Welcome Back Huntington Herald

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope your summer was filled with rest, adventure, and wonderful memories with loved ones. I spent my summer with these 3 little ones and loved every minute of it! There is a fresh energy in the air as we gear up for another year, and our whole team is thrilled to open our doors and welcome you back. To our returning families, we are so glad to see you again; to those joining the Huntington family for the first time, we are delighted to welcome you into our warm and caring community. Over the summer, our staff has been hard at work preparing vibrant classrooms and engaging learning experiences designed to help every child thrive. We deeply value your partnership and know that together, we can make this year extraordinary for our students. Thank you for your continued trust, enthusiasm, and support—let’s make this our best year yet!

Nicole M. Muñoz

Principal

Huntington Elementary School

17752 Kennebec

Riverview, MI 48193

(734) 283-4820, ext. 5222

September

9/2 Open house/Popsicles on the playground 5-6:30

9/8 First day of school

9/16 Parent club meeting 6pm

9/18 Glow parade-movie night 7pm

9/21 Picture day

9/30 Used spirit wear pop up shop After school-5pm

Words Finest Chocolate Fundraiser 9/21-10/11

October

10/7 Count day

10/7 Bike-Walk-Stroll to School 8:30am

10/14 Parent club meeting 6pm

10/16 Harvestfest 6-8pm

10/22 Early Release Fall conferences

10/22 Book fair parent night

November

11/3 No school Election day

11/9 Picture retake

11/10 (tues) Parent club meeting 6pm

11/24 Early Release

11/25-11/27 No school Thanksgiving Break

December

12/3 Holiday event 6-8pm

12/8-12/10 Santa Shop

12/9 Parent club meeting 6pm

12/21-1/1 No school Holiday break

January

1/4 School resumes

1/13 Parent club meeting 6pm

1/18 No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Boys event TBD

February

2/3-2/4 Dress Drive

2/10 Count day

2/10 Parent club meeting 6pm

2/11 Early Release Winter conferences

2/15 No school Mid-winter break

2/19 Girls event 6-9pm

March

3/3 2nd and 3rd grade music concert 5pm

3/4 Art Showcase Literacy Night & BookFair 4-7pm

3/9 Parent club meeting 6pm

3/10 4th and 5th grade music concert 5pm

3/12 Early release

3/26 - 4/2 Spring Break

April

4/5 School resumes

4/7 Para Appreciation Day

4/6-4/9 5th grade camp

4/14 Parent club meeting 6pm

4/21 Secretary's Day

4/21 Kindergarten and 1st grade music concert 5pm

Family Event TBD

May

5/1 Principal's Day

5/2 Chalk the walk 1-3pm

5/3-5/7 Teacher Appreciation week

5/5 Bike-Walk-Stroll to School 8:30am

5/12 Parent club Meeting 6pm (vote for Parent club board members)

5/28 Field day

5/31 No School Memorial Day

5/31 Kalahari Fundraiser Night

June

6/9 5th grade send off Grecian Center

6/10 Kindergarten Celebration

6/11 Early Release Last day of school

School Hours are from 8:35 – 3:25

Students may not be dropped off more than 10 minutes before school starts.

Breakfast begins at 8:10. If students are dropped off at this time, he/she must go to breakfast.

School ends at 3:25. At 3:40, 15 minutes after school ends, all students should be off school grounds (including the playground). We have had too many incidents where students have not been picked up and we are not aware of the situation until all students have left which could be ½ hour after school has ended.

Middle School students are not permitted to pick up their siblings from the elementary school. We had far too many incidents last year with extremely inappropriate language used as well as disrespectful behavior towards our parents waiting to pick up their students.

All students who have siblings at the MS and need to be picked up by MS students, will be walked by Huntington Safeties to a Meeting Spot at the MS after school. K-2 will meet their safety in the front lobby. 3-5 will meet their safety in the hallway behind the cafeteria, in front of the Maintenance Office. They will then leave with their siblings through the MS Auditorium Doors.

