Our preschool graduates took their first big step forward this week! 🎓✨

Families and staff gathered to celebrate a special day filled with songs, smiles, and proud moments as students marked the end of their preschool journey. We are so proud of all they have accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this bright group of learners!

United Today. Better Together. Stronger Tomorrow.
1 day ago, Huron ISD
A group of preschool students and their teachers gather in front of the Huron Learning Center sign
The HISD will be closed today as we honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. 🌿

We are grateful for their sacrifice and commitment.

10 days ago, Huron ISD
Graphic with two crossed American flags above the words “Memorial Day” in bold lettering. Below, the text reads “Remember & Honor.” The design uses red, white, and blue colors on a light background with a dark blue patterned border.

The Spring Educator Update is here!

This latest edition includes timely reminders, helpful resources, and a look ahead as we wrap up the school year.

Inside you’ll find updates on:
💠Certification renewal deadlines
💠New teacher documentation requirements
💠The refreshed HISD website
💠AI integration resources and regional collaboration
💠Mentor training opportunities and more

🎧 NEW: Prefer to listen?
This edition is also available in an audio, podcast-style format—perfect for on-the-go learning.
Click here to listen!

☀️ Looking ahead to summer:
Don’t forget to explore the HISD Summer 2026 Professional Development Catalog, featuring a wide range of sessions to support your growth as an educator.

👉 Read the full update here: https://shorturl.at/skii5
👉 Browse the Summer PD catalog: https://huronisd.org/summerpd

15 days ago, Huron ISD
Cover of the Huron ISD Spring 2026 Educator Update, featuring the title and district branding.
💚 Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

We love seeing our educators show up in support of mental health and one another! These staff members rocked their T‑Shirt Tuesday gear with a powerful message: The more you know, the less you judge.

Thank you for helping foster understanding, compassion, and care—our students (and each other) benefit every day.
22 days ago, Huron ISD
Five educators stand side by side indoors in a school multipurpose space. All are wearing black T‑shirts with green and white text that reads, “The more you know, the less you judge – Mental Health Awareness.” Several are wearing jeans. The background includes a light-colored wall, ceiling beams, and folded cafeteria tables.
Two educators stand together inside a classroom. One is wearing a black “The more you know, the less you judge – Mental Health Awareness” T‑shirt, and the other is wearing a gray T‑shirt that reads “Progress over perfection” with a pencil graphic. The classroom background includes cubbies, hanging coats, posters, and educational materials.
🍕 Thank You, Hebberd Insurance! 🍕

A big thank you to Hebberd Insurance for helping staff end the week with a fun and delicious pizza party in celebration of Educator Appreciation Week!

Your generosity helped us recognize and celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference every day. We truly appreciate your support and your partnership in honoring our amazing staff!
27 days ago, Huron ISD
Thank-you graphic recognizing Meemic Insurance for Educators and Hebberd Insurance for providing a pizza party for Educator Appreciation Week. The image includes pizza-themed illustrations, the Meemic logo, and a photo of staff standing together indoors holding plates of pizza.
💙 Thank You, Bad Axe Naz Church! 💙

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bad Axe Naz Church for generously providing a delicious pulled pork lunch for staff at HISD, HLC, and HATC in honor of Educator Appreciation Week.

Your kindness and generosity made our educators feel truly valued and appreciated. We are grateful for your support and for being such a positive partner in our community. Thank you for helping us celebrate the important work our staff does every day!
27 days ago, Huron ISD
Graphic thanking Bad Axe Naz Church for providing a staff lunch for Educator Appreciation Week. The image includes the text ‘Thank You Bad Axe Naz – People Loving People,’ a green food truck icon, and logos for Huron Intermediate School District, HLC Lions, and Huron Area Technical Center
With almost a year at HISD, I’ve seen with my own eyes just how hard our staff works and how dedicated they are—not only to our organization, but more importantly to our kids. Every day, I see how they help students feel that they are part of something. I watch students excited to come to school to learn and to see the educators and staff who make that possible. I’m grateful to be part of the HISD community, and I wish our staff the very best each day. Thank You! Please know staff appreciation is not just one week of the year, but every day! - Joseph Candela, HISD Superintendent
29 days ago, Huron ISD
Blue-toned graphic for Educator Appreciation Week featuring a simple desk scene with a navy mug displaying a lighthouse logo and ‘HISD.’ Large white text reads ‘Happy Educator Appreciation Week!’ Smaller text thanks educators for inspiring, empowering, and shaping the future. Tagline reads: ‘United Today, Better Together, Stronger Tomorrow.
💚👕 HATC staff showed up for T‑Shirt Tuesday! 👕💚

We love seeing our Huron Area Technical Center team wearing their mental health awareness shirts and helping keep the conversation going. From messages of kindness to reminders that mental health matters, these shirts represent something bigger—support, understanding, and belonging.

