April 28th, 2017
Principal's Message
 
4/28/2017

Hello Highlands-


This month's Makers challenge and Lab is on the science of weather.  We also have a math focus of data collection, reading and interpreting as well as noticing patterns, making predictions and inferences based on the data. All students are creating the tools to collect the data from our weather.

Weather Reports, Data collection has begun! Next week classes will begin to add their data to our building weather station. What relationships and patterns will emerge! Come check it out! Below I have shared a Ted Talk and Picture of the book The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. Amazing true story about a boy who invented a way to create an energy source. Great inspiration and connection for kids! Be makers, solve real world problems!


Please check in with our blog (link Below) as well as the FB and Twitter accounts to be updated on the happenings. There was a lot of fabulous learning around Highlands this week. 

Be well!
Katie

Read and see April 28 - WONDER BLOG POST
Wonderful things are happening every day! We want to share. Twitter= @Highlands_ELEM FB= @HLHappenings

The Boy Who harnessed the wind- True story!






KNOW! UPDATE FROM THE Edina Public Schools
  • Equity website offers resources for community, staff
  • Edina Public Schools held its fourth community conversation Tuesday around the book, "A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota." Community interest in these conversations has been outstanding. To continue the conversation at home and in the community, check out the resources:
  •   Health Services Reminders -
    • Protect yourself, children from measles
    • Several cases of measles have been confirmed in Hennepin County by the Minnesota Department of Health. The best preventative measure is to be sure you and your children have been vaccinated with the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. If your child is 1 year old or older and has never received the MMR vaccine, it is not too late to have them vaccinated. Read more on the district website under Health Services. Information is also available in Somali and Spanish.
    • Prepare now for 7th, 10th grade immunization requirements
    • Edina Public Schools has a no shots-no school policy to be in compliance with Minnesota School Immunization Law. To go to school in Minnesota, all students must provide documentation showing they've had the required immunizations or provide a notarized exemption form at the time of enrollment. Families with student's moving into 7th and 10th grades who will not be in compliance will receive an emailed letter noting what immunizations are needed to be in compliance for next fall. For more information on secondary immunization requirements, go to the district website, Health Services page 
    • (share with Middle School and High School families; elementary as appropriate)  
  • District response about 13 Reasons Why- Several weeks ago, Netflix released a TV series based on Jay Asher's novel13 Reasons Why.  This is an extremely popular show that many young people have been discussing. 13 Reasons Why is the story of Hannah Baker's death by suicide told through the 13 tapes she leaves for those she holds accountable for her choice. While the show is compelling and dramatic, the concern many of us that work with children share is that it does not accurately model what we would want or hope individuals to do if they are struggling or are in crisis.  READ MORE.
  • DATES TO NOTE
    • Internet and Social Media Safety Seminar
    • May 2, 7-8:30 p.m. | Edina Performing Arts Center (EPAC)
    • The Edina Police Department, Edina Public Schools and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will host a presentation and discussion about long-term and emerging online issues, and advice about how to avoid becoming a victim. Click here  for more information.
    • You're Invited to Celebrate Ric Dressen's Retirement  
    • May 3, Open House 4-7 p.m. | Braemar Golf Course -
    • While the community is invited to attend anytime during the open house, to assist in managing the event space, attendees are encouraged to attend one of two designated time blocks: 4 - 5:30 p.m.  (EPS Students & Staff), 5:30 - 7 p.m. (EPS Students, Families & Community Members). There will be a brief program at 5:30 p.m. To help us plan, please RSVP .
    • Looking Through a New Lens: A Good Time for the Truth
    • May 4, 7-9 p.m. | Normandale Elementary Auditorium -
    • Join us for an engaging community conversation to review what we have learned this year, and discuss where we go next our on district equity journey. Event will include table talks facilitated by EHS students exploring how we can all work to be more inclusive to students and families from all cultural races and cultures. 
Highlands Happenings
Highlands School has an opening for  a part-time
Minnesota Reading Corps tutor 
for the   2016-17 school year.
 
Minnesota Reading Corps is a statewide program to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader by the end of third grade.  Minnesota Reading Corps elementary members serve as one-on-one tutors and provide research-based interventions to students in Kindergarten to 3rd grade, who are just below proficiency in reading.
Tutors also receive training, a stipend and an education award that is applicable toward Federal student loans or post-secondary tuition.
 
For more information visit www.MinnesotaReadingCorps.org   and contact Jessie Lindberg,Reading Learning Specialist,  Highlands Elementary, Jessica.lindberg@edinaschools.org

5th Grade Recognition DATE CHANGE -  May 31st
PLEASE make note that since the last day of school is now June 1st our 5th Grade Recognition ceremonies have been moved back to Wednesday May 31st with Discovery in the morning at 10:00 and CP in the afternoon at 1:30. 

Mrs. Widen's Informance Schedule

Informances are informal, informative performances where loved ones are invited to come and watch their children in music class.  Mark your calendar to see your child sing, dance, and play instruments and games!

