PARENT NOTE – January 13, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
At Highland Christian, we believe ALL students can and will learn at high levels!
In the classroom, teachers use formative and summative assessments to track student growth on a day to day, week to week, and year to year basis. Among the many assessment tools we use are state tests and national tests. Using data to inform decision making Continue reading Parent Note – January 13, 2020 →

PARENT NOTE – January 6, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Welcome back, and happy 2020! We hope that you and your family had a restful Christmas break filled with family, friends, and time celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. As we enter into the second half of the school year, it is important to remember our “method to the madness” and why we do what we do.

Why be a PLC?
Highland Christian is a professional learning community for multiple reasons:
1. It provides teachers with a targeted focus and strategies for assisting students to learn at the highest of levels!
2. It gives teachers and students ownership and confidence that they will meet the guaranteed and viable curriculum. All students will learn!
3. It helps all students learn – meeting the unique needs of each child! Nobody slips through the cracks.

How are students part of a PLC?
1. Students are able to understand their role in the classroom and what to do if they:
a. Are struggling with the material (how to receive assistance).
b. Have mastered the material (use classroom resources to move beyond grade-level standards).
c. Self-assess their level of mastery to focus on the “what’s next”.

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are all about working hard to provide academic benefit to our students. Thank you for your partnership as you encourage your student(s) to ask questions in class, promote diving deeper with the resources available (Learning.com, IXL, Nearpod), and assist with work outside of the 8:30 – 3:10 school day. Together, we are making a huge difference!

Kyle R. Weener – Principal

SCHOOL NEWS
1. Thanks you! Thank you!  The faculty and staff of Highland Christian would like to thank all of our HCS families for the wonderful goodies, gifts, and Christmas wishes this holiday season.  We pray that all of you had a joyous Christmas season!
2. Important Reminder: There is no late start this Wed., Jan. 8.
3. Looking for a Christian preschool or kindergarten experience?  Your child will blossom at Highland Christian School!  We invite you to join us for our PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE next Monday, January 13 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  Through hands-on discovery, teacher led instruction and small group activities, your child will develop new skills, build positive relationships and grow in character as they build their knowledge of God’s world and His Word.   Learn more about the curriculum, classroom practices, and learning communities at Highland Christian School (PreK-Gr8), 3040 Ridge Rd., Highland, IN.  For more information, visit www.highlandchristian.org or contact Jodi at 219-838-0356 ext. #16.
4. Congratulations to the junior high spelling bee winners!  The sixth grade top spellers were Kacie Carter, Nick Neibert, Dane Scheeringa and Abbi Smith. Seventh grade finalists were Ethan Clark, Isabelle Kenney, Adam Molenaar, Armaan Sen, and Hannah Tyssen.  The top eighth graders were Moriah Colar, Hayden Gorham, Sophia Oostema, and Janna van Belle. Former spelling champion Moriah emerged as the winner and will be representing Highland Christian School at the Regional Competition on March 10.
PTO NEWS
1. Join us on Friday, January 17 for Family Trivia Night from 6-8. We’re going to play Bible Jeopardy! RSVP on Facebook or email pto@highlandchristian.org so we have enough snacks for everyone.
2. Are you interested in being on the PTO board next school year? We are looking for about 5 people who want to help fund-raise, put on family events and help keep a healthy relationship between teachers, parents and students. Contact Liz St. George for an application lcwhite79@yahoo.com or 724-513-4072.

ATHLETIC NEWS
1. Thursday, Jan. 9 – 6th, 7th, 8th girls vs. Calvin – HOME – 4:00, 5:00, 6:00

TRIP NEWS
1. Beginning in February TRIP orders for physical cards will be only three times a month.  The first Thursday of the month will be the TRIP Cash & Carry Gift Card Store and the second Thursday through the end of the month will be the physical card orders for TRIP.  Online ordering for Escrip and Reloads is available 24/7!  Need to sign up for online ordering?  Contact the TRIP office for more information (219-838-0356, ext. 199 or trip@highlandchristian.org ).
2. Next TRIP Cash & Carry Gift Card Store is Thurs., February 6th from 8:15 to 9 a.m.
3. TRIP orders with payment (paper and online) are due Thurs., Jan. 9th by 10 a.m.
4. TRIP Teams for Stuffing Orders:  Team A – Jan. 14; Team B – Jan. 21; Team C – Jan 28; Team D – Feb. 4; Team A – Feb. 18; Team B – Feb. 25; Team C – Mar. 3; Team D – Mar. 17; Team A – Mar. 24

PARENT NOTE – December 16, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians:
In last week’s message, I successfully blew my cover as a Lions fan when I mistakenly called Mitch Trubisky – Matt Trubisky. As a Michigan native, your grace is appreciated. As we enter into the last week of the 2019 school year, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas Continue reading Parent Note – December 16, 2019 →

