Hawks' Highlights

Dear Highland Acres Families,

It is with gratitude that I write to you all today welcoming you back to school as we begin this new year. In my first year as principal of Highland Acres, I continue to be impressed with the strong climate and culture of this school. The collaboration and professionalism among the staff that I witness each day reinforces in me what I love about my job.

Continuous improvement is what we continue to focus on in our work here. Our students’ safety and their academic, social and behavioral formation are our top priorities. So far this year, we have made great strides in all these areas, and I continue to work with BPS administration and our school staff to not only acknowledge and support the great work being done, but to identify opportunities for growth and improvement in facilities, instruction, communication, and programming.

Please know that my door, phone, and inbox are always open for your input and dialogue. I have had the privilege to communicate with many of you during the first half of this year, and I look forward to growing in these relationships and hearing from you more. Please know I am always willing to hear your thoughts and concerns about your child’s school experience, and I welcome any input you would like to provide on how we can best meet the needs of your children and this school community.

Looking forward to a great 2026. All My Best!

Tony Fladeland

Principal

Highland Acres Elementary

January

6th- PTO-Library

12th- Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

14th- 5th Gr. Horizon Middle School Visit

19th- NO School-Martin Luther King Day

26th- Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

30th- HAWKS Happenings Assembly-12:30

February

2nd- Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

3rd- PTO-Library

9th- Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

10th- Parent Teacher Conferences 2:30-6:30

12th- Parent Teacher Conferences 2:30-6:30

16th- No School- President's Day

17th- No School- Staff Development

23rd- Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

26th- Music Program Gr. 3-5-6:30

27th- HAWKS Happenings Assembly-12:30

Counselor Connection:

Kinder: Our lessons this month focused on fair ways to play, such as sharing, trading, and taking turns. We also talked about the importance of generosity and the kids made friendship bracelets to give to others.

1st: We discussed the difference between tattling and reporting, as well as the different ways to handle a conflict- a bug and a wish! (“It bugs me when __________ and I wish __________.” We also listened to the story “The Giving Snowman” and talked about the importance of generosity.

2nd: We focused on the size of the problem compared to the size of the reaction and the difference between tattling and reporting. We listened to the story “How the Grinch Got so Grinchy” and discussed ways to show kindness to others, even if we are different.

3rd: Our focus this month was on the size of the problem and learning about different ways to deal with conflict. We also listened to the story “A Wish for Christmas” and talked about ways to be a good friend.

4th: We defined gossip and rumors, how they affect others, and what we can do to stop the spread of them. The students also took a mini quiz covering the topics we have learned about over the past few months. If they took good notes, they aced it! We also played a holiday season Kahoot.

5th: We discussed different strategies to deal with conflict, such as walking away and talking peacefully and respectfully with others by using I-messages. The students also took a mini quiz covering the topics we have learned about over the past few months. If they took good notes, they aced it! We also played a holiday season Kahoot.

Schoolwide Team Update:

It was another short month, but our HAWKS were again able to meet their goal of 1,500 stickers by earning 1,592 for the month. This earned them a PJ and hot chocolate day on 12/23/25. Our upcoming superpower for January is resilience.

Also in January, we will be accepting applications from all students in grades 3-5 for our HAWKS Helpers meaningful work program. We will have a variety of positions available, and all students who apply will be hired for one of their top 2 choices. Please encourage your child to apply! Applications will be available January 6th, due to be turned in by January 14th, and all jobs will begin January 26th after interviews are held the week of January 19th.

Monthly Expectations Connected to Home:

While we work to teach and practice resilience at school, you can also help your child practice at home. Here is an article that outlines 7 characteristics of resilience and how to practice them with your child.

Resource of the Month:

“Come and join us Christmas Day from 12pm to 3pm for a wonderful homemade meal. We have gifts for all the children and everyone in our community is welcome.”

Heavens Helpers Soup Cafe - 220 N. 23rd St. Bismarck

Kindergarten- Emma, Reese

First-Maude, Kaden

Second- Campbell, Vale

Third- Owen, Alma

Fourth- Elizabeth, Akosua, Lester

Fifth- Lucas, Sebastian E., Adie

This month's recipients had lunch with Mr. Fladeland on Friday, January 9th

Congratulations students!

Happy New Year!!

—Your PTO Team

⛄REMIND your child to wear the appropriate clothing to school.

Highland Acres Elementary will send text messages throughout the year with important reminders and information. These texts will be sent from the number 79041. You will be asked after the first message to "opt-in" by replying Yes to continue receiving text messages. You can also opt-in at any time by sending Yes to 79041.

BYB offers opportunities for ages 5-19, giving players

at every level the chance to learn, grow, and compete!

Programs include:
• Cal Ripken & Little League (Ages 5–12)
• Babe Ruth (Ages 13–15)
• American Legion (Ages 15–19)
• NEW for 2026: High School League (Ages 16–18)

For season info and to register today visit bismarckyouthbaseball.org

Our online store for school gear is available all year long. Now you can easily browse and purchase a variety of Highland Acres merchandise from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking for t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or other school spirit items, our online store has something for everyone. Show your school pride by sporting the latest Hawks gear. Orders can be placed by clicking on the button below.

The Backpack-for Kids program is designed to help children by assisting them with food over the weekend. Bags are filled with nutritional food items and delivered to the school. If your family qualifies for the free or reduced lunch program and you need additional food for the weekend, please contact our school social worker, Marisa Misek at marisa_misek@bismarckschools.org or call the school office.

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES

Our Mission: "Empower every learner to thrive."

Our Vision: "Together, our strong relationships build inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environments that create agency and inspire a passion for learning, excellence, and discovery."

Our Values: Excellence, Innovation, Inclusion and Leadership.