- For the safety of our students, NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED during drop off and pick up of students while you are standing outside.

At Huntington Elementary School, our goal has always been to create the best possible learning environment for students, one where they can fully engage academically, build meaningful relationships, and develop the skills needed for future success. This commitment includes maintaining a school day that is free from the distractions of personal electronic devices.

This year, Michigan's new statewide legislation reinforces the importance of this work. Governor Whitmer recently signed bipartisan legislation requiring Michigan school districts to implement policies that prohibit student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time beginning this school year. The legislation is designed to reduce classroom distractions, improve student focus, and support student well-being.

At Huntington Elementary, students are required to keep personal electronic devices — including cell phones and smartwatches — in their backpacks for the entire school day. Devices should not be in the classroom or used at any point during the day, including recess and lunch. Our experience has shown that when students are not distracted by notifications, texting, or personal technology, they are more engaged in classroom discussions, collaborate more with peers, and participate more fully in school activities.

One important update for the 2026-2027 school year involves smartwatches. The new Michigan law defines a "wireless communications device" broadly as an electronic device capable of activities such as text messaging, voice communication, internet access, sending and receiving photos or videos, email, and other digital communications. Under this definition, smartwatches are considered wireless communication devices and are therefore subject to the same restrictions as cell phones. Students will be required to keep smartwatches in their backpacks throughout the school day, just as they do with cell phones.

If a family needs to reach their child during the school day, please call the front office rather than contacting your child directly by phone, text, or smartwatch. Our office staff will ensure your child receives your message promptly. Likewise, if your child needs to reach you, they should come to the office, where staff will assist them in contacting you.

We recognize that technology plays an important role in education, and the new law specifically allows for district-owned instructional devices, teacher-directed academic use, accommodations for students with disabilities, medically necessary devices, and use in emergency situations.

At Huntington Elementary School, we remain committed to creating a positive school culture where students can focus on learning, connect with their peers, and make the most of every school day. We appreciate the continued support of our families and community as we work together to provide an environment that promotes both academic achievement and social growth for every student.

* Any medications students need to take during school (either prescription or over the counter) must be kept in our office and you must have the medication forms completed. Medication form can be picked up in the office. If your child will need to take medication at school, use an inhaler, or if there is the possibility of your child needing over-the-counter medication, please have your Doctor fill out and sign the form. As the parent/guardian, you will sign it as well. Lastly, please turn the form into the office with the medication in the original labeled bottle/box.

- Please make sure you call our attendance line ahead of time (283-4820, #1) and leave a message when your child(ren) will be tardy or absent. Leave a brief message as to reason.

It is IMPORTANT that you keep the office updated of any phone #, email or address changes throughout the year. AND you check your emails for important school related issues coming from Huntington office or the Superintendent

If your child has a fever they MUST be fever free for 24 hours before returning back to school.

Always check your child's daily school folder for anything sent home from teacher or office; or things that require your completion. Please make a habit to check your Schoology account also.

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

* PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR UNATTENDED IN OUR DROP OFF LANE (or in the striped areas)! NO STOPPING/STANDING/PARKING is allowed! Signs are posted. You may not stop your car and wait for your child to come to you in the driveway/entryway to our school. We need to keep traffic flowing. This blocks cars from being able to enter our parking lot and causes major issues on Kennebec.

Please park your car in designated spots and make sure you are there walking your child to and from your car. Students should not be allowed to walk across street to your parked car on Kennebec (accidents have occurred). Please meet your child at the playground or sidewalk.

Summer is the time for looser schedules, later bedtimes, and lighter learning. We’ve all had a great time exploring new places and experiencing new things, but because of all the disturbances to the schedule that summer brings, kids might have a more difficult transition than usual this coming fall.

Studies show time and again the first five years are crucial to lifelong success; every year after builds on that early foundation. If you’re wondering about getting ready for back-to-school, now’s the time—and here is the place—for smarter starts and readier returns. Here are some great tips to help your kids—little and big alike—get back into school mode.

