KNOW YOUR SCHOOLS

Highland CUSD No 5

400 Broadway, Highland, IL 62249

By Mike Sutton With each passing year in my role as Superintendent of Highland Community Unit School District No. 5, I grow ever more proud to serve our students, our staff, and our communities in the collective pursuit of excellence. This year is no exception. Despite the continued concerns with finances and the State’s inability to fund schools at appropriate levels, our district leaders continue to look for ways to enhance the value of the educational opportunities provided to students. Our goal is to provide each student with a nurturing and supportive environment that prepares our students for success in college and/or the challenges they encounter as they transition into the world in which they live. We are focused on a few goals this year, two of which I would like to describe to you in this portion of Know Your Schools. The first is that of enhancing our infrastructure and hardware in technology to prepare students for the technology they will need as they transition to college and the workplace. We will be presenting a plan for updating technology and supporting our staff at the elementary level where the number of devices have lagged during the years of financial concerns. We would like to increase the access to online resources for all teachers and students. During this effort we plan to provide support and training for our staff as they look for ways to enhance teaching and learning through these resources. In addition to improving the technology available to our students, we are implementing a five-year plan for many building and

maintenance upgrades throughout the district. We recently submitted a 10-year health life safety survey to the State identifying areas of concern. Once approved, the district will move forward with improvements in HVAC, roofing, windows and doors, flooring, and tuck pointing. We are excited about the improvements over the next few years and the positive impact it will have on the learning environment. Our first and foremost goal is to provide a safe environment for our students and staff. Fall is a great time to remind drivers as well as school children about seasonal conditions that may impact pedestrian and traffic safety. The Secretary of State, Jesse White, has put out information that emphasizes the community’s collective role in safeguarding children. The sun has dropped low to the southern horizon, making visibility difficult in many driving situations. Motorists need to take into account the sun’s glare and take extra caution when driving when children are present on the streets. As autumn transitions into winter, driving conditions change and precipitation causes difficulties for motorists. Alter your schedule to allow for extra time so that you won’t be rushed to accommodate appointments. Daylight Savings Time ended November 1. That means some students may not arrive home from school until the sun is very low. Please keep an eye out for children coming home or playing as the sunlight disappears. Likewise, our students need to be reminded of what is expected from them to ensure their own safety:

Superintendent’s Message

Upcoming Events for Highland CUSD No. 5 November 2014 19 - Fall Concert - Highland Elementary Grade 5 - 7:00 p.m. - HE Auditorium 27 - Annual Lighted Christmas Parade (Santa Parade) - 6:30 p.m. (HHS Band) December 2014 1 - HMS/HHS Christmas Choral Concert - 7:00 p.m. - HE Auditorium 3 - Christmas Program - Highland Primary Grade 1 - 7:00 p.m. - HE Auditorium 7 - Christmas Program - Highland Primary Grade 2 - 7:00 p.m. - HE Auditorium 8 - Band Concert Grades 6-12 - HMS Gym at 7:00 p.m. 10 - Christmas Program - Highland Primary Kindergarten - 7:00 p.m. - HE Auditorium 11 & 12 - Madrigal Dinner - Highland High School - 6:30 p.m. - HHS Bulldog Square 13 - Madrigal Dinner - Highland High School - 5:00 p.m. - HHS Bulldog Square 15 - Christmas Program - Grantfork Elementary 7:00 p.m. - Grantfork 17 - Christmas Program - Alhambra Primary Grades K - 1 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Grades 2 - 3 7:30 - 8:00 p.m.

