Middle & High School Updates

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

"You'll never reach higher ground if you are always pushing others down." - Jeffrey Benjamin

We are officially through the first month of school! The start of the school year is going great and has been a success thus far, despite some unique challenges.

As you may already be aware we have a few teacher vacancies but classes are being covered by certified staff members filling in on a daily basis while we continue to hire to fulfill these positions. We are working to hire the most qualified and best suited candidates while strategizing new ways to combat these shortages. During this time we will continue to provide our students with the highest quality educational experience..

This has not reduced the positive energy and enthusiastic vibe of students and staff. Each year it is incredible to see how our returning students welcome our new students as if they have been going to school together for years.

Throughout the year we will have our SIT meetings and regular updates in regards to our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Two years ago we were identified as a low performing school due to our 2022 graduation rate which was 65% but we improved it in 2023 to 85%, and last year to over 90%. Our staff, students, families, and community members have worked tirelessly as one to improve our school and the results are proving these efforts. In the coming weeks I will share more information in our goal areas of ELA, math, science, our graduation and suspension rates, as well as information on how you can assist with our CSIP.

We will continue to strengthen our school culture along with our academic expectations and demands, while providing the necessary support. We will continue to develop opportunities for students to participate in clubs, sports, supports, pathways to earn high school and college credits, and extracurricular activities

Over the last few weeks I have witnessed a lot of inspiring teaching, high levels of student engagement and impactful learning experiences. Our teachers are pushing to further student thinking while creating a safe learning environment.

We are looking forward to a successful and healthy school year.

Sincerely,

Mr. Wil Pabst

• Progress Reports are expected to be sent out on October 2nd. Progress reports indicate your child's academic status for the first half of the quarter. It is important for a student to have a strong start and lay a solid foundation for the year. When a student falls behind early on, they put themselves at a disadvantage, which can lead to unnecessary added pressure and stress. Students daily attendance is the first step for success.

• Please continue to message your child’s teachers, access Skyward to review grades and check Google Classroom for news and assignments for your child’s classes. The First Quarter ends on October 25th.

Welcome families to the guidance section of the Highlander newsletter! Here you will find important news regarding upcoming events and academic information. Your student has been invited to join the Guidance Google Classroom where information will be posted. Here is the code to join us: 4yjuijj.

On Monday 9/23 and Thursday 9/26, Highlander will hosted a Fafsa ID completion night. This was an opportunity for seniors and their families to get support with creating a Fafsa ID. The Fafsa ID allows for students and families to complete the Fafsa application which opens on December 1st, 2024. All seniors are asked to complete the Fafsa regardless of their postsecondary plan.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Courtney from the College Planning Center visited Highlander and met with our seniors. She supported them them in creating a Common App account. The Common App is a free online application that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application.

We will be scheduling graduation meetings with families to touch base with students who are credit deficient. During these meetings, we will come up with a plan to help students get back on track for graduation.

We will also be meeting with every student, beginning with seniors, to discuss their ILP (Individual Learning Plan). An ILP is a document that helps students connect their high school experience to their future goals. This will assist us with helping students create a path and guide them toward their post secondary plan.

Every student in grades 9-12 are expected to complete community service hours. Each year, students are asked to complete 10 hours. Please encourage your students to complete their required hours. Opportunities are offered here at Highlander and will be posted in the Guidance Google Classroom. Students should seek hours outside of Highlander (volunteering at a church, soup kitchen, library, local YMCA, etc)

Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to a wonderful school year!

Helena Johns (caseload A-M)

Barbara Wnuk (caseload N-Z)

• Civics and government classes are starting to discuss the Presidential election and election process. Be on the lookout for information in regards to our mock election and voter registration drive.

• Middle and high school science classes have started their exciting hands-on activities that bring learning to life.

• Students in Mr. Whisperwind’s Spanish classes created some amazing flags from various countries as well as displaying their cultural pride.

• Math classes have been off to a great start. Students who are engaged in learning the material are already showing progress in their math skills. Mr. Ben has seen tremendous progress and potential in his Pre-Calculus classes.

• Mrs. Weigand’s students are making incredible works of art that show off their creativity.

• In ELA students are examining texts, work of literature, and stories while they evolve into young writers.

• Students remain active and engaged in their PE and health classes.

• Students are assigned homework daily, and are expected to complete these assignments in a timely manner.

• Uniforms are required Monday through Thursday. Please visit the school website for our uniform policy and purchasing information. We are aware of delays with some orders. If this is the case or you have other concerns, please feel free to contact us.

TIP: Encourage your child to read, read, read! Reading exposes your child to a wide variety of words and phrases.

Click here for full calendar: https://www.highlandercharter.org/for-families/events/calendar/

Happy Fall to all!

We have many fun events planned for the month of October, make sure to check Class Dojo regularly for special announcements.

Saturday, October 26th is our Family Night at the RIFC soccer at Bryant University at 7:30pm against Miami!

It is just $10 per ticket. Less than a movie ticket!

We will all sit together.

• Students can join the team as they take the field.
• Students and families can take photos with the team mascot.
• Students will be able to get player autographs at the end of the game!

And, anyone who wants to can plan a tailgate party before the game!

For tickets https://www.highlandercharter.org/product/tickets-to-highlander-day-at-rifc-soccer/

Thursday, October 31st - Join us for our 1st Harvest Fest at the P VD Campus from 4:30-6:00pm. We will have food vendors, raffles, DJ, activities and give aways. Stay tuned for more details.

Have a shoutout for a staff, a student or group of students? Please use the following link to share: https://forms.gle/mKG7d5aU2iLoq7Yx5

Email: wpabst@hc.school