

Principal Update HHS 2-3-25
An International Baccalaureate World School

Principal’s Message
This past week, we celebrated Lunar New Year with a special luncheon for our entire staff, thanks to generous donations from local Asian restaurants and Huron families. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Ma, Mrs. Wu, and our community partners for making this event possible. At the same time, our PTSO hosted a Chili Luncheon for staff—thank you for your ongoing support!
I also want to remind everyone about the importance of Count Day February 12th. Please make sure your child is present on this day, as the official student count directly impacts the funding Ann Arbor Public Schools receives from the state. Your support ensures that we continue providing the best resources for our students.
PTSO Meeting This Week Click here for details: https://huronptso.weebly.com/meetings.html
6:45 PTSO General Mtg via Zoom Zoom Meeting Link: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 5193 6521 Passcode: CLQr7P
Finally, attendance and punctuality matter. Semester 2 often sees a dip, but being present every day is key to academic success and relationship-building. Let’s work together to keep our students engaged and on track.
Thank you for all you do to support our Huron community!
Welcome to Black History Month!
February is a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month, we reflect on the power of community, perseverance, and economic empowerment by highlighting Tulsa, Oklahoma once known as the “Oil Capital of the World” and home to the legendary Black Wall Street.
In 1906, visionary entrepreneur O.W. Gurley purchased 40 acres of land and intentionally sold it to African Americans, creating a thriving district of Black-owned businesses, homes, and cultural institutions. One of his first businesses, a rooming house, became a haven for Black migrants escaping oppression and seeking opportunity. Gurley’s belief in economic collaboration, self-reliance, and collective progress transformed Black Wall Street into one of the most prosperous African American communities in the nation.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s honor this legacy by embracing unity, supporting Black businesses, and uplifting the voices that continue to inspire change.
Honoring Our School Counselors
As we approach National School Counseling Week, we want to express our deepest gratitude for our counseling department and dedication to our students. Their guidance, support, and commitment make a lasting impact on their lives and our school community.
"I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." — Maya Angelou
JOIN US for NAAPID 2025 @ HHS February 10th
Overview of the day
National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) is a special day for ALL parents to connect with their children's educational journey. Created by the late Joe Dulin in 1995, NAAPID is not limited to any particular community it's a day for everyone. This day served as a call to action at that time. Mr. Dulin believed in the power of parents as essential assets to a school.
Agenda:
8:30 - 9:15 AM: Coffee with the Principals - Principals Conference Room
9:15 - 2:30 PM: Classroom Visits- Open to all
12:00 - 12:30 PM: Parent University
Overview of Huron High School Counseling Services by Heather Potocki. Location: Ingram Theater
1:00 - 1:30 PM: Understanding IB Education
Todd Newell, MYP Coordinator, explains the benefits of an IB Education. Location: Ingram Theater
2:00 - 2:30 PM: Navigating Socio-emotional Challenges Join Waleed Samaha for valuable insights.
🎓 Attention Sophomores and Families!
Exciting Opportunities Await @ Huron High School!
February 10, 6:30–8:30 PM DP & CP Parent Information Night @ Meyer Auditorium
Discover pathways to achieve your goals and prepare for success in your junior and senior years with Huron High School's International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs.
Explore Your IB Options:
Class of 2027 IB Resources: IB Resources Link
Learn about the Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP)—tailored to support your academic and career aspirations.
Got Questions?
Submit them by February 5th @ 1 PM using our Question Submission Form
Don’t miss this opportunity to plan your future!
📅 Your Curriculum Journey Timeline:
- January: Understand graduation requirements and find your best-fit pathway.
- January/February: Ask questions—connect with your parents, counselors, and IB facilitators.
- March: Begin scheduling courses aligned with your goals and interests.
Looking Ahead
Join us for IB Information Night on Monday, February 10, at 6:30 PM to learn about our Diploma and Career-Related programs.The Huron Players' Presents "RENT"
February 21st- February 23rd
The Huron Players' winter production of RENT below. The dates for the production are February 21st through the 23rd and tickets go on sale on February 5th at thehuronplayers.ludus.com for $20 full adult admission, $15 military and senior discount, and $10 student discount. This show does have reserved seating.
"RENT by Jonathan Larson is a story of young people, mostly artists. These people are told they belong on the margins of society, that their lives don't matter. Government inhibilities to support an outbreak of an incredibly fatal disease, and the ways in which the city around them manifests it's many archetypes; this production melds 9 stories, including that of the City of New York itself, to show the many ways in which people express themselves through such a time to be alive. Set in the late 1980's ('89) to the theme of La Boheme."
***CONTENT NOTICE***
🎉 Congratulations, Huron River Rats! 🎉
Shoutout to HHS Varsity Hockey!
I truly enjoyed myself Friday evening watching our team battle hard against Saline on Friday night, applying pressure all three periods! I invite all families, staff, and students to come support our student-athletes when you can—our kids give it their all, and it’s a great source of Huron pride!
