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All stories below are archived from the 2008/2009 school
year. We hope you enjoy looking back at many of our accomplishments.
Archived October 24, 2008
Buster Bus Helps Teach
Kids Bus Safety Buster Bus is back again! Buster Bus and Howell Public Schools bus drivers came
to Southwest Elementary to teach kids about bus safety. Jackie Campos, Stacy Cesnick, Judy Clark and Cindy Davis along
with Buster, a small remote controlled bus, taught the children how to stay a safe distance,
how to cross in front of the bus, how to behave on the bus and how to exit safely at the back of the bus in case of an emergency. The Southwest Students say "Thanks!" to our dedicated HPS bus drivers and
Buster Bus!
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| Mrs. Forbes' class with Buster |
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| Bustr shows kids when it's safe to walk |
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| Mrs. Cindy told the kids the rules of the bus |
Southwest
Second Grades Experienced Hands on Learning at the MSU Children's Garden Second
graders at Southwest Elementary enhanced their study of plants with a field trip to Michigan State's Children's Garden.
They started with a plant scavenger hunt, then learned all the parts of plants: stem, leaves, flower, roots, fruit. This was
a learning experience that was fun, with the hands on learning opportunity the trip brought to the students. The photos below
showed the students pouring water cup to cup to imitate the flow of water through the stem of a plant. Another photo
shows the students picking leaves and making a tea bag to take home for later enjoyment. Also the students were shown
how plants can be used to "paint" a picture. All in all it was a wonderful day where leaning and fun were
equal!
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| Picking leaves to make tea |
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| How plants can be used to paint a picture |
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| Demonstrating water flow through the stem |
Brighton Masonic
Lodge Donates Money for Video Game Club at Three Fires Middle School for Special Needs Students Mr. Thomas, Assistant Principal at Three Fires Middle
School, started a Video Game Club for special needs students who have difficulties establishing and maintaining relationships.
The club proved to be a resounding success with one minor exception....they had no equipment of their own. They were
using one of the member's old gaming system and the 6th grade's video projector. A parent, James Huff, heard about the "V.G. Club" and asked if there was
anything Three Fires Middle School needed. He represented an organization which looks for opportunities to lend financial
assistance to worthy causes. Mr. Thomas was asked to provide a list of the equipment needed, along with the anticipated
cost associated, and he would take it before his organization, the Brighton Masonic Lodge. The Brighton Masonic Lodge unanimously approved a check for $1500 for video equipment and games for our
special needs students. The Brighton Masonic Lodge gives out close to $100,000 annually in charitable
contributions.
Congratulations
to Howell High School's National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist
and National Merit Commended
Students
Howell High School's National Merit Scholarship
Semi-Finalist Student is Michael Brown. He is a senior at Howell High School.
Michael is currently competing to become a Finalist for the National Merit Scholarship, which is a full-ride for
four years to any college of his choice. He is one of five students to receive this honor in Livingston County. Howell High School's National Merit Commended Students are seniors, Stephan Harvey and Miranda Radelt.
Highlanders Lend Helping Hand To American
Red Cross As the rains came down on
Sunday September 14th the American Red Cross found they were the ones in need of some help. At 7:30pm on Sunday night Howell
football Coach, Aaron Metz received a call from the American Red Cross asking for help to fill and move sandbags. The
water level was rising quickly and flooding the American Red Cross building on Grand River in Howell. The team moms
quickly got to work making calls to the players and within 45 minutes the Highlanders answered the call and were ready, willing
and able to help. The Highlanders teamed up with the Howell firefighters filling and moving sandbags and helping to
move the oversize pumps that help to redirect the massive amounts of water that consumed the building. "This speaks volumes
to the character and heart of this program and one that we should all be very proud of," Metz said. The American Red
Cross is temporally working out of the Fowlerville Fire Department. Three CHEERS
for the Howell Highlanders for putting forth an outstanding team effort to lend a helping hand in our community.
