Got unused books?
Why not bring them in for the book drive? All books will be collected from May 12th to the 21st. Collection boxes will be located in the office. All books donated are given to Akron Children's Hospital. Bring in books for all ages, from 1 to 18, all are appreciated. Thank you for your support!
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You and your child can help finish our Outdoor Learning Center! Planting date is Saturday, May 17th from 10-2 (raindate is May 24th, if cancellation is necessary it will be on the website).

During the month of May we will be reserving plants for families to purchase and plant in our courtyard. With the guidance of a professional designer, the courtyard has become an educational lab for our students.

We need approximately 110 specific plants (trees, shrubs, perennials) and 15 yards of mulch to complete the project. A list of selected plants are included below. We are asking families to purchase, or dig from their own supply, and bring to the middle school and plant in the courtyard. Monetary donations will also be accepted to go towards mulch and other materials.

What a great way to help the middle school and make a contribution that will last a lifetime!

Click on the "Outdoor Learning Center" link on the left for more information and to reserve your plant!
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On Tuesday, May 13, 6:00 p.m. in the West gym there will be an Informational Meeting for parents of 8th grade students attending the Washington D.C. trip. Dr. Deuber and Brian Nowak of Nowak Tours will review the itinerary, transportation, trip highlights, security precautions, student expectations and what students should bring on the trip. Parent chaperones need not attend, but are welcome!
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SPORTS PHYSICAL DATES -

• Boys May 7th
  
• Girls May 14th

Students MUST make an appointment through Mrs. Pollock in the Athletic Department. Sharon Family will NOT accept any one without an appointment.

Cost $20.00
Cash or check.
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The final activity night of the year has been moved to May 2nd. Tickets will be on sale that week.
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To: Parents of 8th grade students.

There is space available for more parent chaperones for the 3-day Washington D.C. trip. This year's dates are May 28 -30. Cost of the trip for a chaperone is $479 (based on double-occupancy) and includes transportation, hotel and meals (except one lunch). An itinerary is linked on the middle school web site: www.highlandschools.org

Contact Mrs. Novosielski 330.239.1901 x 1204 or Dr. Deuber (x1200) as soon as possible if you are interested in attending this trip!
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There is an error on the 2008 School Calendar that was mailed home. There is NOT an 8th grade parent meeting on Thursday, March 20.
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2008-2009 Middle School Schedule will not change for next year. 6th grade will continue to be structured into 2 teams and follow the block schedule. 7th and 8th grade will remain as it is with 42 minute class periods. There has been discussion and study regarding moving into a team structure in 7th and 8th. At this time it is prudent to continue to investigate options for the future.

Current 6th and 7th grade students will be receiving scheduling information soon to complete and return. Exact dates will be posted shortly.
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Highland Middle School students are coordinating Recycling efforts:

Ink Cartridges - drop off used cartridges in the main lobby
Plastic - #1 & 2 plastic may be dropped off in the bin in the back of the building near the dumpster.
Paper - paper (no cardboard please) may be dropped off in the paper recycling bin in the back of the building near the dumpster.

Large collection bins will soon be placed in the back of the building for Paper and Plastic recycling.
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Parent Assist, the on-line progress program, allows you to monitor student progress throughout the grading period. Letters mailed in September contained log-in and password information.  Parent Assist allows you to view academic progress, emergency contact information, student schedule and fees/fines.  For a middle school student, you can contact Carol Smith (239.1901 x1234) to change contact information or passwords.

To gain a complete understanding of the grading procedures of specific teachers, please refer to syllabi, teacher web sites, or other materials distributed by the teacher. Various academic subjects lend themselves differently to grading with regard to accumulated points and assignments. It will be the intent of our teachers to keep grades accurate and current. Postings will be current at interims and the week following the end of each grading period. The current progress shown in the Parent Assist will be current as of the last assignment posted.

Highland Middle School and High School will no longer mail home Interim Reports.
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Transportation:
For student drop-off or pick-up between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. or 2:00 and 2:30 p.m.: Private transportation must enter and exit from Wilbur Road, on the west (back) of the building. Do not drop-off or pick up at the front door, or try to exit onto Rt. 94. This has been determined as the safest drop-off procedure and helps to eliminate congestion for the buses. Buses drop off students as soon as they arrive, and students wait in the gymnasium until the 7:20 a.m. bell. At the end of the day, students staying after school must be under the supervision of an adult or staff member. Students participating in an after school activity at the high school must ride their assigned bus to the high school. (Click the middle school map link to the left to see the designated drop-off area.)
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