FRESH NEWS
October 11, 2023
Highland Families,
You know what we are all about around here at Highland? LEARNING. I know, right?!? This month is a really important time for us to do two things related to our core mission:
The first few weeks we spend getting information from students on what they have learned in this first half of the year through several different assessments for both reading and math.
We will spend long chunks of time together as professionals planning based on what students show us on these assessments, to make the most of our opportunities for learning and intervention the second half of the year.
This hard work helps us stay on-mission! Remember our mission is to work together to ensure that each student gains the skills they need to contribute to this world with confidence and kindness.
Thank you for your partnership to help make this happen!
With joy,
Mr. H
P.S. We would love to see you on Monday, Jan. 26 from 3-5 PM at the intersection of Soper Hill Road and Highway 9. It’s our annual “I LOVE Lake Stevens Schools” Rally! Come join us on the corner, or just honk and wave to show your support as you run your afternoon errands!
How We Communicate Inclement Weather? Is school a go? How will I know?
When winter weather hits, our top priority is the safety of students and staff. Our district’s geography is taken into account when the decision is made. One part of our area may be clear while other areas are struggling with snow or ice.
1. How the decision to close schools is made
To help make the best possible decision, weather forecasts are monitored throughout the process. District staff members drive the roads beginning at 3 a.m. checking schools and routes that are frequently impacted and report road conditions to the superintendent by 5 a.m. A decision and announcement is made as quickly as possible. This process sometimes changes based on weather conditions.
2. Information is shared using these communication channels:
• FlashAlert, www.flashalert.net. Local TV, radio and newspapers pull information from FlashAlert. You can subscribe to receive text and email alerts from FlashAlert.
• Social media
• Text message
• District mobile app
• Email to families
• District website
• We do not use our automated calling system for school delays and closures due to weather. If no messages are posted, schools are open and operating on normal schedules.
3. Delay and Closure Options
• Schools start on time (no message will be shared)
• Schools start on time with limited bus service.
• Schools start two hours late (no a.m. preschool, no out-of-district transportation, no morning Sno-Isle bus)
• Schools are closed (no after school activities, athletics or facility use)
• Options are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
If a two hour delay is needed on a Friday, school will do away with the 85 minute early release & shift to a normal M-TH dismissal time.
As cold and flu season ramps up, please remember to keep your child home when they are sick.
For helpful guidance, click the links below to review when students should stay home. If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to give me a call — I’m happy to help!
When you receive a call asking you to pick up your ill or injured child, please plan to arrive within one hour of being contacted.
When Should I Keep My Child Home?
Request for Donations
We’re currently in need of clothing donations to help support our students.
Items needed:
Gently used shoes — sizes 4 and up
Pants and shirts — sizes 12 and up (leggings and joggers are great!)
Urgent need for new underwear — boys & girls sizes 5–18 (must be in original packaging)
Your donations are always appreciated!
If your child comes home wearing clothes provided by the health room, please wash and return them so they can be used again. (Underwear is for single use only and should not be returned.)
Rainy Season Reminder
Please make sure your child has a change of clothes packed in their backpack.
The health room often sees wet or muddy students after recess, and unfortunately, we don’t have enough extra clothing for everyone. Talking with your child about making responsible choices during recess can also help keep them dry and comfortable throughout the day.
Thank you for helping keep our Highland students healthy, dry, and comfortable!
Warmly,
Nurse Joe
Highland Elementary Health Room
425.335.1574
Kindergarten
Kindergarten is learning about farms and why they are important for us! We are learning about different animals that you can find on farms. We are also going to be learning about types of crops that grow on farms. This all helps us understand how food gets to our supermarkets!
3rd Grade
Hello Highland Families! 🐝
Happy New Year! We hope this edition of Fresh News finds you and your family reFreshed, recharged, and ready to buzz into a strong start to 2026. It’s wonderful to have our students back as we head into January and February with renewed energy and focus.
January is an especially important time at Highland, as we gather midyear information to better understand how students are progressing toward their end-of-year goals. This information helps us provide timely, targeted support and ensures every student continues to grow and succeed.
To help your child feel confident and ready to do their best, we invite you to review the tips below. Together, we can support our Hornets as they show what they know and keep moving forward!
Helping Your Child Feel Ready for Testing
Help your child arrive rested and ready:
A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and arriving at school on time help students feel calm, focused, and confident. Simple routines the night before can make a big difference!Encourage effort and a positive mindset:
Let your child know that these assessments are an opportunity to show what they’ve learned—not something to worry about. Encourage them to try their best, take their time, and remember that effort matters more than perfection. Reassure them that one test does not define who they are as a learner.Support and build calm confidence:
Talk with your child about using strategies they already know—reading directions carefully, taking deep breaths if they feel stuck, and doing one question at a time. Remind them that their teachers and you believe in them and are proud of their hard work all year long.
Last, please take a moment to check out the Levy Renewals flyer. Your vote is your voice and we at LSSD want to hear from you!
Go Hornets!
Warmly,
Mrs. Christensen, aka “AP Mrs. C”
Our One School, One Book is starting later this month on January 27th! For those new to our school, each family will receive a copy of our school book to read together as a family at home. Each night will have a chapter to read then the following day, students will have an opportunity to answer trivia questions. The website will have staff members reading the chapters as well as other fun activities you can do as a family!
Can’t wait to announce the book title on January 27th!
Upcoming Dates
January 15 - Sahara Pizza Fundraiser
January 16 - All School Spirit Day - Decades Day!
January 19 - NO SCHOOL, Martin Luther King Day
January 26 - NO SCHOOL, Learning Improvement Day
January 27th - One School, One Book begins