Winter 2016
Highland Scottie Dogs Newsletter
Highland Elementary School
Phone: 952-423-7595
14001 Pilot Knob Road
Fax: 952-423–7665
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Web address: www.district196.org/hl
Bond Updates
It has been just three months since voters approved a $180 million bond referendum for safety, space and
technology improvements, but already a lot has happened with planning for the construction and implementation of these improvements. A Facilities Steering Team consisting of the directors of Finance and Operations, Elementary and Secondary Education, district facilities staff and representatives from Wold Architects and construction manager Wenck Associates, began meeting immediately following the affirmative
referendum vote Nov. 3. They started by establishing the decision-making structure and participatory
planning process that will be used to get input from staff when projects are being designed for their site.
The team also established a tentative project phasing schedule that will guide design, bidding and construction work on each project over the next three years.
Installation of new cameras, upgraded door locks and emergency response buttons will begin at Highland
Elementary and will continue through fall 2017. Design of our new front entrance will beging this spring
and will be completed in the fall of 2017. Highland will be part of the second phase of entrance modifications and will be completed between the fall of 2017 and fall of 2018.All Elementary and middle school entrances (except Dakota Hills) will be constructed to direct visitors into the office area.
The bond referendum will fund increased access to technology for all students and teachers to support a
dynamic learning experience. The schedule calls for all other teachers to receive an iPad mini in two phases,
beginning in the 2016-17 school year, and for all teachers to be issued a laptop over the next four years.
Each student in grades 4-12 will be issued a district-owned iPad mini, phased in over three years, starting
with grades 7, 8 and 9 in fall 2016, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2017, and 4, 5 and 6 in fall 2018. All schools will receive supplemental Chromebook carts over the next four years along with an increased level of tech support staffing phased in over the next three years. Upgrades to technology infrastructure districtwide will
begin next summer, starting with wireless network capacity.
District gets low rate on sale of building
On Jan. 20, the School Board approved the sale of $112 million in general obligation school building
bonds to low bidder Bank of America Merrill Lynch of New York at a true interest rate of 2.09 percent.
The difference between that rate and the 3.25 percent rate estimated last summer, in preparation for the
bond referendum election, represents $17.6 million less in property taxes that will be needed to pay off
the bonds, according to Jodie Zesbaugh of the district's financial consultant Ehlers and Associates.
Highland Mission Statement:
Page 1
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Educational Needs Form
Winter Parent-Teacher
Plans are being made to determine class
placement for the 2016-2017 school year.
As we begin our planning process, our goal is
to ensure the best learning environment for
all students. In order to accomplish this, it
is important that classes be developed with
an equal number of boys and girls, an equal
mix of achievement levels, and separation of
students who do not perform well together.
Conferences
Parents may fill out an Educational Needs
Form to assist in planning for your child’s
educational needs for the coming year. In
completing this form, you may give additional
information about your child that you feel
should be considered in the placement process. The Educational Needs Form may not
be used to request a specific teacher.
The Educational Needs Forms are available
in our office. Educational reasons for your
child’s placement request should be written
on the form and returned to the office by
Monday, March 28, 2016. No requests
will be considered after this date.
We hope not, but if you will be
leaving Highland Please let us know
Are you planning to move out of District
196, to attend another school within our
district, or enroll in a private school at the
end of the school year?
Please call the Highland Office at
952-423-7595 as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Tues., Feb. 9th & Thurs., Feb. 11th
Just a reminder: If you haven’t
already done so, go to
http://www.ptcfast.com/schools/
Highland_Elementary
to sign up for
Winter Parent-Teacher
Conferences.
This is an important time for our school as
teachers have the opportunity to share
the progress that students are making
with their families. We are very proud of
the hard work that both our students and
staff are extending on a daily basis and we
encourage families to find a time in your
schedule to attend conferences.
2016-2017
Kindergarten Registration
If your child will be five years old on
or before September 1, 2016,
he/she is eligible to start kindergarten this fall.
Registration will be held February
9th, 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. & February
11th, 12:00-8:00 p.m.
