HIGHLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. — November 13, 2026 — Students, staff, and families at Spring Mills Elementary wrapped up a lively week marked by community pride, literacy celebrations, and academic milestones, according to the latest edition of Shark Nation Notes.
Celebrating Veterans and Literacy
The highlight of the week was a school-wide Veterans Day assembly organized by music teacher Mrs. LaPratt. Local veterans attended the program to be honored by the school community, enjoying student-led patriotic songs alongside pre- and post-assembly refreshments.
In addition to honoring local service members, students spent the week exploring new literature during the school's annual Scholastic Book Fair, coordinated by Mrs. Brantingham. Principal Adam Wager praised both educators for their efforts in creating memorable experiences for the student body.
Academic Updates and Upcoming Dates
Parents and guardians can now check on their students' academic progress, as first-term report cards are officially live in Skyward Family Access. Families with questions regarding grades or progress are encouraged to reach out directly to their child’s teacher.
Looking ahead on the school calendar, families should note two key events before the end of the month:
November 16–20: Annual Vision Screening Week for Junior Kindergarten (JK), 1st, 3rd, and 5th-grade students.
November 25–27: Thanksgiving Break (no school).
Winter Weather Readiness
With cold temperatures settling into Highland, school officials are reminding parents to send students dressed in warm coats, hats, and gloves. On snowy days, snow pants and boots are strongly encouraged; students without proper snow gear will be required to remain on the blacktop during recess.
Per Huron Valley Schools district policy, students will go outdoors for recess unless actual temperatures drop below 15°F or the windchill falls below 0°F, as tracked via AccuWeather. Families in need of winter gear assistance can contact Community Sharing at 248-889-0347. Additionally, parents are asked to pack a spare set of clothes in their child’s backpack or locker to prevent midday disruptions from spills or accidents.
Arrival, Dismissal, and Safety Reminders
To keep daily operations running smoothly and safely, Principal Wager shared several key reminders regarding campus procedures:
Drop-Off & Pick-Up: Building doors open at 9:08 a.m. (with no outdoor supervision prior) and Centrum doors close at 9:15 a.m. Dismissal begins at 4:08 p.m., and drivers should not arrive in the circle drive before 4:00 p.m. Drivers must stay in their vehicles, refrain from passing other cars in the loop, and display their green name sign on the passenger visor during afternoon pick-up.
Transportation & Early Pick-Up: Any end-of-day transportation changes must be called into the main office (248-684-8130) before 3:00 p.m. Early pick-ups must occur before 3:45 p.m. prior to dismissal preparations.
Visitor Identification: In accordance with Huron Valley Schools security protocols, all visitors entering the building during instructional hours must present valid photo identification and state the purpose of their visit—regardless of how familiar they are to staff.
Attendance & Medication: Absences should be reported to the 24-hour attendance line at 248-684-8086. Students must be fever-, vomit-, and diarrhea-free for 24 hours before returning from an illness. Any medication administered at school requires a signed Plan of Care from both a parent and a physician.
Contact Information
Spring Mills Elementary is located at 3150 Harvey Lake Road in Highland Charter Township. For general inquiries, call the main office at 248-684-8130 or visit hvs.org/o/springmills.