Hawks' Highlights

November

3rd-Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

3rd-PTO Meeting- Library-7:00

9th-Raffle Sales End

10th-Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

11th-No School Veterans' Day

13th-Buddy Assembly-gym-12:00

13th-Raffle Ticket Drawing

16th-U of Mary Activity Night-6:15

17th-Chess Club Gr. 2-5 Library-2:25

19th-Hearing Screenings K, 1 & 2

19th-Grade 2 & 3 Music Program-6:30

20th-U of Mary Activity Night-6:15

24th-1st Grade field Trip to Central Dakota Children's Choir

24th-Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

25th- No ASP Today

26th- No School-Thanksgiving Break

27th- No School-Thanksgiving Break

30th-U of Mary Activity Night-6:15

December

1st- Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

1st- PTO Meeting- Library-7:00

7th-U of Mary Activity Night-6:15

8th-Chess Club Gr. 2-5-Library-2:25

15th-Chess Club Gr. 2-5 Library-2:25

22nd-Chess Club Gr. 2-5 Library-2:25

21st-Jan 5th-Christmas Break

💬Counselor's Corner

In October, Kindergarten learned and practiced ways to calm down. They also practiced cooperation by putting together puzzles. In 1st grade, we discussed ways to calm down and mindfulness. We also talked about how choices have consequences- good and bad. In 2nd-5th grade, students learned about and practiced conflict resolution strategies. During Red Ribbon Week, the last week of October, we discussed healthy habits and how to make safe and healthy choices! Please take the time to talk with your child about what they are learning with the counselor!

💡What We’re Learning This Month

· K: How to be a good friend, Empathy, Kindness

· 1: How to be a good friend, Empathy, Kindness

· 2: How to be a good friend, Empathy, Kindness

· 3: Empathy, Kindness, Gratitude

· 4: Empathy, Kindness, Gratitude

· 5: Empathy, Kindness, Gratitude

🏠Try It at Home: Family Challenge

· The Gratitude Challenge: Take a few minutes each day to share, as a family, what you are thankful for and why. The more you practice gratitude, the more positive your attitude! Here are a few other ideas to try:

· Gratitude Round-Up: At dinner or bedtime, have everyone share one thing they are grateful for.

· Thank-You Surprise: Write a thank-you note or draw a picture for someone who made your day better.

· Gratitude Jar: Write down things you are thankful for on small slips of paper and add them to a jar. Read them together at the end of the week.

🌱Counselor Tip for Families:

• Make Time for Connection

Children don't always share what is on their minds right away. Take a few minutes each day to check in with your child. Ask questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Was anything tricky today?” Listen without rushing to fix the problem. Sometimes, children just need to feel heard!

🏫Schoolwide Update:

Buddy groups are routinely meeting every two weeks, and it’s been a joy to see students across grade levels playing and working together! November will mark the end of the first trimester, which means the kindergarten and 3rd grade buddy groups will be hosting the first student led assembly. Groups at these grade levels have also helped to plan meeting agendas and create posters to remind students about the expectation of the trimester: safety. 1st and 4th grade are up next for 2nd trimester planning.

HAWKS Helper jobs are in full swing, and students involved are busy assisting their supervisors with their assigned roles. We love seeing these students practice additional responsibility and become more connected with our school community.

📝Resource of the Month:

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, here are some resources to assist with Thanksgiving meals:

· Corpus Christi Free Thanksgiving Meal Box Sign Up

Thank you everyone for supporting the Fall Raffle— your support means so much to the PTO!

We’d love to see you there!

—Your PTO Team

Be sure to utilize the crosswalks outside the school for safety, especially since our mornings are getting darker as our season changes. There is a crosswalk button that can be pushed to help in safely crossing the street. Safety Reminders

Drivers, PLEASE use caution when dropping off and picking up students.

Please be sure your child wears the appropriate clothing to school.

If your student is missing any items they may be in the Highland Acres Elementary Lost and Found. We have a large selection of various items.

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.