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
Hello Comet Families!
Welcome to our Beautiful School, Hanover-Horton Elementary. I’m Joe Ayers, your Principal, and I’m very happy to be here. I taught 12 years as a High School Math Teacher at Erie Mason, and I’ve coached football as an assistant for 9 years with 3 years as head football coach. I received two Bachelor’s Degrees, one in Mathematics and one in Education from U. of Toledo, and I earned my Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Central Michigan University.
I made a huge leap of faith in my career from teaching at the high school to being an Elementary Principal, and I can honestly say it is one of the best decisions of my life! My transition was challenging with a steep learning curve, and with the support from the Teachers, Staff and Secretaries, they made life better with all their support from my first day. They truly are amazing people.
My job is to create a safe-learning environment where everyone feels welcome. I am passionate about leadership and our kids, and we teach our 5th Graders the acronym LDRSHIP (you’ll need to ask our 5th Graders what that stands for). There’s not a day that goes by that I can’t get a high-five or knuckle-bump from our kiddos. They will put a smile on your face walking through the doors.
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When not in school, I love drinking coffee, working on math puzzles (I’m a bit of a geek for Sudoku puzzles), creating woodworking projects at home, and visits around the local areas with my wife, Angie. We have two amazing adult children, both working in the medical field and making us very proud!
I look forward to meeting you all, and if we have time, we can sit and have 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 or Melissa.duffrin@hanoverhorton.org
Mrs. Melissa Duffrin,
Assistant Principal, HHE
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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!
