February 23, 2009
Take Note
Creativity Convention 2009 Thursday, February 26, 2009 Click here to meet our Guests Roger Reid, Deborah Wiles, Susan Eaddy and Charles Tortorici All School Community Meeting Spencer Center 8:05 a.m. – 8:25 a.m. Preschool – 1st Grade Susan Eaddy - Illustrator - Spencer Center 9:40 a.m. - 10:25 a.m. Charles Tortorici - Musician - Learning Center 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The Faculty and Staff would like to offer our sincere thanks to the 4th Grade Parents who provided the Teacher Appreciation Lunch in January, and to the 3rd Grade Parents who provided the Teacher Appreciation Lunch in February. Both meals were wonderful and a great treat for everyone!
Are you ready to take the Spring Break Challenge? Look for details in your student’s backpack mail! Information about the Southside Baseball Association registration can be found on pages 4 and 5.
2nd Grade - 5th Grade Charles Tortorici - Musician - Learning Center 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Susan Eaddy - Illustrator - Spencer Center 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Roger Reid - Author - Spencer Center 12:35 p.m. - 1:35 p.m. (Roger Reid’s presentation is optional for 2nd grade) Deborah Wiles - Author - Spencer Center 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. 6th Grade – 8th Grade Roger Reid - Author - Learning Center 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Charles Tortorici - Musician - Learning Center 1:00 p.m. - 1:40 p.m. Deborah Wiles - Author - Spencer Center 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. All pre-ordered materials will be delivered to the students classrooms on Wednesday afternoon.
Calendar Highlights Mon. Feb. 23 5th and 6th Grade National French Contest Tues. 24 Preschool to Children’s Theatre Wed. 25 3rd and 4th Grade National French Contest Middle School Exams (See Schedule on Page 2) Thurs. 26 Creativity Convention Middle School Exams (See Schedule on Page 2) Fri. 27 All-School Community Meeting 10:00 a.m. UAB presents The Amazing Traveling AESOP Middle School Exams (See Schedule on Page 2) Highlands School Parents’ Auxiliary Spring Merchandise Sale Orders are due Mon. March 2 Noon Dismissal for Students Wed. 4 7th and 8th Grade National French Contest Fri. 6 Kindergarten Play for Parents 8:05 a.m. Spencer Center Kindergarten Play for Students 10:00 a.m. Spencer Center
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Highlands School Code of Conduct Review At Highlands School, we are committed to lifelong learning. Part of the learning process includes reflection, and each year we examine certain aspects of school life to determine how we can improve them. This year, our review includes school discipline policies. Amy Mendel and Shelby Hammer are working with a committee of teachers with input from a parent focus group to review and possibly to revise the Highlands School Code of Conduct and other related policies. Watch for news in future issues of Highnotes and other communication from the school.
Middle School Exam Schedule Wednesday, February 25 6th Grade: Math and Science 7th Grade: Science and English 8th Grade: Social Studies and Science Thursday, February 26 (Creativity Convention) 6th Grade: English 7th Grade: Social Studies 8th Grade: English Friday, February 27 6th Grade: Social Studies and Foreign Language 7th Grade: Math and Foreign Language 8th Grade: Math and Foreign Language
Middle School Drama Elective presents Jungle Book The jungle was jumping with jazz when Jungle Book came to Highlands School compliments of the middle school drama elective. Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the whole jungle gang sang and danced their way through adventures with the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. The play was an adaptation of the Disney film and included many of the best loved tunes from that production. Congratulations and thanks to the students for their hard work on this outstanding performance. We also say a special thank you to the seven fifth graders who sang with the cast and the parents who helped with the costumes. Highlands Students Sweeps Annual UAB Egg Drop Congratulations to the Highlands Egg Drop team that took all three middle school places with best and lightest designs that protected an egg from a 30 ft fall. First Place: Patrick Scalise Second Place: Morgan Bend Third Place: Patrick O’Neal
Short Notes Save the Date! School-wide Grandparents and/or Special Friends Day 2009! Friday, April 3 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Invitations to this annual event will be mailed on Friday, March 13. If you did not provide the Grandparent information on your students’ information form at the beginning of the school year please email it to Peggy Darby at pdarby@highlandsschool.org before Friday February 27. Also, if your student would like to invite a special friend in place of a grandparent please send their contact information before Friday, February 27. Please be sure to include your students name and teacher. If you have any questions about this event please feel free to contact Peggy.
Don’t forget to buy your Spring School Spiritwear by this Friday. This is the last sale of the school year!
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Middle School Students Participate in All-State Orchestra Emily Polhill (violin), Sarah Polhill (violin), and Patrick Scalise (cello) participated in the All-State Orchestra Festival in the String Sinfonietta in Tuscaloosa over the weekend of February 12-15. More than 1500 students auditioned for this opportunity, and only 200 students were selected. The students spend long hours practicing on the four days before their final performance on the last day. Congratulations to them on their achievement! (Picture courtesy of Kiki and Pierre Scalise.)