Channel 93 Action News at Southwest
Elementary Each morning, Southwest
fifth graders prepare for their school-wide broadcast of the wildly popular local news program, Channel 93 Action News.
At 9:00 each school day, classroom televisions are set to channel 93 for the broadcast. Southwest students listen to
important school news and announcements, lunch menus, and weather. Learning how to operate equipment, speak
publicly, and report the news, students in Sandy Joslin's fifth grade class are first in the rotation of students working
on the news program for the 2008-2009 school year.
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| Co-anchors Maggie & Hector |
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| Mackenzie the Camera Director |
All the stories below are archived from the2007-2008 school
year. We hope you enjoy looking at our past accomplishments.
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| HAWKS Academy Awards donates to Autism Speaks |
HAWK Academy Awards Raises Money For Autism Speaks
The Highlander Way Middle
School students in Howell Michigan walked the red carpet June 4th, for the inaugural HAWK Academy Awards show - the culmination
of an eighth-grade project for a technology literacy class. This class of students had to do research, write scripts and produce
a short 5 minute film documentary of their choosing. Together students produced 54 films that were all up for consideration
to be nominated for the HAWK Academy Award.
The awards show ran from 6:30-8 p.m. in the library at Highlander Way
Middle School in Howell, Michigan. The free event was open to the public. On the red carpet student reporters questioning
the nominees about their films, as well as an incredible performance by the eighth-grade Chamber Singers choral
group.
Mallory, an 8th grader who has a 10yr. old brother with Aspergers and fellow classmate Jodie wanted to bring
awareness to Autism. They submitted their documentary on the growing epidemic of Autism. The girls decided to take their cause
one step further, they not only wanted to raise awareness for Autism, but also they wanted to raise money to donate to Autism
Speaks. The students all showed their support for this cause by having refreshment sales, including popcorn and water.
In addition, Mallory and Jodie handmade Autism puzzle piece pins and magnets that were handed out with a donation to Autism
Speaks. Together this amazing class of Howell Highlander Way 8th graders and their outstanding Tech. Lit. teacher Mrs.
Colburn, raised $85.00 for Autism Speaks. The Highlander Way Middle School 8th
grade Tech. Lit. class donated a check for $85.00 to Autism Speaks to help find the missing piece!
From the Detroit Free
Press
Make-A-Wish helps girl throw out first pitch at tonight's Tigers
game
By ERIC D. LAWRENCE - FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER - MAY 22, 2008
The wish is for Allison Buttermore, a 14-year-old Howell
girl with cystic fibrosis, a disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system.
Allison is scheduled to throw out the first pitch when the Tigers play the Seattle Mariners at 1:05 p.m.
in Detroit. The wish enhancement, as officials at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan call it, means Allison adds to the
wish that sent the teenager and her family to Tigers spring training in Florida over Easter. The Make-A-Wish Foundation fulfills
wishes for children facing life-threatening illnesses.
Allison's father, Frank Buttermore,
said his daughter is thrilled to be able to go to the game because she's such a Tigers fan. Magglio Ordoñez is
her favorite player and someone she was able to meet when she was in Florida.
Despite her illness, Allison is
"such an athlete. She's got swimmer's lungs," her father said. He said the disease primarily affects Allison's
digestive system, requiring her to undergo treatments at the University of Michigan, and she also
has diabetes.
Cystic fibrosis is "definitely a disease that's gonna take some years
off her life, but we're really lucky," Buttermore said. "It's really just the hand that you're dealt
as far as how things are gonna turn out."
Allison, who attends Highlander Way Middle School
in Howell, plays fast-pitch softball and loves to swim. People who suffer from cystic fibrosis typically live into their 30s.
Because Allison has healthy lungs, she should live longer than many who have the disease, Buttermore said.
The
opportunity for Allison to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at today's game happened almost by chance. It started
with National Coney Island owner Tom Giftos.