November 17, 2015

As more children find themselves out after dark, they should be advised to wear at least one article of light-colored or reflective clothing so they can be spotted by motorists. The most dangerous time in a child’s day is likely the trip to and from school. We teach several important school bus safety lessons, but we constantly remind them to look both ways whenever crossing the street. Each year, for example, children are killed when they cross the street to board or after exiting their bus. This is a safety lesson that applies to all children, whether they ride a school bus or not. As the weather turns cold, children need to dress in warm clothing. We want our students focused on staying safe in and around their school bus; it’s hard to think about safety if you don’t protect yourself from the elements. We are embarking on the cool wather season, which means that snow may not be far off. From time to time, weather conditions can interfere with the school schdule. It is not unusual for the district to close due to inclement weather. We do follow guidelines to determine school cancelations for cold weather. The threshold for cold weather has been a wind chill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Other conditions may be considered if the temperature approaches this number. It is more difficult to determin school cancellations due to snow. Sometimes, small amounts of snow can cause extremely dangerours conditions on the roadways. The conditions may vary greatly from our city roads to ur rural roads. Once the students are in attendance, we rarely dismiss early because of inclement weather. In the event that weather conditions deteriorate quickly, however, the district may be forced to dismiss early in the best interest of the safety of your child(ren). If this happens, the district will communicate through the parent notification system to contact parents by phone and/or email. We strongly encourage parents to have a current phone number and email address (that is easliy accessible) in our school database system. We also recommend having a plan in place for your child if he or she were to arrive home early. Here are the numerous ways parents can expect information regarding the closing of school or an early dismissal: *Parent Notification System (voice message or email) *News Media - FOX 2, KMOV 4, and KSDK 5 *District Website-www.highlandcusd5.org

Flu Season

By Jae Kuberski Flu season is soon approaching! According to the Centers for Disease Control, influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can be very mild to very severe in nature. Influenza is different from the common cold as it usually develops suddenly. Symptoms of influenza may include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, dry cough, generalized body aches, tiredness, and vomiting/diarrhea, especially in children. Below are some good health habits you may practice to protect your family and prevent the spread of illness to others: v If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with other people to avoid infecting them. If you experience symp- toms of flu, contact your physician right away. There are medications that may be administered to lessen the length and severity of the influenza virus. v Keep children who are ill at home. Please do not send them to school. v Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. v Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inner arm. v Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs enter our bodies through these routes. v Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Camps at Alhambra Primary By Susie Kronk Looking for a fun and educationally stimulating activity for your child to participate in, at a low cost? Think about the after school camps at Alhambra Primary. Costs are cheaper than most child care options and give your child a safe and fun after school learning experience. The camps are mostly put on by the teachers in areas of interest or expertise. Funds raised from the programs go to purchasing technology or other needs of the school. Upcoming camps include: October: Culinary Camp: Mrs. Duft and Mrs. Paul November: Science Madness (this year will be based on Newton’s Laws of Motion): Mrs. Kronk and Mrs. Snyder Drawing Camp: Ms. Todd January: Basketball Camp: Mrs. Seiler and Mrs. Keeney February: Circus Camp: Mrs. Hayes March: Dance/Fitness Camp: Mrs. Grotefendt and Mrs. Tolbert April: Garden Camp: Mrs. Stearns and Mrs. Grigg May: Softball/Baseball Camp: Mrs. Buehne and Mrs. Zeller Most camps run from 3:40-4:30 p.m. Parents must provide transportation.

October Culinary Camp

Grandparents’ Day By Colleen Baker On September 10 and 11, students in grade 1 and 2 at Highland Primary, invited their grandparents to school to see their classrooms and join with them in a sing-a-long. After participating together in classroom activities, students and grandparents had another chance to connect through music as Mrs. Baker, the Highland Primary music teacher, led them in a Patriotic sing-a-long. In the auditorium, grandparents and their grandchildren sang songs such as America the Beautiful, Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and more. The students also performed The Peacebuilder’s Pledge song as a special treat for their grandparents. The audience was led in a tribute to grandparents who served or serve in the military as they sang along to a medley of theme songs from all of the branches of the military. It was wonderful to see so many grandparents stand as the song from their branch of service was presented. What a great way to say “thank you for your service.” The program concluded with a touching movie, including many pictures of the children and their grandparents. There were several pictures of grandparents in uniform who served in the military. One grandparent commented on the day’s events: “Thanks for the continuation of one of the events that really ‘makes a difference’ in the community. While I know it is a lot of hard work to put on this event, Grandparents Day is important to the proud grandparents in Highland. All of us just love visiting our little ones in a school setting.”