Registration information was mailed
to your home in January.
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Highland Mission Statement:
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Highland’s Lego League Teams compete!
On December 5th, our two Highland Lego League teams took part in the Lego
League competition. Both teams had a successful day and we are so proud of all
of their hard work. The Mean Green LEGO Team advanced to the Sectional
tournament in January.
NXTrees LEGO Team
WALKERS:
Just a reminder:
The walking patrols
are on duty at the
142nd street
crosswalk from
8:05-8:15 a.m. Please remind
your child to be careful walking
through the crosswalk as it gets
slippery with the snow and ice.
Also, thank you for your support
in making sure the children only
cross in the presence of the
trained patrols.
Mean Green LEGO Team
BURRRRR…..IT’S COLD OUTSIDE! DO YOU HAVE
YOUR HAT, MITTENS, COAT, SNOWPANTS
AND
BOOTS?
As a
side
when
below
inside
day is
begins.)
reminder: Our students go outfor recess every day. Only
the temperature or wind chill is
zero, will students be staying
for recess. (This decision on
whether it is an inside/outside
made shortly before recess
Hats, mittens, coat, snow pants and boots keep your child
warm and dry at recess. So please have your child come to
school dressed with the proper clothing for the outside
weather. Students will go outside with whatever outdoor
clothing they wear to school. And unfortunately, the
school does not have extra clothes for students to change
into if their home clothes become wet from recess. So
please remember your hats, mittens, coat, snow pants
and boots.
Highland Mission Statement:
Page 3
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
This past December many Highland students in all grades participated in a
worldwide “Hour of Code” event. The “Hour of Code” is an introduction to
computer science to show that anyone can learn the basics of computer coding/programming. The “Hour of
Code” organization provides coding tutorials for computers, tablets and Smartphones. These activities help nurture student creativity, teach problem solving skills and prepare
students for possible future careers in coding/programming.
Students can continue to work on coding skills at home by going to
https://code.org/learn. Links to this page as well as other coding
activities can be found on Highland’s homepage under Classroom
Connections> Specialists> Technology. Coding activities are great
to work on individually or with a friend when you are looking for
something fun to do.
Type to Learn4
Highland students in grades 2-5 use a keyboarding program called “Type to Learn 4”. TTL4
helps students learn how to type more efficiently through engaging lessons, activities and typing games. Each student works at his or her own pace while the program provides the student
with individualized remediation and goals for success.
Highland’s web enabled version of TTL4 allows students to use it from anywhere they have an
Internet connection. The user downloads the application once to any computer. From then on,
the user launches TTL 4 right from that computer. An Internet connection is needed so the
program can access the students’ data from the software manufacturer’s server. Your child will
need to use his or her district lunch number as the username.
To download, please follow these instructions provided by Sunburst, the software manufacturer: http://www.district196.org/hl/ParentInfo/TTL4_home.pdf.
A link can also be found on the Highland technology webpage:
http://www.district196.org/hl/ClassConnect/Specialists/Technology.cfm
Extra practice at home can really improve students’ accuracy and speed. As your child practices
at home, please encourage good habits of sitting up straight, keeping hands on the home row
keys and eyes on the screen.
Happy typing!
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Highland Mission Statement:
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Congratulations to all of the 2016 Geography Bee finalists
and to this year’s champion, Grayson!
C.A.S.E. Classes at Highland
(Creative After School Enrichment)
Coming in April 2016 — Community Ed C.A.S.E. classes
What a great opportunity for learning and fun beyond the school day!
Think Summer! GRASP 2016 Preview
Parents, it’s time to start thinking about summer and how
you’ll help your children keep their math and reading skills
sharp. Many of you know that the GRASP workbook program, available through Community Education, is one way to
help your children during the summer. However, GRASP should not be considered as a replacement for participating in summer school, if a child
qualifies. This year, GRASP registration information will be sent home
with students the week of February 15. Sample workbooks will be available for review in Highland’s office during parent/teacher conferences
and the registration period. The deadline for registration this year is
March 29. Watch for more information later this winter.
