Mobile Food Pantry in Howell on Thursday, December 21, 2023
On Thursday, December 21, Gleaners Food Bank will have a Mobile Food Pantry in the bus lot at 411 N. Highlander Way (between Highlander Way Middle School and the Freshman Campus). The Mobile Food 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. A family of 4 receives about 40-45 pounds of food. A Family of 5 or more receives double the amount. Each portion comprises fresh produce, milk, meat, and shelf-stable items. If you have any questions regarding the Howell Food Mobile or food access in Howell, please contact Gleaners Food Bank at 517-548-3710.
District Holiday Card Art Contest
Each year, Superintendent MacGregor selects holiday-themed artwork created by a student to be featured on the district's holiday card. Students from begindergarten through fifth grade are invited to showcase their creativity by submitting an original holiday design for the card. With your help and permission, students should send their artwork to communications@howellschools.com by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13. Please include the student's name, grade, and school in the email.
Some Tips for Having a More Peaceful Holiday Break
As you gear up for the holidays, here are some helpful things to keep in mind!
Most kids are excited about having time away from school and the freedom to do as they please! What they don't know, however, is that their brain actually craves structure. Maintaining a predictable schedule and routine (like knowing what is coming next and what is expected of them) helps kids feel emotionally and physically safe, and will improve behavior at home.
Here are seven other suggestions for a great time at home this holiday.
Make time for physical activity every day. Creating some unstructured time for kids to run around, be noisy, and work off energy will decrease crankiness, boredom, and bad behavior throughout the day.
Keep an eye on sugar. Don’t take all the treats out of the holidays, but remember that sugar can make it hard for kids to regulate their behavior and often results in mood crashes and emotional meltdowns.
Remember others in need. Most communities, schools, and churches have activities around the holidays in which kids and families can help others. These activities help children develop a sense of community, responsibility, and value.
Get rest. Sure, you may not need to keep them to their usual 8:00 pm bedtime for the entire break, but try to make sure your kids get adequate sleep (9-11 hours). This will help avoid exhaustion-induced meltdowns and it will help them (you) transition better back into their school routine when the holidays are over.
Practice mindfulness. It’s easy to get swept away by the inertia of the holidays. Take time to be quiet and close.
Take care of yourself. If you’re stressed out, it will very likely pass on to your kids. It’s ok not to be perfect. It’s ok to say no to some invitations, projects, outings, or decorating extravaganzas. Choose to put your heart into doing the things you and your family really enjoy.
Most importantly - enjoy this well-deserved time with your family.
The holiday season serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of taking time for family amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. In the midst of festive decorations and seasonal cheer, carving out moments to be with loved ones becomes a cherished priority. Whether it's gathering around a festive dinner table, exchanging heartfelt gifts, or simply sharing laughter and stories by the warmth of a crackling fire, the holidays provide a precious opportunity to strengthen familial bonds. These shared moments create lasting memories, reinforcing the significance of family connections and the joy derived from being together. In a world that often moves at a rapid pace, the holiday season encourages us to pause, reflect, and prioritize the time spent with those we hold dear, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness that extends far beyond the season itself.
If I do not see you prior, enjoy your holiday break. Happy New Year!
Yours in Education,
Jennifer Goodwin - Principal