Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
We have a lot of exciting things happening in our community, and many of them you can read about or view in this newsletter. Please make sure to scroll all the way down.
I would like to highlight one event that I attended, for its bigger message. On Saturday, November 23, many different elementary schools came together in Clare's gym for a LEGO Robotics Competition. Our two teams from Larson were there, along with competitors from Isabella, Clare, Gratiot, and Missaukee counties. There were volunteer coaches, referees, and judges. The stands were full of supportive parents and other family members. While each team strived to do its best, the really cool thing is that they were all just kids, having fun and learning together. They complimented each other. They looked at the displays each school brought. Heck, even though keeping track of kids is stressful, the coaches enjoyed hanging out with each other.
Competitive rivalries have their place - yesterday, I wore a garish maize and blue Michigan sweater to work. And yet, at the end of the day, they are all our kids, regardless of zip code. The great thing about public education is that it is set up for everyone to succeed, not just 50%. Our ability to collaborate with, learn about, and respect others is key to success in school and beyond. Thinking just about our staff, we have people from Harrison, Farwell, Lake, Clare, Midland, Shepherd, Meridian, Houghton Lake, Alma, Mt. Pleasant, Gladwin, and Lake George, just to name a few. Our kids will grow up to work with others from surrounding areas too, and events like the robotics competition teach them well.
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
Bay City Times/Coca-Cola Golden Helmet of the Year Award
For the first time in 57 years, a Hornet was honored with the Bay City Times/Coca-Cola Golden Helmet Player of the Year Award! Congratulations to Logan Williams, who was surprised just before Thanksgiving with this honor.
At the presentation, Logan was joined by his teammates, coaches, family, and other HCS staff.
Interested in Volunteering?
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 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!
Excused Absences
When communicating that your child will be absent, the following are coded as "excused" per Board Policy 5301:
- the student’s physical or mental illness (verification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner is required after 4 consecutive days of absence for illness);
- severe weather;
- medical appointments for the student;
- death or serious illness of the student’s family member;
- attendance at a funeral, wedding, or graduation;
- appearance at court or for other legal matters;
- observance of religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
- college planning visits; and
- personal or family vacations (form must be completed and turned in at least five (5) days beforehand; see principal for form).
The ABCs of a BOE Meeting
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.
See below for information on our next meeting.
