Highland Happenings
Week of October 16, 2023
Principal's Message
Dear Highland Families:
Thank you to the families/parents who were able to attend our school board visit last Tuesday morning. We had a very positive response in addition to being able to share some concerns. We appreciate that our directors listened and were also able to spend time in our classrooms.
This week is our first spirit week hosted by our ASB for Unity Fest. Wednesday, October 18 is Unity Day. We encourage everyone to wear orange to show your support of kindness, acceptance and inclusion to prevent bullying.
As current national and international conflicts continue to escalate, it is our priority to care for the educational, social and emotional wellbeing of our students. Inspiration has the power to propel and transform the way students perceive their own capabilities. Each and every day, in our classrooms, practice rooms, and on our playfields, we seek to create a learning environment where students thrive as creators of their future world.
In Partnership,
Susan Thomas
Principal
Unity Fest
New Attendance Kiosk
1. New Tardy Sign-In Kiosk:
We have set up a dedicated kiosk in the main entrance of the school. This kiosk will allow students who arrive late to quickly sign in, providing us with accurate attendance information. Our staff will be available to assist students in using the kiosk during the transition period.
2. Use of StudentVUE App:
To access the kiosk and sign in for tardy, students will need to use the StudentVUE app on their smartphones. The app can be downloaded from the [App Store/Google Play Store], and it's compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
3. Instructions for Students:
We will provide students with clear instructions on how to use the StudentVUE app for tardy sign-in. These instructions will be shared with them in school and through the school's communication channels.
4. No phone no problem:
If your student does not have a phone they can Sign-in using the same username and password, they use to login to their student account.
Username: s- last name and the first letter of their first name
Password: s# their student ID number
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve our attendance procedures for the benefit of our students.
Poder Lessons and Parent Tips
From 10/10 Lesson: Emotion Intensity: Scale and 4 Options
Skill: Knowing our emotional intensity helps to decide the most effective way to manage the current moment. As intensity increases and the body prepares for fight, flight or freeze, access to the thinking and problem solving brain decreases.
When we are closer to baseline and in full control over our actions, emotions and thoughts, we are more able to access our thinking mind and utilize the Problem Solving option of the 4 Options for Any Problem. As intensity increases and maintaining control becomes more uncomfortable and difficult, it becomes more effective to use the Change How You Feel Option.
At a level 65 when control is more difficult, you have reached your emotional threshold. At this point, use of the prefrontal cortex is very limited and the body is in fight, flight or freeze. At this intensity use the Tolerate the Problem option to get through the painful experience until your intensity decreases to the point of feeling more in control, of you are able to get help.
Parent Tip: Share with your student where your emotional intensity is at and how you know: "I asked you to come help me with the dishes and it seems like you are ignoring me. I can feel my shoulders getting tense and my thoughts are moving fast. I think my intensity is getting up to a 50." "I got a nice phone call from your teacher! I am at a 90 - I'm so happy!"
- It may feel weird to talk like this - but what you're doing is make the changes in your emotion visible for your student which will help them to understand you better, and reflect on their own changing emotion intensities.
PTSA Internet Awareness Event for Families in Grades 4-7
Please join the Bellevue PTSA Council for a free family-focused session about the fundamentals of digital citizenship. Hear about ways students can be internet smart and safe. This event is made available by the Bellevue PTSA Council through a grant from the National PTSA and Google.
- Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023
- Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Highland Middle School ·
- Learn More: http://www.bellevueptsacouncil.com/
Spelling Bee
Highland PTSA wants to bring the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is one of the nation’s oldest competitions. The purpose of the spelling bee is to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn new concepts, and develop correct English or Spanish usage.
Who can participate?
Registration is open to all Highland students in grades 6-8. Depending on pre-registrations, two contests will be held: one in English and another one in Spanish.
What to expect?
If we have enough participants, a Student / Parent orientation will be held to provide an overview of the program. Word lists will be provided to the students to prepare on their own. A preliminary written round in January will be held online, and a final oral round in February will be held in person. School Champion, Runner Up, and Grade Level Champions will be selected after the final round. All participants will receive a participation certificate. The school Champion will represent Highland at the regionals level.
Like any other enrichment program, volunteers will be needed to run this program smoothly.
How to Register?
To register fill out this form: https://forms.gle/FtKrtpsPqBrNsKZn8
Note: This registration is to let the Spelling Bee coordinator know that your student will participate, however, there will be another registration needed to take the online spelling bee platform and actual spelling bee contest.
Reflections Arts Program
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.
School Board Study Session
Join the next School Board Study Session on Thursday, October 19th at 6:00 p.m. to hear the Board discuss the process for launching the development of the next strategic plan.
Middle School Consolidation Study Community Engagement Opportunities
Community engagement for the Middle School Consolidation Study will begin the week of October 23. Community forums will be held at each of the five comprehensive middle schools, where participants will review the demographer findings, discuss the implications, and share thoughts with district leaders. The district is committed to deeply listening to the communities we serve. The schedule is as follows:
- Chinook – Monday, October 23, 6:00 p.m.
- Tillicum – Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 p.m.
- Odle – Wednesday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.
- Highland – Thursday, October 26, 6:00 p.m.
- Online meeting for all families – Friday, October 27, 10:00 a.m.
- Tyee – Monday, October 30, 6:00 p.m.
These meetings are open to all members of the public and ensure one meeting for the schools in each middle school attendance zone (including the elementary schools and the high school(s) it sends students to). Participants at each forum will have the option to attend smaller sessions for groups that will be impacted such as dual language, advanced learning etc. or groups that have been historically marginalized or underserved in our education system. Details on these concurrent sessions will be finalized posted on the Middle School Consolidation Study timeline and shared by each school. Participants will have the opportunity to provide both group and individual feedback on a survey.
October 12 BSD News and Events
Special Education Family Resource Session
Please join us for a family-focused session about disability outreach and advocacy. Hear from Arc of King County, Fathers Network, and Open Doors for Multicultural Families. All three agencies support individuals with disabilities (as well as their family members) and provide advocacy and informational resources and services to serve and support individuals with disabilities as well as their families/caregivers. The session will include a PowerPoint presentation and time for questions and answers. This event will be a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual options.
- Date: Tuesday, October 17
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- Virtual Option: Click here to join meeting
- In-Person Option: ESC District Office Building, Room 200 (12111 NE 1st. St., Bellevue 98005, this is the “East” building)
- RSVP here.
2024-2025 Applications Now Open for Advanced Learning Services
Visit the Advanced Learning Services webpage to learn more about Advanced Learning Services and to apply for your student. Please note that if your student is currently in the Advanced Learning full-time self-contained program, there is no need to re-apply.
Highland Middle School
Email: thomass@bsd405.org
Website: https://bsd405.org/highland/
Location: 15027 NE Bel-Red Rd
Phone: (425) 456-6400