HAWKINS HAPPENINGS

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)

11/10 - 12/4 - Toys for Tots Collection

11/26 - 12/1 - THANKSGIVING BREAK

12/1 - Brighton Ford Window Painting

12/4 - PTO Meeting 9:30am

12/4 - Brighton Ford Toys for Tots Santa Night 6-8pm

12/8 - 12/11 - Holiday Shop

12/22 - 1/2/2026 - HOLIDAY BREAK (School Resumes 1/5/26)

1/19/26 - NO SCHOOL

1/26/26 - NO SCHOOL

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

Happy Friday Hawkins,

I still just can’t believe we are looking at Thanksgiving next week. We had so much going on this week. Thanks to all of the staff and parents who have worked so hard getting food baskets and craft projects ready for families in need. Mrs. Beach has been amazing and did projects with students this week to create wreaths for our seniors to bring a smile this season. We had our Turkey Trot this week and the kids loved it. Please see the list below of the many volunteers, our parents have been amazing. Also make sure you look below for information on our Toys for Tots event and the Holiday Shop. We had our monthly Huddles this week, the theme was diversity. We spent time talking about even though we have so many different students here at Hawkins, we all work together and have our special talents.

On Monday, Brighton High School Marching Band will be performing for Hawkins students. I will get things started with the performance and then head inside to the PTO meeting at 9:30. I am looking forward to the weekend as my middle daughter will be home from Japan for a few weeks before heading back to the cruise ship. This will also be the first year we are not hosting Thanksgiving, as my oldest daughter and her husband will be hosting in their new house. I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving and can enjoy some time with family.

Top 10 Reasons I'm Grateful for Hawkins Parents & Caregivers This Thanksgiving Season

10. You read my newsletters 😉

9. You are willing to donate items for special occasions 🍪

8. You get your forms in on time 📝

7. You go to PTO meetings 🧑🏾‍💻

6. You attend Hawkins school wide events 🎭

5. You keep your children home when they are sick 😷

4. You are responsive to your teacher's classroom needs 📚

3. You are so quick to volunteer 🙋🏻‍♂️

2. You get your children to school on time & ready to learn 🙌

1. You support your children to be the best they can be 😍

Have a great weekend everyone, Go Blue!

Mr. McAuliffe

We will be holding a special meeting on Monday, the 24th at 9:30 in the Hawkins cafeteria. This meeting is for the sole purpose of voting for a new PTO board. I will call the meeting to order, after that we will start with the election of president and work our way down the list. The process will be as follows, (according to Robert’s Rules):

I will share those that have already been nominated for this position. I will then ask the floor for any other nominations. After asking twice, I will declare that if we have no other nomination for this position nominations are closed. At that time we will take a vote, if only one candidate the vote will be verbal, if more than one candidate we will use paper ballots. We will then move on to the next position and follow the same process. All in attendance can vote. Once we have completed all elections the meeting will be adjourned and I will set up a meeting with the new board to discuss the December 4th (mistakenly put on 12/11 in a previous email) regularly scheduled meeting.

Bylaws information about eligibility to run.

SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY. MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR OFFICE IF THEY ARE MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING AND HAVE ATTENDED THREE PTO MEETINGS IN THE SCHOOL YEAR WHICH ENSURES THE MEMBER IS UP TO DATE ON ALL CURRENT STANDINGS WITH THE SCHOOL AND GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED FOR FUTURE WORK. BEFORE THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE PRESENTS ITS SLATE. IN EVENT THAT THERE IS A NEW PARENT TO THE BUILDING AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN AT THE SCHOOL LONG ENOUGH FOR 3 MEETINGS, THEY ARE STILL ELIGIBLE OR IN THE EVENT THAT THREE MEETINGS HAVE NOT BEEN AN OPTION.

The following nominations have been submitted to me:

• Angela McFadden - President
• Brian Dick - VP
• Haley Murdock - VP
• Katie Morningstar - Secretary
• Tara Newlon - Treasurer
• Ashley Stephens - Fundraising Coordinator

This week, Hawkins staff took Spirit Week to a new level—by going underground. Without announcing their daily themes, teachers and staff quietly coordinated outfits and activities behind the scenes. The challenge? To see how long it would take students to catch on.

This months Huddle Lesson focused on Disability Awareness and how our differences makes each of special and how we can show kindness, respect and inclusion to everyone, no matter what make them unique (click on the photo below to view the presentation). As a special treat, all students got a bracelet and a pencil to celebrate that here at Hawkins, we CHOOSE TO INCLUDE everyone!

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!

