Patriot Time
This week in Patriot Time students focused on the Other People Matter Mindset component of identifying and appreciating the good in others. This component of the Other People Matter Mindset helps us to see things in a more positive way. If we are constantly identifying and focusing on the negative traits in others we are going to have negative and more defensive interactions. To see the good in others we need to take time to pay close attention and think of intentions behind the words and actions of others. Stopping and thinking about another's perspective and social intelligence can help as well. Did they intend to say something that hurt my feelings or did it just come across awkwardly?
Next week Patriot Time classes will be focusing on the character strength of fairness. Fairness is the product of moral judgment using the head, the justice reasoning approach, and the heart, the care reasoning approach, to decide what is morally right or wrong. When individuals develop their character strength of fairness it helps them become trustworthy friends, responsible citizens, and moral people. Many times this increases our perspective taking as well giving us the ability to “put ourselves in someone else’s shoes”.
Patriot Times have been, and will be, participating in these discussions and activities.
Home Connections:
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As a family, review the five components of the Other People Matter Mindset. Which components do you currently feel you exhibit naturally? Which components do you feel you need to be more purposeful in using?
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What does fairness mean to your child? Ask your child if their views of fairness changed this week after the Positivity Project activities? If so, how?
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What are some situations that occur at home that your family may consider to be a foul ball instead of a fair ball? Discuss ways in which you can turn the foul balls into fair balls.
Click here to access the Positivity Project Character Card links.
Click here to access all of the P2 for Families Resources. (Password: P2)
Cleary Field Trip for 7th Graders
We are excited to be offering an opportunity for our students to visit Cleary University and to hear about the opportunities available. This is a no cost field trip! Students will learn about post high school opportunities as well as tour the campus.
Students who have Patriot Time with McGrain, Bigos, Everly, Peterson, Wiebusch, Malysz, and Raby will attend on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Students who have Patriot Time with Root, Roberts, Vandeberg-Taylor, Noble, Flore and Stimson will attend on Friday, April 12, 2024.
**Students will attend the trip on their assigned day. If there is a question about your students' team, please contact the counseling office.
Here is the link to fill out the permission form so your student can attend. Cleary Field Trip Permission Slip
Advanced Math Placement Test
Students interested in taking the advanced math placement test need to check their email and complete the google form by March 19th. The test will be April 11th. Reach out to your child's math teacher if you have any questions.
Counselor’s Corner: Time Change and Sleep for Tweens!
With the recent time change, now is a perfect time to make sure our students are getting the recommended 8 - 10 hours of sleep with some still needing 9 - 12! Lack of consistent sleep can lead to chronic sleep deprivation. This can have a dramatic effect on a student’s life, which impacts their emotional wellbeing, thus increasing their risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also affect academic performance and behaviors at school. Here are a few great tips to help ease into a good night's sleep!
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Wake up and go to bed about the same time (within an hour) even on the weekends
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If a nap is necessary, nap for 15 to 20 minutes in the early afternoon
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Spend time outside EVERYDAY
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Exercise regularly
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Limit screen time before bed making the 30 to 60 minutes before bed a quiet time reading a book, journaling or listening to music
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Do not watch TV, study, exercise, or get involved in “energizing” activities in the last 30 minutes before bed
Happy ZZZZZZ’s!
Mobile Dentist Coming to Parker Middle School!
Just a reminder: Parker Middle School is proud to work with the Mobile Dentist program, where a dentist and dental hygienists visit the schools twice per year to offer dental check-ups and cleanings. As a reminder, the Mobile Dentist will return to Parker Middle School on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 during school hours!
If you are interested in having your child receive services from the dentist, please visit www.MySchoolDentist.com to sign up online. You may also fill out the paper application, which was sent home a few weeks ago. If you need a new paper application, please reach out to your child’s counselor. Completed paper applications are due in the counseling office as soon as possible.
As always, please reach out with any questions!
Mrs. Jennifer Starkey, [email protected]; School Counselor for last names A-K
Mrs. Caroline Grabowski, [email protected]; School Counselor for last name L-Z
Mrs. Kristen Yule, [email protected]; Counseling Secretary for A-Z students
Mrs. Doré; [email protected]; Mental Health Professional
Planning Ahead - April 17, No School for Sixth and Seventh-Grade Students
On Wednesday, April 17, all eighth-grade students will take the PSAT 8/9 test in person at Parker Middle School. The PSAT has several requirements, including additional spacing and more proctors, than the MSTEP test administration. Due to these requirements, we will need to utilize all of our staff to administer the assessment. To allow for this, our sixth and seventh-grade students will not have school on Wednesday, April 17.
MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey
This past Monday, Superintendent MacGregor sent an email inviting you to share your insights on our school and district through the MI Student Voice Family Perception Survey. Your feedback provided in the survey helps us gauge how we are doing as a school and district and informs us of our continuous improvement efforts. Please complete the survey for your oldest child's school, and if your time permits, we would greatly appreciate your input on any other schools your children attend within our district. To access the survey, please visit https://bit.ly/4a7xnIB.
Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, March 21
On Thursday, March 21, Gleaners Food Bank's Mobile Food Pantry will be in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The pantry will be open from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone in the community needing food can drive through and pick up food from the Mobile Food Pantry. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
Join Howell High School for an Italian Adventure in 2026!
Howell High School is excited to announce a summer Educational Tour to Italy in 2026 to expand students' horizons and foster global citizenship. Mark your calendars for an informational meeting on March 20 to learn about this unique opportunity, including itinerary details, educational benefits, and enrollment information. Space on the trip is limited, so don't miss out! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/3URdotm. If you have questions about the trip, please contact Mr. Jason Lounds at [email protected].
Enjoy your weekend,
Dr. Trish Poelke