Highland Highlights
Dec 2020
Today’s Learners – Tomorrow’s Leaders
From the Principal
I wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for participating in Family Conferences this year. We had over 85% of families participate in conferences virtually! Our students have been working hard this fall and our teachers were so excited to share with you all the amazing things our Highland Huskies have been up to over the last few months.
While distance learning has been an adjustment for our teachers and students, I wanted to share a few tips with each of you for setting up an optional learning environment for your students while learning from home.
Five tips for setting up a productive learning space at home
- Choose a location based on your child's learning preferences.
- Eliminate distractions and background noise (such as TVs)
- Make it comfortable—but not too comfortable.
- Ensure the learning space has good lighting.
- Have all of your child's supplies—pencils, paper, calculators, for example—easily accessible in their learning space.
I look forward to meeting all of you once we are able to safely return to the building for in-school learning. Until then, I send virtual hugs and high-5s to all the amazing students and families that make Highland great!
Warmly,
Beth Fraze, Principal
Office News
Highland has a new secretary! We proudly introduce to you Maria Rugroden. Maria started working with us this fall, we had previously introduced her via Facebook, but for those of you who do not have a Facebook account, here is a little introduction:
My name is Maria Rugroden.
This is my 24th year with Gresham-Barlow.
I enjoyed working as a secretary both at Hall Elementary and then West Gresham.
I will be taking Nina's place here at Highland.
I am thankful to be a part of your community.
The building is currently closed. If you need to reach the office please leave a message for us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year!
Important Dates
Dec 21 - Jan 1 Winter Break
From the PTC
Catch up with your fellow parents, teachers, and school staff at the PTC Zoom Meetings - The second Tuesday each month at 6pm! You don't even have to leave your house to join! This is a great chance for you to hear about what's coming up, how you can help, and share your experiences during these difficult times.
The next meetings are:
January 12th 6pm
February 9th 6pm
March 9th 6pm
Put these upcoming meeting dates on your calendar so you can be sure to support your kids in all the ways possible. We can't wait to see your face there!
Zoom info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9444852973
Meeting ID: 944 485 2973
(This will be the link & meeting ID for the foreseeable future.)
The fall fundraiser earned $788 for future field trips and classroom supplies! The winners for highest sales were Paul R., Jazmin W., and Layla W., Jenna W. won the Jelly Belly Star Wars Machine, and Xavier D. won the participation award!
Our online Book Fair ended and Mrs. Rea is excited about adding more non-fiction books to the shelves and also expanding the Spanish Language selection.
Notes from the Nurse
This year, students can still be excluded from school even if they only attend online. There are no changes to immunization requirements or the exclusion day of February 17, 2021, even though we are currently in Comprehensive Distance Learning. If you receive an exclusion letter, contact your medical provider to have your student immunized. Children who are not up-to-date on their immunizations or do not have a medical or non-medical exemption by February 17, 2021, will be excluded from school until their immunizations are up-to-date.
Keeping our children up-to-date on immunizations will help our school transition safely and quickly to in-person learning when they’re able. As your school nurse, I recommend getting up to date on immunizations during holiday break if you haven’t already. There are many clinics and resources in our community that provide free immunizations for your student.
Happy Holidays to our Highland community! For questions on immunizations or health services, please contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Chanel Mele
Highland Elementary School Nurse
Cell Phone: 971-601-4039
From SUN
We would like to welcome our new extended-day Coordinator, Anny Garcia. She is excited to meet the Highland Community.
SUN is currently working virtually and supporting families with navigating resources. If you have questions you can call us at 971-220-3871.
IF you're in need of food assistance, please visit East Gresham Elementary at the weekly EPHC Food Pantry on Tuesday's from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
East Gresham's Food Pantry will still be open during the Winter break!
Resources
Every Student Prepared for Success
Gresham-Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. Gresham-Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.
Highland Elementary School
Website: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/Page/3662
Location: 295 Northeast 24th Street, Gresham, OR, USA
Phone: 503-665-7158
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HIESGresham
Twitter: @HIES_Huskies