• PTO info
• Social Media Tips and Resources
• Message from the Cafe
• Library Information
• After school events
• Riding the Bus Home with a Friend
• Libby App
• Extra Curricular Info
• Arrival and Dismissal
• Meals

Thursday, May 22nd-2nd grade field trip

Friday, May 23rd-Fun in the Sun

Monday, May 26th-Memorial Day-No School

Thursday, May 29th-Last Day of School

5/23 Fun in the Sun *Volunteers are needed https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAEAB22A2F9C52-56403336-funinthe#/

5/27 Fun in the Sun rain date

It is getting warmer out! Here is a reminder of what our dress code is:

STUDENT DRESS CODE

We ask for the support of our parents in ensuring that students come to school properly groomed and dressed. Proper attire is defined as clothing that is clean, does not create a health or safety hazard and is not distracting or demeaning to other students.

General Guidelines

● Any clothing, shoes or accessories that may pose a health/safety risk or is a disruption to the educational environment is not allowed.

● Clothing that is excessively ripped, tattered or has holes revealing undergarments or skin is not allowed.

● Clothing that is sheer/see-through or stretches to reveal skin is not allowed.

● Clothing containing references to gangs, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, violence, profanities, religious/racial slurs or anything offensive is not allowed.

Tops

● All tops must go to shoulders and be long enough in the front and back to not reveal skin or undergarments

● All tops are to be appropriately fitting, not excessively tight or loose nor revealing of skin or straps.

Bottoms

● All bottom garments are to be appropriately sized, not sagging, and cover undergarments.

● Shorts, skirts and dresses must be past fingertips when shoulders are in normal position.

Headwear

● Not allowed: hats, caps, full bandanas, sunglasses, etc. Exceptions are allowed for medical and religious reasons.

● Hoods must be down.

Footwear

● Not allowed: heelies, bedroom slippers or any other shoes without a hard bottom. Some classes may have specific footwear requirements for safety. Any form of clothing which is considered contrary to good hygiene, safety requirements or is disruptive to the educational process will not be permitted. The school administration reserves the right to approve or disapprove any items not addressed in the dress code policy.

As a school, we do not monitor students’ personal phones or social media accounts, but we do care deeply about their safety—both in and out of the classroom. We encourage you to have regular conversations with your child about their digital habits and consider the following tips:

Tips for Parents:

• Know what apps your child is using and talk with them about what each app does and how they use it.

• Check group chats regularly and be aware of who your child is communicating with.

• Establish clear expectations for online behavior and screen time.

• Remind your child that anything they post or share is permanent, even in private chats.

• Encourage open communication so they feel comfortable coming to you if they see or experience something concerning.

Helpful Resources:

• Common Sense Media – Offers reviews and advice on apps, games, and media.

• The Smart Talk – A free tool to help families have conversations about tech use and create a family agreement.

• StopBullying.gov – Information on cyberbullying and what to do if it occurs.

Parenting in the digital age can be challenging, but together we can help our students make safe, respectful, and informed choices. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support and for being a key part of our school community.

The cafeteria team is asking the students to bring a picture of themselves with their pet. They want to cover the walls with the students and their "best friends"!

Hi families, please don't forget to check your MealTime balance for your students' accounts weekly. Payments can be submitted in person to your school's office or kitchen manager in the form of cash/check. Payments can also be made online via www.MyMealtime.com, and conveniently via the My Mealtime app in the Google and Apple app stores. You will need your student's ID number to register online/in the app. There is a small service charge to make payments online/app. Don't forget, you can submit a meal application at any time during the year. Paper applications are in the main office, and online applications are also on www.MyMealtime.com. Thank you for your contribution to tackling school meal debt.

Children under the age of 5 in LCPL school districts are eligible to receive a free book every month from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! The books are theirs to keep forever.

The LCPL Foundation has provided the seed money for this program and pledged annual support so that we can bring books into as many kids' homes as possible.