Retired music teacher Susan Abbott plays the piano while music teacher Colleen Baker leads students and grandparents in singing patriotic songs.

A tribute to grandparents who served or serve in the military as they sang along to a medley of theme songs from all of the branches of the military.

PeaceBuilder Pledge

I am a PeaceBuilder, I pledge... To praise people, To give up put-downs, To seek wise people, To notice and speak up about hurts I have caused, To right wrongs, I will build peace at home, at school, and in my community each day.

Students sing the PeaceBuilder song to their grandparents.

PeaceBuilder Song

I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I build Peace. I pledge to praise people, to give up put downs, to seek wise people, to notice and speak up about hurts and the hurts I have caused. I will right wrongs. For I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I build peace. I will build peace at home, build peace at school, build peace in my community too each day. For I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I am a PeaceBuilder, I build Peace. I build peace. I build peace. I build peace.

PARCC Assessment Update

By Derek Hacke The individual student score reports from the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) administered last spring are nearing release. The latest news from the Illinois State Board of Education indicates high school scores will begin arriving as early as the first week of November. Reports for grades 3-8 are scheduled to arrive in school districts in mid-December. This information will be made available to families as soon as possible. Following the information’s arrival, all

Illinois districts will attempt to determine what it all means. We were very comfortable interpreting ISAT and PSAE reports and could track student progress over years of assessment. This familiarity is certainly not available with PARCC, and it may take several years’ data to gain the same knowledge base. Resources to assist schools and families bring meaning from individual student reports, and are available at www. UnderstandTheScore.org. Several changes have been instituted for PARCC testing in spring, 2016. Instead of the two split testing “windows” scheduled

last year, a single 30-day timeframe beginning March 7 has been set. Students will also experience approximately 90 fewer minutes of testing this spring – a positive change. The state board announced in August that students in grades 5, 8, 10 would for the first time, sit for an assessment aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). However, lack of a state budget has put these assessments on hold. As always, additional information will be passed along as it becomes available.

Motion Commotion

By Terri Lurkins On October 21, Ashley Wetzler, Madison County 4-H Youth Educator, offered Grantfork Elementary grade 4 and 5 students the opportunity to experience Motion Commotion as part of the 2015 National Youth Science Day experiment. Students created modeling clay passengers to travel down a ramp in their toy car. The ramps were constructed of books and a piece of cardboard. Students adjusted the ramps so their cars would travel the furthest. The second part of the experiment required students to build a barrier for their car to crash into, examine the results of the impact, and record crash data. Students discussed the difficulty of stopping an automobile when distracted by texting. The students enjoyed the activity and would like Miss Wetzler to come back in the future.

Very Important Principles RESPONSIBILITYKnowing and doing the right thing COURAGEStanding up for what is right RESPECTTreating other people as you would like to be treated SERVICEDoing all you can for others HONESTYBeing true to yourself and others CARINGShowing concern for others FAIRNESSBeing decent and reasonable with others SELF-CONTROLBeing in charge of yourself

Helping Your Child Become a Reader

By Susan Kronk Reading is the single most important thing that we teach a child through our educational system. If a child can read, he or she can take responsibility for his or her own lifetime learning. Imagine if you could not read in today’s high tech world, how could you function? You could not text people on your phone, you could not “Google” information, you couldn’t even use the online system to book your child’s parent teacher conference or register him or her for school. Yes, despite all of this, The United States still is ranked number 21 for literacy rates world wide. So how do we help children learn how to read? What makes it hard for most families is today’s hectic lifestyle. Car time has replaced mealtime as a “together” time with your kids. Here are some tips to help a busy parent or grandparent teach their child to read: 1. Don’t leave home without a book or something to read. 2. Read it once, read it twice, read it until it sounds nice! 3. Ask questions about something you read earlier in the day or week. 4. Take control of electronics. American Academy of Pediatrics says that one (1) hour of screen time daily is all that a child should have. This includes TV, Video Games (yes, even learning games), and even if your TV is on, and no one is watching it, it is harming your child’s ability to focus attention on quiet time and mental processing. 5. Be patient. Learning to read is a process that requires much practice. 6. Pick books that are right. Use the five (5) finger rule. Every time you come to a word you cannot read, put up a finger. If on one (1) page you put up five (5) fingers, the book may be too hard. 7. Play rhyming and word games in the car. 8. Try to read outloud to your child at least 10 minutes per day. 9. Put your child’s sight words in an envelope or baggy in your purse. Be ready to practice any time. 10. Encourage writing. Always have an envelope or paper in your car so your child can draw or write.

