Author: howeschoolpta

Meet the Howe Team – Carrie Anne Schoolmaster

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For our final highlight of the year, join us in appreciating Carrie Anne Schoolmaster! She can be found all over the building and her work is much appreciated. Send her love and thank you’s

Mrs. Schoolmaster

Name: Carrie Anne Schoolmaster

Title:  Teacher Consultant

I support students and teachers throughout the district relating to special education services.  I support behavior, interventions and school needs at Howe.  I also support Divine Child High through Dearborn Public Schools. 

I have been in Dearborn Public Schools for 23 years.  I went to high school in Midland, Michigan and graduated with my teaching degree from Michigan State University. There is nothing better than coming to work in the morning and seeing the students smile and prepare for their day. 

I am currently trying to teach myself to crochet  and love to spend time with my family. I love animals and have 2 dogs (Boone and Norman).

The culture at Howe School is like a family.  I love that we are a small community which allows for deeper relationships with students and family.  I do spend a lot of time supporting other areas of the district but I usually start out my day in the cafeteria (supervising breakfast with Mrs Fournier).  I enjoy getting to know all of the students and listening to their stories.The rest of my day can vary,  I have students to work with interventions, meetings with Divine Child or Dearborn Staff and support with Special Education procedures in the district.

Meet the Howe Team – Kristie Lica

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Each month we are highlighting different people around the building to bring awareness and a sense of community to the Howe team. This month, join us in appreciating Kristie Lica! We each have a role to play in making this world a better place and this community a charished one to be a part of. Thank you Kristie for your work!

Kristie Lica

Job Title: Transition Specialist

Description of what you do for Dearborn Schools in 3 sentences or less:
I work with adults 18-26 in the Howe Special Education program. We learn pre-vocational skills and specific job skills. The students run the Friday coffee cart, the Thursday cookie sale, they sort and deliver food via the donation program, they do laundry, deliver mail and collect recycling. I teach the steps needed to complete each job to the best of their ability while using specialized equipment from the O.T. to assist students with physical needs.

Name something you look forward to each day you walk into Howe?
I really like to see my co-workers and friends. It’s nice to have a circle of friends and co-workers who share many of the same successes and challenges throughout the workday. We support each other with kind words, advice, laughing, listening, encouragement, sharing stories about our families, celebrating each other and appreciating each other.

Name something you look forward to the second you step into your home?
My dog Wilson and my husband Mike always greet me at the door. They are as excited to see me as I am to see them and that makes me happy.

What is your favorite genre of books to read?
Besides Dr. Suess books, I love a good mystery thriller.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I love to roller skate for exercise. I take my grandchildren skating on the weekends and I skate Hines every Saturday from May- September.

What is your classroom like?
My classroom is full of materials that teach many different work skills. Designed to mimic real workplace settings, students explore jobs in five areas: business/marketing, service, production, construction/industrial, and computer technology.

What’s the day-to-day of your role like?
Students visit my classroom for 20-45 minutes depending on what their job is that day. Students come to my room, they clock in for work, they find their work ID badge, then they go to clean the cafeteria, put some laundry in the washing machine or dryer, fold laundry, bake cookies, bag cookies, file papers, staple papers, separate/ organize and package items, etc. When their job is done, they return their work badge and clock out.  

Do you have a success story, aha moment, or funny school memory you can share?
I really enjoy my job and the students that I work with. There is always an aha moment of excitement when a student is learning a new job skill and we’re going through the steps and we discover that they are really great at it and when they realize that, they begin to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.  

Get Involved – Teacher Appreciation Week is here!

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Teacher appreciation week is next week and here is what you need to know!

Tuesday – Chalk the Walk is happening Tuesday after dismissal (weather permitting). See flyer below for more information. Some chalk will be provided, all are welcome to participate!

Thursday – Sign up to help with Recess Duty Thursday. There are two shifts available to help cover duty for lower and upper classes. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084DABA92DA0FE3-49193351-teacher#/

Friday – Help your child handmake a gift to show their love and appreciation for their teacher. (Cards, gifts, flower, notes… big or small, let their love GrOw wild!)

Meet the Howe Team – Todd Zamora

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Each month we are spotlighting different staff members to encourage appreciation and awareness. This month join us in welcoming Todd Zamora! One of our newest members of the Howe Team! We are so grateful to have him.

Todd Zamora

Todd and his wife

My name is Todd Zamora and I’m a 5th grade teacher here at Howe Elementary.  My goal here is to give a quality education to the students, build positive relationships, and help make this educational journey a fun and memorable experience for all.  

I’ve been in elementary education for over 13 wonderful years. I received my teaching certification at Wayne State University. Although I’ve taught for over 13 years, I’ve only recently begun teaching here at Howe since October of this school year. I previously worked at Cesar Chavez Academy in Southwest, Detroit. Through those experiences at CCA, I learned so much about how to build meaningful relationships in the classroom along with a deep understanding of how to teach to a diverse group of learners. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to teach here at Howe and hopefully have a positive impact on the students and community. 

There were many reasons why I wanted to work at Howe. After meeting most of the staff, I believe they share the same vision that I have when it comes to education. I could tell they care about giving the students the best experience possible during their time here at school. I made an immediate connection to their ideas and philosophies on how education should be for elementary students, and it mostly starts with having a huge heart for teaching. In addition, after meeting some of the students and their families, it didn’t take me long to make the decision for Howe to be my new home.  