"I happened to be at a fund-raising auction
on Friday, May 16, and realized that throwing out the first pitch would make one great auction item," Giftos said. "I
approached the auction committee and asked to have it put on the block. "
Lindsay Moroun of the Grosse Pointe
area successfully bid on the first pitch with the intent of donating it to a Make-A-Wish child, and Allison was the lucky
recipient, according to Susan Lerch, the chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.
"It's neat seeing all these connections come together," Lerch said. "Allison's a huge Tigers fan." For information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, go to www.wishmich.org or call 800-622-9474.
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| Girls on the RUN! 41 girls from Hutchings and 3 from Latson Elementary participated |
A Healthy Life Changing Program
For Girls
On The Run The
Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan uses the power of running to change the way girls see themselves and their opportunities!
It is an innovative health education and wellness program that uniquely combines training for a 3.1 mile run/walk event with
life-changing, self esteem enhancing lessons that encourage healthy habits and active lifestyles in 8-12 year old girls. Four teachers from Hutchings Elementary; Heather Buckingham, Meghan Longeway, Stephanie
Benear and Cathy Wildman all volunteer their time to bring this empowering program to the 3rd, 4th and
5th grade girls. The girls that have participated have learned to stretch themselves physically, mentally, socially and emotionally
and in the process, are inspired to a lifetime of self respect and healthy living!
Three Fires
Teacher
Attending
Holocaust Conference Heather Faron, Three Fires Middle School 8th
grade Language Arts teacher, has been chosen by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. to participate
in the Midwest Regional Belfer Next Step Conference. Ms. Faron was awarded an all expenses paid conference
in Chicago June 15-17 at the Spertus Institute of Chicago!
Howell High School Student Selected To Attend The Marie Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation 2008 Summer Seminar Program Congratulations go out to Susan Hill, a junior at Howell High School, who has been selected to the Marie
Walsh Sharpe Art Foundation 2008 Summer Seminar Program, held at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. The institute will offer an intensive college-level visual studio art program for
two weeks during the summer. This two week program will allow her to gain a stronger foundation of skills and understanding in the visual arts through experiencing college level drawing and and
painting classes in a group studio setting. Artists in residence will serve as the primary instructors. The artists
will provide instruction, giving specific problems to solve and assignments to complete. Sessions concerning careers
in art, the development of a portfolio and small group discussion with artist will be included. She will also enjoy a full
schedule of evening and weekend activities. Susan is one of only
21 students in her session chosen out of hundreds of portfolio applications submitted nationwide to this prestigious full-scholarship
program. Her efforts reflects well on herself, her family and the art programs of Howell Schools.
Highlander Way Congratulates English Teacher Sandy Way Highlander Way Middle School congratulates English Language Arts teacher Sandy Way, whose ELA classes were involved
in a fundraiser for "Adopt-An-Acre" through the Earth Foundation. Through T-shirt sales, her classes were
able to adopt 24 acres of the rain forest in Costa Rica by selling 248 T-shirts. Another nice accolade for the HWMS Hawks
and their Green School efforts, but more importantly, good for the earth!
Howell High School Student
Receives Congressional
Medal of Merit Kaitlyn Charette has been chosen to receive the Congressional Medal of Merit. She is a senior at Howell High School. This
award recognizes students for outstanding academic, community and civic achievements. The Congressional Medal of Merit Award
Ceremony was held on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 3pm in the House Appropriations Room on the 3rd floor of the State Capitol in
Lansing. At this ceremony, the recipients were recognized for their exemplary citizenship and academic excellence. Congratulations
Kaitlyn!!!
Can You Spell... Submitted by: Beth Baker 5th Grade teacher Voyager Elementary The fifth grade district-wide spelling bee was held on Tuesday, May 6th at the Freshman Campus Auditorium.
