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5/5/2017
Hello Highlands-
As many of you know, Highlands and myself were directly challenged this week in a blog posted by Daniel Lattier from "Intellectual Takeout" (
Blog Post 1
,
Blog Post 2
). In the posts, they question whether or not our focus to build a strong and inclusive learning community for all students and families is a valuable use of time. Every day I come to work, and have for 17 years, to challenge, engage and support all learners to reach their highest potential. I want all children to feel beautiful and valued for who they are and who they dream of becoming. I believe we can only reach these goals together as a community supporting one another, shoulder to shoulder, in our agreements and our discourse. This is the bedrock of our Highlands school community, and of Edina Public Schools.
Through this journey, I am reminded of how words can be a powerful tool for both healing and hurt. I talk to kids daily about the power of their word choices. Students are encouraged to think about negative words versus positive and uplifting words. We reflect with friends about put downs and/or fix-it plans, about interactions and disappointments throughout the day and how to solve these issues effectively. I choose to communicate daily and weekly through social media and weekly newsletters in an effort to share the many learning experiences that are happening here at Highlands. Our jobs as educators and parents are too big to do alone. We need to rely on each other, and sharing these experiences openly is my way of igniting the dialogue for you and your family to continue the learning at home.
I encourage all of you to keep talking with your children about words. In this fast paced, technology-driven world of texting, Instagram and Twitter where you only get a few words to make a point, kids and adults need to know that the choice of words that they consciously make matters. It affects people deeply, so pause before you send or publish words that could hurt. Ask yourself if you are willing to have a discussion with the person about the topic to assess if that is a better way to seek answers or make a point.
As for Highlands and Edina, we will continue to teach kids and adults to love who they are and what they bring to contribute every day. We will support and encourage all voices to be heard and all beauty to be recognized. We will seek the truth of all perspectives. We will listen and learn from each other. We will challenge ourselves and our students to be solution seekers and persevere through adversity with the help of this wonderful community.
This is our collective work. As always, I welcome any and all questions and concerns.
Thank you and be well!
Katie
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The Boy Who harnessed the wind- True story!
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KNOW! UPDATE FROM THE Edina Public Schools
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Equity website offers resources for community, staff
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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:
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- Equity resource boards through the District's Pinterest account
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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.
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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.
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.
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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
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
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Media Message
By Lisa Dooley, Media Specialist
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We added over 800 new books this year to our library collection thanks in part to the generous support of the Highlands PTO! Here is the joy of reading in action! Thank you for a great year of promoting learning through literacy!
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Check out the Highlands News Show
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Here is the News Show
link.
To view, you will need your student's
login and password.
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PTO News
Learn what is going on and volunteer.
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HIGHLANDS DGT
FAMILY SERVICE FAIR
A big thank you to all who participated in the Highlands DGT Family Service Fair last Friday. Together our community made a difference for others by:
- Assembling 85 adoption packets and 303 doggie treat thank you gifts for families making the choice to adopt rescue dogs (Spot's Last Stop)
- Decorating 65 quilt squares and stuffing 154 fabric toys for babies in need (Bundles of Love)
- Donating 4 bikes in support of low-income youth on the White Earth Reservation (RezCycle)
- Signing 51 postcards urging the Edina City Council to take action on climate change (iMatter).
- Preparing 547 single-use portions of laundry detergent in support of people transitioning out of homelessness (Aeon).
- Decorating 105 lunch bags for meal delivery to homebound senior citizens (Metro Meals on Wheels)
- Writing 77 cards of support and welcome to refugees and immigrants who have made their homes in Minnesota (International Institute of Minnesota)
- Assembling 180 snack bags in support of families in crisis (Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery)
- Practicing philanthropy through the donation of $134.76 in support of economically disadvantaged students in Edina: Academics (Summer Camp at Kici Yapi) $54.93; Arts (summer band lessons) $37.42; Athletics (Edina soccer) $42.41) (Edina Give & Go)
- Pledging to keep working to make the world a better place (Doing Good Together photo project; check the PTO website to see the results)
Don't stop now!
