Hawks' Highlights

May

4th - 8th-Teacher Appreciation Week!!

4th-Incoming Kindergarten Open House-5-5:45

6th-PTO-7:00pm-Library-NOTE DATE CHANGE

7th- 3rd Gr. Field Trip - Arrow Safety Day

8th- 4th Gr. Field Trip - Falkirk Mine

11th-All School Drone Photo

13th-All 5th Gr. District Track Meet-Dakota Community Bowl

18th-Talent Show rehearsal-2:25-3:25

19th-Kindergarten Graduation-9:15

19th-All School Bowling

20th-5th Gr. Graduation-9:30

20th-Talent Show-1:00

21st - Field Day

​21st-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR!

25th- Memorial Day

June - CampEd-June 1-June 26 at Roosevelt Elementary

Highland Acres will have an Open House for Incoming Kindergarten Students on Monday, May 4th at Highland Acres from 5:00-5:45!

Kindergarten Registration for students who will turn 5 by July 31, 2026. Registering early is the best way to guarantee a spot in your neighborhood school! Register your students here.

Student Support Report

Counselor Connection:

Kinder: We focused on and practiced different calm down strategies for strong emotions, such as angry, sad, or frustrated. We also discussed the importance of safety- how we can keep ourselves safe and who our safe adults are when we need someone to talk to or to help us in a situation.

1st: Our lessons focused on being respectful and showing respect by doing the right thing even if others aren’t. We also talked about safety- the importance of knowing our parent or guardian’s phone number, only calling 911 in an emergency and staying away from strangers.

2nd: This last month we discussed how to properly and respectfully solve conflicts as well as the importance of using kind words. We talked about how words have power- the power to hurt or the power to help. We also learned about safety. We talked about stranger safety and making safe choices.

3rd: We learned about the 4 different types of bullying and the difference between bullying and conflict. We discussed how to help in a bullying situation. We also talked about communication and the importance of being assertive when solving a conflict, instead of being aggressive or passive.

4th: We spent a few lessons discussing bullying- what it is, the different types, how it affects the target and what we should do if we encounter it- be an upstander, not a bystander!

5th: We had several middle school transition lessons focusing on some of their wonderings, fears, and what they are looking forward to as well as what the school day will look like and different activities they can participate in. We also discussed important life skills needed as they move on, such as teamwork, organization, and responsibility.

Schoolwide Team Update:

Our superpower for this month was cooperative. Our HAWKS practiced being cooperative during Team meetings by building the tallest tower with marshmallows and spaghetti! Unfortunately, they only earned 1,208 stickers and were unable to meet the 1,500 monthly sticker goal. They will need to work extra hard to earn the May reward. Our upcoming superpower for May is reflective.

Monthly Expectations Connected to Home:

Being reflective helps you understand yourself better, learn from your experiences, and make good choices. You can help your child build resilience through reflection by doing a few simple things at home. You will find helpful tips in this article.

Resource of the Month:

The Bismarck Public Library offers many different events and programs at all times of the year and for all ages. Check out their website here to explore what they have to offer for you and your family.

• Safety Reminders
  Student Pick-up and Drop-off

  • Student drop-off spots are streetside outside the school on Prairie Drive.
  • Please consider parking farther west on Prairie Dr., Midway Ave., and the west side of E. Highland Acres Rd. as after school pick up locations for your children.
  • Closer parking spaces should be prioritized for younger students.
  • There is No Parking at the small curb space across from the front entrance of the school due to low driver visibility and student safety concerns, please refrain from parking in this spot.
  • The handicapped area in front of the main entrance is reserved for official registered handicapped vehicles only. Failure to comply may result in a ticket and parking fine.
  • Parent/Guardians may wait in their vehicles or outside the front of the school for after-school pick-up.
  • Be sure that your vehicle faces the correct way as all traffic does for drop off and pick up.
  • We have a crossing guard at dismissal each day to help students cross the street. They will remain until all students are dismissed each school day.
  • There is a flashing light sign to utilize for students that cross the street when coming and going from school.
  • Follow the appropriate speed limit law and expected cautions around school areas.

Kindergarten-Anthony, Evelyne

First- Korben, Parker

Second- Ove, Taylor

Third- Ryker, George

Fourth- Lucy, Kendall, Elizabeth, Parker, Harvey

Fifth- Hazel, Everette, Priya, Sebastian

Well done, students!! This months recipients will have lunch with Mr. Fladeland on May 12th.

PTO Meeting

• Wednesday, May 6th at 7:00 pm - Library
• We appreciate you PTO for all you make possible at our school!!

• Please check the lost and found items for anything that may belong to your child. Items not claimed will be purged on the last day of school.
• Remember to pick up any medications you may have left with the office this year.
• Camp Edventure is June 1 - June 26 at Roosevelt Elementary
• NOTE: There is no breakfast available at CampED this year. ALSO: lunches will be $2.75 unless previously qualified for Free and Reduced.
• The 1st day of school this fall is August 19, 2026
• Kindergarten - Fifth school supply lists are basically the same as last year and will be posted in AUgust to the website

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.

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

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. Also to note: The Locker Room is in Kirkwood Mall and has items for purchase at their store

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.