September 23, 2016
Highlands Happenings
 By Katie Mahoney

September 23, 2016 Feedback

Highlands held curriculum night on Tuesday of this week. Curriculum night is a time to make connections and build strong relationships with families as we head into the school year. As we do these events I think it is important to reflect, get direct feedback in order to  keep improving and enhancing the partnership and experience.

I would really like to know if the evening met your expectations and need for information, as well as a connection about your child/children's day and year ahead. What are your thoughts or suggestions for  improvement. The teachers put a lot of time and energy into the night and it is helpful to know how we make this night the most valuable for you and your family. If you have insights please fill out the survey. If you are in kindergarten please fill out the feedback survey after your night on Tuesday September 27th. Thank you! Katie

Homework Discussion Update: There were many conversations and questions about homework here at Highlands during curriculum night. Students at Highlands will still receive homework or learning to complete or continue at home. It will be more directed and focused on current learning at school. Just skill practice for the sake of practice will not be happening. If you feel like you need or want some skill work please let your teacher know and he/she can provide suggestions on how to best meet the needs of you child and/or family.

Here is the homework article I shared two weeks ago if you missed it. Also here is a link to a  podcast   just heard discussing homework. I am always here to discuss this or any other question you may have about happenings at Highlands. Please let me know how to continue to support and strengthen our partnership.

Always!
Katie



Highlands Happenings
Happy Peace Day!
Kindergarten helped HL celebrate!!!





TRY IT DAY!
Homemade Hummus and red pepper- YUM!




It is on 10/1 (but that is a Saturday so our is 9/30) We are collecting cardboard and tape. Think about what else you might need or want to make it happen. Many classroom are taking the challenge. Please let me know when your room will be engaged in the work so I can come and take part! WE NEED CARDBOARD AND TAPE. Thanks!

Media Message
By Lisa Dooley, Media Specialist

We are so lucky here in the media center. 
This week a student brought me a sticker for the library, our student ambassadors gifted us with their time and artistic talents, and many students ask about donating books. If you would like to donate books to the library, bring them in and we'll see if they are a good fit for our collection. If not, we make them available for classroom libraries. And we even have a new "Free Little Library" that we'll be adding to the playground so kids can access books there. They will definitely be put to good use! 

Author Visit October 5th
Local children's book author Shelly Boyum-Breen is coming
            In addition to reading one of her books, Shelly will share with the children what she has always loved about playing sports and how Shelly Bean the Sports Queen can inspire the children.  

Welcome to Artsonia.com    
2016 artwork coming soon!

Artsonia is an online student art museum. 
Parents will have access to their child's artwork for their entire academic years Grade K-12 (Edina School Districts only) OR access as an Online Archive of their child's art. Friends and family can leave comments for the artist and order artwork. The money generated through Artsonia will help support Highlands art department.

Do you ant to be a part of Artsonia? Please give us your information here.   Thanks & please enjoy Artsonia.   
 
If you have questions contact: Alissa Cappola, Highlands Art Teacher Alissa.cappola@edinaschools.org
952.848.4554


Lost and found!
Is anything yours? Check it out in the Hallway.

Upcoming Events:

Kindergarten Info Night -Tuesday September 27, 7-8 pm

New Family Breakfast 
Friday October 7th 8:00 - 9:00 Cafeteria
Please RSVP to Amy in the office at 952-848-4500 or by email
amy.blackmore@edinaschools.org before Friday Sept 30th.

Dinner and Discussion! 
October 25, 2016 5:30-7PM HL Media center
Speak up Against Bias ;
Micro aggressions and how to talk about difficult  racial issues and current events with kids! 

Parent Pick up Procedures:
Thank you for following all the arrival and dismissal procedures as well as basic traffic rules. I know at times it is hard to wait in line and practice patience but with almost 600 students coming and going we need to make sure their safety is our primary concern. THANKS! 

Here is the 2016/2017 video explaining our arrival and dismissal procedures. There are some changes so even if you are a veteran of Highlands please take 3 min. to update yourself and anyone who may be picking up your child.


PTO News
Learn what is going on and volunteer.