Each school sent their top three fifth grade spellers. First place went to Cailin Ferguson from Northwest, second place
went to Madison Deadman from Northwest and third place went to Danny Teel form Southwest. Northwest will also have the honor
of hanging a plaque in their school for one year. Congratulations
to all of the spellers that participated in the bee!
HWMS Student Gabe Montesanti Winner of Two Essay Contests HWMS 8th grader
Gabe Montesanti has been named one of the state's top 10 finalists in the America and Me Essay Contest
sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. She earned 4th place, a tremendous achievement when one considers that thousands
of 8th grader students from over 500 Michigan schools participate. The top ten statewide winners are invited to spend
an unforgettable day in Lansing on Tuesday May 13th to honor their achievement. They meet with the mayor, ride on the
Michigan Princess Riverboat and receive a $250 Savings Bond along with $250 cash. Each student winner may bring along one
teacher and two adults to the awards day. Gabe has invited new teacher Mr. Gabbert, her accelerated ELA teacher, in
honor of the way he has inspired his students. Besides being a winner
in the America and Me essay contest, Gabe has also won the Letters about Literature essay contest with a separate essay. She's
quite the writer! She won the award for Level II for the state of Michigan. She is now being considered as 1 of
50 finalists at the National Level. The center for the Book in the
Library of Congress, in partnership with Target stores and in cooperation with affiliate state centers for the book, invites
readers in grades 4 through 12 to enter Letters About Literature, a national reading-writing contest. To enter, readers
write a personal letter to an author, living or dead, from any genre- fiction or nonfiction, contemporary or classic, explaining
how that author's work changed the student's way of thinking about the world or themselves. There are three
competition levels: Level I for children in grades 4-6; Level II for grades 7 and 8 and Level III grades 9-12. Winners,
announced in the spring of each year, receive cash awards at the national and state levels. We can all be proud of this young writer and even more proud to say someday, "I knew her when..."
Howell High School Students/Staff
Publish
Newsletter on Successes
Howell High
School (Parker Campus) principal, Bill Smith, has provided us with a newsletter compiled and published by its students and
staff highlighting this year's successes and accomplishments as well as providing testimonials from visitors of the
new Parker Campus on their impressions. You may access the document by clicking below. It is a pdf file using
Acrobat Adobe. Join us in applauding the high schools achievements for the 2007-2008 school year! Well done!
Howell High School Staff and Student Successes Newsletter
Archived June 10, 2008
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| Matthew Lundell Places 2nd in the state |
Hutchings Third Grader Places
Second In The State
Matthew Lundell a third grader at Hutchings
Elementary placed second in the state in the Michigan Farm Bureau Poster Contest. In addition to winning second place and
a savings Bond, Matthew placed first in the county and won a pizza party for his class. What an outstanding achievement!
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| HPS Honored By Michigan Surgeon General |
HPS Honored By Michigan Surgeon General Submitted
by: Saralee Bloese Howell Public Schools was honored by the Michigan Surgeon General Kimberlydawn Wisdom and Michigan Action
for Healthy Kids as a 2008 first place School of Outstanding Achievement in the Michigan Healthy School Environment Recognition
Program for working to provide healthy food and opportunities for students and staff to be physically active.