Thank you, HATC staff, for modeling empathy and showing students that it’s okay to talk about mental health—not just this month, but every day.
about 1 month ago, Huron ISD
Seven HATC staff members stand side by side in a school hallway in front of a display about mental health. They are smiling and wearing green and black T‑shirts with messages promoting kindness and mental health awareness. Posters behind them include information about talking openly about mental health and ending stigma.
💚👕 The message doesn’t stop with one week—it continues every Tuesday in May! 👕💚

Through T‑Shirt Tuesdays, our educators are helping normalize conversations about mental health, modeling empathy, and reminding students (and each other) that support matters. 💬✨

We are so grateful for educators who care for minds and hearts—during Educator Appreciation Week and all year long. 💚🍎

Let’s keep the conversation going!
about 1 month ago, Huron ISD
Two educators standing in a school hallway wearing black T‑shirts with green mental health awareness messages, smiling at the camera.
Three educators standing together indoors, smiling and wearing black shirts with mental health awareness slogans.
Two educators standing side by side in a hallway, smiling and wearing shirts that promote kindness and mental health awareness.
Two educators and a young child standing together against a wall, all wearing shirts with positive mental health messages.
Back view of an educator wearing a colorful shirt reading “Mental Health Matters” surrounded by positive affirmations and icons.
An educator standing against a wall wearing a blue shirt that reads “Be Kind to Your Mind.”
Two educators standing in front of a decorated wall with flower artwork, smiling and wearing mental health awareness shirts.
Two educators standing close together, smiling and wearing black shirts with green mental health awareness messages.
🍎💚 Educators Appreciation Week + Mental Health Awareness Month = Teachers Leading with HEART! 💚🍎

This week—and every Tuesday in May—our incredible educators are doing more than teaching lessons. They’re starting conversations, breaking down stigma, and showing students that mental health matters. 👕🧠✨

From wearing powerful messages to modeling kindness, empathy, and support, our staff reminds us that caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our minds. 💬💪

Thank you to our educators for showing up for students (and each other!) every single day. 💚 We appreciate you—this week and always!
about 1 month ago, Huron ISD
Green and white graphic reading “May is Mental Health Awareness Month” with text encouraging conversation, breaking stigma, and wearing a positive message T‑shirt on Tuesdays in May.
Three educators standing together indoors, smiling and wearing black shirts with mental health awareness slogans in green and white.
Two educators standing side by side against a hallway wall, smiling and wearing shirts that promote kindness and mental health awareness.
An educator standing against a wall wearing a blue shirt that reads “Bloom with Kindness.”
Two educators standing together indoors, smiling and wearing green and black mental health awareness shirts.
Two educators standing in an office area, smiling and wearing shirts that say “Be Kind to Your Mind” and promote mental health awareness.
Two educators standing close together, smiling and wearing black shirts with green mental health awareness messages.
An educator smiling while seated at a desk, wearing a black shirt with a green ribbon and mental health awareness message.
Two educators standing indoors, smiling and wearing shirts that promote kindness and mental health awareness.
Three educators standing together in a school office or classroom, smiling and wearing black mental health awareness shirts.
🌻 Sunshine energy from our HLC students! 🌻

With guidance from their art teacher, students worked together to create this stunning sunflower art project inspired by Van Gogh. Each piece came together to create a bright, joyful display that’s now lighting up our hallway.

We love seeing our students’ creativity shine!
about 1 month ago, Huron ISD
Collaborative student artwork showing a large bouquet of painted sunflowers in a yellow vase, inspired by Van Gogh’s style, displayed on a blue and yellow background in a school hallway.
🦁💛 Larry the Lion stopped by!

Larry the Lion joined the Secondary MOCI class, and fun was had all around as students enjoyed time together with their new furry friend.
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Secondary students sit around a table completing classroom activities with writing and art materials while a small crocheted lion sits in the center of the table as part of the lesson.
Secondary students sit in a row of chairs during a group activity while holding colorful rhythm tubes; a small crocheted lion is held by one student during the activity in a gym or multipurpose room.
A crocheted yellow lion sits on a counter next to classroom materials while a student stands behind the counter wearing a school spirit shirt; books and worksheets are visible nearby.
🎨💡👑

Abstract art, glowing colors, and classroom celebrations — learning never looked so fun!
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Students stand and move around the classroom during a glow party, wearing glowing necklaces while colorful light patterns shine on the wall in a darkened room
A classroom window display labeled “Abstract Art” shows multiple student artworks featuring colorful shapes, lines, and patterns arranged in neat rows.
A large group of students pose together in the classroom wearing paper crowns and colorful cone hats during a themed classroom celebration; learning posters are visible behind them.
📚❤️ Special Guest Readers!

We loved welcoming family members into our classroom to share favorite stories. Listening to books together builds language, attention, and a love of reading.

✨ Thank you for being such wonderful partners in learning!
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Adult guest stands at the front of the classroom holding an open book while students sit on the rug looking up during story time.
Adult guest sits on the classroom rug holding an open picture book while students sit in a circle listening; alphabet stones and classroom charts are visible.
Adult guest sits cross‑legged on the classroom rug holding a picture book open as students sit around the rug during story time.
Adult guest reads a picture book aloud while students sit spaced around the classroom rug; classroom centers and learning materials are visible in the background.
🍔🚌 Field Trip to Big Boy!

