Middle & High School Updates
February 2025
From the Desk of Mr. Pabst
Highlander Families,
We are heading into the second semester and the second half of the year. This year seems to have moved quicker than most and the second semester will move even faster.
Since the start of the year, we have faced some challenges, especially in regards to staffing but we continue to make progress in filling these vacant positions. Despite these hurdles, we continue to move forward and the energy remains positive as we continue to build school culture events.
Recently I have seen students helping each other with instruction, providing peers with feedback, and encouraging their friends who are struggling. This is just one of the many characteristics that make Highlander special. I strongly encourage all students who need assistance with assignments or need to improve their grades to speak with their teacher. We are in the process of finalizing the logistics around our tutoring program and once completed will communicate information to everyone.
Our school-wide test prep initiatives are starting to get kicked off for the RICAS, PSATs and SAT tests. We are in the process of finalizing our plans and they will be embedded in their daily instruction for ELA, math courses, and other courses. Combining our teacher's instruction of using a high-quality curriculum curriculum, our test prep, and encouragement from all parties we will have a successful testing season.
In our recent meetings with families, the energy has been positive, encouraging, and motivating as we all come together to work towards finding solutions. These discussions have been centered around staffing concerns, student opportunities, and other challenges we face as a district. As a school we are looking to expand our family engagement to provide platforms for these discussions (such as SIT meetings), opportunities for family activism and volunteers, and community partnerships. More information will be shared.
We all are working towards a common goal–we want our students to receive the best education possible to prepare them for life beyond high school, to provide a healthy and safe learning environment, and for them to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for your continuous involvement and consistent communication with me and our staff. I encourage you to remain in contact with your student’s teachers and regularly check Skyward for updated grades and Google Classroom for assignments.
It is my privilege to be your child’s principal. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or information that can help us support your child.
Best,
Mr. Wil Pabst
Upper School Principal
Key pieces of information
- February 17th: President's Day No School
- February 18th-21st: Winter Recess No School
- March 8th: Middle & High School Open House (for new families)
What we're up to
Math Class
These pictures are proof of the research that shows sticking with routines and encouraging students with positive feedback can change their world!
This is why I love what we do here!
Mrs. Houlik
Mr. Whittle’s GSL class - In GSL we are working on Environmental sustainability projects and one group had a great meeting with Big Brothers Big Sisters about a clothing drive at Highlander. More information to come.
Miss Wilhelm’s US History students created a storyboard that illustrated a historical event and presented it to their classmates. Her EDC students are working on their final project, where they choose a social injustice and "hack" it. They analyze the actors and structures involved in the social injustice and brainstorm ways to remedy that injustice.
Miss Lamagna’s Middle School Science students are bringing in a picture or a quote that inspires them , brings joy or sense of peace for their visual wall.
FYI
Below are some reminders about Highlander policies as we start the school year:
Students are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles daily. Please ensure names are written on them.
Healthy snacks are encouraged at lunch time. Please keep in mind we are a peanut-free school. Soda is not permitted. NO large or family size bags of chips, crackers, or other snacks or food.
Students are assigned homework daily, and are expected to complete these assignments in a timely manner.
Uniforms are required Monday through Thursday. Please visit the school website for our uniform policy and purchasing information. We are aware of delays with some orders. If this is the case or you have other concerns, please feel free to contact us.
January 2025
Click here for full calendar: https://www.highlandercharter.org/for-families/events/calendar/
Family Engagement
It's hard to believe that January has already come to an end! We have had a very busy month, and we are accomplishing a lot each day that school is in session. Thank you to all the families that joined us for the meetings and celebrations we had in January. February is here and we are ready to keep learning and celebrating and supporting each other as a school community.
Is Your Emergency Contact Up to Date?
It is officially mid-year, and we are into the winter season. This is a great time to check your emergency contact and authorized pick up list on Skyward. Students can only be released to people who are listed on Skyward. Make sure you have a list of alternate people who can pick up your child in an emergency if you are not available. Traffic, health incidents, weather delays and general delays can happen to anyone at any time. If something completely unexpected were to happen to you during the day, who would be able to be at school for pickup in the afternoon? Please make sure your information is updated. For help with login to Skyward you can email tromero@hc.school or message me (Ms.Tatiana) on dojo. To make edits to your contact information on Skyward please reach out to schoollife@hc.school
February Attendance Challenge
We want to see everyone in school, on time, every day that you are well! We encourage everyone to come to school each day that school is in session, even if it is the day before or after a school vacation. Every day matters.
February attendance challenge, come to school every day on time for a chance to win a prize. Print the calendar for the month of February and track your attendance, submit your calendar to Ms. Tatiana at the end of the month to enter the raffle.
Community and Family Resources
Make sure to check the Community Resources Section and the new Immigration Resources for Families Section.
As always please reach out if you need help.
With love,
Ms. Tatiana