For updates, check the "Huron Athletics" tab. Huge thanks to Mr. Trush and our Boosters for creating the best experience for our athletes! Also, Student Council is naming our mascot! During 2nd-hour classes had an opportunity to vote—the winning name will be announced this week.
Student-designed River Rat mascot makes debut in Ann Arbor- MLive Article
📢 Shoutout to the HHS Key Club! 🎉
We’re excited to share the Cookie (and Brownie) Kits that Key Club members put together!
🍪🍫 Each kit includes:
✅ Brownie and cookie mix
✅ A tin for brownies
✅ Frosting for cookies
✅ Sprinkles or cookie cutters
A huge thank you to our Key Club members for their time, effort, and generosity in spreading some sweetness in our community.
Congratulations, Huron High School Library Exemplary Status
The HHS Library has been awarded Exemplary Status in the School Library 21 (SL21) Certification Program by the Library of Michigan! This prestigious recognition reflects the hard work, dedication, and innovation of our incredible librarians, Jennifer Colby and Caroline Hughes, who have created an outstanding learning environment for our students. By meeting key benchmarks in teaching, technology, and leadership, our library has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement and information literacy in the 21st century. Please join us in celebrating this achievement and thanking our librarians for their exceptional service to our school community!
Huron Clubs and Activities!
Exciting Opportunities for Your Student
We offer a wide range of clubs and activities to engage every student's interests and passions. Joining a club is a fantastic way for your student to connect with peers, develop leadership skills, and explore new hobbies. Explore our most updated list of clubs and activities here: Huron Activities. We encourage every student to get involved and find a community at HHS.
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.
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.
Athletics Updates
HHS Winter Event Admission Practice 2024-2025
Beginning for the winter season HHS students will only get into any competition for free when HHS is either the guest or home team. If a HHS student wishes to attend a Pioneer or Skyline game and HHS is not competing they will have to pay. Students are not permitted to bring bags or water bottles into our home games. Also, all students need to enter the game 2 minutes before the end of the first half. Admittance will be denied to those trying to enter with 2 minutes to go in the first half.'
For the 2024-25 Basketball Season
ALL Students must show valid 24-25 school ID
ALL Students will need to have a stamp
No entry for students after the 2:00 mark of Q2
No backpacks – Students
Limit on bags
No unsupervised middle school students
No Loitering In Lobby Area
HHS Spectator Expectations 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)
Scholarship Information
There are plenty of people who are still submitting college applications and completing the FAFSA form. Please don't hesitate to stop by the CCC for any and all of your college/career needs. Over the next couple months, completing Scholarship applications will become more important as deadlines for many Scholarships occur. I'm currently updating the CCC's student resource labeled Scholarships. The 4 sections below are found together in the resource label Scholarships. Of course you can click on any of the 4 sections below and/or find them on the resource labeled Scholarships. Clicking on Scholarships also works.
"How To": Each and every scholarship has its own requirements, read what they are, if you qualify? follow instructions for how to complete...and complete it. Repeat the same process for the next scholarship and so on and so on and so on and so on...
If you've committed to a School for Fall 2025 you should target that school's Financial Aid/Scholarship link and complete any and all you qualify for. It goes without saying that you should have your FAFSA started/completed by now and your need number (summary) released to the schools you've listed on FAFSA. FAFSA instructions included (below) in this email.
Available AAPS Scholarships for Graduating Huron Seniors = There are 7 scholarships available under this heading. Any day now the Apply at a2schools.submittable.com link will point you to the form you need to complete to be considered for one or more of these Scholarships. This application is not open as of today, but check it daily.
AAPS Community Scholarships, Grants and Applications = AAPS offers many Scholarships to all graduating AAPS students. All available are located on this site. This application is not open as of today, but check it daily.
More scholarships available!
In addition to these scholarships, there are many more scholarships available. To view and apply for additional scholarships visit a2schools.org/scholarships, go to aaacf.org and click on Grants and Scholarships or view scholarships in your Xello account.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) = AA Community Foundation is another available resource for AAPS students to use. This site has a link to their application that is currently OPEN!
Local, State and National Scholarship Opportunity = I created a spreadsheet with many of the Scholarships offered in the other 3 links above. Again, many applications are not updated and/or open for you to apply yet. There are another 6 tabs along the bottom of the spreadsheet, these tabs point to state and national websites that have thousands of scholarships available. Go for it!
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.
Kiwanis Summer Law Enforcement Career Academy
For students interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement! Each year, we submit applications for Washtenaw County high school students to participate in the Kiwanis Summer Law Enforcement Career Academy.
Key Details:
- Who can apply? Current Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors who are interested in law enforcement careers.
- Cost: FREE! Tuition is fully covered by Huron High School.
- How to apply: Visit the link below and submit your application.
👉 Kiwanis Law Enforcement Career Academy
Community Resource Updates
Looking for Community Connections or Partnership Support?
- Grant and Scholarship Announcements for Students and Staff
- Tons of Health and Wellbeing activities and services
- Events for families around suicide awareness, basic needs and more.
Check it out here: January Community Resources Update
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 DP/CP Facilitator MYP- Unfilled
Email: newellt@aaps.k12.mi.us