Fowlerville Schools awarded grant to expand career learning opportunities starting in junior high

    Fowlerville Community Schools has been awarded a $322,164 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Expansion Grant from the Michigan Department of Education, bringing new opportunities for students to explore digital technology and career pathways starting in junior high.

    The grant is part of a $24.2 million statewide investment designed to expand access to hands-on, career-focused learning and help students prepare for both college and the workforce. For Fowlerville, this means students will soon have the chance to begin learning Python programming, Artificial Intelligence (AI) fundamentals, prompt engineering and responsible AI use—building skills, confidence, and curiosity while they’re still discovering their interests.

    The new junior high digital technology program will give students real opportunities to learn by doing. Instead of only reading about technology, instruction emphasizes computational thinking, coding fluency and responsible AI practices aligned to high school readiness expectations. By starting earlier, students gain more time to discover what they enjoy and begin thinking about their future in a meaningful way.

    The rollout of the new program offering will follow three phases:

    • 2026: Planning & Readiness – Focus on teacher professional development, the convening of a program Advisory Committee and the purchase of new technology for coding.

    • 2027: Launch & Expansion – Official classroom rollout for grades 6-8 and the submission of the formal Career Cluster application, implemented in partnership with Michigan AI Next.

    • 2028: Stabilization – Full implementation and review of student transition outcomes into the regional high school software development pathway.

    This work builds directly on the strong Career and Technical Education opportunities already available to students at Fowlerville High School such as coding and robotics as well as Livingston CTE and Wilson Talent Center options. With this new program in place, students will enter high school with a foundation already established, allowing them to move more confidently into advanced coursework, hands-on experiences, and career-focused opportunities.

    For families, this expansion offers more opportunity and clearer direction. Students will have the chance to discover their interests earlier, build practical skills, and feel more prepared heading into high school and beyond. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are gaining experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world possibilities.

    “This is about giving students more opportunities, sooner,” said Matt Stuard, Superintendent. “We’re excited to see how this program helps students discover their interests and build a strong future. Fowlerville Community Schools remains committed to helping every student find a path that fits their goals, whether that leads to college, a career or both.”.

    This grant represents an important investment in the future of Fowlerville. Across Michigan, student interest in career-focused programs continues to grow, and schools are working to keep pace with that demand. By introducing these opportunities at the junior high level, Fowlerville is helping students get ahead while also supporting the long-term strength of the local community. Preparing students with relevant, in-demand skills helps ensure they are ready to contribute to the workforce and succeed in whatever path they choose.

 Fowlerville Community Theatre to present ‘Little Mermaid Junior’ at Alverson Center on April 24-25-26

    Fowlerville Community Theatre is thrilled to bring to the stage FCT’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid Junior ‘at the Alverson Center for the Performing Arts at Fowlerville High School on April 24-25-26.

    In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.

    This amazing cast of 60 children and teens ranges in age from 5 to 18. The show is visually stunning, from the costumes to the sets and props. There may even be a little bit of underwater magic in store for all. The cast has been working very hard to bring you an evening of entertainment. You will not want to miss this.

    There is also a VIP add-on option for those who would like to meet Ariel in mermaid form, along with her friends and family, before the show begins. See our website for more details.

    Get your tickets to see FCT’s Production of ‘The Little Mermaid Junior’ today Show dates and times are as follows: Friday, April 24th at 7pm, Saturday, April 25th at 2pm, and Sunday, April 26th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 (ages 3 and up). They may be ordered online or at the door. Cash and Venmo accepted at the door. Online tickets may be ordered at: www.fowlervilletheatre.com

 Michigan Secretary of State offices now offer electronic check-in stations or staff greeters 

    The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) completed the installation of check-in and booking stations at branch office locations that do not have a full-time staff greeter present, finishing the project seven months ahead of schedule. Now, customers at 80 branch offices can immediately check in or book an appointment using an oversized computer tablet stationed at the front of the office. 

    “Bringing check-in tablets to our branch offices without a permanent greeter marks a major step forward in how we serve our customers,” said Jennifer Mazzola, director of the Bureau of Branch Operations at MDOS. “This improvement gives visitors the flexibility to check themselves in on arrival or conveniently schedule a visit if needed. It’s all about making interactions simpler and faster for everyone.” 

