Granger Elementary School welcomed Elizabeth (Lizz) Maxwell, director of GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland, on December 7, as part of the school's “Keys to Success” initiative. GiGi’s Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. GiGi’s Playhouse offers more than 30 therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more; all of which are free of charge. Ms. Maxwell spoke to students in grades K-5 about recognizing and celebrating differences, and expanded upon the Generation G Campaign: Be Accepting. Be Generous. Be Kind. For more information, visit: https://gigisplayhouse.org/. This program was made possible through the support of The Highland Foundation.

OH SNOW! You forgot to order your Highland Spiritwear? Don't worry, we have you covered! Highland Athletic Boosters will hold their Annual Holiday Spiritwear Sale from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, December 15 at Highland High School. Choose from t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, beanies, blankets and more! We will also have the popular "pick your shirt, pick your logo" on-the-spot printing! Questions, please email highlandspiritwear@ackmera.com.

The Highland Schools is pleased to offer the 2nd Annual “Family First” Night on Monday, February 4. This district-wide initiative is an opportunity for our Highland families to spend an uninterrupted evening together! With the multitude of school events and activities scheduled on any given night, the Highland Administration understands that it can be difficult to enjoy an evening as a family unit. In an effort to encourage a dedicated “family night,” the school district is offering one night free from homework (with no tests on February 5) athletic events or other extra-curricular activities so that families can connect and spend quality time together. We hope that you are able to enjoy your night together!

As we approach the winter season, the following i­­nformation may help you better understand the process the 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 the district;    
• Amount of accumulated snow and ice;
• Whether precipitation is expected to continue throughout the day;
• Temperature and wind chill (wind chills at or below -15°F to -20°F during key walking and waiting-for-bus times are given special consideration);
• Impact on our transportation fleet (school bus diesel fuel begins to gel at an ambient temperature of 0 degrees);
• Weather predictions (including those from our own satellite system and local radar);
• Timing of storm;
• Building conditions (is there electricity and heat?);
• Parking lot conditions;
• What other surrounding districts are doing.

On Tuesday December 11, Highland Schools will hold a district wide fundraiser for the United Way.  The annual “Holiday Hat Day” allows any student, teacher, bus driver, custodian, aide, secretary, etc. to donate $1 to wear his/her favorite holiday headgear (Santa hats, elf hats, scrooge hats, antlers and the like). Money will be collect at each building. Thank you!

It’s that time of year to honor your Highland STAR and make their day just a little brighter. The holidays are upon us again, and many of us are searching for that perfect gift for teachers or community members who have made an impact on our child’s academic success. The Staff and Teacher Award Recognition (STAR) program, offered through The Highland Foundation, proudly honors a Highland community member of your choice for their outstanding achievements. Each recipient is presented with an award certificate and either a box of bonbons, or the Highland Diamond etched with the Highland Hornet and the year. A personal note from the donor can also be included with the STAR award. Just fill out the STAR Award form found online or in any school office, and The Highland Foundation will do the rest!

Each award presented requires a $10 minimum donation for a mini decorated box of bonbons, a $30 donation for a large decorated box of bonbons, or a $30 donation for the Highland Diamond hanging ornament. The deadline for submission is Thursday, December 13. Awards will be distributed before the holiday break.

There are two easy ways to place your order:
1. Pay online with a credit card at www.highlandfoundation.org
2. Mail your completed form with payment to The Highland Foundation, 3880 Ridge Road, Medina, OH 44256. Please make checks payable to The Highland Foundation.