You can pick up an application at any LCPL location or print one and mail it in. Start building your child's library today!

All students will be given digital access to our Lake County Library on their I-Pads via an app called Libby. This app allows the students to check out and read books at their convenience. If you do not want your child to have access to this, please email lbastaic@highland.k12.in.us, and Mrs. Bastaic will ensure they do not get a digital library card. Thank you!

If your child is riding the bus home with a friend, you need to send in a note with your child's name, the date, and who your child will be riding home with. The principal will need to sign off on those each time.

For their own safety and the safety of our community, pre-high school students can attend STOH events ONLY if accompanied by a paying parent or adult chaperone. The parent/chaperone will be responsible for the supervision of the student(s) throughout the duration of the event. All students may be required to show proper STOH identification at the ticketing window prior to entering STOH events. STOH reserves the right to deny entry to any individual 18 and under who cannot provide proper identification and demonstrate they are of high school age.

Here is a link to the full policy.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTkKU2kYoUp_qq5Vb-W4oyCnJVxYHAgfKLmILeiLfmdS5_AQf9LtJwWM9zgmIhIsfSuRv7CaeZGpvHV/pub

We are gearing up for an exciting week of all-new STEM fun this summer at Camp Invention! Register today for camp at Merkley and save $15 with code SUM15 by 5/15.

Only those that are eating breakfast can come in to the cafe at 7:20am. All other students can enter the building starting at 7:35am.

Breakfast is $1.50

Lunch is $2.00

You can find both menus here: https://www.schoolnutritionandfitness.com/index.php?sid=2809100435083594&page=menus

• • Doors open for students at 7:35 a.m. daily. Students who eat breakfast at school will be allowed entry beginning at 7:20 a.m. Anyone arriving after 7:50 a.m. will need to buzz and come into the main office to sign in.

  • Cars will enter the parking lot off Duluth Street (right turn only) and follow the curve to drop off students. Please pull up as far as you can and drop all your students off at one time. Have your children ready with their backpacks, lunch money, hugs, and kisses, so that when you stop they may exit the car quickly, and we can keep the drop-off line moving. The line can become backed up onto Duluth Street very quickly which causes safety issues for our parents, as well as other drivers.

  • Please drop off curbside only. Avoid dropping children off where they have to cross the street, this is extremely dangerous. It will be your responsibility to cross them if you choose to do this.

  • Please be mindful of other drivers and walkers. We know many of you have to get to work, and we want all children to be able to enter the building safely and on time.

  • 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade should be dropped off at Door C.

  • Kindergarten, 3rd, and 4th grade should be dropped off at Door B.

  • 5th graders and Lifeskills class will use Door G.

At the end of the school day, the following doors will be used for dismissal:

• Grade K will exit through door J (FIVE minutes before the rest of the grade levels)

• Grade 1 will exit through door C (main doors)

• Grade 2 will exit through door B

• Grade 3 will exit through door J

• Grade 4 will exit through door I

• Grade 5 and Lifeskills class will exit through door G

• Bus riders will exit through door J (a few minutes prior to the remainder of the school being dismissed where the buses will be waiting).

Cars may enter the parking lot off Duluth Street and follow the curve to pick up or park in the parking lot to walk up to get students.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE BUS LANE ON GRAND STREET.

We would like to thank you in advance for your cooperation as we strive to keep our Johnston families safe.

Please don't hesitate to contact us in the office for any ideas, thoughts, concerns, or words of encouragement! We are all part of this large extended mix of wonderful people we affectionately refer to as our Johnston Family.

Email: aharring@highland.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.highland.k12.in.us/o/jes
Location: 8220 5th Street, Highland, IN, United States
Phone: 219.923.2428
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Johnston-Elementary-School/61563407999318/
Twitter: @johnston_stoh

Instagram: @johnston_STOH

TikTok: @Johnston_STOH