    MDOS first installed check-in and booking stations as a part of a pilot program in 2025 at the Adrian, Alma, Kalamazoo, St. Ignace, and St. Johns offices. Based on the successful pilot, the stations were scheduled to be installed in the remaining 75 offices without greeters by November 2026. Due to the dedication and efficiency of the MDOS team, the project was successfully completed well ahead of schedule. 

    Branch office managers came up with the idea of installing electronic check-in stations and worked with the MDOS Office of Continuous Improvement and Transformation to make the plan a reality. Now, employees at smaller branch offices don’t have to try to greet and check people in while in the process of helping another customer complete their transaction. 

    Michiganders can schedule a visit up to six months in advance for any Secretary of State office online at Michigan.gov/SOS or by calling 888-767-6424. 

    The online system or call center agent will walk you through everything you need to bring for your transaction, helping you avoid having to make a return visit. If you arrive without having scheduled ahead, you can use one of the check-in and booking stations or work with a staff member to book the next available time slot, which may be later in the day or the next business day.

 Livingston Faith and Race Project to host guest speaker at Howell UMC on May 20th 

    As national headlines report about rising antisemitism, Christian nationalism, and political polarization, a Livingston County group is asking the question: What role should faith play in bringing people together instead of pushing them apart? 

    On May 20, the Livingston Faith and Race Project will host a public conversation in Howell focused on how religious traditions in the United States have been used both to justify racial division, but also to build movements for civil rights, peace, and inclusion. 

    The featured speaker, Elliot Ratzman, is a research fellow at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute at the University of Michigan. He studies how faith and politics intersect around race, nationalism, and ethics. His work examines how some Christians and Jews have historically used religion to justify exclusion and violence, and how others within those traditions built alternative movements centered on civil rights and coexistence. 

    Ratzman’s talk comes at a time when religious language and symbols are increasingly part of national political debates, and when incidents of hate targeting Jews, Muslims, immigrants, and people of color. Organizers say the goal is to move the conversation from the national level to the local one: What does this mean for Livingston County, and how do faith communities here respond? 

    Following the presentation, local religious leaders will comment on how our community finds our path forward today. 

    The event is sponsored by the Livingston Faith and Race Project and hosted by First United Methodist Church of Howell. 

    Wednesday, May 20, 2026 

    7:00–8:30 p.m. (doors open 6:45) 

    1230 Bower St., Howell 

    Dr. Elliot Ratzman is a research fellow at the University of Michigan's Raoul Wallenberg Institute. He teaches courses on modern religious thought, politics, and culture with an emphasis on race and ethics. He is finishing his first book, on issues of Jewish ethics and racism in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Ratzman is also part of the national leadership of the Fellowship of Reconciliation USA, the oldest interreligious organization dedicated to war resistance and civil rights. 

    Register to attend: https://fumcbrighton.wufoo.com/forms/m1cfeynf1glxocu/ 

    The Livingston Faith and Race Project is a coalition of people from different faith traditions who hope, pray and work together to promote love, respect and inclusion of people of all races in our community. If you would like to learn more about our organization’s mission/goals and history, to use our resources or to get involved with our activities to help make Livingston County a beloved community, go to our website, livingstonfaithandraceproject.org

 Fowlerville District Library

Upcoming Events

Monday – Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm

Friday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

For any questions, or to register for programs, call us at                517-223-9089

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KIDS & FAMILY

Homeschool Hangout

This is a fun drop-in program for homeschoolers to connect with one another over games and activities. Each session includes a STEAM activity. 

Wed, Apr 22 ● 1-2pm

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Family Storytime (Ages 1-5)

For families with “littles” to learn, play and grow through a variety of stories, songs, rhymes, movements, and activities. Playtime and crafts included! 

Tues ● 10-11am

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Toddler Storytime (Ages 0-3)

A storytime for the “littlest littles” to learn, play, and grow through a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movements that appeal to short attention spans. 

Wed ● 10-11am

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Kids Club (Ages 6-12)

All the fun of Lego Club, but with more! Now you can play a game, complete a craft or activity, and still build with your favorite bricks. 