CITIZENSHIPBeing an asset to your family, school, and community

Highland Elementary Family Curriculum Night

By Lori Miscik Highland Elementary hosted a night for students and parents to come into the classrooms and learn about our reading and math programs. With a new math series beginning this year, the staff was excited to show and discuss what the students are learning and doing with Eureka Math and our reading series, Wonders. The night started with all three grade levels in the auditorium for a quick overview of Eureka Math, which included the process of choosing the series, the components of the series, and the student’s expectations with the series. Mrs. Dana Favre, Mrs. Erin Cotto and Mrs. Linda Bartlett presented the short overview. From the auditorium each grade level had different stations with math and reading activities that are done within the classrooms on a daily basis. Parents participated and saw first hand what our students are doing with concepts in reading and math. The students had fun watching their parents challenged with their daily problems and helped their parents complete the tasks at times. Each grade level also had a short question and answer session for the parents to help with needs for homework or expectations in reading and math. Our Book Fair also corresponded with the night. Parents and students enjoyed the evening and we always enjoy having everyone in the building to show the skills of our students.

Off Duty police Detectives Chase Wild Dawgs

By Jody Durbin Highland Police detectives Damian Feeny and detective Chris Flake, recently used some of their off - duty time to enjoy a run with students from Highland Elementary. The Highland Elementary “Dawg Runs” are in their fourth year and were started by Highland PE Teacher Jody Durbin to give students the opportunity to learn to enjoy running.  The Highland Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) was invited to help sponsor the runs and to give the students a chance to interact with off duty police officers.   Through the generosity of Highland Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and numerous teachers volunteering to run with the students, the participation of the Dawg Runs are completely free.  In

addition, Highland Pediatrics and the FOP, have made it possible for every student that participates to get a Technical running shirt.  The Dawg Run Club had 70 students participate this year. Mrs. Durbin and the staff at Highland Elementary recognize the important connection between children being active and healthy, and successful learning in the classroom.  The after school Dawg Runs are just one more way that Highland Elementary teachers support our children wherever they have the chance to learn.  Having the great support of Highland Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine means so much to this program.   Having the officers show their support by running with the students, gives a real world application that shows them

that you don’t have to be training for a race to enjoy staying in shape. According to the Illinois State Board of Education; Extensive research connects the ability to learn to good health. Healthy minds and bodies are basic to academic success, and, in later life, enhance the ability to contribute to a productive work environment.  Through comprehensive K-12 physical development and health programs, students will achieve active and healthy lives that will enable them to achieve personal goals and contribute to society. Highland Community Schools is actively trying to improve our programs for students throughout the district.   The Dawg Runs are a fun way to set and accomplish goals.

Detective Damian Feeny runs with son Luke. Detectives Feeny and Flake pose for a photo after running with the Dawgs.

Detective Chris Flake runs with his son and students from Highland Elementary.

A “pack of Dawgs” head off on one of their many after school runs.

“Big Dawgs” Students from Highland High and Highland Elementary Staff help keep the students safe while they run through town.

HMS Students Begins a New Tradition By Sharon Schmitz This year will mark the beginnings of a new tradition - The Highland Middle School Yearbook Staff. Instead of the typical situation, an administrator or secretary creating our yearbook, a group of eighth grade students will be piecing together the entire design for the yearbook and even

serving as the photographers! This year, everything will be completed ONLINE! We have already begun working with a representative from the website. We have been using, Josten’s, templates and many other aspects of 2016’s yearbook. Again, the middle school yearbook will be made entirely online using the program called

Josten’s yearbook avenue. This will enable the entire staff to work together online to create the yearbook. The entire operation is

supervised by a qualified and trained adult, but nearly all of the process will be done by the student staff.  The staff is excited to be the first ever student staff and look forward to seeing their finished product.

