Principal Update HHS 12-2-24
An International Baccalaureate World School
Greetings from your Principals!
December has arrived! This time of year brings a flurry of activity—school calendars filled with sports, practices, and concerts, families busy with shopping and gatherings, and the excitement of holidays that offer a welcome pause in our routines. Amid all this, we are focused on teaching/learning and expect students to continue conducting themselves with respect and responsibility.
This month, we are emphasizing the value of kindness. Kindness means being generous to others, never too busy to lend a hand, and believing in a shared humanity where everyone deserves care, attention, and compassion. Kind people notice the needs and feelings of others and take action to help. You never know what someone may be going through, making December a perfect time to practice kindness and create moments of joy for those around us.
A Special Thank You
To our parents, guardians and caregivers who prioritize education and prepare students for school each day; To volunteers who dedicate countless hours to fundraisers, phone calls, and bringing joy to students and staff; To community members and district staff, including our custodians, food service team, bus drivers, community assistance, office professionals, teachers, administrators, and school board members—all of whom work tirelessly to give their best for your children; And to our students, who inspire us to be better every day. Let’s close 2024 strong and carry this spirit of kindness into the new year!
IB Focus: International Mindedness
Our students embody international mindedness, caring for the global community. They see themselves as integral parts of the world, embracing responsibility for its diverse members.
Kindness Examples:
- Showing a new student around the school or helping them navigate their schedule.
- Assisting a classmate who missed school by sharing notes or explaining what they missed.
- Organizing an appreciation event for teachers, custodians, or cafeteria staff.
- Handling disagreements with respect and actively seeking peaceful solutions.
- Participating in community service projects, such as a school food drive or tutoring program.
International-Mindedness Examples:
- Organizing a multicultural fair where students present their traditions, food, and music.
- Working on initiatives addressing global challenges like sustainability, human rights, or health equity.
Both kindness and international-mindedness play an integral role in our building a culture that reflects the values of collaboration, empathy, and global awareness.
Coffee W/ Principals December 3rd
Tuesday, December 3rd 8:30 – 9:15AM Each month, HHS will hold a principal's coffee for our family community. Our goal is to take 45 minutes to facilitate connections and conversations that help us to work together to support HHS students in their learning and growth. This is informal and our goal is to combine our efforts to help our students thrive at home and at school by maintaining open lines of communication through transparency.
Click here: https://a2schools.zoom.us/j/91454357777
Join Us for the Next PTSO Meeting!
Tuesday, December 3rd
6:45-7:30
Via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81670046932?pwd=fYvG1JgXE63ClBanlHq4JPUo5DQWWM.1
Meeting ID: 816 7004 6932
Passcode: 915755
Your participation is invaluable as we discuss important topics and plan for the future.
Early Release Day - Wednesday December 4th at 12:00 PM
Students will be expected to walk, ride, or bus home after school. All students will eat lunch at HHS before being dismissed for the day. Make certain that you have a plan for your children for the remainder of the day. Review your family expectations as it relates to being a good citizen accordingly. We will do the same on this side. Staff will be engaged in professional learning and no supervision is available. Our staff will be engaged in professional development. Students will be required to leave campus. https://huron.a2schools.org/our-school/bell-schedules/early-release-schedule
December
5 Orchestra Winter Concert
16 Band Winter Concert
18 Choir Winter Concert
19 Multi Culti Evening Performance
23 Winter Break thru January 5th 2025!
https://huron.a2schools.org/academics/music
Using these links, you can easily access the information you need to support your child's education and stay engaged with Huron High School. We will continue to update information as needed. If you subscribe to our electronic calendar, updates are automatic.
Interim Progress Reports In PowerSchool Q2 Coming Soon
Wednesday, December 11th - Interim Progress Reports In PowerSchool Q2
Interim reports in Powerschool offer families an indication of how your child is adjusting to grade-level expectations and academic learning targets for the first four weeks of a quarter. Please reach out to teachers with any questions you may have about the progress of your child or the feedback offered via PowerSchool for each course. Your student has time to improve on their current progress before the end of the quarter. If your child's interim report is not what you hoped, it's time to sit down and calmly ask your student what they think the problem is and calmly help them seek solutions. All of us are here to help.
