Highland Happenings
Week of November 6
Principal's Message
Dear Highland Families:
Congratulations to Team Highland for winning the 1st Place Award in the YES Latino H.E.A.T. 9th Annual Día de los Muertos Ofrenda Contest - Honoring our Roots, Origins, History & Culture! It was a lot of hard work, but well worth the effort!
We do not have school on Friday, November 10th, in honor of the Veterans Day holiday. To our veterans in the community, thank you for your sacrifices, for your valor, for the things you carry, for protecting us, and for defending our rights. Thank you to all our veterans for your courage, strength and dedication to keeping us safe.
Thursday is the last day of the first quarter! Grades will be posted by 5:00PM on Friday, November 17. If you have any questions about your student's grades, please reach out directly to the teacher. https://bsd405.org/highland/about/staff/
We will beginning a new system to help students get on time to their classes. We have some pretty significant issues with a number of students continuing to be late to class. This causes a disruption in the learning environment for the teachers and other students. We will send more information out as we begin the second quarter.
Our goal is for Highland to be a safe and inclusive learning environment for EVERY student. We cannot let the violence that occurs outside our walls impact the safety of each student within our walls. We continue to be diligent with our multi-layered approach to security - maintain all locked doors with a single point of entry through the security vestibule, in which visitors utilize LobbyGuard to check in; make sure all visitors check in and wear visitor badges; continue to monitor the video surveillance system; and be sure that staff sets security alarms at the end of the day. We ask that students report any and all suspicious or unsafe behaviors they may witness.
Every student has the right to learn without disruption.
In Partnership,
Susan Thomas
Principal
PTSA Upcoming Events
THIS WEEK
- Nov. 6-19: Order your 2023-24 Yearbook
- Nov. 6-8 || Nothing Bundt Cakes "Eat to Donate" 20% giveback to Highland
- Nov. 8 || Chipotle "Eat to Donate" (4-8 p.m.) - 33% giveback to Highland
- Nov. 9 || School of Excellence Survey closes
- Nov 10 || NO SCHOOL
LOOKING AHEAD
- Nov. 13-17 || Warm & Cozy Winter Clothing Donation Drive by Highland PTSA
- Nov. 14 || PTSA Meeting (6 p.m.) - Highland Commons
- Nov. 14 || Social Media Safety Presentation (6:30 p.m.) - Highland Library
- Nov. 15 || Student Picture Retakes
- Nov. 15 || Fentanyl Information Session for BSD Families - 6pm @ Sammamish High
- Nov. 16 || Strategies to Promote Positive Behavior - 6 p.m. (hybrid and recorded event)
- Nov. 16 || All Reflections entries are due
- Nov. 17-Jan. 15: Downtown Bellevue Ice Rink Fundraiser (see flyer below)
- Nov. 23-24 || NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving
- Dec. 7 || Family Multicultural Potluck Dinner
- Dec. 20-Jan.1: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
Bus Route Cancellations
Monday, November 6 through Thursday, November 9 the following bus routes are canceled due to driver availability:
- 14—Clyde Hill and Jing Mei elementary schools
- 19—Newport Heights and Woodridge elementary schools
- 25—Medina and Sherwood Forest elementary schools
- 31—Ardmore and Bennett elementary schools
- 43—Highland and Odle middle schools
- 46—Ardmore and Puesta del Sol elementary schools
Highland Health Center
The Highland Health Center
Hello, HMS family!
We want to share with you the great news that our Health Center has been awarded by the Washington State Department of Health's Immunize WA program, with a Silver Status that honors clinics reaching immunization rates of 70% or Higher.
We want to thank all families, community partners, teachers, and staff for helping us keep our community healthy. The efforts to keep children and youth up to date on their immunizations help maintain our communities strong and protected from life-threatening and debilitating illnesses.
On the same note, we want to inform you that the new updated (2023–2024 formula) COVID vaccine, and FLU shot are available for students at NO COST right here at school. All you need to do is register your student and schedule an appointment. Find more information about the Highland Health Center, their services, and more, by clicking on this link: https://bsd405.org/highland/resources/health-center/
Note: Our online registration process is currently down, please call or send an email to register and schedule your appointment.
Clinic Hours
Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Contact information
Phone number: 425-373-3135 / 425-373-3136
Email: highlandsbhc@ichs.com
BSF Ambassador Needed
Are you interested in being an Ambassador for the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)? BSF Ambassadors serve as communication liaisons for our school—re-posting, sharing, and encouraging families to invest in and learn about the amazing programming their students are benefitting from. The role can be fulfilled in no more than an hour a month. For anyone who might be interested in a volunteer role like this, here’s a short video to provide some context. Please contact Juliet@bsfdn.org if you are interested.
Poder Lessons and Parent Tips
From 10/31
Skill: Students use the Check the Facts skill when an event has prompted emotions they might want to change. The key word is "might." After going through the steps of describing the event using facts, and identifying their interpretations and emotions, the student will assess if their current emotion is helpful or not; if they'd like to change their emotion or not.
As supports of our students' emotion empowerment, it isn't our role to determine if the emotion fits for the student. There may be prior experiences or other contributing factors impacting their feelings or interpretations of the event that we are not aware of. Our role is only to guide students through the steps so they can decide for themselves which emotions fit and which they'd lie to change.