Kindergarten Goes to the Pumpkin Patch

By Kristin Potthast On October 1, the kindergarten classes went on a fun-filled field trip to Rhodes’ Family Pumpkin Farm in Worden. Students were able to see a pumpkin cannon launch and experience many exciting things including a Wild West Fort Maze, Tractor Tire Play Area, Bee House, Zip Line, Hill Slide, Barrel Train, Corn Crib, Duck Races, and a Petting Zoo. Each class was able to ride out to the pumpkin patch, where every student chose a pumpkin to take home. This fun day came during our time studying pumpkins in the kindergarten classrooms. It was the perfect fall day and a wonderful experience for the students!

Above: Mrs. Elliot’s Kindergarten class pose with their pumpkins.

Right: The pumpkin cannon launch

Left: Kindergarteners and chaperones ride the wagon out to the pumpkin patch.

Below: Everyone enjoying the beutiful fall day.

HMS Fall Festival

By Dawn Hubbard In honor of the beginning of fall and the start to a wonderful year, all seventh grade students were invited to participate in the first VIP field trip of the year, which is simply known as -- Fall Festival.  Students began the day by listening to exciting tales of the season from a professional storyteller -- tales that left them on the edge of their seat.  Then, the students were off and running, traveling from station to station to participate in a wide variety of activities.  For example, some of the activities this year included:  pumpkin decorating, face painting, team building, parachute games, and a bounce house obstacle course.  In the end, there is no doubt; our students were definitely excited about the fall season, for good reason, after a day full of excitement and fun.  Fall Festival was a huge success!!  The success was due in large part to all the wonderful parent volunteers that helped throughout the day, and to those who donated many of the supplies that were used in all the activities.  We could not have done without all of them -- Thank You!!

“Read All About It” By Angie Smart Highland Primary is promoting literacy as a life-long process in many ways. One of which is a new game called, “Read All About It”. Each week, students see a different picture of various staff members reading books. The same picture is posted in several areas around the building and is updated on the Highland Primary website. Students are encouraged to submit their answer to the question pertaining to the picture along with their name and classroom teacher’s name to the office. Mrs. Hickey draws winners each week who then receive a new age-appropriate book! Students enjoy the challenge of figuring out who is reading books or what titles they are reading and look forward to the possibility that they will go home with a new book. This opportunity helps build a community of literacy throughout our school.

Eureka Math

By Linda Bartlett We are off to a wonderful math year!  This year, the Highland district launched a new series entitled “Eureka Math.” Eureka Math is written by teachers based on the Common Core standards.  It is currently the only curriculum completely aligned to the Common Core standards, as determined in EdReports, an independent not for profit organization designed to improve K-12 education (edreports.com).   Common Core focuses on fewer math topics, but explores them more indepth.  Students are presented a variety of methods and tools to utilize.  The traditional

method, or standard algorithm, is still taught as well.  Students gain knowledge as to why they are solving a problem in a particular manner, not just receive a list of procedural steps.   Each lesson taught consists of four parts:   fluency practice, application problem, concept development, and student debriefing.  Sometimes, a lesson will take more than one day to complete based on prior knowledge and bridging the gap between old and new curriculum as we move to full implementation of Common Core. There are several tools for parents to utilize, as needed with this program.  “The

Eureka Math Tips for Parents” is a great resource that is given for each module.  In addition, “Math News” is being distributed for each topic.  These resources give specific examples and explanations on the current area of study.  Another valuable on-line support is lpssonline.com.  Once on the site, click on the “Parent Command Center” at the top, then “Math Resources,” and finally select your child’s grade level.  Here, small videos are given to view, activities for home are provided, and newsletters are provided which are all very specific to what students are learning in class.