Thurs.● 4pm

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Graphic Novel Book Club

Read the book and then come to discuss it. Snacks provided. Books are available at the front desk and are yours to keep. We will be discussing MONSTER BLOOD by R. L. Stine. 

Mon, Apr 27 ● 4pm

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Book Boxes (All ages)

Fill out the online form by visiting the events page on our website. Let the librarians pick a surprise selection of books for you. Register the first two weeks of every month to get next month’s box, which will be ready to pick up the first of the following month.

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Reading Dragons (All Ages)

Game on! Read to earn creature cards to collect and play games! Can you collect them all? Stop by the library to grab a reading log and a starter set to begin your adventure.

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Live Homework Help

Free with your library card! Log on to HelpNow, click “Live Help”, Enter subject and grade level and enter the online classroom for expert assistance. You can find a link on our homepage.

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Sensory Playtime (Ages 2-5)

This is a drop-in playtime filled with unstructured, sensory fun! Watch your littles use their imaginations to turn everyday things into toys. Caregiver supervision is required. 

Friday, May 15 ● 10-11am

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TEENS

Dungeons & Dragons (Ages 12-18)

Come play D&D 5th Edition! No prior experience needed.

Wednesdays ● 2:30-5pm

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Switch Free Play (Ages 10-18)

Open gaming time with the library's Switch.

Fridays ● 2:30-5 pm

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ADULTS

Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board will meet to discuss library business, the public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs, Apr 23 ● 6pm

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Writer’s Group Meeting

Are you an established or aspiring author? You are not alone. There are many writers in Fowlerville and the surrounding areas. We will meet in the historical room. 

Fri. May 15 ● 11am

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The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Owen McMaster will be here in honor of our upcoming 250th Semiquincentennial, celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence 1776. Always an entertaining speaker, he will get us in the zone to feel proud of our country. 

Thurs, May 28 ● 6pm

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Cardmaking (Adults)

Enjoy camaraderie and cards at this popular program. You will make four different cards to take home. All supplies included. Registration is required. 

Thurs, Apr 23 ● 6:00 pm & Fri, Apr 24 ● 11 am

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Scrapbooking (Adults)

Make the most of your memories and join us for a fun day of scrapbooking your favorite photos. Stay the whole time or for just a few hours. Everyone gets their own table. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration is required. 

Sat. May 16 ● 10:30 – 3:30pm

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Shelf Indulgence Book Club (Adults)

Members take turns facilitating discussions. Come and enjoy some literary camaraderie! Register to get a free copy of the book, while supplies last. Registration begins one month before each scheduled meeting. Next meeting, we will discuss THE LOST STORY by Meg Shaffer. 

Thurs, May 21 ● 2-3pm

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Sewing (Adults)

Bring your sewing machine and learn from a master seamstress. All levels of skill are welcome. Registration is required. 

Wed, May 13 ● 5:30pm & Fri, May 8 ● 10-2 pm

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Holistic Wellness (Adults)

Lyndsey Johnson from Natural Roots and Wellness presents workshops for promoting health and vitality through holistic practice. Registration is required. 

Mon, May 4 ● 5pm

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Patriotic Banner

Join us to help celebrate our Nation's 250th birthday by making a patriotic banner just in time for Memorial Day. All supplies will be included. Registration is required. 

Thurs, May 14 ● 6pm

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Repair Cafe

Don’t throw it away! Bring your broken items here for repair and advice from handymen. 

Sat, May 30 ● 10-12pm

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Professional Pet Photos

Have a keepsake photo taken of your pet by a professional photographer here at the library. With your sign up, you will be given your own sitting time. We will ask what type of animal and how many humans in the picture. With your email address, the photos will be sent directly to you along with permission to print them. 

Tues, May 5 ● 10-12pm & 5-7pm

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Computer Assistance

Do you need help formatting a resume? Making columns on a document? Saving something to a flash drive? Whatever you may need help with, a computer expert will be here to assist you near the public computers. 

Mon 4/20 & 4/27 ● 1-2pm

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Senior Appy Hours

Sign up at the front desk to reserve a time for one-on-one help with all your technology needs. Bring your phone, tablet or laptop and have your own personal time with our tech expert. 