Southwest Elementary Celebrates Earth Day
with "Assignment: Earth" Musical Submitted by: Lindsey Forbes
| Isaiah "Ozone was my favorite song. |
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| It had cool dance moves and motions. Ms. Sheffield makes up creative stuff!" |
| Josh |
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| "I think the song Lean, Green Air Machine was sweet because it had the best beat, and I beat box." |
| Jessica "I liked the song Ozone because I had a |
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| speaking part. You could be really loud during that song too! Thats why I liked it!" |
Third grade students at Southwest Elementary celebrated
Earth Day with a musical performance called “Assignment: Earth.” The program, with music and
lyrics by Roger Emerson, was directed by Southwest’s music teacher Ms. Teresa Sheffield. The “E-Team”
or “Team Earth,” also known as Southwest’s third graders, learned about ways to take care of our earth and
shared their message through songs such as “Ozone,” “Driving Miss Lazy,” “Last Dude to Eat Fast
Food,” “Lean, Green Air Machine,” and “Don’t Throw It All Away.” When
interviewed about the performance, students from Ms. Leann Abbott’s class had this to say:
I liked singing “Lean,
Green Air Machine.” It was a rap song. It was about saving plants and trees, and
not cutting them down, because they give us air. ~TJ
HWMS Students Create Quilts
To Benefit Humane Society Submitted by: Mrs. Brinker, Family/Consumer Sciences teacher A group of students at Highlander Way Middle School created a series of quilts
that had themes of cats and dogs. The sixth grade students chose which animal and fabric they would like to use for their
quilt square, while the eighth grade students pieced and sewed the quilt squares together. The fleece was added to the
edges and tied off to add trim. They were then raffled at our 2008 spring parent-teacher conferences. We raised
$165. Although the quilts took a long time to complete, we are pleased that our efforts will benefit the Humane Society
of Livingston County, to which we donated the proceeds. Our goal was to raise money with our quilts to help the animal
shelter. We love animals and know they need help. We are hoping that our efforts can bring nourishment to animals
that currently do not have a family to love, but soon will.
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| Southest adds beauty to Cafeteria! |
Southeast Elementary
Celebrates New Mural Southeast Elementary School has a new mural painted in the Cafeteria! It
is a beautiful woodland scene featuring trees, birds and children. The painter, Carolyn Kinnison, alos recently painted
a mural at the Howell Recreation Center. Her children are Southeast Elementary School Alumni! The mural was funded
through a generous private donation by a Southeast parent. The lockers and other area of the building have been painted
this year by the PTO Indoor Beautification Committee. This effort, led by Lorie Belcher and Katrina Walsh, helps to
create a warm, happy enviornment for the children at Southeast Elementary.
Archived May 26, 2008 HWMS Celebrates Mari Schippers Hard
Work Submitted by: Sandra Moore, HWMS Principal I am writing to acknowledge the good work
of HWMS art teacher Mari Schippers. As mari continues to look for free resources and additional curriculum ideas for
her classroom, she discovered a grant-type program through the National Endowment for the Humanities in cooperation with the
American Library Association. These organizations are offering free prints of our nation's artistic heritage. "By
bringing high-quality reproductions of notable American art into our public and private schools, participants are giving the
opportunity to learn about America's history and culture in a visual engaging way. The program uses art as a catalyst
for the study of America-the cultural, political and historical threads woven into our nation's fabric over time".
A teacher Resource book accompanies these free prints. Mrs.
Schippers has completed an on-line application to receive the prints. If we are chosen as recipients, this resource
will be used in her art class, as well as in our 8th grade History Alive classes and possibly other course work. Thank
you Mrs. Schippers for her dedication to children and to Highlander Way Middle School!
"Voices
of Voyager"
Extraordinary Choir, Extraordinary Experiences
The Voices of Voyager is a choir that consists of 4th and 5th graders, it began
in 1999. The original group came up with the name and the logo that appears on their shirts today. When the choir formed,
there was a discussion on what the purpose and goals for this group should be. With the ideas and suggestions given by the
students to Voyager's music teacher Mrs. Schoendorff, she wrote the Voices of Voyager's theme song that the choir
sings at the end of all their performances. "The main goal has always been to provide students with extra opportunities
to perform in our community and around the state and represent Voyager and Howell in a positive way." said Mrs. Schoendorff.
The original choir started out with approximately 50 students and has grown to well over 100 today. Some of the many events
that the Voices of Voyager has had the privilege to perform at is the State Capital, local sporting events, the opening of
Howell's baseball season and area nursing homes. One of the highlights for the choir is to sing the National Anthem for
a crowd of 3,000-4,000 peop |