Theatre LJCC Presents SEUSSICAL, JR. (Children's Musical) February 19, 21, 26, 28 at 7:30 p.m. and February 22 & March 1 at 2 p.m. Adults $12; Students $10 Click here for more information This performance will feature Highlands' students, Carolyn Calvert-Grimes as a bird girl, Cecilia Reisner as the Mayor of Whoville and Ada Cohen as his wife. The Birmingham Ballet will be performing Hansel and Gretel on Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28. Both performances will feature Highlands School Kindergarten student, Lilla Carroll in the role of a cherub who helps to protect Hansel and Gretel from the Witch. Click here for more information and tickets. Also, there are coupons available at the front desk on a first-come, first to get basis. Fourth Grade Students Host Annual Publishing Party On Friday, February 20, the 4th Grade Students held a Publishing Party where they read short stories they had written as a part of class. Parents, Faculty and fellow students enjoyed hearing the creative stories and asking questions about each story. Great job 4th Grade!
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Southside Ball Association PO Box 321414 Birmingham, AL 35232
Dear Parents and Guardians, Its baseball season again and we are excited to announce open registration for Southside Ball 2009 season. For the second year, Highlands School is partnering with Southside Ball to offer baseball and T-ball. If you are not familiar with Southside Ball, we are responsible for organizing baseball and t-ball in Avondale Park in the spring. We are excited to announce that the city has approved $3 million for park renovations and we expect to break ground within 12 months. Therefore, we are expecting a record year in player participation and sponsorships. Our motto is “where baseball is fun� and that will continue to be our driving tenent for the next year. We seek to create a relaxed atmosphere that fosters open communication and participation at all skill levels. We are accepting registrations online now for our baseball and softball leagues. Open registration will be available at Avondale Library on February 21st from 1 to 4 PM, and at the park on February 28th as well as March 7th. Open registration ends on March 7th. T-ball for girls and boys 4-6 years old. Baseball for boys and girls 7-10 years old. Baseball for boys 11-14 years old. Join us for Opening Day festivities on March 28th as we swing in the start of the season with a true community event celebrating the importance of youth sports to our children, family, neighborhood, and city. Please also join us by answering the call to volunteer your time as a coach or team parent. More information can be found online at www.southsideball.com or by calling 205-661-4586. Best regards, Kevin Hodgkins President, 2009 Southside Ball Association P.S. You can also register by turning in the form on page 4 to Kage Cavanah.
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Southside Ball Association PO Box 321414 Birmingham, AL 35232
PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM 2009 (Online registration available at www.southsideball.com) Child’s Name: ______________________________________ Gender: _________ Grade: _________ School: _____________________________________ Date of Birth (MM/DD/YY): ______________ (If you wish your child to be with particular teammates, please indicate their name(s) here. We will do our best to honor these requests.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Uniform Size (Please circle one): Child S Child M Child L Adult S Adult M Adult L Adult XL Name of Parent(s) or Guardian: ________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City: _______________________ ZIP:_______ Home Phone: ____________________ Work Phone: __________________ Cell Phone: ___________ E-mail Address: _______________________________________ Other Guardian Name: _______________________ Other Guardian Name: ____________________ Home Phone: ______________________ Home Phone: _____________________ Work Phone: ______________________ Work Phone: _____________________ Cell Phone: _______________________ Cell Phone: ______________________ E-mail: ___________________________ E-mail: __________________________ Parents/Guardians would be willing to volunteer as: Assistant Coach Team Parent Coach Directory Coordinator Opening Day Committee Trophy Coordinator Commissioner Field Maintenance Picture Day Committee Other: _____________________________________________________________________ FEES: Boys and Girls T-Ball (ages 4-6): ($65 participation fee + $20 uniform fee) = $85 per child Baseball (ages 7+) / Fast-pitch Softball (ages 7+): $90 participation fee + $20 uniform fee) = $110 per child A 25% discount for 2nd child and 50% discount is in effect. Payment plans and scholarships are available. Please talk to a league official for more information. Enclosed is $ ___________ for registering _____ child(ren). Enclosed is $ ___________ contribution to the Dick Crittendon Memorial Endowment Fund. Enclosed is $ ___________ contribution to the Richard Albany Memorial Endowment Fund. (We have two endowment funds that provide financial aid for players in need and for capital improvements. Please consider a donation.)
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: SOUTHSIDE P.O. Box 321414 Birmingham, AL 35232
BALL ASSOCIATION
I hereby agree to release and hold harmless the Southside Ball Association (the “League”), its coaches, commissioners, officers, officials, agents, and employees from any and all claims arising out of injury to my child except to the extent covered by the League’s accident and liability insurance. I authorize emergency treatment for my child if injured. I further agree to be responsible for the return of all equipment issued to my child or to pay for its replacement. I also agree to abide by the Sportsmanship and Safety Policies of Southside Ball (provided on request or by first game).
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian __________________________________________________________