Hawks' Highlights

November

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

4th-PTO Meeting- Library-7:00

6th-U of Mary Activity Night 6:15

11th-No School Veterans' day

12th-Raffle Ends

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

19th-Hearing Screenings K, 1 & 2

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

21st-HAWKS Happening Assembly

21st-Raffle Ticket Drawings

21st- HAWKS Happening Assembly

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

25th-1st Grade field Trip to Central Dakota Children's Choir

26th- No ASP Today

27th- No School-Thanksgiving Break

28th- No School-Thanksgiving Break

December

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

2nd- PTO Meeting- Library-7:00

11th- 1st and 2nd Gr. Music Program-6:30

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

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

24th-Jan 6th-Christmas Break

Counselor Connection:

Kinder: After our lessons on feelings last month, we focused on the importance of being able to recognize big uncomfortable emotions and what to do when they arise. We practiced breathing exercises as well as different strategies that can help us feel calm in order to make good choices. We practiced cooperation by putting puzzles together with a group. We ended with a lesson during Red Ribbon Week on making safe and healthy choices.

1st: We discussed the importance of cooperation- working together to accomplish a goal. We put puzzles together with a group. We also focused on how to make good choices and talked about how every choice comes with a consequence, good or bad. For our Red Ribbon Week lesson, we discussed healthy/unhealthy as well as safe/unsafe choices.

2nd: We talked about cooperation and why it’s important to be good teammates. We practiced working together in a group. We discussed self-esteem and talked about making safe and healthy choices.

3rd: We practiced cooperation with the fun lesson ‘Saving Fred’! The kids always love this one. Ask them about it! We also talked about the characteristics of a good friend and why empathy is an important life skill. We recognized Red Ribbon Week with discussing healthy choices for our bodies. See if they can tell you about 54321 + 10.

4th: We talked about cooperation and practiced working together in a group. After discussing the different types of learning styles, the students were given helpful tips for learning based on what their learning style is, based on a short quiz. We also learned about the 4 different types of health- physical, emotional, mental, and social and how to keep ourselves healthy.

5th: We discussed cooperation and practiced it with others in a group. We also discussed the different types of health- physical, mental/emotional, and social and how to keep ourselves healthy as we get older.

School-wide Teams Update:

The October HAWKS Happenings Assembly to finalize our focus on being an engaged citizen was held on 10/24/25. During this assembly, students were informed that we earned a monster mash glow stick dance party by earning over 1,500 stickers again this month. The dance party will take place in the afternoon on Thursday, October 30th.

Next month our Superpower of the Month is being creative. If we meet our monthly goal of 1,500 stickers, students will earn a turkey trot at the end of the month.

Monthly Expectations Connected to Home:

With our Superpower of the Month changing to “creative” for November, we encourage you to also explore your child’s creativity in your home. Here is an article with ideas on how to boost creativity in your child.

Resource of the Month:

Families who qualify for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can request a voucher for free winter gear. The Bismarck winter clothing giveaway will take place on 11/13. You can learn more about this clothing drive by reviewing this news article or going to www.communityoptionsnd.com.

Kindergarten- Wren, McKenna

First-Jace, Kinley

Second- Ryder, Mara

Third- Ruby, Harlan

Fourth- Parker, Harvey, Ellie

Fifth- Nora, David

This month's recipients had lunch with Mr. Fladeland on Tuesday, October 28th!

Why Should You Wash Your Hands

Having clean hands is one of the most important things we can do to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth. People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Removing germs through proper handwashing helps prevent diseases, stomach illnesses and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections.

How to Wash Your Hands

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Rub your hands together to create a lather with the soap. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, be sure to scrub the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, your thumbs, wrists and under your nails.

3. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

4. Dry your hands using a clean paper-towel/towel or air dry them.

When to Wash Your Hands

• Before eating food
• After using the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching garbage

References: CDC.gov

Huge thanks to everyone for the amazing energy and support for our Fall Raffle kickoff— your support means so much to the PTO!

We’d love to see you there as we keep the momentum going and plan more great things for our students and school!

—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.

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.

~Instructional Chess Videos provided by Todd Wolf

Here is a series of 5 instructional chess videos created by International Master Daniel Rensch.

Everything you need to know about chess: Start Playing (21.51)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s4Ajmba9o4

Everything you need to know about chess: The Opening! (14.41)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21L45Qo6EIY&t=128s

Everything you need to know about chess: Tactics & Strategy! (14.45)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv7_0svOlQU&t=17s

Everything you need to know about chess: The Endgame! (14.59)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mhLQOZKVQs&t=21s

Everything you need to know about chess: Bringing it Together! (16.35)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU-bt9oaLNc&t=24s

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.