Highland Mission Statement:
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“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
NEW Home Alone Guidelines as of January 1, 2016:
STATE OF MINNESOTA SUPERVISION CRITERIA
from Dakota County Social Services
LACK OF SUPERVISION
•
Children age 7 and under who are left alone for any period of time
• Children ages 8-10 who are left alone for more than 3 hours
• Children ages 11-13 who are left alone for more than 12 hours
• Children ages 14-15 who are left alone more than 24 hours
• Children ages 16-17 may be left alone for more than 24 hours with a plan in place
concerning how to respond to an emergency
BABYSITTING
•
Children under age 11 should not provide child care
• Children ages 11-15 who are placed in a child care role are subject to the same time
restrictions of being left alone as listed above
• Children age 16-17 may be left alone for more than 24 hours with adequate adult
back up supervision
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Highland Mission Statement:
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Becoming Entrepreneurs at Biztown!
Students in fifth grade Gifted and Talented/Young Scholars classes enjoyed
the January 15, 2016 BizTown field trip with Mrs. Clendening.
Several weeks of classroom learning culminates in a day-long visit to this fully-interactive simulated free
market lab where students become adults for a day. By working in one of 15 JA BizTown shops, students
learn what it takes to run a successful business, manage a checking account and work as a team. Through
daily lessons, hands-on activities, and active participation in this simulated community, students develop a
strong understanding of the relationship between what they learn in school and their successful participation in a global economy.
The common cold occurs frequently during the winter months and may last
for several days. Although we would all like to stay home in bed until we
feel better, staying home is usually not practical. So chances are your
child will be coming to school with cold symptoms. Here are some helpful tips to help your child feel better at school:
•
Teach your student to wash his/her hands. The number one way to avoid spreading or catching germs is
handwashing.
• Teach your student to cough into his/her arm or a tissue rather than his/her hands to reduce the spread of
germs. Reducing the spread of germs in the classroom will help reduce the number of times your child is ill.
• Send a water bottle for your student to use at his/her desk. Drinking water can help interrupt nagging
coughs and tickling throats. Water can also help reduce congestion by keeping secretions thin and easier to remove.
• Send cough drops, throat sprays or throat drops for your student to use throughout the day. A child who is
already not feeling well has a lower tolerance for a sore throat and cough.
•
Give your child Tylenol or ibuprofen to help with the general discomforts of a cold.
•
Use cold medicines and cough syrups as directed by your doctor.
AS A REMINDER…
Unfortunately the nurse’s office does not supply cough medicines, throat sprays or cough/throat drops.
These items need to be supplied by the parent along with a note giving permission for your child to use
them.
Highland Mission Statement:
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“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Health Information Reminder from Nurse Amy:
If student has had a fever of 100° or greater, the
student should stay home for 24 hours after a normal
temperature returns.
•
•
If student has vomited or had diarrhea, the student should stay
home 24 hours after the last episode.
•
If student has any rash that may be disease-related or you do not
know the cause, check with your family doctor before sending the
student to school.
•
If student has a cough that interferes with the student’s ability to
sleep, work, eat or play, the student should stay home.
•
If student is ill, please call the school daily to report the illness.
The number of the voicemail is 651-683-6969, ext. 94677.
Donations needed For Nurse’s Office
The nurse’s office is in need of clothing donations for students.
The following are clothing items that students could use:
Girls’ and Boys‘ sweatpants or jeans
Sizes 5-10
Girls’ and Boys’ shirts Sizes 6-10
Thank you!
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Highland Mission Statement:
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Meet the Highland Elementary
Da Capo Choir!
The choir has 100 members in grades 3-5! We rehearse on Wednesday mornings We warm
-up our bodies, as well as our voices before we sing. Singing is an athletic event and requires
energy! The choir is learning to read choral music, increase breath control, and become more
independent in part-singing.
Songs we are singing this session are:
Star-Spangled Banner
Singing All Together
Two Tongue Twisters
Velvet Shoes
Wind on the Hill
The Sleigh
Sing
PERFORMANCES
Singing The Star-Spangled Banner
Tuesday, February 16, 2016 7:00 p.m. EVHS Girls BB Game
Carefree Assisted Living Center—Burnsville Wednesday,
March 9, 2016 3:30 p.m.
