The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Highland Local Schools to host a blood drive in honor of Mary Annibale, a former Highland employee, alumnus and parent who was diagnosed with a terminal illness last year. “Mary’s Gift Blood Drive” will be held from 2-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 16 in the Medina County Library -- Highland Branch, located at 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. The drive will take place in the Sharon Community Room. Log onto www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: MARY. If you have any questions, please email ckalina@highlandschools.org or dkoval@highlandschools.org.

Highland Middle School 8th grade D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Role Models, in conjunction with the Highland High School D.A.R.E. Role Models and members of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) are conducting their annual Coats for Kids drive for new and gently used coats from December 1-10. Collection boxes will be available in the lobby areas of each school buildings, including the elementary schools. The continued success of this initiative, which began in 2006, is due to the overwhelming generosity of the Highland community. All coats donated will be distributed to those in need within our local communities.

As we approach the winter season, the following i­­nformation may help parents better understand the process our District uses when making the decision to open or close school, offer a two-hour delayed start or resort to an early release due to inclement weather. These decisions are based upon a careful analysis of relevant factors, such as: Information on road conditions from transportation staff, local law enforcement and state, county and township road crews (as warranted). Please keep in mind that road conditions can vary dramatically throughout our district; Amount of accumulated snow and ice; Whether precipitation is expected to continue throughout the day;

Dear Highland Parents and Guardians, Please be reminded that due to a federal health order, masking is required for anyone using any form of school transportation (to/from school, athletics, extracurricular activities, etc.) until further notice. We continue to receive daily reports from drivers that many students are not complying with this required health order while riding the school bus. Students must wear a face mask upon boarding the bus and throughout the entire bus ride. If a student occasionally forgets his/her mask, one will be provided. If a student fails to comply, a bus citation will be issued. Repeated violations will result in the student being removed from the bus. Bus drivers are doing their very best to keep all students safe. In addition, with the current driver shortage, we simply cannot afford unnecessary driver absences due to illness. Please reiterate to your student(s) the importance of wearing a facemask while riding the school bus. If you have any questions, please contact the Transportation Office at transportation@highlandschools.org or call 330-2391-1901, ext. 1219. Thank you for your consideration.

Registration is now open for the Highland Youth Basketball League for boys and girls in grades 1-3. The league is organized by Highland High School boys' basketball coaching staff and players with an emphasis on skill development, basketball decision-making and participation. All playing time is on an equal basis. All dates will be held at Highland High School in the Main and Auxiliary Gyms. (Times include practices and games). The league, which plays for 7 weeks. Cost is $70 per player and includes a reversible jersey. Dates & Times: Saturday: 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19 All sessions held from 10-11:15 a.m. To register your child, click HERE. Payment can be made at the door on January 8. Deadline to register is December 10. Please make checks payable to: Highland Local Schools. Any questions, contact Coach Adam Cestaro at acestaro@highlandschools.org.