Highland Highlights
April 2021
Today’s Learners – Tomorrow’s Leaders
From the Principal
Dear Highland Families,
I hope this message finds you well. Spring has arrived! I encourage everyone to spend time outside enjoying the wonderful weather we are having. Take time to appreciate all the wonderful things and people that are around you!
This week I am so excited to begin welcoming students back into the building for Hybrid instruction. I know that this is a long-awaited milestone for our community. Our teachers and students are so excited to back in the building learning together. For those families that choose to remain fully online, we are continuing to offer our eGBSD online option for the remainder of the year. Please note that our Synchronous (Live Virtual Classes) times for all students have changed to 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30a.
Beth Fraze, Principal
Frase de Abril / April Quote
“Entre los individuos, como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.”
Benito Juárez
"Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace."
Benito Juarez
Office News
If you are in need of picking up an item for your student please give us a call at (503) 665-7158 to schedule an appointment. We greatly appreciate you for leaving a voicemail when we are unavailable. As always, we will try our best to call you back as soon as possible.
Because of safety protocols, parents and volunteers are not allowed in the building at this time.
Please review your ParentVUE account to update your student's information.
Few tips for hybrid students:
- Please make sure to send a filled water bottle with your child.
- Please be sure your child has their lanyard and Badge on when they arrive at the building.
Best Regards,
Maria and Elizabeth
Secretaries
From our Library
Please click on the link below:
From SUN
Hello everyone!
We wanted to let you all know that we are once again happy to announce that SUN will continue to host Virtual classes for our upcoming Spring Session. This Spring session SUN will be offering Girls Scouts and Drama Class as well as Arts & Crafts. We are very happy to be able to provide these classes to our Highland students.
Our starting date will be April 12th, 2021 through May 20th, 2021. Parents/guardians would need to fill out the form no later than Monday, April 5th, 2021. Please let us know if you have any Questions or Concerns.
Spanish Version Permission Slip:https://forms.gle/iRLwduzqajt9kqb47
English Version Permission Slip:https://forms.gle/BZt4rbdt3QZcrBKS9
SUN Virtual Schedule:
1st - 3rd graders: Drama Class: Monday- 3:30 pm to 4:30pm
4th & 5th graders: Drama Class: Tuesday- 3:30 pm to 4:30pm
2nd & 3rd graders: Girls Scouts: Wednesday- 12:30pm to 1:30pm
4th & 5th graders: Girls Scouts: Wednesday- 2:00pm to 3:00pm
1st-5th Graders: Art Class: Thursday-3:30pm-4:30pm
From PTC
A New Name for the PTC!
Did you know the Highland Elementary Parent Teacher Council ( PTC ) is 25 years old? After being around for a quarter-century the Highland Elementary Parent Teacher Council has decided to find a new name. As a group, we feel it is old-fashioned, outdated, and doesn’t accurately describe the people in the group or the purpose of the group. Also, the current name isn’t much fun. So, we are asking for ideas that will be reviewed by the group and voted on at the April PTC Meeting on Tuesday, April 13th, 2021. Please email any ideas to us by April 9th.
The purpose of the group is to:
- Fundraising for field trips
- Sponsoring community-building events
- Organizing volunteers
Upcoming Meetings
The meeting for the remainder of the year will be held on Zoom with the meeting ID Meeting ID: 944 485 2973
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9444852973 (This will be the link & meeting ID for the foreseeable future.)The next meetings is:
Tuesday, April 13th, 6 pm - Elections and vote on a new name
Spring Online Book Fair
Our Spring Book Fair ended Thursday, March 11th was even better than the Fall Book Fair raising $167 for the Library. Mrs. Rea plans to use the money to help replace and rebuild the non-fiction selection in the Library.
Highland's March Attendance
The Counselor's Connection
This April will be a joyous season in that we will start hybrid learning! I know that this has brought up much excitement but also some fears and questions. And that is all okay! Please, do not hesitate to reach out with your concerns and questions. We welcome it all and we are all navigating this together.
I would like to share three-pointers on how we can best support our students/kids in this transition.
- We will continue to have three synchronous times during the school day. At 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 10:30 AM. Some of our students have opted to stay entirely in Comprehensive Distance Learning, while others will be participating in hybrid learning. Both groups of students make up a classroom community. It is important to talk and refer to ALL of the students as the classroom body - not just the CDL or hybrid learners as that creates strain and othering. Please encourage your student to use language that reflects this.
- The Gresham Barlow School District will be following the universal precautions in this era of COVID. At Highland, we will work (as we always have) closely with all of our students to teach these precautions, answer their questions, and ensure that all of our students feel empowered and safe. That being said, there will be hiccups along the way. Our approach will be to reteach expectations gently. You can support this by speaking to your kiddos about the importance of proper mask wearing, washing hands frequently, and the reasons behind physical distancing. And as always, please encourage your child(ren) to share their questions and concerns with you and with our team here.
- Over the past year, I have spoken to many of our families who have shared their kiddos are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Please know you are NOT alone if you or your child are experiencing similar challenges and/or changes. I have been working with many of our families on how best to support the various needs of our kids. From friendship groups, to one-on-one check-ins, to restorative conversations, and/or referrals to outside service providers. We will work together to ensure your student is getting the support they need and deserve. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Thank you all for your kindness, understanding, and being the amazing community that you are.
Hugs and Thanks,
Your School Counselor,
Jamie Sedda, LCSW
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