HAWKINS HAPPENINGS
November 14, 2025
Chris McAuliffe - Principal
Address: 8900 Lee Road, Brighton, MI 48116
Website: https://www.brightonk12.com/Domain/52
First Bell: 9:01 AM
Second Bell: 9:05 AM
Dismissal Time: Begins at 3:55 PM (Final Bell 3:58)
Lunch/Recess Schedule
JK/K - 11:10 - 11:55
1st - 11:40 - 12:25
2nd - 12:10 - 12:55
3rd - 12:40 - 1:25
4th - 1:10 - 1:55
In honor of Veterans Day on November 11th, Mrs. Etheridge, Ms. Darbee & Ms. Hoye's classes wrote letters to veterans that are either friends or family of second graders to thank them for their service.
Happy Friday Hawkins,
First and foremost, I want to give a huge thank you to our Veterans. You are the reason we have the opportunities we do, and your service and sacrifices are appreciated.
I just can’t believe how fast time is flying, as I see all of the things going on to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. My mom called me last night all excited because she had her tree and all her decorations up. I want to thank Mrs. Beach and the staff for the amazing job collecting food for Gleaners. The amount of items donated was incredible. I loved how involved all the students were. This will definitely make a difference for the Holidays. Our next big event is the Brighton Ford Toys for Tots, which is on December 4. We have our 4th grade “elves” who take the cart around daily to classrooms to collect the toys that have been donated. As an incentive for students, we’ve set the following goal: if we collect 750 toys, we will celebrate with a movie/pajama day. Students will be able to choose from several classrooms, each showing a different short movie. If we collect 1200 toys, the teachers will have a race in their inflatable costumes through the halls of Hawkins. We will definitely have a video of that! On that note I want to give a huge shout out to Mrs. Harmala who coordinates the staff videos each week, they have been so much fun.
We are in need of a crossing guard on Fridays and as a substitute. This is for 30 minutes before school (8:15 am - 8:45 am) and 30 minutes after school (3:45 pm - 4:15 pm). The pay is $20 per hour (for 1 hour a week). If you are already in the area and interested please let me know. A reminder that the weather has changed so please have your children dress appropriately. We send them out in the outfits or coats they come to school in, we don’t want them to be miserable.
I shared the PTO information in a mass email this morning, but I am including it below again to make sure it gets out. It is basketball reffing season for me, so most nights I am working a high school or college game. Please no booing if you are at a game I am working. Finally, I want to make sure you understand that in my position it is impossible to make everyone happy, but I try to have honest conversations with parents and compromise when possible. That is why I don’t do social media, it allows for statements to be made without conversation to find the truth. As I have said, if you have a question or concern, just ask. Please be assured that every decision I make starts with what is best for kids.
Have a great weekend everyone, Go Blue!
Mr. McAuliffe
Now that the weather has turned colder, we want to remind you to make sure your child comes to school each day with the appropriate winter gear. Please send your child with a warm coat, hat, gloves or mittens, boots, and snow pants when needed. We go outside for recess and other activities whenever possible, and having the right clothing helps keep students comfortable, healthy, and ready to learn.
Thank you for helping your child be prepared for the winter season!
Hello Hawkins Families!
Art to Remember:
There is still time to order to ensure holiday delivery!
Art to Remember orders will close this Monday, November 17th.
Thank you to those who have ordered already, I appreciate your continued support with this incredible program!
Final reminder notes went home with your artist today, please let me know if you have any questions or help finding your code.
Artfully yours, Ms.V
Did you know?
Hawkins art room has an instagram page! Follow what we are up to
@hawkinsartroom
Brighton Area Schools is pleased to partner with "Fueling Kids' Futures One Meal at a Time" program (formerly Blessings in a Backpack). This program is designed to provide students with enough food for three melas a day during the weekends. Bags are discreetly dispensed each Friday of the school year in your child's backpack. Its goal is to make sure that no child goes hungry on the weekends. If you agree to take part in the program, during the school year, your child will receive a bag filled with purchased food for the weekend. Bags will be dispensed in a discreet and caring manner. This program is run by volunteers, there is no cost to you. Please contact Hawkins (810-299-3903) or email samanij@brightonk12.com if your family can benefit from this program
We believe that regular attendance and punctuality are fundamental to your child's academic success. Consistent classroom presence allows students to fully engage in our curriculum and build strong relationships with their peers and teachers.
Attendance:
Monitoring Absences: We closely monitor student attendance and will reach out to families once a student is out 10% of the year so far.
Support and Assistance: If there are factors preventing your child from attending school regularly, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer support and explore potential solutions.
Punctuality:
Prompt Start and End Times: School begins at 9:05 AM and ends at 3:58 PM.
Importance of Timeliness: Arriving on time and staying for the entire school day ensures that your child doesn't miss out on important instruction and activities.
By prioritizing attendance and punctuality, we can create a positive and supportive learning environment for all students. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping your child achieve their academic goals.
We are currently just over halfway through the 1st trimester of school. Excessive Absences = 10% or more of the marking period. The section on Attendance (taken from the Student Handbook) is pictured below. Medically excused absences do not count against your student's attendance, so send in those doctor's notes if you have them. If you have any questions regarding your students attendance, feel free to contact Judy Samanich via email at samanij@brightonk12.com
A quick reminder about the board policy regarding medication: All medication including over-the-counter medication (i.e. Tylenol, Motrin, TUMS, cough drops, etc.) must have a MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FORM. This form requires both the parent's and the medical provider's signature. Without both signatures, we cannot give medication to your student. Also, the school cannot provide this medication. You must supply this medication for your student. The clinic does not have extra. This comes from board policy found here: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2615
Please make sure your child has an extra set of clothes in their backpack and/or locker in case of accidents or emergencies (i.e. bathroom accidents, playground mishaps, lunchroom spills, ripped or torn clothes, etc.). We do not have extra clothes to lend out. An extra set here at school saves parents an extra trip to Hawkins during the school day. We appreciate your help!!!