What Parents Can Do When They Have Concerns: Concerns about a discipline or academic problem and its resolution should first be expressed or questioned at the point where the problem occurred. A discipline or academic problem involving a student in a particular class should be brought to the attention of the teacher of that class. If this step does not bring satisfaction, consult the student's counselor, advisor, or principal.
Partnering to Support Attendance and Accountability
"Accountability breeds responsibility." — Stephen Covey
We are committed to fostering essential life skills such as punctuality and responsibility in our students, as these are critical for their future success as responsible citizens. Your partnership is key to helping your child develop these habits. Please take a moment to review your child's attendance and tardies through PowerSchool. Many students are developing patterns of absenteeism or tardies, particularly between lunch and the end of the day. Monitoring this can help address concerns early.
How to Check Attendance and Tardies in PowerSchool:
- Log in to PowerSchool using your parent account.
- Click on the "Attendance" tab in the main menu.
- Review daily attendance records and tardy marks by date.
- For detailed information, click on individual entries.
If you need assistance logging into PowerSchool, please contact your respective class offices.
Your involvement reinforces accountability and ensures your child develops strong habits. Let’s work together to support their growth!
Ann Arbor Public Schools encourages regular attendance in school by all of our students. Regular school attendance is not only a requirement but also a key factor in academic achievement and social development. Absences disrupt a student’s learning process, and much of what happens in the classroom environment cannot be replicated for a student who misses time in class. Where do you communicate your student absences?
Absence Reporting Procedure: If your student will be absent from school for any reason, please report the absence. Families can report an absence using our attendance line or the HHS Absence Form. Attendance Phone Number: 734-994-4327, also available on the Huron High School webpage.
When you need to report your child's absence, please have the following information available:
Your Name and Relationship to the Student
Student's Name (Please spell the last name to ensure accuracy.)
Student I.D. Number
Grade Level
Date(s) and Time(s) of Absence
Reason for Absence
If sick or with fever, does your child have a communicable disease
Multiple Absences May Be a Warning Sign: “Michigan Law requires communication regarding compulsory attendance. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to assure their student attends school.”
What can you do to support your student’s attendance?
Communicate early and often with the school, sharing as much detail as possible.
Support sleep hygiene at home so your teen is able to wake up refreshed and ready to learn. Research shows that teens need between 8-10 hours of sleep.
Communicate the importance of daily attendance with your child.
What is the law in Michigan regarding compulsory attendance?
“The law in Michigan governing compulsory attendance requires a parent, legal guardian, or other person having control or charge of a child aged six to sixteen to send the child to school during the entire school year, except under the limited circumstances specified in subsection (3) of section 380.1561… The exceptions include, but are not limited to, sending the child to a state-approved, nonpublic school or educating the child at home in an organized educational program. Although the compulsory school attendance law does not apply to children under the age of six, a child who is at least five years of age by December 1 of the school year and is a resident of a school district which provides kindergarten work is entitled to enroll in the kindergarten [MCL 380.1147]. Link
Why is attendance important at Huron High School?
Huron High School offers an in-person education environment. Simply asking for “the work” will not adequately prepare students for success. Success at in-person school includes participation with peers as well direct interaction with the teacher. If you are interested in an online, remote, asynchronous model of education, contact A2 Virtual or your child’s counselor.
Who can you talk to about getting help with your student’s attendance?
There are many reasons that parents or family members may be having a hard time getting a child to school. Causes of truant behavior include, but are not limited to physical and mental health problems, substance abuse, drug use, perception of self, and detachment from school.
Who can help?
If you are struggling with getting your teenager to school, you reach out to your child’s Teachers, School Counselor, the School Nurse, Building Principals, Case Managers (Special Education or English Language Learners) or School Social Workers. Many factors like having a safe, reliable, transportation plan for attending school every day is key and should be considered.
School counselors are here to support students’ mental and physical well-being. We know that mental or physical illness might be the cause. Our counselors are available to connect you with school, district and community resources. Please contact your child’s counselor.
Huron High School Multicultural Showcase 2024! ✅
See you at the Multicultural Showcase Spectacular—where cultures unite and talents shine!
Get ready to be captivated as our talented River Rats proudly present the much-anticipated MultiCulti Extravaganza, a celebration of diversity, culture, and unity! Our students are gearing up to showcase their cultural heritage through performances, including song, dance, and music. Prepare to be enthralled by the rich tapestry of our community's talents! The Meyers Auditorium will transform into a global stage where students from various backgrounds and organizations unite to share the beauty of their traditions.
