Welcome to
Hanover-Horton Elementary
Hanover-Horton Elementary
Where a great start makes a difference!
Where a great start does make a difference!
Welcome, a feeling we want everyone to have as they walk through the doors at Hanover-Horton Elementary. We have given the interior of the building a makeover with every hallway painted with themed characters and color-coded grade levels. We also strive to provide a safe-positive environment conducive to learning. Our teachers strive to make their rooms feel like home-away from home, while also providing structure for learning.
The History of Hanover-Horton Elementary
The elementary building, which opened in 1997, is in the village of Hanover. We are a Young 5’s thru 5th grade building, and we also house 3 preschool classrooms. A little over 500 students are enrolled and are instructed by a professional staff of 27.
We Have the Best Staff!
Many staff members have earned degrees beyond the bachelor’s degree level and are committed to meeting the needs of all students. In addition to the core content areas of English, Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, students also receive physical education, computers, fine arts, art, and library story time. RTI (Response to Interventions) services are available for students needing additional assistance.
We Have Great Parents and Community Support!
Parental involvement is very high at the elementary, and what a difference it makes in their child’s education. Besides chaperoning field trips, attending after school functions, and volunteering with the PTA, our building averages over 90% attendance for student conferences. With the dedicated staff and tremendous support received from parents and the community, the elementary will continue to experience success with its students.
Take a Tour!
An open invitation is extended to you. Come and see the quality education your child can receive. Tours are available throughout the year. By making a fresh start with Hanover-Horton Elementary you will see the difference.
25+ Years of Academic Excellence
500+ Students Enrolled
Trained Staff & Dedicated Parents
Mr. Joe Ayers,
Principal, HHE
Welcome to Hanover-Horton Elementary!
Hello, and welcome to Hanover-Horton Elementary! I’m Joe Ayers, your Principal, and I’m incredibly excited and grateful to be part of this wonderful school community.
Before becoming an elementary principal, I spent 12 years teaching high school mathematics at Erie Mason and nine years coaching football, including three years as a head coach. I earned bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Education from the University of Toledo and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University.
Moving from the high school classroom into elementary leadership was a big leap of faith—and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From my very first day, the teachers, staff, and secretaries at Hanover-Horton welcomed and supported me. I’m incredibly fortunate to work alongside such caring and dedicated people.
My goal as principal is to create a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment where every student feels valued and excited to come to school. I’m passionate about leadership, learning, and especially our kids. There’s rarely a day when I don’t receive a high-five, knuckle-bump, or smile from a student—and they have a way of making every day better!
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We also place a strong emphasis on character. Our 5th Graders learn the acronym LDRSHIP—you’ll have to ask one of them what it stands for!
Outside of school, I enjoy coffee, Sudoku, woodworking, and exploring the local area with my wife, Angie. We have two amazing adult children, both working in the medical field, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.
I look forward to getting to know our students and families. If you see me, please stop and say hello—and if we have time, let’s share a cup of coffee!
If this is your first time here, welcome and GOOOooo…. COMETS!!
Mrs. Melissa Duffrin,
Assistant Principal, HHE
Hello Families,
Hanover-Horton Schools is a place where I truly enjoy working! I am very fortunate to have wonderful students, staff, and parents to work with on a daily basis. It is my hope to make a positive difference in the life of every person I work with. I believe that with a positive attitude, a growth mindset, and good character anyone can achieve great things.
It is the goal of Hanover-Horton Elementary to provide the students with the best possible education in a safe and secure learning environment. My role as an Assistant Principal is to support your child in learning and with discipline. My experience as a classroom teacher will help with both.
I love the parent support we have in our community! Studies show that parent involvement increases student achievement, so I encourage you to continue to be involved in your child’s education. A fun fact about me is that I was volunteering for the PTA when I learned about a teaching position at HH. I interviewed for the job and was given the role of 3rd grade teacher. That was 15 years ago, and since then I have taken on different roles within the building and learned a lot about curriculum and school improvement to prepare me for this new position.
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When I am not at school, you will probably find me visiting a coffee shop or outdoors enjoying nature with my family. Each year I challenge myself to learn something new. This year, I am learning how to keep plants alive. I also enjoy camping, reading, walking, bird watching, collecting rocks, and admiring the colors in a sunset.
Should you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to contact me at 517-563-0103.
Mrs. Melissa Duffrin,
Assistant Principal, HHE
Mrs. Emma Garrison,
Social Worker, HHE
About me:
Hello! My name is Emma Garrison. I am the Social Worker at Hanover Horton Elementary. I graduated from Hanover Horton in 2010, and I’m so excited to be back! I received my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2015 from Eastern Michigan University and my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University in 2019. I have worked as a Social Worker in the Jackson and surrounding areas with children and families for the last 6 years. I live in Concord with my husband, son and 2 dogs. I enjoy camping, baking, reading and spending time with my family.
How can I Help
I am here to support all of the children at Hanover-Horton Elementary and their families. Some of my roles include: meeting with students individually to talk about big or little problems, helping with problem solving and conflict resolution, running small groups, facilitating relationship building, working alongside classroom teachers and other school staff to implement programs and behavior interventions to help students be successful in the classroom, connecting families with outside resources and assisting in school wide and classroom based social emotional/character building lessons and activities.
TRUE Community Credit Union
TRUE Community Credit Union is proud to partner with Hanover Horton Elementary. Since 1991, we have provided students with real work experience by operating the student-run credit union branch, where students with a TRUE Community Credit Union savings account can save money right at school.
In 2019, we partnered with Jackson County schools to create the Jackson $aves program, which provides incoming kindergarteners with an educational savings account to help pay for education and training after high school. Students can save for their future right at their school!