ABC Assembly March 18, 2016 8:40 a.m.
Please note: 2nd Grade’s Music Participation
Night is
February 8th @ 6:30 p.m.
Please report all absences from
school each day.
Call 651-683-6969 #94677
(Voicemail).
Highland Mission Statement
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“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Volunteer Coordinators’ Corner
Dear Highland Families,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful volunteers
and staff at Highland who helped with Special Friend Day back in November! We
are grateful to have such a wonderful group of parents!
Box-Tops
Sara-Lynn Nash continues to do a great job for Highland as the coordinator of
Box Tops for Education. Your box tops along with Sara-Lynn’s efforts have
brought in over $1600.00! If you see her, please let her know how much we appreciate all of her hard work!
Culver’s
Both December and January Culver's nights were a huge success! Highland received checks in the amount of $248.83 for December and $203.24 for January.
Thank you Highland families for continuing to make this a successful fundraiser!
Winter Scholastic Book Fair
Parent-Teacher Conferences & our Winter Scholastic Book Fair are coming up
next week. We could still use a few more Book Fair volunteers—you can sign up
on Highland’s home page - click on Volunteer Opportunities under Quick Links.
As always, we are open to ideas, questions, and comments! Please don't hesitate
to contact either DeeDee or myself!
Sincerely,
Stacy Kronberg and DeeDee Melander
952-220-7383
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952-423-7595
Highland Mission Statement:
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Meet Mrs. Susan Lindeman
Highland Elementary
Kindergarten Teacher
Interviewed and photographed by fourth
grade GT students Annika Allen and Claire
Gunyon.
1. Who is in your family?
-I have five sisters, a husband, and two daughters. Megan was born on 2/5/95
and Rachel on 6/3/93.
2. What do you enjoy doing?
-I love teaching, spending time with my family, listening to music, shopping, and
making crafts.
3. What are some memorable events from your life so far?
-The day both of my daughters were born. My daughter, Megan’s, wedding and
watching my daughters graduate from college. I have aslo enjoyed going to
Paris.
4. Where do you live and what do you like about where you live?
-I live in Rosemount, and I enjoy the changing of the seasons in Minnesota. I
also really like that I live close to my family.
5. What are some of your favorite hobbies?
- I enjoy making crafts, watching gymnastics, eating chocolate, and celebrating
and preparing for the holidays with my family such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.
6. Do you have any pets?
-I have a Maltipoo dog named Ollie.
7. How many kids do you think you have taught?
-Over a 1000 kids!
8. If you could travel to any place you wanted, where woul you travel to?
- I would want to travel to Paris again. I love the history, the French language,
food, architecture, art, and the cafes.
Highland Mission Statement:
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“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Meet Mrs. Sharon Sutliff
Highland Elementary
Instructional Clerk
Interviewed and photographed by
fourth grade GT students Michael
Cherevatsky and Chase Hawkins.
1. Where were you born?
-I was born in Chicago, Illinois.
2. What did you think you wanted to do when you grew up?
-I wanted to be a teacher.
3. Who is in your family?
-My husband Jeff, and my three daughters: Sarah (34), Megan (30)
and Emily (20). I also have two son-in-laws Alex and Justin, granddaughters Melanie (5), Clara (2) and grandson Wes (2). We also have
our dog Piper (6).
4. What is your favorite vacation destination?
-My favorite vacation spot are Australia and Sweden.
5. What elementary school did you go to?
- Westwood Elementary School.
6. Why did you choose to be a clerk?
-Because I enjoy working in a school and I love kids!
7. Who was your favorite teacher when you were a kid?
-My high school psychology teacher; Mr. Luoma.
8. What’s your favorite book?
-The Nightingale.
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Highland Mission Statement:
“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”
Highland Mission Statement:
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“Parents, community and staff working together to develop lifelong learners and contributing members of our society”