From October 25-29, the Highland Schools will recognize National Red Ribbon Week in an effort to contribute to the creation of a drug free America. Students at the elementary buildings will incorporate the ideas of treating others with kindness and learning the importance of making healthy choices. Their theme for the week will be "Our School Rocks -- We Are Bully Free and Drug Free." The middle school DARE Role Models have created Spirit Days to support the drug free lifestyle, along with the idea of being responsible and focusing on the future. The high school's SADD organization also created Spirit Days to encourage students to take the stance to "Be About Your Choices." The first National Red Ribbon Celebration occurred in 1988. Today, the red ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

Congratulations to six Highland High School seniors who are among the 34,000 students to be named Commended Scholars in the Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They are now eligible to become candidates for special scholarships provided by corporate and business sponsors. They include the following: Austin Addington, son of Jim and Shawna Addington of Sharon Township Maria Davis, daughter of Calvin and Tina Davis of Montville Township Peter Marinelli, son of Gregory Marinelli and Kimberly Davey of Granger Township Connor Oviatt, son of Chad and Marianne Oviatt of Sharon Township Lauren Webb, daughter of Jeremy and Stacy Webb of Montville Township Jonathan Wuchter, son of Gerald Wuchter and Kimberly Blair of Sharon Township Pictured from left are Connor Oviatt, Jonathan Wuchter, Maria Davis, Austin Addington, Lauren Webb and Peter Marinelli.

Tickets are now on sale for "Les Misérables" School Edition, presented by the Highland Choir Boosters. The musical features a large number of HHS cast, crew and members of the Highland Orchestra and will be held for two weekends, November 11-13 and November 19-20, in the Highland High School Auditorium. Showtime for all performances is 7 p.m. Tickets for reserved seating is $15 for adults; $10 for students (grades K-12) and senior citizens (60+). Purchase tickets through the following link: https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/56297.

Dear Highland Parents, Across the country, school districts are struggling to fill transportation jobs. In a recent national survey, 81% of districts reported not being able to find enough school bus drivers to fill their needs. More than half of surveyed districts categorize this shortage as “severe” or “desperate.” Unfortunately, the Highland School District has joined this growing number of school districts and has the same busing challenges. (See Akron Beacon Journal articles published on 10-1-21 and 9-29-21). The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted school transportation and has left our district extremely short-handed. We are struggling to hire bus drivers.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, Highland Community Education is now returning to offer several exciting classes this Fall. Back by popular demand are the in-person elementary after school classes including Young Rembrandts Art, Madscience, Brixology and Crayola Arts Academy. A new virtual Spanish class for students in K-6, which includes the entire family, is also on the course list! Hummingbirds Soccer will again be offered and high school students have the opportunity to enroll in ACT/SAT Test Preparation classes in the evenings or during the school day. Adults can sign up for Beekeeping, CPR, Retirement Planning, Virtual Voiceover and Stop Smoking/Weight Loss seminars. Evening classes are not restricted to Highland community residents only. Download the detailed brochure and registration form HERE. For questions, enrollment or more information, contact Mary Fran Kudla, HCE Director, at 330-239-1901, ext. 5503, or at mkudla@highlandschools.org.