Dear Hornet Nation,

This issue of All the Buzz highlights the Class of 2024, although it also has other pieces from around the district. Last Friday, our seniors graduated, and this is what I shared with all who attended:

"Good evening, esteemed guests, proud parents and family members, dedicated teachers, and, most importantly, our remarkable graduates. Today is a day of celebration, a day we recognize the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of the Class of 2024. As I look out at all of you, I am filled with immense pride and optimism for the future. You have navigated through years of academic opportunities, personal growth, and, at the start of high school, unprecedented global events that tested your resilience and adaptability. And yet, here you are, ready to embark on the next chapter of your lives.

Graduates, you have shown that you are not just survivors but thrivers. You have demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt, to learn, and to grow even in times of adversity. These qualities will serve you well in the future, no matter what path you choose to follow. As you leave Harrison Community Schools, I encourage you to carry with you the lessons you have learned here. Embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. Remember that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about building character and fostering a sense of community. You have the power to make a positive impact on the world, and I have no doubt that you will do just that.

To the parents and families, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your belief in these young individuals has helped them reach this milestone. To the teachers and staff, your dedication and passion for education have inspired and guided our students. Your efforts have been instrumental in shaping the bright minds we celebrate today. And to the graduates, as you move forward, remember to be kind to yourselves and to others. Take risks, embrace opportunities, and never stop learning. The world needs your energy, your ideas, and your leadership. You are the future, and I am confident that the future is in good hands.

Congratulations, Class of 2024. Go out and make your mark on the world. We are all incredibly proud of you."

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

If you are looking for ideas to keep your kids learning this summer, check out the National PTA website. Is it is full of resources, tips, and guidance around easy ways to engage learners during the summer months. Another website full of ideas is from Parents Magazine.

For activities closer to home, check out the two flyers beneath the "6-8" picture section.

Due to construction over the summer, our first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year will be Monday, August 26, a week later than others around us. High school students in CTE will begin on August 19, and we will get more information (as well as the full calendar) out to you soon.

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.

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

May 24: Half day for students

May 27: No school (Memorial Day)

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