** REMINDER THAT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IS CRAZY HAIR/HAT DAY!**
Dear Highwood Families
As the weather is warming up, just a reminder to dress your child in layers. It can be a bit chilly in the morning but very hot in the afternoon! Please label all of your child’s clothing items so we can return them when they are left outside. We also ask that students wear appropriate outdoor shoes (not sandals and flip-flops) to ensure safety on the playground when they are outside for recess and outdoor gym.
Here are a few reminders for the month of May:
- After school pick up- parking
- Packing more food for students
- Inform the school of any change to personal information
- Bus Driver Appreciation Day (May 5)
- What do teachers do on early dismissal Fridays and PD Days?
- Important May dates
After School Pick-up - Parking
After school is one of the most chaotic and important parts of the day. The school needs to ensure that all students are safe and going home on the correct mode of transportation. What has made things more difficult is the chaos in our back parking lot and back alley. We have Highwood drivers parked illegally throughout the alley and blocking our neighbour’s driveways. WE HAVE RECEIVED MANY ANGRY COMPLAINTS FROM OUR NEIGHBOURS! We are pleading with all Highwood drivers to please be considerate of our neighbours and to abide by the law. Our Assistant Principal has had to do parking patrol because things have gotten so bad… which isn’t her job! Drivers have been ‘good’ when she is around, but ‘not so good’ when she is not out there. We would hope that all drivers would make the right decision, regardless of whether there was someone patrolling the parking or not. With the weather improving, please consider parking legally on the street (and not blocking any driveways) and walking a bit further. If you have a family member/ friend who does after school pick-up, please pass this message on to them as it is very important.
Packing More Food for Students
It’s spring and the flowers and plants are growing, and so are your children! We’ve recently had an increased number of students coming to the office because they are still hungry after snack time and lunch time. Please pack a little extra to eat for your child each day and check in with them regularly to see if they have enough food while at school.
Inform the School of any Changes to Personal Information
It is extremely important that the school has the most current information as possible. If you’ve changed your home address, cell phone number, work phone number, or emergency contact people, please let us know immediately. It is also important for us to know about any changes to health information (i.e. allergies; medications) and legal matters (i.e. custody agreements; restraining orders).
Bus Driver Appreciation Day (May 5)
Monday, May 5 is bus driver appreciation day. Please take the time to show your gratitude to your child’s bus driver on May 5, but also all year long. They have a very tough and important job trying to ensure that your child gets to and from school every day in a timely but safe way… which is extremely difficult during the winter months! There have been school bus driver shortages throughout the CBE all year long, so we are grateful that most of our dedicated drivers have been with us for such a long time. They truly care for your child and their well-being!
What do Teachers do on Early Dismissal Fridays and PD Days?
Contrary to what many people assume, teachers DON’T go home on Friday afternoons and PD Days! During those times, teachers work at school to meet, collaborate, and participate in professional development opportunities. This past year teachers have met to look at student work, design intentional learning tasks, reflect on their own practice, interpret our School Development Plan data, and plan future projects, units, and assessments. Teachers have also worked closely with a professor from the University of Calgary who specializes in the Neurolinguistic Approach to language learning (part of our SDP), participated in workshops on Indigenous Education, and took part in CBE system professional development sessions.
Important May Dates
Wednesday, April 30: Spirit Day- Crazy Hat/ Hair day! 9:00- monthly assembly hosted by the Grade 1 team
Friday, May 2: Early Dismissal: Monday/Wednesday Kindergarten attends school
May 5-8: Grades 3 & 4 students wall climbing at Calgary Climbing Centre
Monday, May 5: Kindergarten: Clay for Kids (in-school)
Tuesday, May 6: Kindergarten: Clay for Kids (in-school)
Wednesday, May 7: Grade 1 at Telus Spark
Wednesday, May 7: Hats On for Mental Health Day! All students are encouraged to wear a hat to school to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health.
Friday, May 9: Early Dismissal: Tuesday/Thursday Kindergarten attends school
Sunday, May 11: Happy Mother’s Day!
Thursday, May 15: Grade 3 at Telus Spark
Friday, May 16: PD Day- NO SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS
Monday, May 19: Victoria Day- NO SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS
Wednesday, May 21: 1:15 Monthly Assembly HOSTS: Mon/Wed Kindergarten
Thursday, May 22: Grade 1 at Calgary Zoo; Grade 2 @ Heritage Park
Friday, May 23: Early Dismissal: Monday/Wednesday Kindergarten attends school
May 26- May 30: Sound Kreations (in-school dance residency for all students during gym time)
Tuesday, May 27: PM: Grade 4 visit Colonel Irvine School
Wednesday, May 28: Spirit Day: Western Day
Friday, May 30: Early Dismissal: Tuesday/Thursday Kindergarten attends school
Sincerely,
Highwood School