Students had the opportunity to participate in the Hawkins Run Club Turkey Trot during their lunch recess. Students, staff, and volunteers wore their most festive turkey colors and costumes. All participants received a turkey toe token. A special shout out goes to all our volunteers...Gobble, Gobble!

Meet Nathan, an amazing kindergarten student with us! When I shared our November lesson with his class, focusing on gratitude, Nathan shared how important it is to donate to families in need through our Gleaner's Food Drive and Toys for Tots collection! I was so touched by his words, I asked him to share with all of you! We are continuing to collect toys for our Toys for Tots drive now through December 4th!

With a Thankful Heart,

Mrs. Beach

Letters should have gone home attached to the envelopes today, so make sure you look for those! Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey! If you have not done, so here is the link for that. If your family needs assistance this year, please make sure you fill out the survey. Lastly, if you are choosing to shop after school, please know that your child will have more time to shop and we will have volunteers available to shop with students who do not want to shop with their adults. This way, it can still be a surprise! Also, you are welcome to shop with your child if you shop after school. Thank you and we are looking forward to another successful Holiday Shop year!

http://Tinyurl.com/2025HolidayShopSurvey

Our Lost & Found is overflowing with hats, coats, lunch boxes, and sweatshirts. If you’re missing anything, please stop by the entrance to Hawkins and take a look! Any unclaimed items will be donated prior to the holiday break.

Hello Hawkins Families!

The deadline for Art to Remember orders to arrive in time for the holidays has closed. BIG thank you to all who ordered! I will communicate when your orders have arrived!

If you missed the window, no worries, you can still order until the official closing date, December 30th to have items shipped to home. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, please let me know if you have any questions:)

Artfully yours,

Ms.V

vermiglioj@brightonk12.com

Follow our Hawkins art room instagram page!

@hawkinsartroom

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

All parent volunteers must undergo a background check in order to volunteer at Hawkins. If you have not done so yet and are planning on volunteering at Hawkins, click on the link below to access Brighton Area Schools Background Check Form.

Parents, please remember to be checking your students head for head lice. After a long summer of sleep overs and interaction with friends, family and sporting events, it is that time of year again to be diligent about checking for lice and eggs . While they are not harmful they most certainly are a nuisance and difficult to get rid of. Should you need any more information here is a link for your reference: https://www.cdc.gov/lice/about/head-lice.html

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!!!

Parent Connect a web-based application that allow parents/guardians to view information for your child's current school year. Logging into Parent Connect will enable you to see your child's placement (date to be determined), report card, and lunch account. In addition, parents/guardians can add or change emergency contacts. Please click on the link for more information.

Parent Connect FAQ

Parent Connect

If you need to change a contact phone number or email address you can do so through Parent. Connect at Parent Connect

If you do not know your Parent Connect login information, please follow the instructions on the Brighton Area Schools website.

PLEASE NOTE: Address changes CANNOT be completed through Parent Connect. Address changes must be completed by filling out a change of address form along with 3 copies of proof of residency. Details are listed on the change of address form which is available by clicking on the link below. Since in person drop off is not an option at this time, forms can be scanned and emailed to samanij@brightonk12.com

Title: Holiday POPs with the Phil Concert & Toys for Tots Drive

Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025

Time: 4:00pm (Approximately 2 hrs.)

Location: Brighton Center for the Performing Arts

7878 Brighton Rd, Brighton, MI 48116 (on the campus of Brighton High School)

Tickets:
$31 Adults

$26 Seniors

$21 Students

Available at www.bcpashows.com

Contact: (810) 299-4130

Description:

Get ready to deck the halls with the Michigan Philharmonic! Immerse yourself in the joyous sounds of the season as they perform all your cherished holiday favorites. This beloved tradition is the perfect way to launch your holiday celebrations. Join us and raise your voice in a festive holiday sing-along of your Christmas carols!

The Michigan Philharmonic – (or “Michigan Phil”) – is one of the most innovative and dynamic professional orchestras in Southeast Michigan. Nan Washburn, Music Director & Conductor since 1999, has won 19 ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music from the League of American Orchestras. In 2016 the Michigan Philharmonic received First Place in the American Prize for the Performance of American Music. The orchestra performs in an ever-expanding roster of Michigan communities; including Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Livonia, Brighton, Downtown Detroit, and many others. The Michigan Phil is committed to reaching out to a broad and diverse array of audiences and providing enjoyable cultural and social experiences, while encouraging anyone who loves live music events to “Spend the night with Michigan Phil.”

TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE

Help make this holiday season a merry and bright one for the girls and boys in our community. Bring a donation of a new and unwrapped toy to drop off for Toys for Tots in the BCPA lobby. Doors open at 3:00pm