---

Our 3rd graders have been working hard on writing opinion pieces! Their first work included sharing their opinion about whether or not students should be allowed to chew gum at school. Students learned about making a strong claim and supporting it with reasons and examples. They then edited, revised, and published their pieces along with a fun bubble gum picture! These are hung in the third grade hallway, check them out if you get the chance!

---

Important Upcoming Dates

• January 13th – PTO meeting 7:00 pm
• January 20th – No School
• February 1st – Winter Dance
• February 4th – Conference Night/Book Fair
• February 5th – Late Start school begins at 11:30 (prek normal schedule)
• February 6th – Conference Night/Book Fair
• February 10th Conference Night/Book Fair
• February 14th – 17th – No School

---

---

UPDATES FROM THE MUSIC ROOM!

Please click this link above to read a letter from Mrs. O with info about the Talent Show, Rockies game, Spring choir concert and the K-5 Highlands Music Festival.

---

Erie’s Paint the Plow Voting is now open!

This fall, in celebration of Erie’s 150th anniversary, the town’s snow plows received a special makeover, thanks to the creativity of our talented Highlands students and staff. The design, crafted by the Highlands, features five vibrant hot air balloons, each representing one of our grades from Kindergarten through 5th. Students added their personal touch by painting their respective grade’s balloon with their fingerprints.

Our youngest Hawks, the preschoolers, also contributed to the masterpiece by painting the sky and clouds, adding a beautiful and whimsical touch to the design. The backdrop of this stunning creation highlights the picturesque Flatirons and fields, a view we are fortunate to enjoy daily. Additionally, Soaring Heights, Aspen Ridge, and Meadowlark schools also contributed designs.

Now it’s time to choose your favorite! Voting is open, and we invite you to join in the fun and show your support for our Highlands students, who brought this design to life.

Cast your vote here.

Thank you for your participation!

---

Come cheer on our Highlands Unified basketball team as they play against Mead Elementary! Please reach out to Michelle Moon with any questions. [email protected]

---

Student Device Policy Update

To maintain a focused and secure learning environment, students are required to turn off personal phones during the school hours.  These devices should be stored securely in a designated area, such as their backpacks. Watches may remain on their wrists while on silent and can not be used for communication during the school day. If students choose not to follow these guidelines, the following warning system will be implemented:

Warning System:

1. First: A verbal warning will be given directly to the students
2. Second: A phone call will be made to the student’s parents/guardians
3. Third: The student’s device will need to stay in their backpack during the school day.

If a student needs to contact their parents, they may go to the office to make the call.  Our school has a health clerk on staff to assist with any issues related to health, whether a student is feeling unwell or injured. Parents are always welcome to contact the school office.

These procedures are in place to ensure the safety and security of our school community in a timely manner.

Smooth Dismissal: Parent Responsibility for Consistent Pick-Up

Parent responsibility is key to maintaining pick-up consistency.  When students know where to go, who will pick them up, and what the backup plan is, they are better prepared for any situation. Sticking to a consistent established plan is crucial to minimizing confusion and stress.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free dismissal process, we kindly request that parents discuss end-of-day pick-up plans with their children daily. Students should know how they are getting home before coming to school.  Clear communication helps students feel more confident and calm, especially if there are any delays.

We understand that true emergencies can arise. In such cases, please call the front office at (303) 702 – 8040 as early as possible if there is a change in the pick-up plan.  We want to ensure that all emergency changes are communicated effectively and in a timely manner and appreciate your cooperation in this matter. 

Non-emergency changes should be kept to a minimum and communicated early in the day and no later than 3pm.  We can not guarantee calls made after three will give the office enough time to communicate those changes with students and staff.

Parking

Drop off and Parking Safety Notices

Safety is our top priority when students are entering and exiting our school.  We want to refresh everyone about our parking system and let you know of some small changes regarding start of day lineups.

Highlands Circle has three designated crosswalks. The west crosswalk is staffed with a crossing guard which may be the best choice for your family.

The south parking lot is staff parking and bus pick up/drop off area.  Cars should not be using this area for drop off or pick up. Bus visibility is limited and best practice is for families to walk their students and follow the sidewalks to get on campus for safety purposes.

The east parking lot is the location of the hug and go lane, preschool entry, and special needs drop off.  Please only park in designated areas and only use the hug and go lane for a quick drop off.  The area in front of door #2 is not a hug and go lane.  Children should walk to their assigned doors after being dropped off.  In instances when students are not able to get to their assigned doors, students will  line up out front to wait until the outside supervising adult can bring them in.  Students may not enter early through door #1 due to staff not being in the rooms until after 9:05.  Any child arriving after 9:05 will need to be brought in by the adult guardian and signed in for proper attendance recording.

The west area playground/field has adult supervision beginning at 8:50. Students are not to play on the equipment (even with parent supervision) before school begins. 

Our campus supervisor will be walking around the building around 9:06 to gather any late arrivals into the building.

Attendance

School attendance is the foundation to a successful family partnership that ensures the ongoing academic growth and advancement of your student. 

Missing 10%, or 2 days a month, over the course of the school year, can affect a student’s academic success and make it harder to: gain early reading and math skills, build relationships and develop good attendance habits.

Please provide the school with a note from the doctor, orthodontist, dentist, therapist, or any appointment each time you go. This will ensure that your child’s attendance is documented and marked as Dr. excused rather than simply absent.

To report an absence please email Kate Trifiletti or call the front office at 303-702-8040.

As a reminder if your child is late and arriving after 9:05, you must sign your student in the front office. 

Change of Address

Families who have moved and who currently have a student enrolled at Highlands Elementary should email Kate Trifiletti at [email protected] with updated address information and proof of address documentation such as a utility bill, valid rental/lease agreement, mortgage contract or bank statement.

---

Fee Reminders

Material Fees

These fees directly support various student activities and resources at our school, enriching their educational experience.

In past years, these funds have contributed to our Exploratorium activities, grade-level educational magazines, science projects, and other specialized programs that benefit all students. We appreciate your support in making these valuable resources and activities possible.  Payment can be made in Infinite Campus.  Thank you to those who have already paid these fees.

iPad Insurance Fees

If you made a partial payment on your student’s iPad insurance fees, please be sure to complete your purchase. Insurance helps to offset costs associated with unintentional damage only when it is paid in full. If you would like to purchase insurance for your student’s iPad, please contact the front office.

---

Please make sure your students are dressed appropriately for the cold winter weather. For those who are new, and a reminder to our community, we have included our weather policy which is in our Highlands Parent Code of Conduct.

“Recess is an integral part of the school day and all students will be expected to participate.  Students should wear clothing and shoes appropriate for outside play.  Students can be excused from recess with a doctor’s note.

 Children will go outside for recess unless there is excessive precipitation, lightning or if the temperature falls below 15 degrees (temperature + wind chill). “

---

2025 -2026 Preschool Registration

• Visit svvsd.org/preschool for more details and registration information

2025-2026 Kindergarten Registration

• Visit https://www.svvsd.org/schools/enrollment/ for more details and registration information.

---

As we move into the winter and spring months, we encourage all families to periodically review our inclement weather protocols and shortened day schedules on the district website .

---

Please remind your child to look for any lost items and check our lost and found before they leave the building. You will have an opportunity to check for lost items during our Parent Teacher Confernces in February.

All unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the school year.

---

---

Hawk’s Nest News

Sign Up Here

• Volleyball
• Magical Mixtures
• Poms Class
• Chess Club
• Stuff a Buddy

---

Click above for PTO News and EVENTS

---

Quick Links