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)

10/13 - 11/14 - Gleaners Food Drive

11/4 - NO SCHOOL

11/26 - 12/1 - THANKSGIVING BREAK

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 Halloween Hawkins,

I want to start by thanking all of you that came in to help today, or sent in items for the Halloween celebrations. As I walked around the building today, I was amazed to see so many of you and the fun the kids were having. I was delighted to see such a strong turnout at parent/teacher conferences. The teacher to family relationship is so important. I also want to give a shout out to Mrs. Beach for her efforts with Gleaners to make sure every family has food for the holidays. If you or any family you know needs help, please reach out. Remember there is no school next Tuesday, November 4th. One more thing I wanted to mention is when there are bus issues, please reach out to the bus garage (810)299-3893. While I always want to be in the loop, I do not have access to their cameras.

I have a busy weekend with my first college game to ref tonight, the Michigan game tomorrow, and lots of projects for my mom on Sunday as well as taking my daughter to the airport as she is off to Japan. Have a great time tonight with Trick or Treating and please be safe.

Mr. McAuliffe

Hello Hawkins Families!

Art to Remember personalized order forms were sent home TODAY!!!

All ordering can be done online @ arttoremember.com and the deadline to order is November 17th to ensure that all items will arrive at Hawkins or home before our holiday break:)

I am SO excited for you to see what your artists have been working on!

This is a GREAT opportunity to purchase one of a kind keepsakes that everyone is sure to love! Any questions about ATR please direct them to me:

Ms.V

vermiglioj@brightonk12.com

Happy Halloween!

School Pictures are Ready!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

• HAWKINS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
• Event Code: FE219525
• Images are secured using the email address(es) provided to us by the school.

Additionally, if your school signed up for it, an email from JostensPIX will be sent within 24 hours to parents/guardians with a link to order.

Hello Hawkins! I have received a handful of emails from our amazing families looking to support food needs with the SNAP benefits changing. We are so grateful for the generous hearts of our families to meet the needs of our community! While we do not house a food pantry here at the school, Livingston county has a wonderful resource for local pantries that can meet the tangible needs of families regularly! The food that we are collecting for the Gleaner's Food Drive goes directly to many of these pantries listed!

If you are a family in need, please reach out to me at beachl@brightonk12.com as we provide various avenues of support for tangible needs to our families throughout the year!

If you or anyone you know is in need of food assistance immediately, please check out the list below and email me and let me know how we can support you here at Hawkins!

Hawkins Family Survey

https://milivcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-Food-Programs-and-Pantries.pdf

https://milivcounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/Holiday-Food-Programs-2025.pdf

