Navigating the halls of Highland Elementary School can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting Kindergarten. Two fifth grade students, Paisley Wilklow and Ciara Teamer helped make the transition a little bit easier for one Kindergartener. Both girls were named Students of the Month by Principal Joel Freer.

Paisley and Ciara work together to ensure the safety of a Kindergarten student when exiting the building each day. This year, Highland Elementary welcomed 137 Kindergarteners.

Principal Dan Wetzel of Highland Middle School named Daniel Hollifield September’s Student of the Month. Daniel participated in a new online math program piloted this year. In total, Daniel participated in more than 1200 hours of math work during his summer break.

Sydney Druttman was also honored for her summer achievements by becoming Highland High School’s Student of the Month. Ms. Druttman participated in a performance series held in Sydney, Australia. With only 118 students out of 1200 applicants accepted, the program required students to study and perform seven pieces of choir music. Principal Zimmer referred to Ms. Druttman as a model to her peers, and looks forward to seeing where her love of music takes her in the future.

Highland Elementary hosts Wonders of the Solar System summer program

Karen Brooks, Director of Data and Assessment for the Highland Central School District, provided the Board with a recap of the Wonders of the Solar System summer program. The two week experience, held at Highland Elementary in July, was attended by 70 students. The full day program allowed students to build solar cars, create crafts using binary code, learn how food grows by tending the school garden, and experience the planetarium at SUNY New Paltz.

Both students and parents agree, this year’s program was the best yet. The programs goal is to help students from regressing in their math and language skills during the summer break. Next year, Highland Elementary will host the Wonders of Sports. Invitations will be sent out before spring break of 2020.

Superintendent Attends Curriculum Night, promotes communication

Highland Elementary School opened its doors to parents and families during three curriculum nights. Superintendent Thomas Bongiovi was in attendance at two of the nights, and enjoyed talking to students and their families. Superintendent Bongiovi thanked Pack 70 Cub Scouts, the Highland Music Boosters, the Girl Scouts, and the Highland Elementary PTA for setting up tables at the event and promoting community involvement.

This month, Superintendent Bongiovi’s infamous “Monday Messages” are taking Highland parents back in time. Each Monday, the Superintendent sends a recorded message to the phones of Highland parents with district news, updates, jokes, and some words of wisdom. Over the next few weeks, Superintendent Bongiovi’s message will highlight what was popular during past decades. This trip down memory lane is part of an initiative to promote meaningful conversation and communication between parents and their children.

Annual Board of Education District Tour
The annual Highland Central School District Board of Education District Tour allows board members a chance to visit each of Highland’s three schools and receive a guided tour from each principal. The location of two of the upcoming Highland Central School District Board of Education Meetings will be changed to accommodate the tour. The October 15 meeting will be held at Highland Elementary School, and the November 12 meeting will be at the Highland Middle School. The Board of Education will conduct their tour prior to the start of the regular Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m.