In recognition of a commitment to quality and an ongoing dedication to the learning and development of children, the Highland Local School District’s “Little Hornets” Preschool Program, located at Granger Elementary School, has received a 5-Star Step Up to Quality Award from the State of Ohio – the highest rating attainable. Step Up To Quality (SUTQ) is a 5-star quality rating and improvement system administered by the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This is the second time the Highland preschool program has been awarded the 5-star rating. To learn more about the award and the preschool program, download the full story HERE.

It's not every day that a student has the opportunity to assume the role of their principal! But that's exactly what happened on December 4 when Sharon Elementary 1st grader Chloe Rennels took the lead at her school.

“Principal for A Day” was one of the many items auctioned off during the 15th Annual Highland Foundation Dinner held on November 2. Each elementary school participates in the auction and allows the students an up close look at what it's like to serve as a principal. Chloe had several responsibilities to take care of throughout the day including morning announcements, visiting classrooms, assisting in the holiday shop, serving as a guest reader, inspecting and touring the building, and of course eating lunch with the principal. Chloe, pictured with Sharon Principal Mrs. Katie Kowza, is the daughter of Matthew and Jill Rennels of Sharon Township.

On Tuesday, December 17, Highland Schools will hold a district wide fundraiser for the United Way of Medina County. The annual ”Holiday Hat Day” allows any student, teacher, bus driver, custodian, aide, secretary, etc. to donate $1 to wear his/her favorite holiday headgear (Santa hats, elf hats, scrooge hats, antlers and the like). Money will be collected at each building. The goal of the United Way of Medina County is to ensure that area children get a strong start in school, young adults have access to mental health services, and children do not go hungry. 

Since 2014 the United Way has:

• Helped 7,000 students focus on learning by providing kindergarten readiness programs, academic support, and nutritional food.
• Helped 17,000 youth by providing mental health access in schools. 

All proceeds collected from the Holiday Hat Day will benefit the United Way. Thank you!

It's that time of year to honor your Highland STAR and make their day just a little brighter. The holidays are upon us again, and many of us are searching for that perfect gift for teachers or community members who have made an impact on our child's academic success. The Staff and Teacher Award Recognition (STAR) program, offered through The Highland Foundation, proudly honors a Highland community member of your choice for their outstanding achievements. Each recipient is presented with an award certificate and either a box of bonbons, or the Highland Diamond etched with the Highland Hornet and the year. A personal note from the donor can also be included with the STAR award. Just fill out the STAR Award form found online or in any school office, and The Highland Foundation will do the rest!

Each award presented requires a $10 minimum donation for a mini decorated box of bonbons, a $30 donation for a large decorated box of bonbons, or a $30 donation for the Highland Diamond hanging ornament. The deadline for submission is Thursday, December 12. Awards will be distributed before the holiday break on December 17.

There are two easy ways to place your order:
1. Pay online with a credit card at www.highlandfoundation.org
2. Mail your completed form with payment to The Highland Foundation, 3880 Ridge Rd., Medina, OH 44256. Please make checks payable to The Highland Foundation.

Congratulations to Sharon Elementary 4th grader Jacob Arvanetes who won 3rd place in the 2019 Top Dog Essay Contest sponsored by Medina County Auditor Mike Kovack. Jacob was one of the top 5 winners in this year’s contest and was recognized during an awards ceremony on November 20 at the Medina County Administration Building where he had the opportunity to read his winning essay about his dog, Finley. Jacob is the son of Lauren and Jason Abbott of Sharon Township and Tim and Amanda Arvanetes of Winter Garden, Florida. Pictured with Jacob (and a photo of his dog, Finley) is Medina County Auditor Mike Kovack.