HAWKINS HAPPENINGS
April 10, 2026
Hawkins Elementary
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)
Calendar
4/18 - Hawkins Student Entrepreneur Market 10am -12pm
5/7 - PTO Meeting 9:15 AM
5/25 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
5/29 - Family Fun Night
6/5 - Field Day
6/10 - 4th Grade Farewell Party
6/11 - Last Day of School - 1/2 day for students (Dismissal 12:50pm)
Lunch Schedule
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
From The Principal
Happy Rainy Friday Hawkins,
I cannot believe we are in April, time is flying! It was a great week, with everyone getting back into the swing of things after the break. Of course my week started off great with that big Michigan basketball win on Monday. I was hoping the hockey team would follow suit, but they kept me up late last night for a disappointing ending. We had a great 4th grade chorus performance this week, nice job Mr. Chernich and all of our 4th grade singers. We had our monthly PTO meeting this week, and so much was accomplished. I want to thank the staff as well as Dr, Outlaw, Mr. Renner, and Katie Tierney from the school board for attending. As our weather warms up, please keep an eye on what your children are wearing to school. The dress code is tricky for our younger students, I just ask that you make sure the outfit is age appropriate and not distracting to our other learners. I am keeping my phone close, as my youngest daughter is due any day now. I am so excited to be a grandpa for the first time. I am hoping you all have an amazing weekend, and the sun shows itself a little.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Mr. McAuliffe
⭐⭐The Reel Deal Presents: Spring Break Rewind ⭐⭐
Mystery Readers
Ms. Darbee's class wrapped up March is Reading Month with special mystery readers Mr. McAuliffe and Mr. Renner - and Buckley too!. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to be mystery readers throughout the month of March! We appreciate your support!
Kids Heart Challenge 4/6 - 4/27
Hawkins will be participating in the American Heart Association's annual Kid’s Heart Challenge campaign. Your child will be bringing home an envelope for this event’s fund raising campaign. Your child does not have to fundraise to participate in the event. The Kid's Heart Challenge runs from 4/6 - 4/27 and will take place during their PE class. The money will be due the week after Spring Break. Last year we raised close to $10,000! Our goal this year is to exceed $10,000. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Mr. Richards at richardst.sub@brightonk12.com
4th Grade Chorus Concert
Last night, Hawkins 4th Grade Chorus took the stage for a wonderful concert after months of hard work and early morning practices. The lineup included the Star-Spangled Banner, Try Everything from Zootopia, Count on Me by Bruno Mars, and High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco. The 4th Grade Chorus will wrap up their performance season on April 16th at Independence Village Retirement Community, where they will join Hornung’s 4th Grade Chorus for one final special performance. Great job to Mr. Chernich all of our talented singers!
Hawkins Pavilion
Thanks to the contributions from the Brighton Youth Softball & Baseball Program, Brighton Area Schools and the Hawkins PTO, we were able to complete the pavilion on the Hawkins playground. The ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication to Sharon Tullar was held this past Tuesday. Sharon is a long time BYSBP board member who was instrumental in organizing their tournaments and making Brighton a Softball & Baseball destination. The next step will be for the PTO to finalize picnic table plans so that our staff can start using the structure as the weather warms up.
Hawkins Elementary PTO Board
2025-2026 PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION
President | Angela McFadden
Co-Vice Presidents | Brian Dick & Haley Murdock
Co-Secretaries | Katie Morningstar & Ashley Stephens
Treasurer | Tara Newlon
Parent Requests to Change Transportation
Brighton Area Schools – Transportation Bus Stop Change Requests
Bus stop change requests can be found on the Brighton Area Schools website under Departments → Transportation.
- In-district students: Please complete the “Alternate Destination” form. Students are permitted up to two (2) different bus stops.
- Out-of-district (School of Choice) students: Please complete the “Out of District/School of Choice” form.
Please allow a three (3) day processing window for transportation staff to review, assign, and communicate any approved changes to both families and drivers.
Important Reminders
- We cannot accommodate “one-time” bus changes for last-minute situations such as playdates, projects, or sports rides.
- In the case of a true emergency, please contact your building principal. The principal will determine if the situation qualifies and will coordinate directly with the transportation department if needed.
Why Advance Requests Are Required
There are several important reasons why same-day or one-time changes cannot be approved:
- Bus route sheets and student rosters are legal documents specifying authorized riders and stops.
- Drivers must be notified in advance of any approved changes.
- Routes may need adjustment, requiring time to inform all affected families.
- All changes must include proper written documentation signed by a legal guardian.
- In the event of an incident, drivers must have documented authorization for any deviation.
- Staffing limitations may prevent last-minute accommodations.
- Some buses are at capacity, requiring route adjustments to safely add riders.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep student transportation safe and efficient.
Todd Oliver and Irving the Talking Dog
Todd Oliver's show is a family-friendly comedy for all ages. He promotes pet adoption, spay and neuter, and encourages young people to turn their talents into lifelong skills. 6:00pm we have a meet & greet with BAS pack of dogs and pet supplies fundraiser for Livingston County Animal shelter before the show!
Title: Todd Oliver and Irving the Talking Dog Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 Time: 6:00pm Location: Brighton Center for the Performing Arts 7878 Brighton Rd, Brighton, MI 48116 (on the campus of Brighton High School) Tickets: Adult: $23; Child/student: $18 Available at www.bcpashows.com
Just-In-Case Clothes
Please make sure your child has an extra set of clothes in their backpack. Accidents happen while your child is at school (bathroom accidents, playground mishaps, lunchroom spills, ripped or torn clothes, etc.) and we do not have extra clothes to lend out. Having an extra set here at school saves parents from having to make a trip to Hawkins during the day. We appreciate your help!
Parent Volunteers
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.
Parent Connect
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.
Email, Phone Number, and Address Changes
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