A little bit about me…I moved to Dearborn over 20 years ago and started a family here. I have a wife, 3 children, and a very animated and fearless Yorkie puppy. We love to have family gatherings together with each other along with my extended family.  We especially enjoy having outside barbecues in the spring or summer together. Furthermore, we do our best to go on as many adventures or vacations as we can as a family. Our favorite place to visit is Traverse City, MI. 

Some of my personal interests include supporting all of our local professional sports teams, especially the Detroit Lions! I really enjoy, like I mentioned previously, spending time with my family. We do many things together such as traveling, snowboarding, skiing, hiking and exploring our great state. All of my interests will somehow include spending time with my family. 

I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be a 5th grade teacher here at Howe elementary. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me here. 

Mr. Zamora’s Family

Howe Happenings – May 2024

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May Events:

Popcorn Friday – May 3rd

Teacher Appreciation Week – May 6th – 10th

Spring Concert May 14th, 6PM

Howe PTA meeting – May 16th, 6PM on Zoom
K-2 – Field Trip Real Life Farms – May 23rd

No School – May 27th
Donuts for Dad – May 31st 3PM

Monday Staff Breakfast Tuesday - Join us for Chalk the walk after school Wednesday - Staff Snack Thursday - Food Truck Friday - Students send in a handmade card or gift

Volunteer Opportunities

Color Run is happening May 8th – We need parent volunteers – Sign up Here

Teacher Appreciation Week – Recess Duty Thursday the 9th – https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084DABA92DA0FE3-49193351-teacher#/

Field Day helpers needed! Keep an eye out for SignupGenius.

BoxTops Mailbox – we are looking for a mildly handy individual to help repurpose the BoxTop Mailbox into a school-wide mailbox for all the students. Can you (or someone you know) lend us a hand? Email the PTA at howe.schoolpta@yahoo.com

Character Trait of the Month

Friendship

noun
The emotional relationship between friends. The state of being friends.

Montessori Moment

Term to Ponder: Learning throught nature

In Maria Montessori’s education there is an interconnectedness between child and nature. Cosmic education is the belief that children should understand that they are a part of a greater universe. They can begin to understand this concept by exploring nature and learning about it and how we can learn from it and care for it.

Join the movement to track 1000 hours of outside play – https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/trackers

Read more about the amazing benefits of outside play for children! Balanced and Barefoot

In The Absorbent Mind, Maria Montessori says “Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”

Meet the Team – Lisa Llanos

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Each month, we are highlighting different staff members to encourage appreciation and awareness. This month join us in thanking Lisa Llanos! If you meet her in the hallway, greet her and say thank you for all she does for Howe. 

Lisa Llanos

Job Title: SPED paraprofessional 

Description of what you do for Dearborn Schools in 3 sentences or less:
I work with SXI kids. We try to teach them independence. Some are very severe so they depend on us to feed and take care of them.

What Elementary School did you attend? (Name, City, State)
School Three. Ecorse, MI.

How long have you been at Howe and how many years of professional work experience do you have?
7 years at Howe and 11 years with professional work experience.

What did you want to be when you grew up?  
Marine Biologist.

Name something you look forward to each day you walk into Howe? 
I love to see our kids excited to be in school and make their day special.

What was your first job?
Taco Bell

Share with us a few of your favorite things… 
Time with my family, working out, great food and chocolate.

What is your favorite genre of books to read?
Realism/Thriller

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies? 
Roller skate, dancing, and cooking.

How would your co-workers describe you?
Helpful and fun to work with.

What is your greatest achievement?
My children

What parts of our school Mission/Beliefs/Vision do you connect with?
Everyone treated with respect and equality.

How would you describe our school culture?
Multi culture.

What is your classroom like?
Functional life skills

Do you have a success story, aha moment, or funny school memory you can share?
We celebrate students when they learn new words or learn any more independent behavior.

Meet the Howe Team – Mrs. Filas

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Each month we are highlighting different staff members to encourage appreciation and awareness. This month take a moment to say hello to Mrs. Filas! A cheerful greeting or smile can help create a school full of warmth. Her work is so appreciate in the lives of those she impacts. Thanks for all you do!

Nicole Ashley Filas

Job Title: High School Severe and Multiply Impaired Teacher 

Description of what you do for Dearborn Schools in 3 sentences or less:
Making a difference, one life at a time. 

What Elementary School did you attend? (Name, City, State)
St. Joseph Catholic School. Howell, MI

How long have you been at Howe and how many years of professional work experience do you have?
9 years at Howe School.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
A doctor

Name something you look forward to each day you walk into Howe? 
The excitement and happiness on my students’ faces.

What was your first job?
Pool concession stand.

Share with us a few of your favorite things…
shopping, basketball, swimming, and my children.

What is your favorite genre of books to read?
True Crime

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
Ability to play basketball in a wheelchair.

How would your co-workers describe you? 
Caring

What is your greatest achievement? 
Getting out of a wheelchair and relearning how to walk again.

What parts of our school Mission/Beliefs/Vision do you connect with? 
Promoting independence with Functional life skills.

How would you describe our school culture?
Inclusive and welcoming

What is your classroom like? 
A loving family community 

What’s the day-to-day of your role like? 
Every day is a different experience!

Do you have a success story, aha moment, or funny school memory you can share? 
When my class was out on community based instruction, one of my students got a person to put a turkey on the back of his wheelchair without our knowledge. He almost stole a turkey and a 6 pack of orange pop!