juNE 2024

Highlands Summer Update

In this Issue

new family playdate

with gratitude

at home summer learning ​getting ready for 23-24

Mark Your Calendar



Playground Update!

Exciting news! Construction has ​begun on the new playground. ​The old set has been dismantled ​and removed and groundwork is ​happening.

Watch for updates on a special ​ribbon-cutting ceremony to be ​held in August 2024.

Additionally, Highlands ​Elementary was awarded a ​Hennepin County Youth Activity ​grant for $50,021 to complete ​our fundraising efforts!

stay connected over the summer






.

Change of address or email? Be sure to keep your Infinite ​Campus account up-to-date as these addresses are where ​District and School communications will be sent.


On Facebook, follow Highlands Elementary School this ​summer for construction and new playground updates!


Watch your inboxes for a mid-July and early-August ​newsletter with more updates and reminders.


Please join us for a PTO sponsored ​New Family Playdate - popsicles in ​the park on Saturday, june 22nd ​at 1pm at countryside park (next ​to the fire station on tracy ave). ​This event is a great way to meet ​other incoming families as well as ​an opportunity to learn about ​Highlands and the PTO.


enjoy some cool treats from the ​jilly beans ice cream truck.





New Family Play Date

WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Dear Highlands Families,


As another remarkable school year at Highlands Elementary ends, I ​wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and reflect on the ​incredible journey we've shared together. It's been a year filled with ​growth, challenges, and countless memorable moments, and I couldn't be ​prouder of our students, staff, and parent community for their ​unwavering support and dedication to ensuring success in all the ways.


First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our ​amazing students. Your enthusiasm for learning, resilience in the face of ​obstacles, and kindness towards one another have truly made Highlands ​Elementary a special place. Each day, you inspire us with your curiosity ​and passion, reminding us of the boundless potential within each of you. ​As we bid farewell to our 5th grade students, know that you carry with ​you the values and knowledge instilled during your time at Highlands, and ​we cannot wait to see the incredible paths you'll forge ahead.


To our dedicated Highlands staff, thank you for your tireless commitment ​to providing a nurturing and enriching educational experience for our ​students. Your creativity, expertise, and compassion have not only ​fostered academic growth but have also nurtured a sense of belonging ​and community within our school. I am continually inspired by your ​unwavering dedication to our students' success.


Finally, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our parents and ​caregivers. Your partnership and involvement in your child/ren's ​education have been invaluable throughout this year. Whether ​volunteering in the classroom, supporting fundraising efforts, or simply ​offering words of encouragement, your contributions have made a ​significant difference in creating a positive and supportive learning ​environment for our students. Your active involvement in the education ​of your child has helped to create a strong Highlands community.


Remember that although the school year may be ending, our connection ​and commitment to each other remain steadfast. I encourage you to stay ​engaged with the Highlands community over the summer through various ​events and activities, and I look forward to welcoming you all back in the ​fall for another fantastic year at Highlands Elementary.


Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable, and restful summer break.


In partnership,


Dr. Cara Rieckenberg

Principal

Highlands Elementary School


Getting ready for 2024-2025


  • New address? Email address? Phone number? Update Infinite Campus

Infinite Campus records should be updated each year. Please review your home address, phone ​numbers, email addresses, student immunization records, student information release agreement ​and more. Please make sure all parents are listed as well as emergency contacts with up-to-date ​phone numbers. View the My Info Update tutorial here.


  • Opt-in to Receive Text Messages

EPS uses the electronic notifications system, School Messenger, to send direct messages via ​email, voicemail, or text message to District families. Text the word "Yes" to 67587 from each ​wireless device on which you wish to receive text messages. Confirm that all device phone ​numbers you wish to receive messages on are listed in your contact information on Infinite ​Campus. For more details, check here.


  • School Supply Lists

School supply lists for all classroom teachers can be found here. If a check made to EPS is ​requested, this means the teacher will be purchasing all the school supplies. Please bring these ​checks to either Open House or Connect and Assess days.


At-home Summer Learning

Some Highlands Families have requested resources, activities or ideas for learning to do at ​home during the summer months. The information listed below are meant to serve as optional ​activities for family organized summer learning.


  • FAST Assessment data was available for families to review on Friday, June 7th via the ​District Portal. If your child scored below Benchmark in the reading assessments, here are ​some District provided ideas on how to extend learning in reading into the home during the ​summer.
  • Our elementary District Media Specialists have created an amazing website full of fun ​digital learning resources.
  • The Hennepin County Library website provides parents with new titles and old standards ​that can be aggregated by genre, awards received, or by grade level. Many of these titles ​you can find in hard copy, electronic version, and some in an audio book version. Look ​under “Programs and Services” and “Early Learning” to get a list of story time events, ​activities to do with your elementary age student (including yoga and stories), and online ​story options such as Bookflix of Tumblebooks. In that same section under “Books and ​Reading” you can find information about book clubs and other special events at the ​libraries around town. This are also includes the event Paws to Read with an Animal where ​your child can come to one of the libraries to read with a certified therapy animal.
  • To get children interested in reading for fun throughout the summer, consider joining the ​Barnes and Noble Book Your Summer. To download the free activity kit and journal, visit ​the website. Your child can earn a free book!
  • Looking for math focused resources? Check out these ideas as well as print outs for skill ​review.

Mark your Calendars


  • Classroom teachers announced - August 12th @ 8am

Classroom placement information will be made available to families at 8am on Monday, August ​12th in Infinite Campus via the portal. If you have questions about accessing the portal, please ​send an email to parentportal@edinaschools.org.


  • Highlands Family Playdate & Picnic - August 15th 4pm-6pm

Join us for a PTO sponsored Highlands Community Playdate and Picnic at Weber Park. This ​event is a great way to connect and re-connect with Highlands Families as well as learn about ​Highlands and our amazing PTO. Grab subs from Milio’s Sub Shop before heading to the park to ​enjoy as a picnic. Part of that evening’s proceeds will benefit the Highlands Community via PTO.


  • Open House - Thursday, August 22nd 7:30am-9:00am (NEW TIME)

This is a fun time to reconnect with the full Highlands Community. All certified staff will be on ​hand to welcome, answer questions and help families get ready for the 2024-2025 school year. ​You can get your school picture taken, sign up for PTO, check in with the school nurse, visit the ​cafeteria, get set up in Infinite Campus, and so much more.


  • Connect and Assess - August 23rd (7:30am-3:30pm) and 26th (10am-6pm)

Connect and Assess days are one-on-one conferences providing teachers with individualized ​knowledge about each student and a chance for parents to share information about their child. A ​sign-up Google document for Connect and Assess will be sent Tuesday, August 13th at 8am with ​directions on how to sign up.


Supervision for school aged siblings (ages 5-12) will be available while families are in the building ​attending your student(s) Connect and Assess meeting.


Assessments given during Connect and Assess are brief screeners designed to help teachers ​understand where their students are academically and help them prepare to meet student ​needs most effectively. By screening prior to the beginning of the school year, teachers can ​better target their instruction to the needs of their students beginning on the first day of school.


  • School Photos - August 23rd (7:30am-3:30pm) and 26th (10am-6pm)

Our school photographer will be on-site for the Connect and Assess days for

school photos. This is a model similar to what Middle and High School does with

taking pictures before the school year starts. If for whatever reason this does not

work for your child, we will have a 'make up' day in September. This date will be

communicated once the school year has started.


  • First Day of School for the 2024-2025 School Year - Wednesday, August 28th

The first day of a fantastic new school year!! Doors open at 7:35am for

all students. Learning starts at 7:50am.