All the Buzz
HCS News and Information -- October 26, 2026
Supe Scoop
Hornet Nation,
Parent/teacher conferences are coming up soon (schedule is below in the calendar section). Our teachers will be meeting with you after spending a little more than two months with your children in their classrooms. It's another way to continue to grow the school-home partnership, and check in on academic progress, behavior/social growth, any areas of concern, and most importantly, hear from you.
Whether your child is a kindergartner or a senior, we hope to see you at conferences. Even when they tell you they don't need you any more, they still do!
In partnership and with Hornet Pride,
Judy
Judy Walton
989.539.7871
HCS Mission Statement
The staff of Harrison Community Schools, in the spirit of a growing and changing community, pledge to educate all students by teaching the District Curriculum and beyond, ensuring the development of responsible learners prepared to take an active role in a complex society.
District Improvement Plan
MiCIP Goal:
Implementing a Support System to Maximize Student Growth and Behavior
By June 2030, the district will fully implement a multi-tiered system of support for all students in academics and behavior, with the target of at least 80% of students meeting or exceeding their individual growth goals. Additionally, we aim to reduce negative behaviors and increase positive behaviors, as measured by a 20% decrease in behavioral incidents and a 25% increase in positive behavior referrals, through targeted interventions and ongoing staff training.
Academics ~ Guaranteed & Viable Curriculum: Implement a guaranteed and viable curriculum and provide tiered delivery of supports in order to reach all students in all areas.
Systems ~ Framework (General): Improve our systems using the MDE MTSS Practice Profile as our framework.
SEL ~ PBIS Student Support Network: Implement an effective system of support in behavior/SEL in order to promote healthy social and emotional development.
Larson
Reminder for Larson Pick Up
During pickup you must be in an actual parking spot if you are parking and walking up. If there are no spots available you will need to park down by the football field and walk up. Also, please do not block the doorway as kids are trying to leave the building. Stand on the grass so all students can see their family vehicles. While you may be picking up 1-2 students we are dismissing 490 or so kids as timely and as safe as we can. Your cooperation in our routines is appreciated.
Early Childhood
Farm Day!
HS
Early morning marching band practice
Thanks to Members First, our seniors learned about practical aspects of banking.
Congratulations, National Honor Society!
Literacy-based food trucks in Mrs. Cotton's Creative Writing class
MS
Recognized for exemplifying our Guiding Beliefs!
Redeeming Buzz Bucks at lunch.
Being read to is a benefit for all readers, no matter the age.
Geographers in Mr. Decker's room learning about population density.
In Mr. Prielipp's class, mathematicians using clickers to answer questions.
Scientists in Mr. Orling's classroom trying to beat him at weather-related trivia.
Superintendent Recognized by Education Insider Magazine
Our superintendent, Judy Walton, has been recognized by Education Insider magazine as one of the top ten superintendents in Michigan for 2026. You can read more about it here: https://www.educationinsidermagazine.com/cxo-award/dr-judy-walton-nwid-1886.html
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS!
Let's show up in McBain on Friday night with Hornet Nation energy!
Youth Employment Permit Portal
There is a new method to obtain a work permit as a minor - our high school is no longer involved in the process. Please see this new state website.
Clare County Food - Monthly Distribution
We are privileged to have been asked by Clare County Food to host the monthly food distribution on our MS/HS campus for at least November, December, and January. It allows to live into our Guiding Belief of Neighborliness.
HARRISON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS IS ON THE BALLOT
Michigan's Secure Storage Law Information (distributed per state law)
HCS Strategic Plan
Linked below.
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.
Board Members and Terms
Kendra Durga, President (12/31/28) -- James Neff, Vice President (12/31/26) --
Therese Haley , Secretary (12/31/30) -- Chelsea Roland, Treasurer (12/31/30) --
Betsy Ulicki, Trustee (12/31/26) -- Carrie Whitaker, Trustee (12/31/28) --
Mick Haley, Trustee (12/31/26)
Event Information
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Calendar Information
October 27: NJHS Induction, 5:00 pm (HS Auditorium)
October 28: Half day for all students (teacher PL in afternoon)
October 29: Larson Spooktacular, 4-6 pm
October 29: Marching Band Concert, 5:30 (HS Gym)
October 30-November 6: Early Childhood Scholastic Book Fair
November 2-November 6: Larson and HMS Scholastic Book Fair
November 3: ELECTION DAY!
November 4: Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00 pm
November 5: No school for preK, half day for K-12
November 5: Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK all day, K-12 in the afternoon)
School Contact Information
- Early Childhood Learning Center, 989.539.6902 (Principal Shawna Hartwell, shartwell@harrisonschools.com)
- Larson Elementary, 989.539.3259 ( Principal Sandy Hargraves, shargraves@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal Krystal Watrous, kwatrous@harrisonschools.com)
- Middle School, 989.539.7194 (Principal Jennifer Thrush, jthrush@harrisonschools.com, Dean of Students Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
- High School, 989.539.7417 (Principal Joe Ashcroft, jjashcroft@harrisonschools.com, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Brad Carlstrom, bcarlstrom@harrisonschools.com)
District Contact Information
Superintendent, 989.539.7871 (Judy Walton, juwalton@harrisonschools.com)
Special Education (Stacey VanAntwerp, svanantwerp@harrisonschools.com)
Homeless Child/Youth Services (Shannon Haines, shaines@harrisonschools.com)
Bus Services, 989.539.7082 (Gary Boegart, Director)