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👋🏻 Hello, Highlands Families!
January 26, 2026
This week is Kindness Week! We are participating in The Great Kindness Challenge as a district. This is one week devoted to performing as many acts of kindness as possible. Using the kindness checklist, students accept the challenge and show the world that KINDNESS MATTERS!
25-26 Theme: Better Together
SMSD Portrait of a Graduate
⏰ Daily Arrival & Dismissal:
Drop-off starts at 7:50 (stay on playground until 8:00 - inside MPR if inclement weather)
Enter classrooms at 8:00
Starting bell at 8:10
Breakfast starts at 7:50
Dismissal starts at 3:10
I hope you are all staying warm! Brrr! We are looking forward to seeing your kiddos tomorrow.
📸 Submit Your Yearbook Photos!
The PTA is collecting photos from field trips, school events, and activities featuring Highlands students and staff only. Special thanks to Nicole McCarney who is leading this effort! Submit your event photos HERE!
Go Hawks!
Laura LaHue, Principal
🗓️ Upcoming Dates:
January 26-30th: 🤝 Kindness Week
February 11th: ❤️ Valentine's Day Class Parties @ 2:30
February 13th: No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 16th: No School, President's Day
March 4th: PTA General Meeting @ 6:00
March 6th: Highlands PTA Auction @ 6:30 @ The Vox Theater
Purchase tickets below (PTA section)
March 13th: 🚫 No School - Teacher Work Day
March 16-20th: 🚫 No School - Spring Break
Highlands Auction: March 6th @ 6:30 @ The Vox Theater
Get ready to relive your glory days at Highlands 2026 College Daze! Break out your college gear, Animal House–inspired outfits, or favorite throwback looks and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun — and “fun”-draising — you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets HERE!
Funds raised from this year’s auction will support a new outdoor learning space that will provide hands-on learning opportunities and serve Highlands students for years to come. We hope you’ll join us in making this exciting vision a reality.
🌟 pTA News 🌟
🌟 pTA News 🌟
PTA SUPPORT MAKES AN IMPACT
PTA Membership dues and funds raised through our events make a huge difference at Highlands. These dollars allow us to:
Host free community events like the Carnival and Cultural Night
Provide classroom supplies that support engaging, hands-on learning
Invest in staff appreciation efforts that help retain and support our amazing teachers.
Every dollar is spent intentionally and directly benefits our students, families and staff.
JOIN THE PTA
It's never too late to join the PTA. Our goal is 100% membership, for all families and teachers. Help us meet our goal!
You can join by scanning the QR Code at the bottom of this email or follow this link: Highlands PTA
Joining does not obligate you to volunteer – it simply helps us fund the programs and events that help in making Highlands a special place.
Upcoming PTA Dates:
February 11 - Rainy Day Books Fundraiser
February 11 - Valentines Class Parties
March 2-6 - Reading Week + Read-a-Thon
March 4 - General PTA Meeting @ 6:00
March 6 - Highlands Auction
March 26 - Dine to Donate @ Culver's
March 26 - Skate Party
April 2 - STEAM Night & Open House
April 8 - Spring Book Fair
April 10 - VIP Guest Picnic on the Playground
April 15 - PreK Round-Up
April 16 - Kindergarten Round-Up
April 16 - Dine to Donate @ Spin
April 24 - Highlands Variety Show
May 4 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 21 - 6th Grade Graduation
🚌 SMSD Early Learning
🏆 Character Champs of the Week
Perseverance: I can push myself to work through challenges and obstacles.
Week #1
Week #2
🎙️ Shawnee Mission Mic'd Up Podcast
🎙️Season 3 Episode 11: “Legislation Station”
“We're jumping into the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session. Find out how SMSD advocates for our kids by working with state lawmakers. Plus, learn about some of the trending topics in this session and what they mean for our community!"
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