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Dear Parents of HMS students:
The year is indeed moving by rapidly. I was very pleased with the academic performance of our students for the first grading period. In reviewing report cards, many students earned above a 3.3 GPA. As the excitement and focus of September and October have ebbed into the routine of the school year, it is important to keep those good study habits and routines in place. With winter around the corner, help your student to stay organized and on top of school work.
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Attention parents of 8th grade students: The itinerary for our Washington D.C. trip is linked on the MS Web page. This year’s trip is scheduled for June 1, 2 and 3. Information regarding cost, payments and how to sign up to chaperone will be sent home with your student the week of December 1.
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As you may already be aware, the Highland Board of Education will be engaging in a variety of community outreach initiatives. Now through the end of December, the District will be reaching out to parents, community members and staff to let their voices be heard regarding the future of our school district and future funding options.
A number of parents, community members and staff will be invited to participate in smaller focus groups or "listening sessions" that will be conducted through the end of November. Parents and community members will be contacted directly if selected to participate. (We are attempting to get a cross-section of representatives from our various schools, grade levels and service organizations - PTOs, Boosters, etc.)
The online survey is larger in scope and will be open to all parents with students in the Highland Schools. The survey will go out on December 1 and will remain open through December 15. The survey will be distributed to those who have signed up to receive the E-Alert messages (such as this one) that go out from the District. The survey may be accessed directly through a link provided in the message.
In addition, approximately 500 randomly chosen registered voters who live within the District boundaries will also have the opportunity to participate in an independent phone poll.
All focus groups, listening sessions and surveys will be conducted by an independent facilitator to ensure accurate feedback.
Your feedback is important to us and we would like to thank you in advance for your participation. We hope that you will take this opportunity to share your thoughts.
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Many have asked about the status of the fire investigation. The fire marshal continues to be in contact with the school and will be making a final determination in regard to moving forward with filing charges. As you can imagine, it is a process bound by legal requirements and due process.
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We have been made aware of derogatory, vulgar and profane comments posted on student Facebook pages, or similar social networking sites. If your student has an account, insist on monitoring the postings and pages closely.
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Highland Middle School 8th Grade DARE Role Models are collecting new and gently used coats for the annual Coats for Kids Campaign -- "Keep a Child Warm this Winter." The campaign runs from November 10 through November 30. All sizes are needed and can be dropped off during regular school hours at any Highland school building.
The coats collected will be distributed to the Salvation Army in Wadsworth and given to those in need right here in the Highland community. This is the 29th year for the Coats For Kids Campaign. Highland students will be working in conjunction with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who have agreed to clean the gently used coats.
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Highland Middle School National Junior Honor Society will be conducting their annual Canned Food Drive from December 1 through December 15. Students are asked to bring in canned goods, baby products or paper goods. NJHS members will collect items each morning before school. All items are going to the Sharon Sharing Center located at St. Paul’s in Sharon Center. Students bringing $5 or five or more items will receive a ticket to watch an end-of-the year movie during the afternoon on Friday, December 17.
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Honor a Highland STAR this Holiday Season and you are sure to make their day just a little brighter. During this busy time of year, it’s important not to forget those teachers or community members who have made an impact on your child’s success.
The Staff and Teacher Award Recognition (STAR) program proudly honors a Highland community member of your choice for their outstanding achievements. Each recipient is presented with an award certificate and a cookie-on-a-stick, and the award can include a personal note from the donor. Just fill out the STARS Award Form and the Highland Foundation will do the rest!
. Awards will be distributed on December 15. For more information, please contact Colleen Ginley at 330.239.4431 or cginley@adlephia.net
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Best wishes for a relaxing and family-oriented Thanksgiving. It is indeed a wonderful opportunity to reflect with those who mean the most to us. We are blessed, and have many reasons to be Thankful.
With Regards,
John Deuber, Ed.D.
Principal, Highland Middle School
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