PARENT NOTE – December 9, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It has been said that there is no “I” in “TEAM”.  This phrase rings true on the athletic field and in the classroom.  The classroom is a collection of players led by their coach (the teacher) to accomplish the objectives and the goals set out by the institution.
Imagine if Matt Trubisky showed up for the game an hour late Continue reading Parent Note – December 9, 2019 →

PARENT NOTE – December 2, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I trust you had a fantastic Thanksgiving with family and friends.  Abby, Ezra, and I were able to travel to Michigan and spend the holiday with my parents in Holland, Michigan.  One of our highlights was walking on the Lake Michigan shoreline with the entire family. As we walked along the shore, laughing, throwing frisbees, and running up and down the dunes, I paused to take a mental snapshot Continue reading Parent Note – December 2, 2019 →

PARENT NOTE – November 25, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is hard to believe that we are just days away from Thanksgiving. This is the second of three Blue Note messages that highlight our thankfulness for the partnership we have between the school, home, and church.
Today, I want to take a moment and acknowledge the strong Continue reading Parent Note – November 25, 2019 →

PARENT NOTE – November 11, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you for taking the time to attend conferences last week. We pray this was a rewarding experience where you were able to learn about the positives of standards based grading, the ways we will differentiate for your child moving forward, and how you can best support your child with the results of the NWEA scores (specifically, Continue reading Parent Note – November 11, 2019 →

PARENT NOTE – November 4, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is hard to believe we are over a quarter of our way through the school year. We have much to celebrate, as our students and staff have been working hard to continue our mission of being academically equipped, biblically grounded and spiritually nurtured to impact their world for Christ. This week at conferences, students and staff will be able to share a snapshot of the progress that has been made and plans for what the future holds. These conferences are critical to the ongoing support each child receives through the home – school partnership. The data and feedback presented are beneficial benchmarks to observe the past, but more importantly are a tool to assist in creating plans for the future. We are looking forward to seeing you Wednesday evening or Thursday afternoon/evening!

Mr. Kyle Weener – Principal

SCHOOL NEWS
1. Reminder:  There is no late start this Wednesday, Nov. 6.
2. Parent/Teacher Conferences are this Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 6 & 7. If you cannot make the time that you scheduled for your child’s conference, please contact your child’s teacher. If you haven’t signed up for conferences, your child’s teacher will be contacting you.  The online sign-up has been closed – you will no longer be able to sign up your child yourself.  Students in grades 3-8 should attend the conference with their parents.
3. Important Reminder:  School will dismiss this Thursday at 1:45 and there is no school on Friday.  There will be aftercare this Thursday.
4. Lost & Found:  A lost & found table will be set up in the hall by the teachers’ lounge during conferences.  Please check it out – you just might find some of your child’s items there!  All items left after conferences will be given to etc…Thrift Store.
5. Everyone is invited to our Veterans Assembly this Thursday, Nov. 7 beginning at 8:45 a.m.  We will be acknowledging a number of veterans associated with HCS.  Please join us!
6. Homemade vanilla is for sale in the office for all of your holiday baking.  8oz. bottle for $2.00.  Don’t wait too long – they sell out fast!  If you have any empty 8, 10, or 12 oz. glass bottles, please send them to the office so more vanilla can be made.
7. The Thanksgiving season gives us the opportunity to show our thankfulness to God by sharing with others in need.  For Thanksgiving this year, we will be collecting food and toiletries for Roseland Christian Ministries in Roseland, IL.  These gifts will be presented at our Thanksgiving Chapel on Wed., Nov. 27.  A list of needed items is on the Thanksgiving letter that will be sent home today.  All donations will be collected in the students’ classrooms.  We will begin collecting items the week of November 11.

TRIP CASH & CARRY STORE
1. TRIP Cash & Carry Gift Card Store will be on Thurs., Nov. 7 from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m.  To purchase gift cards at other times contact the TRIP office at 219-838-0356, ext. 199 or trip@highlandchristian.org and leave a message.
Gift Cards available to purchase:  Aeropostale $25, Amazon.com $25/$100, AMC Movie Theatres $25, Applebee’s $25, Arby’s $10, Aurelio’s Pizza $20, Bass Pro Shops $25, Baker’s Square $25, Bath & Body Works $10/$25, Beggars Pizza $10, Bed, Bath & Beyond $25, Best Buy $25, Buona Beef Rest. $10, Cabela’s $25,
Carters/Osh Kosh $25, Chick-fil-A $10, Chili’s $25, Chipotle $10, Cold Stone Creamery $10, Cracker Barrel $10/$25, Culver’s $10, CVS $25, Dairy Queen $10, Disney $25, Dunkin Donuts $10, Family Express $25, Family Video $10, Fannie May $10, Gap/Old Navy $25, Gordon’s $25, Hallmark $25, Hohman Floral $10, JCPenney $25, Jewel $25, Jiffy Lube $30, Kohl’s $25/$100, Lettuce Entertain U $25, Meijer $25/$50, Menards $25, Miner Dunn Rest. $5, Olive Garden $25, Outback $25, Panera Bread $10/$25, Papa John’s Pizza $10, PetSmart $25, Potbelly $10, Qdoba Mex. Grill $25, Red Robin $25, ShutterFly $25, Speedway $25/$50, Starbucks $10/$25, Strack & Van Til Grocery $25/$50, Subway $10, SweetFrog $10, Taco Bell $10, Target $25, Teibel’s $25, Texas Roadhouse $25, The Home Depot $25, TJ Maxx $25, Ulta Beauty $25, Walgreens $25,
Walmart/Sam’s Club $25/$50, Walt’s $25/$100, Wendy’s $10, Cascading Gift Card File $3