Community Performance: Thursday, December 19th - 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Meyers Auditorium. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable night of cultural celebration. Open to the community—everyone is welcome!
Whole School Assembly: Friday, December 20 during the school day. Friday's whole school assembly schedule will be adjusted for this special event. The celebration continues with a special assembly for the entire school. A modified class schedule ensures everyone gets to experience the magic!
Athletics Updates
HHS Spectator Expectations 2024-2025
We encourage all parents, students, staff, and community members to review the most recent HHS Spectator Expectations for 2024-2025. These guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone attending our events. You can access the full details here: HHS Spectator Expectations 2024-2025.
College Career Center (CCC)
FAFSA is Now Open for the 2025-2026 School Year!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for the 2025-2026 school year! FAFSA is an essential step for students planning to attend college, career school, or graduate school, as it helps determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans.
Key Information:
Start Date: FAFSA is now open and accepting applications.
Deadline: Be sure to complete your application as early as possible to maximize financial aid opportunities.
How to Apply: Visit Link to FAFSA Info to complete the application. Please make sure to have your financial documents ready.
We encourage all families to complete the FAFSA, regardless of financial status, as it may provide additional resources or help secure scholarships.
The College Career Center (CCC) is here to help students with their College and Career plans. Walk-ins are always welcome. Check the CCC website, updated daily with everything College and Career. College and Career Center Website (CCC)
College Visits
Check the List for who’s visiting and when (updated daily) All visits in the CCC unless specified.
Any questions, please contact Mr. Dan Cobello, College and Career Advisor, 734-994-4438 or cobellod@aaps.k12.mi.us.
AAPS Winter Giving
It is that time of year again where we work to support AAPS families and children in need through AAPS Winter Giving.
Here's how you can help:
Give Help to AAPS families and students in need by donating a gift card, organizing a drive or supporting a school. Help us meet our goal of $15,000 gift cards donated to families in need! Give Help Here.
Get Help by sharing the food, winter clothing and other community resources to families who need them. Get Help Here.
Spread the Word: Share a post on social media, give a flyer to your church or neighbor and help us spread the word about AAPS Winter Giving to the larger community.
Thank you for your support of the AAPS Community.
Community Resource Updates
Free Eyeglasses for a child with staff referral
The Lenscrafters Onesight program provides free eyeglasses to children of eligible families. Staff can learn more here or check in with your school nurse.
Community Resources for Families and Students
Starting Tues, Dec 10th: Parenting Through Separation and Divorce Virtual Workshop
This FREE online workshop helps parents understand their children's needs and behaviors when going through a separation or divorce. Fulfulls court requirement. View Flier Here. Register Here.
Fill Your Prescription at Packard Health’s Carpenter Road Location
Packard Health’s Carpenter Road Clinic Pharmacy is open for prescriptions! View promotional fliers here: English Spanish
Children, Teen and Family Programs at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor
Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor Offers support groups for children and teens as well as adults. Learn more here: https://www.cancersupportannarbor.org/programs/
Thanksgiving Meals and Distribution info
Looking for a Thanksgiving Meal? Check out the Meals and Food Section of a2schools.org/wintergiving for options: www.a2schools.org/community/winter-giving/meals-and-food
Schedule for Holiday Meals
Want information on where to find food for Thanksgiving and Christmas Meals? Please visit https://www.foodgatherers.org/find-help/holiday-meals/ for a full schedule.
Toys for Tots–Application Information
Applications for Toys for Tots are due by December 1st.
To sign up, visit the Parkridge Community Center (591 Armstrong, Ypsilanti, MI), 10am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
You must bring the following required documents: ID, birth certificates for each child, lease or DHS/SECTION8/ADOPTION/SCHOOL records.
Children being served must live in the home.
Upcoming Events
Saturday November 23rd: Free Pet Supplies Event for Families with Pets
Join Friends for Life at a pop-up pet food pantry.
Saturday, November 23rd at Pup City Doggie Daycare - 4177 Carpenter Rd – Ypsilanti from 10am-12pm. We will be handing out dry food for dogs, cats, and other pet supplies while they last. https://www.hshv.org/friendsforlife/
Tuesday, January 14th, 2025: Understanding and Managing ADHD: Free Virtual Parent and Guardian Workshop. This free one-hour workshop is for parents and guardians of children who have been diagnosed with or who are suspected of having ADHD. View Flier Here. Register Here.
