students received award certificates for their achievement. As the school's first place winner, Margaret's
name will also be engraved on a plaque for permanent display at Three Fires. Margaret's first place essay now advances to the state level competition, from which the top ten essays in Michigan
will be selected. The top ten statewide winners, who will be announced in April, will receive plaques, cash and US savings
bonds valued from $500 to $1000. In addition, the top ten essayists will be honored at a banquet
in Lansing, meet with Michigan's top governmental leaders and be featured guests at the Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball
game dedicated in their honor. A team of judges includes: a top Michigan
Government official and sponsoring teachers of last year's top two statewide winners will determine the ranking of the
top ten statewide winners this year. Several thousand eight grade students from over 500 Michigan schools participated in
the 2007/2008 "America & Me" Essay Contest. Started in 1968 and open to all Michigan eighth grade
students, the contest encourages Michigan youngsters to explore their roles in America's future. As sponsor of the
contest, Farm Bureau Insurance has earned 11 national awards from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. We are very proud to have these students representing Howell and CONGRATULATIONS!
Archived April 7, 2008 Southwest Hosts Two Michigan Authors
Author Lisa Wheeler with "Cushion," a character from her book, Porcupining
Author Tim Smith showing students the cover from his book, Who Stole the Animal Poop?
At Southwest Elementary, the PTO and the Media Center partnered to host two Michigan
authors during "March Is Reading Month." Author Lisa Wheeler told the students that she's been writing
since she was five years old. "Thirteen years ago,when I turned 32, it became my job," she said. She
shared that she had a hard time ending her stories when she was younger. As she grew as a writer, however, she learned
how to solve the characters' problems. When asked which of her books is her favorite,she said it's hard to pick.
"There's something special about each one." She closed by encouraging them to write as much as they can.
"The more often you write, the better you'll get."
Michigan author, Tim Smith,
presented a motivational and entertaining presentation to Southwest students and staff on March 18th. He encouraged
students to read, write, use their imaginations and most importantly believe in themselves. The students enjoyed hearing
how Tim Smith created the "Buck "Wilder" character that is in his book. The author
shared how much fun it is to try something new and encouraged Southwest writers to never be afraid to make mistakes.
Everyone truly enjoyed Tim Smith, also known as "Buck Wilder."
Archived March 22, 2008
Lunch
Is "Jumpin" With 5th Graders At Latson In
the spring of last year, Ms. Rene Bibaud, who is a professional jump rope athlete/artist and a group of students from a school
jump rope club in Brighton, came and performed a couple of short assemblies for Latson students. Both of these assemblies
got a group of 4th graders interested in having a lunchtime jump rope club at Latson. When the students came back to school in the fall as 5th graders they were ready to "jump".
Every Tuesday you can find 28-30 fifth graders performing tricks such as, double under, triple under, side swing, and cross
side swing. The students meet in two fifth grade classrooms by opening the wall and pushing the desks aside. They are
spending the winter months planning routines which they hope to share with the school at the annual 5th grade talent show
in June. A parent of one of the students assist the group each week and other parents are invited to come and help twirl
the ropes. In addition to having a lot of fun, this group is also
benefiting from the health-related aspects of jumping rope. Information from the American Heart
Association's Jump Rope for Heart website says: Rope skipping or jumping rope is considered to be one of the most efficient
tools to increase cardiovascular fitness. Besides the heart health benefits of regular rope jumping, physical endurance,
locomotive skills, balance, agility and motor coordination can be improved dramatically using this activity. Students increase
their fitness levels and at the same time, their self confidence, which also aids their personal development. This "Jumpin"
group is looking forward to spring so they can take their jump roping skills outdoors!
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| Belle a friend to all at Voyager |
Archived March 17,2008
Belle Lends Helping Paw To Students At Voyager
Not many dogs
get the chance to go to school with two legged students, but Belle is not just an ordinary dog, she is a Therapy dog! Belle is the co-worker of Deb Nicholas, the other part of Voyager's school counseling
team. Their job is to help kids work through their problems. Belle and Mrs. Nicholas work with students one on one and
in groups to help them better understand things like, anger management, making friends and stress reduction. Students can
practice proper personal space with Belle, because some students don't understand that if you stand to close to someone,
it can make them uncomfortable. Students can test out different voice tones with her and see which ones make her happy, or
not. This is effective in anger management and friendship groups. If
a student has a traumatic event occur like divorce, loss of a loved one etc. Belle is there to
offer unconditional love and support. Belle is a very good listener and great at keeping secrets. The students have a trust
with her. "Students can frequently tell Belle troubling things, that they have been told never to tell another
person, but I can overhear it." said Mrs. Nicholas. The teachers
can barrow Belle for classroom rewards and students can set up a lunch date with her and 5 of their friends. Belle is a lot more than just a dog to the students at Voyager, she is a trusted FRIEND!