Parent Poder Tip: Notice when your student makes a statement like" "I can't do this." "I'll never get all this done." "They don't like me." Then ask them - ok, what are the facts to back this up? What have you seen or heard that would support your interpretations?
Reflections Arts Program
ALL REFLECTIONS entries are due on November 16
Is your child an author, artist, composer, dancer, or filmmaker?
Encourage them to enter Reflections!
What is Reflections?
Reflections is a National PTA arts in education program. The program was started in 1969 and is the largest arts program of its kind in the United States. Students have the opportunity to use their creative talents by expressing themselves through their own original works created around a theme that changes each year. The theme for the 2023-2024 year is I Am Hopeful Because...
Reflections is not “just an art contest.” It helps kids take risks, be inspired, think creatively, and be celebrated for their creativity and work. Studies have shown there is a positive relationship between the arts and well-being.
Find out more at https://www.highlandptsa.org/our-work/student-programs/Reflections or email us at hello@highlandptsa.org.
Apply Now to Co-Design the Next BSD Strategic Plan
Superintendent Aramaki invites our learning community to join the Strategic Plan Guiding Coalition and help shape the future of the Bellevue School District. The Guiding Coalition — a team of students, staff, families and community members, along with the Superintendent — will actively engage with the broader community to co-design the district’s next 5-year strategic plan. If you are hopeful about the future and passionate about the possibilities for innovation in education, please apply to be a part of this team.
Click here to apply. Use the pull-down menu in the form for language access. The application period for the Guiding Coalition will close on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. Applicants who are selected will be notified by Monday, November 20, 2023, and the first Coalition meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
More information about commitment details, meeting dates and a tentative timeline will soon be available on the district website.
Academic English Development Adoption Committee
This year, the MLL department is starting an instructional materials adoption process for one of our key secondary supports for newcomer students, the Academic English Development class. The purpose of the Academic English Development Adoption Committee is to carry out the textbook selection process and make a recommendation to the Instructional Materials Committee based upon objective evidence. The committee will include teacher representatives, building/district administration, and community representation. The decision will be based on what is in the best interest of our students, alignment with WIDA language development standards, and our district mission and core values.
The role of the members of Academic English Development Adoption Committee is:
· Attend scheduled meetings
· Serve as a communication link to the community they represent
· Assist in collecting data regarding the instructional materials under consideration
· Through a consensus process, make a formal recommendation to the Instructional Materials Committee
Learn more and apply to participate. The application is available in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
BSD Presents: One Pill Can Kill, Fentanyl Information for Families
On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Bellevue School District will bring together experts from local, state and federal agencies to provide a comprehensive look at the dangers of fentanyl and opioids in our community. The program will take place at Sammamish High School beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The evening will include a series of presentations followed by an opportunity for community members to ask questions. Presenters include representatives from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Youth Eastside Services (YES), BSD staff and parents sharing how opioids have impacted them personally.
In addition, representatives will be on hand to answer questions including members of the Bellevue Police Department, local health organizations, public health agencies, and Bellevue School District Safety and Security and Mental Health Assistance teams. The event is made possible with the support of the Bellevue Schools Foundation.
This comprehensive night of information is intended to give families additional knowledge that can help support their students and keep schools and communities healthy and safe. This presentation is free and open to the public.
Bellevue Centers Communities of Color Open House
Join the City of Bellevue for a community dialogue on Thursday, November 16, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., to discuss the needs and opportunities for communities of color. This event is part of the Bellevue Centers Communities of Color (CCC) Initiative. The Communities of Color Coordinating Team includes Bellevue school district students, staff and community members. Based on community input, the coordinating team will present recommendations to City leadership to ensure that all Bellevue communities have the opportunity to thrive and grow more equitably.
The meeting will take place at Stevenson Elementary School, 14220 NE 8th, Bellevue, WA 98007. For more information, please contact Marcus Johnson, DEI Community Outreach and Engagement Administrator for the City of Bellevue at mjjohnson@bellevuewa.gov.
Families Helping Families Thanksgiving Food Drive
The Families Helping Families Thanksgiving Food Drive is a long running tradition in the Bellevue community. Families Helping Families provides Thanksgiving baskets to Bellevue School District families in need. Over the past 16 years, more than 40,000 people have received support through Families Helping Families.
Each year Families Helping Families strives to provide full and delicious holiday feasts. If you would like to ensure that requested meals are made available, please contact info@familieshelpingfamiliesgive.com.
BFF with BSF
BSD Nondiscrimination Statement
Bellevue School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
Civil Rights, Racial Discrimination, and Gender Expression or Identity Discrimination:
Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Compliance Coordinator Nancy Pham, (425) 456-4040 or phamn@bsd405.org
Sex-based Discrimination, including Sexual Harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Jeff Lowell, (425) 456-4010 or lowellj@bsd405.org
Disability Discrimination:
Section 504/ADA Coordinator: Heather Edlund, (425) 456-4156 or edlundh@bsd405.org
Mailing address for all three: 12111 NE 1st Street, Bellevue, WA 98005.
Highland Middle School
Email: thomass@bsd405.org
Website: https://bsd405.org/highland/
Location: 15027 NE Bel-Red Rd
Phone: (425) 456-6400