The preschool class learned about how a restaurant works behind the scenes—storage, coolers, and teamwork that keeps everything running. Thank you to Big Boy in Bad Axe for letting us take a peek behind the scenes!

🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Great questions and great learning from our curious crew!
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Group photo of students standing near a Big Boy statue inside a restaurant entry area with a large burger decoration on the wall.
Students stand in a restaurant storage area with shelves of supplies while an adult talks and several students raise hands to participate.
Students line up in a walk-in cooler while an adult points out items on shelves; metal racks and food containers are visible.
Students walk in a line touring the inside of a restaurant
💇‍♀️💅 Beauty Shop Visit at the Tech Center!

Our preschool students explored salon tools and routines at the HATC—hair styling, nail painting, and learning how professionals keep everything clean and safe.

🌟 Such a fun way to connect school to real-world careers!
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Student sits in a salon chair wearing a camouflage haircut cape while a cosmetology student styles their hair in a training salon.
Cosmetology student styles a student’s hair while the student wears a bright green haircut cape; other salon stations appear in the background.
Cosmetology student brushes and styles a student’s hair while the student wears a floral haircut cape in a salon classroom.
Student rests hands on a towel at a manicure station while an adult prepares to paint fingernails; nail supplies sit nearby.
Close-up of a manicure station as an adult paints a student’s fingernails; nail polish bottles are visible on the table.
Cosmetology student smooths and styles a student’s hair while the student wears a camouflage haircut cape in a training salon.
Student stands in the salon classroom with hair styled into a playful spiky look; nail polish displays hang on the wall behind.
Students practice hairstyling on mannequin heads using combs, brushes, and colorful hair clips at a salon workstation.
Student sits with hands on a manicure towel while an adult paints fingernails; sanitation and nail tools are on the counter
🩺🐻 Teddy Bear Clinic Day!

The preschool class practiced being caring medical staff with students at HATC as we checked hearts, listened with stethoscopes, and helped our stuffed friends feel better.

✨ Hands-on learning + imagination = the best kind of day!
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Student uses a toy medical tool on a stuffed animal at a classroom table while an adult assists; other students sit nearby with stuffed animals.
Student and adult use a stethoscope to “check” a white stuffed animal on a table during a teddy bear clinic activity.
Student sits at a table while an adult helps examine a green stuffed animal dressed in bright clothing.
Student holds a stethoscope while an adult demonstrates checking a stuffed animal on the table.
Student watches as an adult places a blood-pressure cuff on a stuffed animal during a pretend checkup.

🎉 Please welcome Ryleigh Tate to our team! 🎉

Ryleigh joins us as a Special Education Paraprofessional, currently serving in the HLC. 💙

🎓 Ryleigh is a proud Laker graduate and will be graduating this May from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Studies and a minor in Child Development — Fire Up Chips! 🔥⬆️

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 In her free time, Ryleigh enjoys spending time with family and friends, and when the weather is warm ☀️, you can find her out on the golf course ⛳

👏 We are excited to have Ryleigh join us—please take a moment to welcome her! 💬💙

about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Graphic with the text ‘Welcome to the team’ at the top and a centered portrait photo of a new team member against a gray background. The person has long light-brown hair and is wearing a light knit sweater with a denim jacket. The design uses shades of blue with abstract shapes and dotted patterns. The name ‘Ryleigh Tate’ appears at the bottom
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Michelle Paionk to our team! 🎉

📆 Michelle started this week and is stepping into the Early On Part C Service Provider role, replacing Kari Hildreth.
🎓 A Bad Axe Schools graduate, Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and brings a strong passion for supporting others.

📖🏖️ Outside of work, Michelle enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time on the water—which has her (and honestly, all of us! ☀️😎) counting down to summer.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Michelle is a proud parent of three adult children. Many of you may already know her daughter, Makenzie Dubey, one of our Behavior Coaches.
💙 She also became a first‑time grandma to her 16‑month‑old grandson, Jase, who she says is the absolute love of her life.

👏 We’re excited to have Michelle join our team—please take a moment to welcome her when you see her!
about 2 months ago, Huron ISD
Welcome to the Team graphic featuring a professional headshot. The image includes the text ‘Welcome to the Team,’ the name Michelle Paionk, and the title ‘Early On Part C Service Provider,’ displayed on a blue background with simple abstract design elements.
Thank you to Aaron Baughman from Michigan Virtual for an insightful session today with nearly 40 educators from across the tri-county area as part of his eight-part AI Integration Series.
Today’s focus on AI literacy and student readiness highlighted practical strategies educators can bring back to their classrooms and organizations right away.

Interested in joining the remaining sessions in the series?
➡️ Register online at: https://shorturl.at/pJUJI

2 months ago, Huron ISD
A presenter stands in front of a large wall-mounted screen displaying a slide titled “Cultivating AI Literacy & Student Readiness,” with graphics of connected nodes and a photo of a student working on a laptop with code visible on the screen.