FRESH NEWS

October 11, 2023

FRESH NEWS Sept. 11, 2024

From the Desk of Mr. Henderson

Dear Hornet Families,

What a strong start we have had to the 24-25 school year! We are thrilled to have over 550 Hornets in the nest this year! Please help us kick off the year at our Welcome Back BBQ this Friday, Sept. 13th from 5:30-7. Heads up that LSHS hosts a big home game that night, and the gates open at 5:30, so walk or carpool if you can as street parking in our neighborhoods may be impacted. (Go Vikings, Go Hornets! ;)

This year we are so excited to welcome many talented new staff members to Highland including:

Ryan Barci, Dean of Students

Kate Stull, resource room teacher

Sarah Potter, paraeducator

Lindsay Field, occupational therapist

Natalie Lemos, school psychologist

Jillian Johnson, first grade student teacher

Rebecca Force, Structured Learning Center teacher

Kristen Machen, third grade teacher

Amy Magness, Structured Learning Center teacher

Brayden Symonds, evening custodian

I am hoping that it’s been a great start for YOUR child. If as you get going into the year there are ways we can be of help to your child or your family, don’t be shy! Reach out 24/7 by text at 360.618.2284, by phone at 425.335.1590 and by email at ryan_henderson@lkstevens.wednet.edu.

All my best,

Mr. H

Ryan Henderson, Principal

P.S. Did you know? Every fall I start the year by writing a poem that shares my heart for this school year. Check out this year’s poem, We’re All In. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DzSKvKejkwNUP1TyHyzIjPANSheV2Fh5khcVhMSMshc/edit?usp=sharing

Personal Device Policy

In this week’s Wednesday Folders you will receive a special excerpt from our upcoming Family and Student Handbook. It’s our personal device policy that covers both cell phones and smart watches. Please complete the form attached to the policy if you wish for your child to have a phone or watch on campus with them at any point this year.

Drop Off Loop

Please remember to use the designated drop-off loop when bringing your children to school. For everyone's safety, do not drop students off on the main road. Thank you for helping us keep our school zone safe!

Thanks to the generosity of Brick & Mortar Books in Redmond Town Center, Highland was pleased to host author and illustrator Rob Harrell on the very week that his newest book, Popcorn, was released. Rob wowed students with his ability to create worlds, tackle hard topics like anxiety and cancer, all in a light hearted and real way. Highland 3-5 grade students wowed us with their engagement during his presentation.

What's Buzzing Around the Hive

3rd Grade

Third graders have been busy building community in our classrooms! We have also started reading a classic tale, Wind in the Willows. A big focus is on vocabulary and using these new and exciting words in our everyday conversations.

1st Grade

First graders are learning new vocabulary by acting them out! He we are learning about the word “balance” from our CKLA knowledge lesson about the fable, “The Milkmaid and the Pail”

Meet Ryan Barci, Dean of Students

Attendance Matters

https://www.attendanceworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Elementary_Handout_042924.pdf

Running Club

First one of the year is Friday, September 20 8:30am

Volunteer and Student Sign-up will be at the Back to School BBQ on Friday and will be emailed as well.

Lake Stevens School District Bond

The safety and security of our students is one of our top priorities. The 2024 school construction bond will fund safety and security improvements at all schools throughout our district. Work from the 2016 bond helped us make our school buildings much more secure. However, our aging schools need improvements to ensure they help keep our students and employees safe. This includes entry reception areas, school offices, and portable classrooms. Secure perimeters—similar to what you see at Lake Stevens High School—will be added to all schools, including fencing with electronically locking gates around buildings, portable classrooms and playgrounds