Highlands School District

TITLE I FAMILY NIGHT FEATURES JUMP WITH JILL! This year, the Highlands School District's Annual Title I Family Night for grades Pre-K through 4 families will be held outdoors at Golden Rams Stadium (weather permitting) on Thursday, April 29 from 5:30-8:00 pm. In the event of rain, Title I Night will be held at the High School cafeteria and gym. RSVP by April 16 via the QR code below or clicking on this link: https://forms.gle/aiy5JjB8UBvqTjU29... See flyer below for more details!

HIGHLANDS HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS may be ordered online now through May 30. Yearbooks are scheduled for delivery in mid-July. ORDER LINK: https://yearbookforever.com//highlands_high_school_buy_ye/ Photos needed: The High School yearbook is also in need of more photos, such as students (both hybrid & HVA) learning from home, school activities, etc. All photos should be submitted to yearbook advisor Kaylie Witt at [email protected]. Thank you!

SENIOR PROM - MAY 15: Due to continued capacity and social distancing limitations, Highlands High School's Prom will be for Seniors only. The event will be held at the Syria Shriners on Saturday, May 15 time TBD. At this time, the Prom is just for Seniors; no guests are permitted. The evening will include dinner, dancing and activities. Social distancing and masks will be required at all times. More specific details will be forthcoming soon!

FOOD BANK DRIVE: Highlands has joined the WPIAL basketball teams for a good cause and friendly competition in a Virtual Food Drive from now to January 15. Highlands is currently in 11th place with $855.25 raised. Proceeds benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. To donate, go to https://secure.qgiv.com/event/wbvfd/ and make sure you click on Highlands to recognize our school!

THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON! Utilizing the vocal skills and techniques learned in the classroom this semester, Highlands music students wish to bring the magic and sounds of the season to YOU since there are no holiday concerts to showcase what they've learned and continue their passion for performance. We plan to share these talented and brave student soloists over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy this video of HHS senior Robyn Schreiber as she performs "Keep Me Warm" while playing the ukulele! Original words and music by The Little Estate feat. Erin Bowman. Thank you, Robyn!

Highlands Middle School Yearbook is collecting pictures of middle school students learning remotely. Send pictures of your child at their "work from home" space to Mrs. Cale at [email protected]. We want to celebrate the unique circumstances that students are learning under! The 2021 Yearbooks can be purchased at: www.jostensyearbooks.com

THE SIGN UP FORM is now available for the Friday, Dec. 18 school meals distribution. Due to the holidays, this will be the last distribution until Jan. 8. Please sign up by 4:00pm on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Fall Sport Scholar-Athletes!

INNOVATIVE APPS FOR LEARNING: PADLET Highlands teachers continue to incorporate many unique and innovative apps to engage students in remote learning. One of these apps is Padlet - an online virtual bulletin board where students and teachers can collaborate, brainstorm, review books, reflect on lessons, and share links and pictures in a secure location. Here is a screenshot of how Mrs. Neville’s 6th grade English students used Padlet when they read the novel Hatchet. Students were able to answer questions and interact with their classmates.

ANGELS AMONG US: STAFF, COMMUNITY TEAM UP TO HELP HIGHLANDS FAMILIES In keeping with a long-standing holiday tradition of giving back, Highlands Elementary staff organized an Angel Tree effort that will benefit 32 families and 83 children within the district. Members of the Highlands staff, school board, administrators, Natrona Heights Presbyterian Church and the Slovak American Club sponsored one or more children by purchasing and wrapping Christmas gifts for them. In add...ition, the Slovak American Club donated ham dinners for the families and Highlands alum and Allegheny College sophomore Marissa Callender provided an extra gift per child through her Holiday 365 toy drive collection. Highlands Elementary teachers Kristen Wyant and Kristy Stawinski, along with HES/HECC school counselor Angela Boyer, were instrumental in organizing the Angel Tree effort, collecting non-perishable foods and scheduling deliveries. Thank you to the following Highlands staff and alum who helped sort the packages and make deliveries: Jody Shumaker, Christina Gross, Jamie Mace, Linda Gold, Donna Manocchi, Stephanie Glaister, Marnie Kosmal, Kathy Black, Robin Davis, Dr. Stan Whiteman, Michelle Joyce, Marissa Callender, Cristofer White and Matthew Stawinski. Happy Holidays!

Thank you for your kind heart, Gabby Westerman! We are so proud of you!

We miss witnessing these moments with our students, but a virtual #inventioncontest will just have to do for now! Congratulations to all of the @highlandsrams ...Middle School students who completed the course and pitched their invention ideas; we are so proud of you guys! #makermovement #virtuallearning #virtualtraining #zoom #zoomlearning #education #stem #steam #stemeducation #steameducation #teachersofinstagram #edchat #makerspace #innovationlab #collaborationspace #educate #STEM #STEAM #PBL #STEMactivity #curriculum #onlinelearning #onlineeducation #innovate #create

IMPORTANT REMINDERS THIS WEEK: FREE COATS FOR KIDS AVAILABLE! Due to a successful coat drive effort coordinated by HMS parents and staff, a large variety and sizes of coats are now FREE and available for Highlands students of all ages. The coats are gently used, already washed and individually bagged. Families in need of coats should come to Highlands Middle School TODAY between 10:00am-2:00pm. Thank you! HOLIDAY VACATION: There is a half day of school for all students TOMOR...ROW, Dec. 23 to begin the holiday vacation through Jan. 3, 2021. Students will resume remote learning on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. We wish you all the joys of the holiday season and memorable moments with your family! FIRST UP CHURCH FOOD DISTRIBUTION: A drive-thru lunch pickup for families within the Highlands School District will be available on Sunday, Dec. 27 and Sunday, Jan. 3 from 2-4pm (as supplies last) at First UP Church, 913 Lock St., Tarentum (the church near Highlands Elementary School). A GERMAN TRADITION: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE! In keeping with a 20-year holiday tradition and despite remote learning, students in Highlands High School’s German classes still participated in their annual Gingerbread House Contest! This year, the students thought it would be fun to include the community in this friendly competition! Please take a moment to admire their work and vote for ONE of the top 8 confectionary masterpieces by clicking on the link to the voting form below. Only one vote per person, please. Voting ends at 2:00pm Wednesday, Dec. 23. Thank you! https://forms.gle/M3wqXm8S1Y629MRK9

SCHOOL NURSE POSITION AVAILABLE: Highlands School District is accepting applications for a School Nurse. Job summary, qualifications and application through the link below.

