Every year, the Highland Central School District Board of Education is updated on the district’s implementation of the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). This preventative, state mandated program, works to provide a safe environment for students, free from harassment or bullying. DASA specifically covers harassment and bullying that occurs between students and adults and students. Incidents of bullying, cyber-bullying or harassment can be verbally reported to designated DASA officers. A written DASA report is then completed within two working days. An investigation into the incident is conducted. After the investigation is complete,the results are shared with all involved parties. Consequences of confirmed harassment or bullying, depending on the severity, range from education or counseling to out of school suspension.

Each of HIghland’s three schools take a different approach when educating about bullying and harassment. Highland Elementary School teaches students school wide to be kind, respectful and responsible. A number of support staff, including school counselors, social workers and teachers, work with students to help them understand and prevent DASA incidents. Highland Middle School faces a unique challenge in preventing DASA incidents. Middle school students have been known to use the DASA reporting protocol as a way to threaten other students. This has resulted in the creation of the “something’s wrong” form, available throughout the school.Students can fill out this form if they were involved in a DASA type situation, witnessed an incident, or just need to talk to support staff or administration. These forms are submitted to the guidance office, with follow-up by staff within one to two days. The ‘something’s wrong” forms also help administration track student issues or concerns that may need to be addressed to the entire population.

By the time students reach Highland High School, they are very familiar with DASA. Each school year starts off with a class assembly, where DASA protocols are reviewed. Student led assemblies throughout the year highlights the expectations at school events, field trips and sports events. If a DASA event is reported, the school has assembled a team that will carry out the necessary investigation and provide support to all involved.

Students of the Month for December
Highland Elementary School named Gabriella Gemmel their student of the month. According to her band teacher Karen Adamec, Gabriella is a kind, dedicated student who enjoys playing the clarinet and piano.She consistently helps her fellow classmates and described as a joy to be around. Congratulations Gabriella.

Highland Middle School’s Student of the Month for December is Kai Roper. A thoughtful, considerate and insightful student, Kai provides humor and compassion throughout the school day. Kai is a new addition to the Highland Central School District, and has adjusted well. Congratulations Kai.
Highland High School’s Student of the Month, Benito Vargas, had a very special reason for not attending the Board of Education meeting. Mr. Vargas was on stage performing with the SUNY Ulster Community Wind Ensemble Tuesday night. In addition to taking five college level classes and competing in Cross Country and outdoor Track, Mr. Vargas plays numerous instruments, including the tuba, trombone and piano. After graduation, Mr. Vargas plans to major in music, hopefully at his first choice of colleges, Carnegie Mellon. Good luck Benito.

Highland High School’s Flex Class Competes in the NYS Special Olympics Equestrian Competition.

The Highland High School Special Olympics Equestrian Team won a collection of gold and silver medals at the New York State Special Olympics Equestrian Competition on October 29. Wearing team shirts, donated by the Highland Teachers Association, the six riders, along with their teacher and coach Domonique Copper, competed against other New York teams at Hidden Hollow Farms, a therapeutic horse farm in Red Hook, NY. Team members include Jasmine Sullivan, Jonaah Super, Tyler Chorvas, Katie Cruz, Isabella Reid, and Eric Fernandes.

The Highland High School Flex Class regularly visits Hidden Hollow Farms, learning about riding and caring for horses. Working and completing projects, such as painting fences and cleaning the barns, give students the opportunity to experience independence and gain hands on experience.

As a gift to the Board of Education, the Equestrian Team decorated horseshoes, worn by horses on the farm.

The next meeting of the Highland Board of Education will take place on Tuesday, January 14 starting at 7 p.m. at Highland High School.