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Monday Matters

Greetings Highland Families!

It was great to see so many families this past weekend at the Showcase of Schools. Please complete the JCPS follow-up survey.

We are dedicated partners with you on your child’s academic journey. Please be sure to pay close attention to our communications about the importance of reading. This includes reading at home. The more students read, the more they grow and develop in all content areas.

We have recognized the need to change our car rider and bus lines due to the changes of the front of the school. Starting Monday, November 6th the car rider line will enter and exit at Speed Ave. We will have staff present to direct the change. There will be orange cones setup to alert movement of cars, etc. A map and more specific information will be included next week!

Highland is celebrating students! We are hosting a carnival during the school day on Friday, November 3rd. We need your help to make this happen! If you can donate prizes or assist with supplies or games, sign up HERE. If you have any questions contact rebecca.custis@jefferson.kyschools.us.

Kindly,

Vanessa Green

October 16, 2023

Gifted and Talented Screener:

Eighth grade students will be taking the NNAT3 (Gifted and Talented Screener) on Thursday Oct. 19 and Friday Oct. 20. A letter was sent home with 8th grade students today.

High School Application Information:

High School Choices Book - This book will allow you to read about and compare the different programming options that are available. If you look over it before attending The Showcase of Schools, it will help you know which school booths you should make sure that you visit.

High School Open House Schedules - This is a comprehensive list of when each High School is hosting their Open House for prospective students. Visiting a school, is one of the best ways to figure out if it is a good fit.

Parent Survey:

Please take the time to complete the anonymous parent survey linked below. This information will be used to identify strengths and areas for improvement as we reflect on continuous improvement for Highland.
Link to Parent Survey

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Monday Matters

We want to emphasize the extraordinary importance of reading at home. In a world filled with distractions and busyness, nurturing a love for books is a priceless gift we can give to our children.

Here are a few reasons why reading at home is so vital:

1. **Educational Excellence:** Reading enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. It lays the foundation for academic success, equipping our children with the tools they need to excel in school.

2. **Empathy and Understanding:** Books expose us to diverse characters and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. Reading helps our children become better, more compassionate human beings.

3. **Bonding Time:** There's something magical about sharing a story with loved ones. Reading together creates a unique opportunity for quality time and strengthens family bonds.

4. **Unleashing Creativity:** Books transport us to different worlds and spark our imagination. By reading, our children can embark on countless adventures without ever leaving home.

5. **Stress Reduction:** In a world full of screens and fast-paced living, reading offers a calming escape. It's a wonderful way to unwind and relax, reducing stress and anxiety.

We encourage you to set aside dedicated reading time for your family. Whether it's bedtime stories, silent reading sessions, or a family book club, let's make reading an integral part of our daily routine.

Remember, reading isn't just a solitary activity; it's a shared adventure. By promoting a love for books at home, we're shaping the minds and hearts of our future generations.

Happy reading, and let's embark on this literary journey together!

Activities calendar: Highland Middle School Activities Google Calendar

Sports Reminders: Your child must have an Updated Sports Physical on file prior to the first regular practice for any sports team.

If you have questions please email Leslie Lintelman, HMS Athletic Director, leslie.lintelman2@jefferson.kyschools.us.

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Monday Matters

Behind every great school is a supportive PTSA made up of Parents, Teachers and Students and the HMS PTSA needs you ! We are seeking board members for the 2023/2024 school year to help support our great HMS community. Please send an email to ptsahighland@gmail.com with your name and interest by Oct 23rd.

If you are not interested in being on the Board, please JOIN the PTSA by visiting our Store on Memberhub: Givebacks (memberhub.com)

SAVE THE DATE to join us at Qdoba at Bardstown & Eastern Parkway to meet a fellow Highland Community Member and 25% of fundraiser sales will go back to the PTSA!

Wednesday, October 18th, 4PM-8PM.Use this online code QDOBAGIVES or scan the QR code (on page 5) while at the restaurant. Here is the Qdoba Flyer!

FALL FESTIVAL- OCTOBER 26th from 6-8, our music performance will begin at 5:15 in the Auditorium BLACK STUDENT UNION The Black Student Union will meet every Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 in room 102. QUICK RECALL Quick Recall’s second game will be Wednesday at Kammerer! Check with Ms. Edlin with Questions. SPIRIT DAY WEDNESDAY this week is a PINK OUT. So wear anything you have that is pink. As always, keep it school appropriate. SEAMS LEGIT Seamsters will meet tomorrow to work on stuffies or quilts. Students should report to the cafeteria and wait for Ms. Lauren to come get you.
Concerts October 26^th @ 5:15 PM, selected group performances December 7^th @ 6 PM, call time 5:30- Chorus (6th-8th grades), 6^th Band/Orchestra December 12^th @ 6 PM, call time 5:30- 7^th and 8^th Band/Orchestra
Prospective Student Open House Thursday, November 2nd from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM

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Highland students will have the opportunity to see a dentist right here at school this Fall!

If your child does not have a dentist, please complete a permission form online so they may receive a dental checkup during our clinic on November 1-3, 2023.

As needed, the dentist and their staff will provide students with x-rays, cleanings, fill cavities, apply sealants, and even perform extractions in some cases.

We will make every effort to see every child that signs up, but please complete the permission form as soon as possible to help ensure your child will get an appointment - the dentist will stay busy all three days!

Call the YSC at 586-6047 with any questions or concerns..

https://www.myschooldentist.com/HMJCKY_schsrm

Spots are filling up fast this year - sign your child up for this service right away so they can get an appointment to be seen here at school!

It only takes a minute!

. COMMUNITY EVENTS & RESOURCES .

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Each week students receive Digital Citizenship curriculum from Common Sense Media during the Seminar class period. Please take the time to continue these conversations at home. We want to establish safe, healthy relationships with technology and the internet for our students and ourselves.

Here are some Shocking Technology Addiction Statistics:

85% of American adults can’t spend a day without going online.
Smartphone use is involved in 26% of car accidents in America.
12% of teen boys have a video gaming addiction.
32% of teenagers consider themselves addicted to their smartphones.
The average person checks their phone 96 times a day.
Teens spend over seven hours a day in front of a screen.
Meanwhile, younger children aged 8 to 12 spend an average of 4 hours and 44 minutes daily in front of screens.
The average internet user is online for 43% of their waking life.

A message from the new School Counselor!

Hello, my name is Jaimie Hargrave and I’m the new School Counselor at Highland. This is my 20^th year in education with 15 of those years as a School Counselor. I am a mom of three amazing children; Emma (23), Hanna (19), and Lukas (17). I have three dogs, love to watch sports and travel as much as I can. We are going to have a great year!

-Ms. Hargrave