Dear Hornet Nation,

We are heading into our last month of learning. You can count on us to continue to engage and excite your children all the way through May 30, which is a half day. Their future stories are too important for us to even waste one day of teaching and learning.

It's been a very productive school year, even though we're not done yet. Our K-12 ELA teachers have spent the year implementing new curricular resources that we believe will make a significant, positive impact on our readers and writers. Similarly, we have a working group pf K-12 math teachers who have been working since January of this year to explore new math resources which are aligned, focused, coherent, and rigorous. Our goal is to make a recommendation to the Board of Education at our June meeting. Both of these endeavors are meant to set up our learners for excellence in the years ahead.

Also this year, we have been soliciting feedback from all of our stakeholders as we continue to move forward with a new strategic plan. We have a workgroup that has been shepherding the process, and will soon be reviewing all of the data we have collected.

We have students who have been recognized for academic achievements in the classroom, as well as athletic achievements. Both students and staff have been recognized by the VFW for their contributions to the civic life of our community. Finally, our Board president was recognized by the MASB for her commitment to our community.

Our students continue to thrive no matter which campus they attend. Students on our Hive and HS campuses are able to take advantage of CTE programs at the CGRESD, and dual-enrollment courses through colleges and universities. This year, students in our middle school have been able to take an elective technology class to learn about a variety of different aspects in the field, as well as participating on sports teams. The middle school also revamped its student council to become more of a student leadership/learning experience..Our youngest students have enjoyed educational field trips, specials such as physical education, art, music, and STEM, in addition to core content with their classroom teachers. Pictures of many of the items listed above, are below.

Several staff members are participating in a program through the State of Michigan, entitled "Grow Your Own." It enables current and aspiring teachers to gain extra endorsements or a first-time teaching certification while they are working full time. We were one of a handful of districts in the state chosen for this opportunity.

As we continue these and more positive trends, we know there is always room to get better, and you can count on us for that, too.

In partnership and with Hornet Pride,

Judy

juwalton@harrisonschools.com

989.539.7871

The staff of Harrison Community Schools, in the spirit of a growing and changing community, pledge to educate all students by teaching the District Curriculum and beyond, ensuring the development of responsible learners prepared to take an active role in a complex society.

Zachary Driver -- Kendra Durga -- Therese Haley

James Neff -- Chelsea Roland -- Betsy Ulicki -- Carrie Whitaker

Would you like to be more involved in your child's school? Do you have time during the school day or just after to volunteer? We would welcome you with open arms!

In order to volunteer, you simply fill out and submit an iChat form (linked below). This enables us to run a criminal background check in short order, to ensure the safety of all students you may come into contact with. Assuming nothing of concern shows up, you are all set to help out wherever your school may need you -- the cafeteria, the playground, the gym, a field trip, or an individual classroom, just to name a few. If you would like to view our Board Policies in regard to volunteering, please view Board Policy 4205 and Board Policy 4205 on our website.

If your home/work responsibilities don't allow you to spend time with us during or right after school, there are still ways to support. Perhaps that might be chaperoning an evening event, or helping to organize a fundraiser for a team or group. Just reach out!

All Board meetings are open to the public, and are conducted in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. On rare occasions, the Board may go into closed session, but only as allowed by the OMA.

If it is your first time attending a Board meeting, you may not be familiar with the structure. Make sure you pick up an agenda on your way in, and if you intend to speak during the portion designated for public comments, please pick up a copy of Board Policy 2504, which is near the copies of the agenda. This will explain the parameters of the public comment portion of the agenda.

As you observe the Board conduct its business, the agenda will guide you. Common agenda sections are as follows:

• Opening of the Meeting (welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, additions/corrections to agenda/minutes, building instructional highlight, any other "organizational" items)
• Consent Agenda (items for approval that do not require a roll-call vote, and without objection from a Board member, can be considered all together)
• Non-Consent Agenda (one or more items that require a separate roll-call vote, such as budget approval)
• Informational Items (examples include resignations, other presentations, etc.)
• Public Comments (3 minutes each, Board members do not respond during the 3 minutes so that each speaker gets their full time; after, Board members may, but do not have to, pose questions or make statements)
• Communication (Superintendent's Report - includes subject matter of public comments; any other Board communication)
• Discussion Items (other matters any Board member may choose to speak about; may relate to public comments but not required)
• Adjournment

Within 8 business days of the meeting, minutes are posted on our website.

Due to the regional high school track meet being scheduled for Thursday, May 16 in Charlevoix, we have switched the graduation date for the Class of 2024 to Friday, May 17. Same time -- 6:30 pm.

• With a positive COVID test, 5 days from either the onset of symptoms, or if no symptoms, from the test date. Onset of symptoms or test date = day zero, and student may return on day 6 with a mask assuming symptoms are improving. This is the same as employees.
• For 24 hours after fever, diarrhea, or vomiting ends, without medication.
• Contagious diseases such as chickenpox, measles, strep, pinkeye, flu, etc. Ask your doctor or health care provider when they can return to school. Generally, the following apply: chickenpox (no school until all spots /lesions are dried and crusted), lice (no school until after the first treatment), strep throat or other strep infections (can return if they do not have a fever and have been on antibiotics for at least 12 hours).

May 6: Seniors Honors (6:00 pm, HS auditorium)

May 10: Eighth Grade Farewell Dance (5:00 - 8:00 pm, MS Gym)

May 10: HS Band Concert (6:30 pm, HS auditorium)

May 15: Senior Picnic (after graduation practice and walk through schools)

May 17: Graduation (6:30 pm, stadium - weather permitting)

May 20: Grades 9-11 Spring Picnic (shirts on sale at HS lunches)

May 22: MS Band Concert (6:30 pm, HS auditorium)

May 30: Last day with students (half day)

• Early Childhood & Larson Elementary, 989.539.3259 (Principal Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Sandy Hargraves, shargraves@harrisonschools.com)
• Middle School, 989.539.7194 (Principal Jennifer Thrush, jthrush@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
• Hive, 989.539.7417 (Principal Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
• High School, 989.539.7417 (Principal Joe Ashcroft, jjashcroft@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)

Superintendent, 989.539.7871 (Judy Walton, juwalton@harrisonschools.com)

Special Education (Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)

Homeless Child/Youth Services (Andrea Andera, aandera@harrisonschools.com)

Bus Services, 989.539.7082 (Kelli Whitaker, kwhitaker@auxilioservices.com)

Allowed waiting area for afternoon pick-up at Larson is on West Hornet Drive, highlighted in orange