Looking for Community Connections or Partnership Support?
Contact: Nancy Shore, Director, Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
dst_community_resources@aaps.k12.mi.us, Community Resources staff email group–send your questions here! For staff use only.
Past 2024-2025 Community Resource and Partnership Updates
Closed Campus
Huron is a closed campus and all students are required to remain on campus until they have completed their scheduled day. A student may only leave early after signing out in the General Office with parent/guardian permission. Students will not be called out of classes for the first or last ten minutes of class or during passing. Students will also not be called out of class after 2:30 PM. The parking lots as well as all school grounds are off limits for all students during the school day, including passing periods, breaks, and class time.
Seniors & Students with Vehicles: Students who leave campus are in direct violation of the closed campus expectation. This does not include students traveling to off campus classes to attend a worksite or Community High School.
No Food Delivery During the School Day: HHS Staff are not responsible for food delivered to students during the school day by food delivery establishments, including but not limited to Uber Eats, DoorDash or GrubHub. This is to better ensure the security of the school as well as to minimize disruptions to the school day. Students are NOT allowed to leave school to get food. Students found leaving school will be sent back to class.
Loitering: Students must return to their homes after their school day is over and may not “hang out” without supervision waiting for athletic practices or other activities. Loitering includes hanging around extra-curricular activities such as dances, productions, and athletic events. Loiterers will be deemed “unauthorized persons” and will be asked to leave the premises. All students must be in an assigned, supervised area during school and after school. Failure to comply with a request to leave the premises will lead to school consequences and may lead to police notification and response. After school tutoring is available most days.
After School/Dismissal
Bus Departure: Buses will depart at 3:00 PM from the Huron Parkway side of the arch.
Parent Pick-Up: Parents may use the Huron Parkway entrance to pick up students after 3:05 PM. Car pick-up is located on the Fuller Road side of the school.
Student Exits: All students should exit the building through the nearest door.
After-School Activities: Students participating in after-school activities must be in their designated locations by 3:00 PM.
Waiting for Rides: All other students should wait for their rides on the green benches by the flagpole at the south circle off Fuller Road.
Important Building Contacts & Huron Administration Team
Luis Gomez-Dominguez
Main Office: 734-994-2040
Email: gomezdominguezl@aaps.k12.mi.us
Daryl Hayes
Attendance & Book Depository : 734-994-4327
Email: hayesd@aaps.k12.mi.us
Ann Burdick, MSEdPH, BSN, RN
Clinic Phone: 734-994-2049
Email: burdicka@aaps.k12.mi.us
AAPS Nursing Services / Huron
Melissa Mistak
Records/Transcripts : 734-994-2047
Email: mistakm@aaps.k12.mi.us
Huron High School Counseling Center
Contact: Kristen Fraser
Email: fraserk@aaps.k12.mi.us
Phone: 734-994-2325
Building Administration:
Ché Carter
Principal Head of School
Email: carterc@aaps.k12.mi.us
Administrative Assistant: Melissa Hosman
Email: hosman@aaps.k12.mi.us
Marcus Edmondson
Assistant Principal - 11th Grade (A-K) and 12th Grade
Email: edmondso@aaps.k12.mi.us
Administrative Assistant: Kaylene Larsen
Email: larsenk@aaps.k12.mi.us
Jodi Bullinger
Assistant Principal - 10th Grade and 11th Grade (L-Z)
Email: bullinge@aaps.k12.mi.us
Administrative Assistant: Shenida Page
Email: pages@aaps.k12.mi.us
Karen Siegel
9th Grade Dean
Email: siegelk@aaps.k12.mi.us
James Trush
Email: trushj@aaps.k12.mi.us
Athletics Director/Assistant Principal
Administrative Assistant: Michele Heiney
Email: heineym@aaps.k12.mi.us
Phone: 734-994-2075
Athletics Page
Program Facilitators: Home / IB at Huron: 9th - 12th Grade
Todd Newell
Huron MYP Facilitator
Email: newellt@aaps.k12.mi.us
Carrie James
Huron DP/CP Facilitator
Email: jamesc@aaps.k12.mi.us