Keep connecting with other Highlands families to make the world a better place by signing up for a Service Small Gathering. May features opportunities to visit a Minneapolis Institute of Arts photographic exhibition highlighting the Syrian refugee experience; Feed My Starving Children meal packing; Green Living family workshop and more. For more ideas on fun, easy ways to make kindness and compassion a family habit, explore Doing Good Together's resources.
The Family Service Fair needs a new chair for next year's event, which will take place in the fall. Please consider signing up!
For more information contact Nassim at nassim.rossi@gmail.com.
NEED TO BE REIMBURSED BY THE PTO?
Remember to turn in your reimbursement requests no later than Friday, May 26th. The form can be found on the
PTO website
or in the school's main office. Forms can be turned into the PTO Treasurer's mailbox.
DO YOU LOVE TO MEET NEW PEOPLE?
Come join the Highlands Welcome Team. Members of the team will provide outreach and a warm welcome to new families that are joining Highlands for the 2017 - 2018 year. This program is not for the incoming Kindergartner families. This program is for families whose children will be in 1st - 5th grade. We want to provide a warm welcome to the families and kids who are just starting out. Each year we have about 25 families who are new at Highlands. The Welcome Team will receive contact information and are asked to reach out and welcome a family or two. Basically, you'll be a Buddy Family. Anyone who is interested, please contact Annika Joy at
annikacjoy@gmail.com
or Ahroon Yoch at
ahroonyoch@yahoo.com
.
BOXTOPS, SEND IN YOUR BOXTOPS!
As the year is drawing to a close, please send in your BoxTops so we can get our final check! There is an opening for a BoxTops coordinator please contact the PTO.
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HIGHLANDS HUSKY DAYS- Thursday May 25th
Sign up to volunteer for a fun day outside with the kids. It's a great time to watch the kids enjoy a good old fashion Field Day. Please go to the PTO volunteer website. K-2 graders are in the morning. 3-5 graders are in the afternoon. You won't want to miss it!
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.
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Upcoming Events - Bulletin
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Week of May 8 - 12
Monday 8th
| Masica/Prowell ELCamp |
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Lv. 7:30 |
Deep Portage |
| Wallace Music Informance |
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9:25 - 10:10 |
Music Rm 10 |
| Pekarek Music Informance |
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10:10 - 10:55 |
Music Rm 10
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| Hjelden Music Informance |
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10:55 - 11:40 |
Music Rm 10
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| Johnasen Music Informance |
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11:40 - 12:25 |
Music Rm 10
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Tuesday 9th
Hopkins Music Informance
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9:25 - 11:00 |
Music Rm 10
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| Anderson Music Informance |
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11:50 - 1:45
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Music Rm 10
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| Molitor Music Informance |
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2:00 - 4:00 |
Music Rm 10 |
Wednesday 10th
| PT Executive Meeting |
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9:30 - 11 |
Staff Lounge |
| 5th Grade Valley View visit |
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12:30 - 2:30 |
Valley View |
| Baier Music Informance |
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2:00 - 2:45 |
Music Rm 10 |
| Masica/Prowell ELCamp |
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return 3:30 |
Highlands |
Thursday 11th
| Leadership Train Gina Spoo |
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8:00 - 9:00 |
Media Center |
| Sponheim Music Informance |
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10:55 - 11:40 |
Music Rm 10 |
| Racek Music Informance |
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2:00 - 2:45 |
Music Rm 10 |
| Band Concert |
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3:00 - 3:30 |
Gym |
| Amazing Cartoons |
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3:55 - 4:55 |
Rm 28 |
| 6th Grade Leadership Interviews at South View |
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4:00 - 7:00 |
Rm, 23, 25, 25a, 31, 32 South View |
| Band Concert |
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7:00 - 8:00 |
Gym |
Friday 12th
| Perspectives on Peace begins |
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9:30 |
Gym & Cafe |
Perspectives on Peace 4th
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10:30 -12:30 |
Gym |
Perspectives on Peace 5th
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1:30 - 3:30 |
Gym |
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Highlands Elementary School
5505 Doncaster Way,
Edina, MN 55436
Office: 952-848-4500 |
Attendance: 952-848-4502
Stay Connected
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