PARENT NOTE – February 24, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Diversity is something that is celebrated and cherished at Highland Christian. As we conclude Black History Month, we are reminded that we do not celebrate our diversity for one month, but throughout the entire year. As a school, we have used intentional curricular choices, Jr. High collaboration groups focused on Continue reading Parent Note – February 24, 2020
PARENT NOTE – February 18, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
In last week’s Blue Note, I was able to revisit the importance of standards-based grading to our teachers, students, and parents. Standards-based grading (SBG) is making a substantial educational impact for students from kindergarten to 8th grade, both in our school and schools throughout the nation.
As you may recall, at our February Late Start, the staff was in deep discussion about self-assessment and how our students can engage in critical and action based self-reflection. Just as we ask our students to self-assess, our teachers exercise this same reflective practice. Continue reading Parent Note – February 18, 2020
PARENT NOTE – February 10, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
This past Wednesday, HCS had our monthly 10am Late Start. Many students were able to sleep in, catch a ride to school with a grandparent, or enjoy the slower pace of the morning. Although these are some nice student perks, what is the purpose of a Wednesday Late Start? It is to give time and space to focus our Continue reading Parent Note – February 10, 2020
PARENT NOTE – February 3, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Over the weekend, many of you watched the Kansas City Chiefs come from behind to beat the San Francisco 49ers in a major comeback. At the conclusion of the game, FOX reporters spent time asking players if they were nervous when they were down by ten points in the final minutes. Each player responded by saying they Continue reading Parent Note – February 3, 2020
PARENT NOTE – January 27, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
At last week’s chapel, students were tasked to be on the look-out for ways they can serve their community. Students as young as 5 years old discussed how they can use their hands, time, resources, words, prayers, talents, influence, and worship to impact the world for Christ. We learned in 1st Corinthians that the body of Christ has many parts which have different strengths, and yet each one is Continue reading Parent Note – January 27, 2020
PARENT NOTE – January 21, 2020
“Blazin’ God’s Light”
Matthew 5: 15,16
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
I pray your family had a restful MLK Day and were able to reflect on the impact Dr. King made on the United States, world, and Christ’s Kingdom. As our teachers and students discuss who Dr. King was and why we take a day to celebrate his legacy, I want to encourage you to continue this conversation at home. It is imperative that our Continue reading Parent Note – January 21, 2020
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