Kindness in Chalk!
Sunday, October 2nd, 6:30 - 7pm
October is National Bullying Awareness month. The Kindness in Chalk movement is an anti-bullying campaign aspiring to bring smiles to faces along with showing students the importance of little acts of kindness. We're looking for parents to decorate and write inspiring messages on the sidewalks around the school building. The volunteers will be decorating Sunday evening  - the idea is to surprise the students when they come to school the Monday morning. Everyone is welcome to come and be a part of this event. We need a minimum of 25 volunteers to make this a success! Volunteer for Kindness in Chalk
 
There Is Still Time To Join The PTO
Only 54% of the Highlands' Families have joined the PTO. This year the fee of $28 is per family and not per child. The PTO does not want to put a financial strain on your family. If you would like a scholarship to pay for membership dues, fill out the form today, contact the School Social Worker - Kim Gessert (k im.gessert@edinaschools.org ) or our Membership Chairman Sarah Franssen ( sarah_bradfordmn@yahoo.com). Join the PTO today.
 
Great Gathering Needs You! November 11th
Mark your calendar for the 2016 Great Gathering on November 11th! There are lots of new things for this year - including a new location - Pinstripes. It will be a fun, adults-only, creative fundraiser for the PTO. Want to be a part of the planning? We have volunteer openings in all shapes and sizes. Check out the Highlands PTO site to learn more about how to help or join the team for the next meeting on Thursday, Sept 29th at 9:15 in Room 5 at the school. 
 
Save the Date - EVEREVE Shopping Night
Thursday, November 3rd, 7 - 9 pm
Perfect timing - right before the Great Gathering. Help raise money for the PTO and find yourself the latest fall clothing. EVEREVE will donate 15% of all sales to Highlands. Snacks and beverages will be provided.   EVEREVE will donate 15% of all sales that night to the Highlands elementary PTO.   

Looking to Volunteer?
Picture Day - 2 Hour Shifts- September 27
New Family Breakfast 1.5 Hour Shifts - October 1   
Vision & Hearing Testing - 2.5 Hour Shifts - November 9th & 10th Hearing & Vision Testing Volunteers

Announcements
2016-17 Beyond ECFE 
Parenting Classes
Have parenting questions? 
We have answers. 

The Edina Family Center is proud to offer Beyond ECFE classes to meet your needs. Set some time  aside once each month to learn new parenting skills, replenish your toolkit, and build your confidence  as a parent. Engage with leading-edge, research-based information and strategies to promote healthy,  age-appropriate child development. Guided discussion time allows you to share your joys and  concerns, your challenges and experiences-and benefit from group wisdom.  

Here is a link to their webpage.


Please return Volunteer Badges.
Might you have one of these at home, in your purse or car?
We'd love it returned to the office, no questions asked.  Thank you.




Edina High School Band - Free Concert
Community Center Kuhlman Stadium
September 27th 6:30 - 7:00 
Come see the Edina Hornet Marching Band perform their Half Time show at Kuhlman Stadium on Tuesday Sept 27. Admission is free; concessions will be available. Gates open at 6pm; and the 360+ member Marching band takes the field at 6:30. The entire community is welcome!

Highlands Choir on Tuesdays.
     
"Highlands Choir is open to all students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.  It is a wonderful opportunity to learn vocal development, movement, and musical skills in a fun and vibrant community of young musicians."

Follow this link:  www.edina.thatscommunityed.com
Use keywords:  "Highlands Choir"
Or call Community Ed at 952-848-3952

  
PCN - Parent Communication Network  presents 
Chemical Health and Mental Health:  
What parents need to Know
Monday October 3rd at 7:00 - 9:00 at EHS EPAC - FREE

Visit edinapcn.com for more information

Upcoming Events - Bulletin

Week of September 26th - 30th   

Monday 26th

Running Club

8:30 - 9:10 Field
Piano Lessons
4:00 - 7:00 Rm 5


Tuesday 27th - PICTURE day

Running Club
8:30 - 9:10 Field
Community Ed Choir
8:25 - 9:10 Rm 10/11
Tour Guide Training
3:00 Media
School Patrol Training - mand
3:15 Rm 32
Hjelden/Johansen Potluck
6:15 - 7:30 Cafeteria
Kindergarten Curriculum night
7:00 - 8:00

Wednesday 28th

Running Club
8:30 - 9:10 Field
Drama Kids Fall Play
3:55-4:55 Rm 5

Thursday 29th

Running Club
8:30 - 9:10 Field
Chess Club
3:55 - 4:55 Rm 32
Amazing Drawings
3:55 - 4:55 Rm 28
Piano Lessons
4:00 - 7:00 Rm 5

Friday 30th


VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Highlands Elementary School
5505 Doncaster Way,  Edina, MN 55436
Office: 952-848-4500 | 
Attendance: 952-848-4502

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