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Together We Soar 11-12-2026

Posted Date: 11/12/26 (04:42 PM)

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Together We Soar

November 12, 2026

every day
 

Principal's Message

Dear Highland Families,

“Every day is a new beginning. Take a breath, smile, and start again.”

This reminder encourages us to give ourselves grace as we learn and grow. When things get hard for your child, help them pause, take a slow, deep breath, and try again when they feel ready. You might say, “It’s okay to feel frustrated. Let’s take a breath together. You can start again, one small step at a time.”

Our third graders enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Shedd Aquarium! They had fun learning, exploring aquatic life, and sharing discoveries with their classmates. What a memorable way to bring learning to life!

Tonight at 6:00 p.m. is Culture Night at Highland! We look forward to celebrating our school community, building connections, and meeting new people. 

We hope you’ll join us to share, learn, and enjoy time together.

Together We Soar
Principal Atto, Ed.S.
 

Lockdown Drill

Our school will hold a lockdown drill on Friday, November 20. Practicing helps students and staff become familiar with our safety procedures so they can respond calmly and confidently in an emergency. 

Families who wish to opt their child out of the drill may do so by completing the Curriculum Objection Form and submitting it by November 19. 
 

Cold Weather Clothing

As colder weather arrives, please send your child with a warm coat, hat, and mittens each day. Please remember that when snow is on the ground, our students need snow boots and snow pants to play in the snow. 

We have outdoor recess when the temperature, including wind chill, is 15°F or higher and indoor recess when it falls below 15°F. 

If your family needs assistance with cold-weather clothing, please let your child’s teacher know. Last but not least, please remind your child to bring home their warm clothes that they left at school. They will need them soon! 

Thank you for helping our Hawks stay warm and ready for recess!
 

Advancing Inquiring & Meaning (AIM) Program

This winter, we will begin a learning team to review our Advancing Inquiring and Meaning (AIM) programming. This program provides extensions and enrichment for students K-8. This team will include teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians to explore research on evidence-based gifted education and talent development practices, as well as equitable identification processes. The team will make research-based recommendations for the district to evaluate for the 27-28 school year. 

  • Three evening dates are planned for this winter:
Dates: 
  • December 10th, 2026
  • January 14th, 2027
  • February 24th, 2027
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. (a light dinner will be provided)
Location: Educational Service Center, 9440 Kenton Avenue, Skokie

If you are interested in being a parent/guardian representative on this learning team, please complete the application using the link below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Diana Schmidt at DSchmidt@skokie68.org. 

Applications are due November 20th, 2026.  Parents will be notified by November 24th, 2026.  
 

Literacy Fest

All Highland families are welcome to attend Literacy Fest at Niles West High School (5701 Oakton Street in Skokie) on Saturday, November 14, from 12 pm to 2 pm. Enjoy family-friendly fun for all ages, including arts and crafts, games and giveaways, snacks, and storytime. 
A bright red poster invites people to Literacy Fest at Niles West High School on November 14, 2026, featuring a cartoon wolf in glasses reading a book.
 
A promotional flyer for the Highland Spirit Wear Sale featuring hoodies, beanies, and sweatpants with a hawk logo.
 

Upcoming Events

Please mark your calendar! 

  • Thursday, November 12th: Culture Night from 6:00-7:30 p.m. 
  • Monday, November 16th: Miles Of Smiles 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 19th: Highland 4th Grade Concert 6:00-7:00 p.m.
  • November 25th-November 27th: No School for Thanksgiving Break 
  • Wednesday, December 9th: Elementary Chorus Concert 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 15th: Elementary Orchestra and Band Concert 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
  • NO SCHOOL - Winter Break: Monday, December 21st - Monday, January 4th.
 

Important Links

Please click on the links below to access important resources.

 

Contact Information

Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.