Archived March 10,2008
A Day Of World
Culture At Three Fires World Cultures Day took place at Three Fires Middle School on February 14th. All student were treated to three assemblies
and three smaller presentations on different cultures from around the world. Students learned about Arabic cultures
and met students of Arabic decent who showed them dances, food and dress. They also learned about the students' countries
of origin throughout the Middle East. Students saw an assembly about regional dance in India, and also had the opportunity
to participate by try on Saris, sampling foods and try a bit of dancing themselves. Students also learned about the
Chinese New Year and watched traditional Chinese dancing. Small group presentations were also a fun and educational part of
World Cultures Day, these presentations included Brazilian and Korean Martial Arts, African story telling, Eastern European
song and dance, Mexican culture, Navajo Sand Painting, Hip Hop music and Zimbabwe international relief organizations. This
program provides a strong support for our social studies curriculum. Students commented that meeting people from other cultures
made the curriculum come alive. This was a fun and educational day of learning.
Archived on March 1, 2008
 Howell School Board Receives
A Musical
Tribute What is the best way to start off a Howell Board of
Education meeting? On a POSITIVE musical note! That was accomplished by students representing
all seven elementary schools at the Board of Education meeting February 11th. The musical tribute was put together by Positive
People for Howell Public Schools and two of our outstanding elementary music teachers, Jan Clay and Christine Schoendorff.
In efforts to celebrate School Board Appreciation Month, which is normally observed in January, we thought "better late
than never". With full agendas and time needed to organize the students, we were glad to be able to get such a
large turn out of students to sing at the February 11th Board meeting. The elementary students performed a
marching cadence written just for the Howell School Board and a THANK-YOU song. The students all looked like Rock Stars with
their inflatable guitars and Thank-You props. It was the perfect opportunity to show appreciation to our school board
for their hard work, dedication and long hours to make our schools a great place to learn.
Archived on February 19, 2008
Southeast Elementary Showing Random Acts Of Kindness Like many other elementary schools
in Howell, Southeast is a Bucket Filling School. Mr. Lundgren presents the philosophy of being a Bucket Filler each
year to students. Being a Bucket Filler is about treating others with kindness and respect at the same time filling
both their bucket and your own. This semester, Southeast is adding another dimension to their Bucket filling. The adults in
the building will have Random Acts of Kindness tickets to hand out to any student who they catch in the act of filling someone's
bucket. Students will turn their tickets into the office to be recognized each month. Students may receive certificates,
food vouchers or other prizes for performing these random acts. The Southeast staff felt that they wanted to recognize more
of their Super Stars and this was a positive way to do it!
Archived February 3, 2007
 Challenger's YUM YUM Café Is A Treat For All
The Yum Yum Cafè is in its first year of
operation! Students in Mrs. Watt's and Mrs. Maciag's Extended Resource Rooms work with the schools social worker,
speech therapist and occupational therapist to make a food product about every six weeks. The students, who are in grades
1-5 take part in each decision, from voting on the name of the Cafè, to deciding what will be made and signing up for
jobs. Through the Yum Yum Cafè, the students work on many skills including, team work, reading recipes, daily
living vocabulary, following directions, money skills and conversation skills. The students also keep a journal about
their activities with the Cafè. The first day of
operation was exciting. The students made and sold "Dirt Dessert" to the staff at Challenger. We also had
administrators from Howell and LESA come as special guest customers. Scott Menzel, Superintendent of LESA and George MacLoud,
Assistant Superintendent, Special Education loved our dessert! Since then, the students have made cookies and hot cocoa
for all staff at Challenger. The next goal is to make soup and bread for the staff at Challenger. The Yum Yum Cafè is also looking forward to learning even more through collaboration
with Kevin Hill at the CTE Campus.
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