Families,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to you regarding the recent
Washington DC meeting that took place for our 8th grade students at Highlander Way
Middle School.
I understand that due to various circumstances, some students and parents may have
missed the meeting. However, I want to assure you that they will still have the opportunity
to access all the important materials and videos that were shared during the meeting. To
make it convenient for everyone, I have uploaded all the meeting materials and videos on
my website. You can access them by following link to my website:
https://sites.google.com/howellschools.com/mrhill/washington-dc-2025
By accessing these resources, you and your child will be able to catch up on any
information they may have missed during the meeting. It is important for them to have
access to these materials as they contain valuable insights and details about the upcoming
trip. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach
out to me. We are here to support you and ensure that your child has all the necessary
resources to make the most of their Washington DC experience. Thank you for your
understanding and cooperation. We appreciate your continued support in making this trip
a memorable and educational one for our 8th grade students.
Best regards,
Mr. Hill
Positivity Project September:
Starting next week we will be starting our lessons with The Positivity Project (P2). Next
week’s focus is on the Other People Mindset. This means anything that builds relationships
is going to make you happy.
The Positivity Project (P2) aims to empower youth to build positive relationships by
understanding, appreciating, and exemplifying the character strengths in us all. People who
have a strong “Other People Mindset” are able to build and maintain strong, positive
relationships with others by consistently practicing these five Other People Mindset
principles:
1. Cheer other people on when they succeed
2. Recognize the good in other people
3. Remain present when giving people your attention
4. Support others when they struggle
5. Understand that everything you say and do affects other people
While mental health is incredibly complex, we do know that positive relationships can help
people become happier, healthier, and more resilient. And, the Positivity Project believes
educators have a tremendous opportunity and vital role to play in this endeavor. Our
nation’s youth spend a large percentage of their time in school. By deliberately and
consistently teaching students that relationships are important — and that positive
relationships are cultivated through character strengths and the Other People Mindset —
educators can roll back these trends and create strong citizens and leaders for our
communities and countries.
The following week, we will focus on the character strength of Curiosity. Curiosity means
you like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn
more about anything and everything.
Curiosity is essential to our character, driving our desire for wisdom and knowledge. It
keeps us engaged in stories and encourages us to try new activities or travel. Everyone
experiences curiosity differently — behaviorally, intellectually, and emotionally.
People with strong curiosity are more likely to ask questions and try new things. Curiosity is
a form of courage because asking questions shows we don't know something, and trying
new activities risks failure. However, it's through questions and exploration that we learn
and grow.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset and Curiosity at home, please visit the
Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly
P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip
together and discuss a quote and three questions.
Livingston Educational Service Agency Special Education Millage Renewal and
Restoration
The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) is proposing the renewal and restoration
of the county-wide special education millage on the November 5 ballot. If approved, this
millage proposal would continue to fund services for more than 3,500 students with special
needs in local school districts. These funds support programs like Unified Sports, work
readiness, peer-to-peer initiatives, and paraeducators. While federal and state mandates
require support for special education students, they do not provide total funding. The
millage helps fill this gap, helping ensure these mandates are met without diverting
resources from other student's educational needs. Join us at one of the upcoming
informational meetings on September 19 at 5:30 p.m., October 3 at noon, or October 17 at
5:30 p.m. to learn more, or visit https://bit.ly/3yYj7VT.
Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Guide
Howell Public Schools is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students. In
accordance with recent legislation, we are providing families with important information
regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment. This material, developed in consultation
with experts, aims to educate and empower students by explaining what constitutes sexual
assault or harassment and providing resources for those affected. We strongly encourage
families to review this information with their children to foster open discussions and
awareness. To view the full details, please visit https://bit.ly/4dp2Xnj.
Remember to Complete Your Child Nutrition and Education Benefits Application
This school year, the State of Michigan is providing free meals for all students, ensuring
that every child has access to nutritious food during the school day. However, we strongly
encourage eligible families to complete the Child Nutrition and Education Benefits
Application. Doing so opens up additional benefits like reduced Chromebook fees,
discounts on college admissions and academic tests, lower-cost home internet, access to
the Summer EBT program, and helps our district secure essential funding from state and
federal programs. Please note that free meals do not include à la carte items at the
secondary level. To learn more or to complete the application, visit https://bit.ly/3BkO45d.d.
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