All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- November 12, 2025
Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
We've collected about 85 responses to our bond survey -- if you have not yet had a chance to complete it, here's the link. It should take less than 5 minutes, and it is anonymous. Your input will help the Board plan next steps to address our safety and security needs.
Next week, once the data is no longer embargoed by the state, we will be sharing some exciting academic and other data from the spring state testing. Be on the lookout on Monday for a press release.
Much appreciation to all of you that were able to take part in parent/teacher conferences last week. While we always strive for 100% attendance, the numbers from last week were up and encouraging. If you have any suggestions for tweaking the current system, please let me know.
Several fall athletic teams have finished their seasons, notably cross-country, volleyball, and football. There was definite growth and success in all three areas, and we look forward to continuing to that trend next year! Thanks to everyone who came out to support our athletes.
Finally, just a reminder that students have a half day on Wednesday, November 19 (teachers have professional learning in the afternoon), and that Thanksgiving Break begins on Wednesday, November 26 (no school 26, 27, 28).
Thank you for choosing Harrison Community Schools. In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
Preschool staff decked out on Halloween
Kindergartners trick or treating with seniors from MediLodge
Students of the Month
In this issue, we are featuring Chelsea Roland, who was appointed to the Board in 2023 and won election in 2024.
- Number of Children in HCS: Two.
- Job/Position Outside of BOE: Licensed professional counselor.
- Why I Ran for BOE: Because I wanted to hold our schools accountable to making improvements to better our children's learning. I also wanted to be a voice for parents and children.
- Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy coaching, cooking, music, and watching horror movies.
- One Thing I Wish More People Knew About BOE: We have the same goals as parents. We want the children of our schools and community to thrive.
Michigan Teacher of the Year Corey Rosser reuniting with HHS teachers Ben Good and Kate Russell
Pre-Calculus students working on their rollercoasters
Our fun Chartwells staff as the Spice Girls
Interested in Volunteering?
Would you like to be more involved in your child's school? Do you have time during the school day or just after to volunteer? We would welcome you with open arms!
In order to volunteer, you simply fill out and submit an iChat form (linked below). This enables us to run a criminal background check in short order, to ensure the safety of all students you may come into contact with. Assuming nothing of concern shows up, you are all set to help out wherever your school may need you. The principal of each building determines the needs, and works with approved volunteers to meet those needs; some schools may have more needs than others. If you would like to view our Board Policies in regard to volunteering, please view Board Policy 3105 on our website.
Excused Absences
When communicating that your child will be absent, the following are coded as "excused" per Board Policy 5301:
- the student’s physical or mental illness (verification from a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner is required after 4 consecutive days of absence for illness);
- severe weather;
- medical appointments for the student;
- death or serious illness of the student’s family member;
- attendance at a funeral, wedding, or graduation;
- appearance at court or for other legal matters;
- observance of religious holidays of the student’s own faith;
- college planning visits; and
- personal or family vacations (form must be completed and turned in at least five (5) days beforehand; see principal for form).
The ABCs of a BOE Meeting
All Board meetings are open to the public, and are conducted in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. On rare occasions, the Board may go into closed session, but only as allowed by the OMA.
If it is your first time attending a Board meeting, you may not be familiar with the structure. Make sure you pick up an agenda on your way in, and if you intend to speak during the portion designated for public comments, please pick up a copy of Board Policy 2504, which is near the copies of the agenda. This will explain the parameters of the public comment portion of the agenda.
As you observe the Board conduct its business, the agenda will guide you. Common agenda sections are as follows:
- Opening of the Meeting (welcome, Pledge of Allegiance, additions/corrections to agenda/minutes, building instructional highlight, any other "organizational" items)
- Consent Agenda (items for approval that do not require a roll-call vote, and without objection from a Board member, can be considered all together)
- Non-Consent Agenda (one or more items that require a separate roll-call vote, such as budget approval)
- Informational Items (examples include resignations, other presentations, etc.)
- Public Comments (3 minutes each, Board members do not respond during the 3 minutes so that each speaker gets their full time; after, Board members may, but do not have to, pose questions or make statements)
- Communication (Superintendent's Report - includes subject matter of public comments; any other Board communication)
- Discussion Items (other matters any Board member may choose to speak about; may relate to public comments but not required)
- Adjournment
Within 8 business days of the meeting, minutes are posted on our website.
See below for information on our next meeting.