Reset Your Routine: Now’s the time to rein it in and ready for a new year.

• Help make your kids’ transition easier by gradually moving toward your regular school year bedtime/wakeup targets.

• Start to reimplement limits you’ve loosened up on over the summer. (screen time, night time routines, etc.)

• Establish a family calendar to keep track of back-to-school events, activities, and meetings as schedules heat up

• Practice positive habits of picking out clothes the night before and placing important items by the door for smoother mornings

• Set a study space for school-age kids that’s quiet, well-lit, and well-supplied

• Get brains back in action with extra reading, worksheets, puzzles, and other “thought-full” projects

Soothe Any Anxieties: Some kids might be raring to go back to school while others feel ambivalent. As the school year draws near, now’s the time to exhibit empathy and show support while accentuating the positive.

• Talk openly with your child about his or her feelings on the upcoming school year

• Offer words of encouragement and understanding

• Share about a time when you were afraid and what you did to get through it

Start Students Smartly: First-day jitters can feel especially difficult for kids who are starting preschool or elementary school for the first time. If you’ve got a child who will be a new student, now’s the time to practice and get familiarized.

• Show your child the new school or childcare center for comfort’s sake, before his or her first day

• Rehearse your new daily routine—from transportation to teachers, and backpacks to bedtimes

• Go on a tour of the facility to get a feel for the new surroundings, and identify all the important spots (class-, bath-, play- and lunch rooms, etc.)

• Attend the Huntington Open House on August 27th at 5:00pm.

• Read books together about going to childcare, preschool, or kindergarten for the first time, or transitioning from grade to grade

Find Friendly Faces: Helping kids reconnect with peers—even younger ones in childcare—can go a long way to ease unknowns and strengthen feelings of belonging.

• Consider meeting with other families before school starts at a park to share schedules and catch up

• Continue sharing with social support systems even after school starts to help both families and students to get back into the swing of things

A new school year may bring some new fears and anxieties for your child, but these tips can help alleviate the worry and ease the transition from summer back to school.

1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.

Hi Huntington Parents & Families,

Did you know that those Box Tops you collect can make a BIG difference for our school? It's easier than ever to help raise money for Huntington with Box Tops! Join the fun and start collecting Box Tops today! It's a simple way to support our school while making your shopping more enjoyable. You can scan and earn money for Huntington!

Here's how to get involved:

1. Scanning: Use the Box Tops app to scan the boxes and earn cash!

Spread the word and encourage your friends and neighbors to participate too! Together, we can make a huge impact on Huntington Elementary.

Thank you for your support!

"Let's make Huntington even better, one Box Top at a time!"

The Kroger Family of Companies is committed to community engagement, positive social impact and charitable giving at the national and local levels. Every community is unique, but our common goal is to partner with the neighborhoods we serve and help the people there live healthier lives.

One of the ways in which we do this is through our Kroger Community Rewards program. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your Card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card. Here’s how it works:

1. Create a digital account.

A digital account is needed to participate in Kroger Community Rewards. If you already have a digital account, simply link your Shopper’s Card to your account so that all transactions apply toward the organization you choose.

2. Link your Card to an organization.

Selecting the organization that you wish to support is as simple as updating the Kroger Community Rewards selection on your digital account.

1. Sign in to your digital account.

2. Search for your organization here.

3. Enter the name Huntington Elementary

4. Select the our school from the list and click “Save”.

Huntington will also display in the Kroger Community Rewards section of your account.

3. Huntington earns.

Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to our school based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.

If you have any questions, please contact Kroger's Customer Service Center.

To volunteer in any capacity within the Riverview Community Schools, the link below for the VOLUNTEER CONSENT FORM must be completed.

• Must be completed at least 2-weeks prior to the event
• Must be done annually!!!!
  • Valid for the entire school year (you only need to complete once - not for each event)
  • Applies to all your students in the district

https://forms.gle/BvTqkJTPW3erJv3W9