Dear Highlands Families,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! I hope you had an enjoyable summer! I am looking forward to the halls being filled with the children’s laughter and excitement once again.

At Highlands, we realize the powerful impact we have on the children academically and socially. The teachers are ready for the important task of educating the students and framing a positive educational experience. Our vision at Highlands Elementary School is to create an open, accepting, positive environment where all students are exposed to differentiated and rigorous instruction that addresses the needs of the whole child in order to ensure their academic, social, and emotional success. In partnership with you, we are certain we can continue to create an environment that promotes the school’s vision.

As the Academic Dean, my goal is to provide you with resources, additional information, or changes to the curriculum. This year Red Clay will be implementing the Common Core State Standards for all grades. Last year, grades kindergarten to second grade started the implementation. The Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. Individual guides were created for each grade level (one for English language arts/literacy and one for mathematics) on the National PTA website: http://www.pta.org/common_core_state_standards.asp.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us, if you have any questions or need more information. I am looking forward to a rewarding and successful school year!

Diana McIntosh, Academic Dean