Please don't hesitate to contact Katie Widen 
with any questions 952-848-4532. Katherine.Widen@edinaschools.org

Thursday May 4th
Prowell 9:25-10:10
Masica 10:10-10:55

Monday May 8th
Wallace 9:25-10:10
Pekarek 10:10-10:55
Hjelden 10:55-11:40
Johansen 11:40-12:25

Tuesday May 9th
Hopkins 9:25-10:10
Anderson 10:10-10:55
Molitor 10:55-11:40

Wednesday May 10th
Baier 2:00-2:45

Thursday May 11th
Sponheim 10:55-11:40
Racek 2:00-2:45


South View MS Student Leadership Team 2017-2018 (for Incoming 6th Graders)
Student Leadership Team Applications are now being accepted for the 2017-2018 School Year.  If your incoming 6th grader is interested in pursuing this opportunity, you and your child must review the SLT Presentation using the following link - https://tinyurl.com/zu7swaz 
This presentation contains important information that you and your student will want to consider before applying.  After you review the presentation, note that within it is a link to the 
application that must be completed by Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
 
Interviews will then take place according to the following schedule:
Tuesday, May 9 at 3:15pm - Concord Incoming 6th Graders
Wednesday, May 10 at 4:00pm - Cornelia Incoming 6th Graders
Thursday, May 11 at 4:00pm - Highlands Incoming 6th Graders
 
Media Message
By Lisa Dooley, Media Specialist



The Maud Hart Lovelace book awards were announced on Monday and the winners and nominees are pictured here. These books always represent a nice mix of genres and reading levels and are nominated by school librarians and awarded by votes from students around the state! Check them out!


Check out the Highlands News Show
  Here is the News Show  link.   
To view, you will need your student's 
login and password.



PTO News
Learn what is going on and volunteer.
   

HIGHLANDS DGT  FAMILY SERVICE FAIR
Friday, April 28, 6-8 pm (TONIGHT!)

Dedicate your family's Friday night to making the world a better place in the company of fellow Highlands families. Tonight's event features kid-friendly service projects meeting needs in the community. Please bring loose change and unwanted bikes to donate and make a difference.



Dinner.  No need to cook!  The El Taquito taco truck will be on site to help solve the dinner dilemma and donating 10% of sales back to Highlands.

Small Service Gatherings:  Preview our Service Small Gatherings for more opportunities to give back as a family. Sign up online or at the event tonight.   Contact Nassim ( nassim.rossi@gmail.com ) with questions.


NEW HIGHLANDS' APPAREL
April 30th is last day to order
  
 
New Highlands apparel is now available through General Sports featuring your favorite brands such as Under Armor. Limited time to buy. Now through 4/30! Orders will be delivered before end of school. Styles for men, women and kids in a variety of colors.


Opening for Box Top Coordinator
Please contact the PTO for further information.

SAVE THE DATE: EVEREVE SHOPPING NIGHT 
TO BENEFIT HIGHLANDS PTO
Thursday, MAY 4th 7pm - 9pm

Evereve is dedicated to styling fashion loving moms! Stylists will help you find the perfect fit for you body type and lifestyle. Shop the Highlands PTO EVEREVE  Shopping Night. 15% of all sales will be donated to the Highlands PTO. Snacks and beverages will be served.  Last Fall we raised $750. Let's beat that number! 
Start pre-shopping now at EVEREVE.com

Announcements
NEW! All-Day Pre-Kindergarten at the 
Edina Family Center

We are excited to offer our first all-day pre-Kindergarten option for the 2017- 2018 school year! Students arrive any time between 6:45am - 9:00am and leave any time between 3:00 - 6:00pm. The instructional day will be from 9:00am - 3:00pm. Please click here for more information.
Upcoming Events - Bulletin
Week of May 1 - 5

Monday 1st
Gina Spoo will be at HL 
all day
Piano Lessons
4:00 - 7:00 Rm 5 

Tuesday 2nd - EARLY Release - 2 hours early at 1:50
School Patrol Planning Mtg
9:20 Rm 32
Makers Mindset w/AMT
11:50 - 1:45
Around HL
Staff Triaining w/AMT
2:00 - 4:00 Media

Wednesday 3rd
Patrol Retreat
10:30 - 3:30 MOA
Drama Kids - Spring Play
3:55 - 4:55

Thursday 4th
Water Treatment Plant
9:40 - 11:30 Water Plant
Prowell Music Informance
9:25 - 10:10 Music Rm 10
Masica Music Informance
10:10 - 10:55 Music Rm 10
Amazing Cartoons
3:55 - 4:55  Rm 28
Community Ed -Piano Lessons
4:00 - 7:00 Rm 5
Looking Through a New Lens
District equity conversation

7:00 - 9:00 Normandale Auditorium

Friday 5th
Kids Club Family Night - 
5:30- 7:00 Gym & Cafe
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Highlands Elementary School
5505 Doncaster Way,  Edina, MN 55436
Office: 952-848-4500 | 
Attendance: 952-848-4502

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