Wed, May 13 ● 2-4pm

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Library Lounge A Reading Ungroup for Grownups

Bring your own book, or read one of ours, and come to our monthly after-hours silent reading program.  For adults 18+ only, you can imbibe with a non-alcoholic literary-themed signature MOCKTAIL, grab some pub snacks, then go find a comfy chair and read in uninterrupted delicious silence for an hour. Registration is required.

Tues, May 12 ● 7pm

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All About Herbs

Are you wondering how to grow your own herbs? Maybe you want to learn about medicinal or culinary uses for herbs you are already growing. All these points will be explored and explained. 

Thursday, 04/30 ● 6 pm. Registration is not required.

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Fiber Arts Lounge

Spend some time with other fiber artists. Bring your latest project and share your passion for an hour or two. We will meet by the fireplace, as space allows. 

Thurs, May 7 ● 6 pm. Registration is not required.

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Fairy Door Decorating

Come and create a portal into the wonderful world of fairies. Whether inside your home or in the garden, these mythical creatures need a place to come and go between our worlds. Registration is required. 

June 11 ● 6 pm

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Fowlerville Area Historical Society Meeting

The Historical Society will meet here. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. 

Thurs, May 7 ● 6pm

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Did You Know?

Did you know that we are a food collection location for the Family Impact Center? Non-perishable foods may be dropped off in the cafe area, and we thank you!

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A Friendly Reminder

We are happy to be fine-free, however after a book is 8 weeks overdue, the item will be withdrawn from our system and can no longer be returned. A library lost/replacement fee will be applied to the account. Please return your items on time so that others can enjoy them too.

 Dora Jean Burke

    Her Legacy… Dora Jean (Johnson) Burke, 78, passed away March 13, 2026. She was born on July 6, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to Albert and Lois (Cook) Johnson. Dora met the love of her life, James Burke, 63 years ago. They were married on September 10, 1967. She will be remembered as a kind and family-oriented wife, mother, and grandmother. Dora loved traveling with her family, taking time to visit relatives for holidays and reunions, but also spending time visiting Disneyland and road-tripping with James and her daughters. She loved watching her kids play sports and spending time with them. Her love for her family also showed in her interest in genealogy. A very crafty and creative woman, Dora spent most of her free time creating beautiful pieces of handmade art. You could often find her carving, quilting, painting rocks, and cross-stitching.

    Her Family… Dora will be missed by her husband, James Burke; her children, Shamra Burke, Lisa (Tom) Walker; grandchildren, Cortney (Shawn) Higgins, Brittney Higgins, Haley (Joe) Downey, Kasey Higgins, Thomas Walker; great-grandson, Dalton Downey; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Lois Johnson, and her grandson, Nathan Higgins.

    Her Farewell… Please leave a message of comfort for Dora’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

 Brian Francis Ruddy

    Brian Francis Ruddy, 55, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Hamburg, Michigan, surrounded by family.

    Born on December 18, 1970, in Flint, Michigan, to Sally and Kenneth J. Ruddy Jr., Brian graduated from Fowlerville High School and went on to master many trades, becoming an exceptionally talented carpenter.

    He had a rare gift for transforming the simplest materials into something meaningful, and he took great pride in building a home of his own—a reflection of his dedication, skill, and heart.

    Brian found joy in life’s simple pleasures: sharing laughs around the fire, captaining his boat, and riding his motorcycle. Though tough on the outside, he had a generous spirit and a deep love for those who truly understood him. Brian was fortunate to have many friends who valued his loyalty, humor, and unmistakable presence. Known for his bold personality and honest nature, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met and was always someone you could count on.

    Brian is survived by his loving mother, Sally, and his niece, Jordyn Wise, along with her husband, Josh Wise, who will continue to carry his memory forward. He was preceded in death by his father and his sister, Jennifer.

    Please join the family in celebrating Brian’s life on Saturday, June 6th, from 2PM-8PM at 10461 Hamburg Rd., Hamburg, MI 48139.

    Brian will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his fiery spirit, creative soul, and the enduring impact he had on all who knew and loved him.