All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- August 14, 2025
Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
It was wonderful to see so many of you and your children yesterday at our open houses. We cannot wait for this school year to begin on Monday morning!
Please note that students are not admitted into Larson, the middle school, or the high school until 7:35 am. Students being dropped off by parents at the Early Childhood Learning Center for preschool or kindergarten will not be admitted until 7:55 am. Students riding the buses will be dropped off at their respective schools at those same times.
By now, some or many of you may have heard or read that I have been designated as a semifinalist for the state superintendent position. In the spirit of our Guiding Belief of Openness, please know that this is not a position I went looking for, nor was I looking for any position other than the one I am in.
I was contacted by the firm conducting the search to submit materials. As you might imagine, I had to sit with that possibility for a while, with a whole host of emotions. I am deeply committed to Hornet Nation, yet I also believe that sometimes we are called to do things we never considered. So, after reflecting with my family and a few mentors, I decided to submit my materials. There are six other amazing, worthy candidates, and the most important thing is that the Michigan Board of Education selects the best candidate for everyone in our great state.
Regardless of how this all ends up, I remain fully committed to the academic and social success of all learners. If I finish out my career in Hornet Nation, it will be the best thing that ever happened to me.
Thank you for choosing Harrison Community Schools. In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
Preschool
Larson
Kindergarten
Larson
High School
Middle School
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.