Mrs. Beach beachl@brightonk12.com

Hawkins Counselor

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

To: The Parents of Hawkins Elementary

First, let me introduce myself, my name is Lisa Karazim, better known as “Julia’s Mom”. My daughter Julia is eight years old and this is her fourth year at Hawkins as a very proud third grader! Most students at Hawkins know Julia by now, but we know there are always new friends, as well as, a whole new Kindergarten class who may wonder why there’s a girl in 3rd grade who is a little smaller than the rest of the third graders.
This letter is to provide both you and your child with some insight about dwarfism, specifically achondroplasia.
Julia was born with a rare (1 in 25,000) condition called achondroplasia, which is the most common form of dwarfism. Little Person is the most accepted terminology for people of short stature. The term to NOT use in referring to someone with dwarfism is “midget”, which is considered very derogatory within the dwarfism community. Dwarf is accepted by some, though we as a family do not prefer this. But don’t worry, we are not easily offended, especially when we know most people have the best of intentions. To be honest, Julia is her most preferred way to be addressed 😊
Achondroplasia, 80% of the time, is a random genetic mutation which happens at conception, meaning, she did not inherit this condition from us as her parents. The chances of two average-height (correct terminology) individuals conceiving a child with dwarfism are less than 1%, although rare, this can happen to anyone. Julia was unofficially diagnosed with achondroplasia at her 6-month-wellness check. Then, after a 6 month wait to get in with the geneticists at Mott Children’s Hospital, her diagnosis was confirmed with a blood test that showed a mutation to the FGFR3 gene. The FGFR3 protein regulates bone growth, but in Julia’s body, and all other individuals with achondroplasia, the FGFR3 gene is overactive and disrupts the process of cartilage converting to bone (the ossification process). Achondroplasia literally means “without cartilage formation”. The larger bones in the body are affected most, simply because larger bones mean larger growth plates. Julia’s torso is actually comparable in size to that of an average-height eight-year-old, whereas her legs and arms will be significantly shorter because the humerus (large bone in the upper arm) and femur (large bone in the upper leg) are affected most by the FGFR3 mutation because they’re two of the biggest growth plates in the body. Another trait of achondroplasia is a larger head circumference and a prominent forehead.
So, how do you possibly explain all of this to your elementary-aged child? Maybe leave out the biology lesson and instead simply tell your kiddo that Julia’s bones grow shorter than his or hers. Julia is a very outgoing girl, and when asked about having achondroplasia she will be the first to tell you that even though her bones grow shorter than most kids her age, she is a proud older sister and NOT a baby! Julia’s younger sister, Margaret, is average-height. Margaret is just shy of 4.5 years old and in the past year has grown taller than her older sister. Julia also has a baby brother who she was so excited to welcome just 3 weeks ago! Baby brother, Jett, is also average-height.
To conclude, October is dwarfism awareness month and a very special time of year for our family. More specifically, this past Saturday, October 25th was National Dwarfism Awareness Day.
Little People of America (LPA) is a nonprofit organization that provides support and information to people of short stature and their families. Julia has been a member of LPA for almost 4 years now and we’re planning to attend our first LPA convention this July! If you’re interested in learning more about the LPA, you can visit their website at lpaonline.org.
Thank you for taking the time to read, and, please do share with your kiddos about Julia and, really, all differences- how God makes each person exactly how He wants them, including him or her!

Respectfully,

Lisa & Craig Karazim

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

Title: Eagle Wings & More Concert

Supporting Students through the McKinney-Vento Act

Brighton Area Schools is part of a county-wide consortium dedicated to supporting students who are experiencing temporary living situations. Through this program, students can receive:

• Assistance with educational expenses
• Housing referrals
• Access to clothing and other essentials
• General support and technical assistance

To comply with federal law, staff and families are encouraged to help identify students who may be living in:

• Emergency shelters or transitional housing
• Motels or hotels
• Cars, parks, or public spaces
• Shared housing due to loss of housing or financial hardship
• Temporary arrangements with someone other than a parent or guardian

Our district’s homeless liaison is Starr Acromite, and each building has trained staff available to provide support. Brighton also partners with Candice Olrich at the Livingston Educational Service Agency.

📞 For more information or assistance, please contact your building principal or Starr Acromite at 810-299-4040.

Shorter Version below:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

McKinney-Vento Act Support

Brighton Area Schools supports students experiencing temporary housing through the McKinney-Vento Act. Assistance is available for school needs, housing referrals, clothing, and more. If you know a student in need, please contact your building principal or district liaison Starr Acromite at 810-299-4040.

Dear Parents,

We’d like to share some important information about Free & Reduced-Price Meal eligibility.

While all students currently receive meals at no cost through the Michigan School Meals Program, qualifying for Free or Reduced-Price Meals can provide additional benefits for your child and family—including reduced fees for school activities, athletics, and testing.

In past years, most students’ eligibility was determined through a process called Direct Certification. This automatically qualifies students without the need for families to apply. However, this year Direct Certification has not identified as many eligible students as in the past.

If your child has qualified for Free or Reduced-Price Meals in previous years but you have not received a notification this year, you may need to complete a short application. Also, if you feel that you may now qualify, you should fill out this application as well (Link to Qualification Standards). The good news—it’s quick and simple to do!

• Paper applications are available in all schools.

• Applications can also be printed from the district website.

• An online Application is available on Parent Connect

If you are unsure of your eligibility status or have any questions, please call the Food Service Office at 810-299-4175 and we’ll be happy to help.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to ensure your child receives all the benefits they are entitled to.

Sincerely,

The Brighton Area Schools Student Nutrition Department

*if the hyperlink to the qualification standards does not work, the following is the direct link: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2024/09/17/income-guidelines-for-free-and-reduced-price-meals-announced

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