Highlands Highlights
September 4th, 2024
Highlands Highlights September 4, 2024
Welcome Back to Highlands
Welcome back to another exciting school year! We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our returning Highlands families, as well as those who are joining our school community for the first time.
We understand the vital role parents and guardians play in their child's education. We value your partnership, encourage open communication. We believe that by working hand in hand, we can provide our students with the best possible education and prepare them for a bright future.
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. Update your Information. Click on More, then My Info Update in the left side menu on your portal page. 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.
Will your student be riding the bus to or from school?
The MyBus app is a tool that allows parents to monitor their student's school bus as it progresses along the route to and from school. To create an account and see a tutorial on how to do this, please click here. Scroll to "Create a MyBus Account" found in the middle column. Follow directions to create your account.
Bus routes will run as posted for at least the first two weeks of school. Adjustments to route times, if needed, will be made mid-to-late September and families will be notified of changes. Visit the District's Transportation Services webpage for more information.
Help needed to access the Portal?
If you need assistance accessing the portal, please email parentportal@edinaschools.org or visit the Edina Family Resources webpage for information and tutorials.
Are you a parent or a guardian of a child who receives special education?
Apply to serve on the District Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) for the 2024-2025 school year. The mission of the SEAC is to advise the school district on programs and services, to act as community liaisons for parents of students with special needs, and to elevate important topics, all to meet the special education needs of children and families within Edina Public Schools.
Raptor Visitor Management System
The Edina School District will continue using the Raptor Visitor Management System in all of our schools. The Raptor system will better allow us to screen visitors, contractors, and volunteers in our schools and provide an added layer of security for our students and staff.
When visiting any of Edina Public School’s buildings, visitors will be asked to present a State-issued photo identification such as a Driver’s License, which can either be scanned or manually entered into the Raptor system. If a visitor for any reason does not have a State-issued photo identification, the school staff member can use alternate forms of identification and manually enter the person’s name into the Raptor system. An ID with a full name and date of birth is preferred. Safety and security are top priorities in our school. Thank you for your cooperation in this important effort.
Save the Dates
9/10 PTO Exec Meeting
9/10 Playground Ribbon Cutting
9/11 New Parent Welcome Coffee
9/17 3rd & 5th Grade Vision Screening
9/18 PTO General Meeting, Town Hall & New Parent Social Hour
9/24 Photo Retake Day - morning
10/8 1st Grade Hearing and Vision Testing
10/8 PTO Exec Meeting
10/9 Davanni’s Fundraiser
For more Highlands dates, please Go to the Highlands website at: https://highlands.edinaschools.org/
MN Free Schools Meal Program
During the 2023 legislative session, the Free School Meals Program was signed into law. Every public-school student in the state of Minnesota, grades E-12, will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each day that school is in session at our school campuses. The Free School Meals Program does not apply to additional breakfasts, additional lunches, or any a la carte or extra items; all of these items will be charged to your student's meal account at the adult lunch rate of $4.95 per occurrence.
While all students will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch again this school year, all families are still encouraged to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Your student may qualify for additional benefits such as reduced transportation or test fees, and the application may help the school qualify for education funds. The application can be found here: https://www.edinaschools.org/abouteps/departments/food-and-nutrition-services/mde-educational-benefits
Safety at Highlands
First Evacuation Drill
On Thursday, September 5th, Highlands will practice our first evacuation safety response protocol (drill) of the school year. In Minnesota, all schools are required to practice 5 evacuation (fire), 5 lockdown and 1 severe weather drill throughout the school year. Each of these safety response protocols are preceded by classroom instruction for the students from their classroom teachers. When planning drills, we always inform staff and students of the days/times so a conversation occurs regarding reasons why we practice drills and the procedure for safety. For more information on the different safety response protocols (drills) we run in Edina, please review this document.
Edina Gear Swap
Save the date and gather your gear. The community-wide GEAR SWAP is almost here! learn more at www.edinagiveandgo.org/gear-swap
ALL ARE WELCOME! ~All proceeds from GEAR SWAP benefit the Edina Give and Go mission. We serve the 20% of Edina Public School students that are economically disadvantaged by helping them gain access to arts, athletic and academic opportunities through advocacy, partnerships and scholarships.
Highlands Together
Highlands Together is a small confidential support group for the Highlands school community.
How it works:
When the principal or social worker has a need to support a student or family (school supplies, winter gear, snacks, etc.) they will reach out to the point person for Highlands Together and make the request.
That person sends an email to the confidential distribution list requesting the items or assistance with the need and gives directions on how to drop them off in the office for the social worker, Addie Hakes.
It’s a fantastic way to give and support Highlands and its kids!
If you would like to join the distribution list please send an email to Mary Boldischar at mebrozic@yahoo.com with Highlands Together in the subject line.
From the Health Office: Vision Screening
Next week our Kindergarten male students will have their color vision screened for color blindness.
Parents/Guardians will only be contacted if there are concerns with the screening results.
As with any school screening, you have the option to opt out of your student participating. If you have questions or wish to opt out, notify the health office at 952-848-4547 or via email: staci.house@edinaschools.org
On September 17 , 2024, our 3rd and 5th grade students will have their vision screened.
Parents/Guardians will only be contacted if there are concerns with the screening results.
As with any school screening, you have the option to opt out of your student participating. If you have questions or wish to opt out, notify the health office at 952-848-4547 or via email: staci.house@edinaschools.org
Art Opportunities
From the PTO
Husky Back to School Bash and Ribbon Cutting next Tuesday, September 10th from 5:30pm-7:00pm. Food trucks! DJ! Playground fun!
Save the Date:
Fall Town Hall 5pm-6pm Social Hour for New Families, 6pm-7pm Fall Town Hall - entering in Door #1 Come hear about all the ways math is taught. Learn math games to play at home.
Highlands Elementary
Main Office Line: 952-848-4500
Attendance Line: 952-848-4502
Website: https://highlands.edinaschools.org/
Location: 5505 Doncaster Way, Edina, MN 55436
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HLHappenings