PTO NEWS
1. Family Movie Night – November 15 at 6:30 (doors open at 6). Free event for entire school and their families. Light snacks will be provided for free. The movie title will be announced next week. Come enjoy the fruits of your hard labor from selling candy bars!
2. Staff Appreciation Breakfast- December 4. To volunteer, sign up with Faith Best fbest862@gmail.com.
3. Extra Bulls ticket information was emailed out to those who won a free ticket. Deadline is this week to order more tickets. No parent tickets are awarded this year and there will be no late orders received. Please contact Liz St George at lcwhite79@yahoo.com or 724-513-4072 for more information.

ATHLETIC NEWS
1. Monday, Nov. 4 – 6th, 7th, 8th boys basketball vs. Calvin – AWAY – 4:00, 5:00, 6:00
Tuesday, Nov. 5 – 6th, 7th, 8th boys basketball vs. Lansing – HOME – 4:00, 5:00, 6:00
Thursday, Nov. 7 – 6th, 7th, 8th boys basketball vs. DeMotte – HOME – 4:00, 5:00, 6:00

TRIP NEWS
1. The next TRIP cash & Carry Gift Card store will be on Nov. 7th from 8:15 to 9 a.m.
2. Thank-Scrip-ing Day is coming up Mon., Nov. 21st!  If you are signed up for online ordering you may participate in the extra bonus rebates available that day.  Need to sign up for online ordering?  Contact the TRIP office for more information (219-838-0356, ext. 199 or trip@highlandchristian.org ).
3. TRIP orders are due this Thursday, Nov. 7th by 10 a.m.  Please note:  The week of Thanksgiving TRIP orders will be due on Wed. Nov. 27th.
4. Current Bonus Rebates (week of 11/4):  Applebee’s – 12%.
5. Upcoming Bonus Rebates (week of 11/11):  Outback Steakhouse – 9%; PetSmart – 7%; Sally Beauty Supply – 13%.
6. Team B (Amy Jellema, Lisa Long, Liz St. George, Kristina Bullion) will be putting the TRIP orders together on Tues., Nov. 5th.  TRIP orders will be ready for pick up in the school office on Tuesday by 2:45 p.m.
7. TRIP Teams for Stuffing Orders:  Team C – Nov 12; Team D – Nov 19; Team A – Nov 26; Team B – Dec 3

COMMUNITY NEWS
1. Too much candy from Halloween? Want to sell it back for our troops overseas? Ridge Dental Care, 619 Ridge Road in Munster, Indiana (836-5111) is doing their annual candy buy back this Wednesday, November 6 from 4pm to 7pm and Thursday, November 7 from 4pm to 6pm. Bring the children and candy and we will give you $1 for every pound. We look forward to seeing you.
2. Birthday Party for Jesus Open House – Thursday, December 5  at Wicker Park Social Center, 2215 Ridge Rd., Highland, IN for North Township children, accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Preschool ages from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and grades K-5 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  There will be crafts, games, facepainting, pizza, cookie decorating, and stories.  The event is free! If you are able, just like a party for a friend, bring a gift in the form of hygiene items or diapers of any size to be donated to Haven House in Hammond.  If you have any questions, please contact Tya Koutz at 219-730-8931.

PARENT NOTE – October 28, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This past week, the Highland Christian staff was able to travel to South Bend and attend this year’s Christian Educators annual conference. The theme for this year was “Establish the Work of Our Hands”. As a teaching staff, we were able to discuss our best practice, glean ideas from others, and share how we are impacting Continue reading Parent Note – October 28, 2019 →

PARENT NOTE – October 21, 2019
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Guardians,
This past week Friday, Highland Christian welcomed 53 pastors to our campus for a breakfast, chapel, and time of fellowship in the classroom. My personal highlight was seeing the students lay hands on their pastor(s) and pray for their ministries and work happening in their communities. We are blessed to have so many supporting Continue reading Parent Note – October 21, 2019 →