September 2- Safety

"This job of keeping our children safe, and teaching them well, is something we can only do together, with the help of friends and neighbors, the help of a community, and the help of a nation."- President Barack Obama, 

December 16, 2012

"When schools are the centers of their communities, students, parents, and entire neighborhoods benefit, ensuring that schools are sanctuaries for teaching and learning."   ( http://www.ed.gov/school-safety )

Safety in school means many things; physical safety like walking calmly, playing correctly on equipment, not standing on chairs, crossing the street or parking lot and how we get on and off the bus are a few definitions. Safety to me is much bigger than just the physical aspect. Emotional safety is a huge piece of schools and our commitment to children. Kids need to feel safe with their hearts at school to share ideas, try new things, take risks and ultimately be and become their best selves. We are here to guide conversations and have rich discussions in a way that validates all voices, ideas and opinions of children and adults. Learning for all happens when we are OK with differences, discourse and open to new ideas and challenge.  

Have you noticed the new safety additions to the crosswalk on Doncaster Way? I want to thank the neighbors and the city of Edina for working with me to find solutions to keep our children both physically and emotionally safe. As Highlands embarks on a year focused on reaching our full potential together, I ask that we support, encourage and challenge everyone safely. Together we are stronger, safer, and able to surpass our goals. Here is to an amazing year!

Here is what Highlands kids said about safety at school.

Important Update:

 

CP and Discovery Information Night has been changed. 

It is now September 20th 6-8 PM.

 Please make the change on your calendars.  Thanks!

Lunch and recess:

I want to make sure everyone understands the basics of lunch. All students eat lunch with their grade level or CP hallways (Lisa/Michael, Jamie/Jackie and Kendal/Zach, Deb/Wally). Kids eat for 15 min. minimum. Then they are allowed to leave for recess but if they need more time to eat students are allowed to take as much time as needed to feel full. Students are asked to clean up their table space when they leave by clearing the tray, disposing of trash appropriately and wiping the table space if it is messy. Please be in touch if you have any questions or concerns.

Pick up Procedures:

Here is the 2016/2017 video explaining our pick up 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.

Car Line Procedure Video for Parents

P.E. TEACHER OF THE YEAR!!

Week of September 5th - 9th

Monday 5th - LABOR DAY - No School

Tuesday 6th 

Wednesday 7th

Thursday 8th

Masica/Prowell - Ice Cream Social         4:00 - 5:00       Field

Friday 9th

Molitor/Sponheim - Vertical Endeavors   9:30 - 12:30    Bus Ramp

Room Parent Orientation                          9:30 - 10:30    Lab

Back to School Picnic                                5:00 - 7:00      Field