March 23, 2009
Take Note
Dear Parents, My thoughts turned to birds when I first heard of “Twitter.” When I learned that it is a way of sending “followers” a short text message – a status update of sorts, I was intrigued. I found a couple of followers, and I sent messages – I’m eating dinner. I’m waiting in line at the grocery store. I’m working. You can see why my followers’ list didn’t increase. I just couldn’t figure out the appeal, and who really wants to know what I am doing?
Save the Date! Friday, April 24 Highlands School Third Annual Night at the Barons! Tickets are $5 a person The first 1,000 kids through the gates will receive a Barons Batting Helmet - just like the players wear! The ticket order form is on page 3! Orders are due by Monday, April 20!
Have you made your Summer Camp decisions? If not, contact Gabe McCool to get more info about Highlands Summer Camp offerings!
Over spring break, I received information about using Facebook as a tool for independent schools. My mind marched forward to Twitter, wondering if it is a tool that may enhance Highlands School’s communication in a fun and easy way. With this in mind, I have opened a Twitter account for people who want to “follow” Highlands School. Here are the steps: Go to http://twitter.com/highlandsschool . If you do not already tweet, join Twitter, and become a “follower.” If you already tweet, sign in, and become a “follower.” You will have the option of receiving the “tweets” as text messages on your phone. This may be an efficient way to keep up with the short updates that we will be sending you. Please become a follower, and we will have fun updating you with interesting and timely tweets. Happy Tweeting!
Kathryn Woodson Barr
Calendar Highlights Mon. March 23 Classes Resume - Orange Day 2 Wed. 25 Dr. Kristen Berthiaume Parent Presentation 2:00 p.m. Learning Center Fri. 27 Fourth Grade World’s Fair 12:30 p.m. Spencer Center Fri. April 3 Grandparents and Special Friends Day Thurs. 9 Second Grade visits Birmingham Museum of Art Fri. 10 Noon Dismissal for Students Teacher Work-day begins at Noon
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Did you know that Highlands Middle School has “swept” the prizes in recent competitions? Our students won all three categories in the UAB Egg Drop; took First, Second, and Third Place in the Optimist Club Essay Contest; and won both the boys and girls division of the Optimist Club Speech Contest. Finally, our students won both Level I and Level II in the state-wide Letters about Literature writing contest for which 580 entries were received. A hand-written note from the Letters about Literature contest director indicated that this is the first time ever that two students from the same school won both levels. Fifth Grade Students Enjoy New Electives The fifth graders chose new electives the first week of March and the week before Spring Break they began “Team Building” exercises: “The Human Table” (pictured left), “The Electric Fence” (pictured bottom right) and “The Pyramid” (pictured top right).
Pi Day is a Sweet Success! Congratulations to Connor Walker for achieving the highest number of digits recited during the annual Pi Day celebration! Connor recited 250 digits of Pi! Way to go Connor! And congratulations to all of the students who placed in their grade competitions in order to compete on Pi Day! The students received their “just desserts” when they got to throw pies at their favorite faculty members before afternoon carpool. Alabama Public Television was on campus all day to capture the festivities! Stay tuned on when the show will be on their website!
Short Notes Thank you to all of the parents who provided the delicious pies for the students dessert on Pi Day! The Students and Faculty enjoyed celebrating the day with such delicious treats!
The invitations to Grandparents/Special Friends Day were mailed on Friday, March 13. If your grandparents or special friends have not yet received an invitation please contact Peggy Darby in the office and let her know. She will check to make sure we have the correct address on file and send them another invitation. Stay tuned to next weeks Highnotes for the schedule for the day.
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JOIN IN THE FUN
Highlands School Family Night With the Birmingham Barons Catch Great Baseball Action! Friday, April 24, 2009 Gates open @ 5:50 p.m. Game begins @ 7:05 p.m. The Birmingham Barons have reserved a block of tickets for our students, faculty and family members. We can all sit together at the game, be welcomed over the PA system and students in attendance will be able to sing the National Anthem at the beginning of the game. Our discounted general admission tickets are only $5.00 each! This night will be Batting Helmet Night. The first 1,000 kids into the ballpark receive a Barons batting helmet just like the players wear! And make your plans to stick around after the game to enjoy the Friday Night Fireworks Spectacular! Please return the order form below along with cash or checks made payable to: Highlands School. All ticket orders must be turned in by Monday, April 20th. You will be able to pick up your tickets at the WILL CALL Window at Regions Park. There are a limited number of tickets available! Orders will be handled on a first come, first served basis. Tickets must be ordered in advance to receive the discount. See you at the game!
BARONS BASEBALL GAME ORDER FORM Put this order form in an envelope marked “Barons Game�, and have your student return to his/her homeroom teacher. Family Name ________________________
Phone Number ______________________
Number of Tickets @ $5.00 each ______________
Amount enclosed $ _______
Make checks payable to Highlands School.