TODAY from 10:00am-2:00pm! Come and get a coat!

2021 School Board Officers Elected, Meeting Dates Chosen The Highlands School Board held its annual Reorganization Meeting virtually via Zoom on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. Officers elected for the 2021 year are Bobbie Neese, President and Gene Witt, Vice President. The PSBA Liaison is Kelli Canonge, and the Forbes Road CTC Representative and Alternate are Debbie Beale and Laura Butler, respectively. The School Board Meeting dates and times for 2021 remain unchanged. They will cont...inue to be held the second Monday of the month at 7:00pm for the Agenda Planning Meeting and the third Monday of the month at 7:00pm for the Regular Voting Meeting. Both meetings will be held virtually via Zoom until further notice. There are no meetings in July. Any changes to the meeting schedule will be advertised in the local paper and posted on the district website. The public is welcome to attend the meetings. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted on the district's website through BoardDocs: https://www.goldenrams.com/domain/736 See more

THE SIGN UP FORM for School Meals is now available for the Nov. 20 distribution. Please sign up by 4:00 pm on Tuesday. Thank you!

WE SALUTE YOU! Kindergarten students both attending in person and those zooming at home learned about Veterans Day today! They also made Veterans Day booklets and were encouraged to thank a Veteran among their families and friends. Featured students are from Mrs. Cochran’s and Mrs. Pacek’s classes.

A GERMAN TRADITION: VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE! In keeping with a 20-year holiday tradition and despite remote learning, students in Highlands High School’s German classes still participated in their annual Gingerbread House Contest this year! Gingerbread houses originated in Germany and became popular after the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel in the 1800s. Remote learning made this holiday tradition a little different, and Frau Colberg's German students worked with their famili...es instead of classmates to create their own Gingerbread Houses. This year, the students thought it would be fun to include the community in this friendly competition! Please take a moment to admire their work and vote for ONE of the top 8 confectionary masterpieces in the form below. Only one vote per person, please. Thank you!

STUDENTS: SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT'S HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST! Deadline - Dec. 3 Highlands student artists in Pre-K through Grade 12 are encouraged to submit a holiday card design for the 2020 Superintendent's Holiday Card Contest! Highlands Superintendent Dr. Monique Mawhinney will select at least five total submissions from the entries to create the district's holiday greeting cards. Winners will receive a set of their printed cards and will be featured on the ...district's website and social media. They will also be recognized during the January 2021 School Board Meeting. GUIDELINES: - One submission per student. - 8.5 x 11 inch paper size, color or black & white. Please note that the original image will be reduced to fit the size of a card. - Cards must be hand-drawn, not computer-designed. - Students must include their name, grade and building on the back of the submission. - Try to incorporate the Highlands colors, logo or mascot (not required). - Submit either electronically to Jennifer Goldberg at [email protected] or drop off / mail the submission to the Highlands Administrative Center, 1500 Pacific Ave. (REAR), PO Box 288, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. Attn: Jennifer Goldberg - Submission must be received by Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 4:00pm. Questions may be directed to Jennifer at 724-226-2400, ext. 5640 or [email protected].

IT'S VETERANS DAY! We honor our Military Veterans for their service to the country and salute our heroes for the sacrifices they made for our nation! Thank you, Veterans!

TODAY & TOMORROW between 10:00am - 2:00pm!

One of the winners was Highlands’ own Mr. Michael Zeiler, High School Choral & Musical Director!

FREE COATS FOR KIDS AVAILABLE! Due to a successful coat drive effort coordinated by HMS parents and staff, a large variety and sizes of coats are now FREE and available for Highlands students of all ages. The coats are gently used, already washed and individually bagged. Families in need of coats should come to Highlands Middle School between 10:00am-2:00pm on Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22. Thank you!

HARRISON TOWNSHIP HOLIDAY LIGHTS! Looking for a fun and safe family activity within the community this evening? Take a drive (or a walk) around Natrona Heights to see the holiday lights from 6-9pm. Some of the houses listed in the blocks below are entered the township’s Holiday Lights Contest and will be lit for the judges this evening! Houses were decorated according to one of three categories: Clark Griswold (most over the top), Hallmark Movie (most traditional), or Car S...topper (most original). Enjoy the views! 1300 block of Freeport Rd. (Several homes) 1200 block of Union Ave. (several homes) 900, 1100, 1200 and 1300 block of Carlisle St. 900 block of Oakwood Place 1000 block of Cambridge St. (Several homes) 1400 block of Cambridge St. 1400 block of Union Ave. 1300 and 1400 block of Broadview Blvd. 1700 block of Juniata St. 1600 block of 3rd St. 1200 block of Minnesota Ave. 1100 block of Montana Ave. 1100 block of Lane Ave. 1700 block of Sylvan Ave. 1400 block of 4th St. 1400 block of 5th St. 900 block of Freeport Rd. 1500 block of Mack St. 1100 block of Oregon Ave.