As we close out the 2020-2021 school year, I would like to give thanks and praise to all who work for the Howell Public Schools. We decided to do in-person instruction for our children and despite some initial anxiety over our decision, I do not think they could have done a better job at completing their core mission of providing an education in times that no training exists for. The teachers, staff, and board has, in my estimation, been absolutely forthcoming about any information they thought necessary to share. The precautions, protocols, and procedures put in place clearly worked and kept sickness at bay. The communication with parents has been transparent, timely, and complete. Our teachers have been class acts all the way and definitely deserve a raise.
This isn’t just about the teachers, principals, and executive functions either. Many of the jobs in these schools are thankless. The custodians who had to adapt to enhanced procedures. The cooking staff that provides many children with the only for-sure meal they will have that day. The office staff that probably had to answer the same questions day after day. These are all necessary moving parts of the greater system. To them, hats off. Thank you.
Despite the acts of fully grown men and women attempting to storm school board meetings to demand that a local board defy state orders and hurl insults, the vast majority of us think you’ve done a fantastic job. But as we unfortunately know, it’s easier to be heard screaming an incoherent grievance than it is saying thank you. So if you’re reading this: I think you’ve done great; I hope you have a fantastic summer; and we look forward to seeing you in August.
Rick Novak
Howell
