The Highlands School Weekly
February 26, 2010
Ask The Executive Director
Ask the Executive Director: If there is an issue that is of common concern with the school that you would like addressed or answered in the Executive Director (E.D.) comments, please send an email my way and I’ll repeat the question with a response in this forum. My email address is jborley@thehighlandsschool.org. I will keep the source of the questions confidential. Your question could be one that many other families would like to have addressed.
Executive Director
The next All School Mass will be April 16^th with Bishop Kevin Farrell.  Please, Save the date! Summer School Courses and Sport Camps Registration packets with details will be mailed out this week. Auction Gala Reminder – Get your reservations in, sell your raffle tickets and donate a gift to the Auction!  Donations and reservations are due today and raffle tickets can be turned in throughout next week until Friday, March 5^th.  Keep selling your raffle tickets! Thank you so much for your support! Did you know? Last week’s edition of The Texas Catholic featured our new “Dead President’s Society” Club. Well done to Father Alfonse, Mr. Mathew Reinhardt and our Middle School Boys. In the same edition our senior girls were pictured with Bishop Farrell presenting a check for Haiti Relief.  Please see click on the link to see pictures and to read the article at www.texascatholic.com. Our Middle School Boys and Girls this week had the semi-final round of their Oratory Contest. In the words of the judges, “the quality of the speeches have been outstanding.” Well done to Mrs. Lamberti, our formation teams and our Middle School teachers. Did you see the Relic Display at THS this week featuring such relics as a sliver from the Cross of Jesus, a piece of the Shroud and many more relics of Saints? The Relics presenter was very impressed with the knowledge of our students from the Lower School and up. Thanks to Miss Denise and Miss Adrienne for arranging this opportunity for our community. Click on the link for details at www.catholicsaintsrelics.com. Choir Showcase: last night our choir made a presentation of their song ensemble in preparation for their forthcoming TAPPS competition. Thanks to Karen Ward, choir members and supporters.  Last year our choir won the TAPPS State title. Good luck at State this year. Carpool/Parking Etiquette: As many of our parents know the carpool line can sometimes be a point of frustration but we are all working together to make it better.  In the interest of maximizing our potential for carpool efficiency we ask parents to please NOT double park or delay in the outer loop of the circles. If anyone needs extra time, please pull over into one of the available parking stalls so we can keep the line moving. Thanks for your help in this matter. This will allow other families to pass safely through the line who have completed their drop off or pickup. Did you notice? We have some new signage installed on our driveway and near our entrances to the campus from Northgate Drive.
Auction Gala and  Development
Auction News Online Auction Thank you to all our online bidders!  The online auction surpassed last year's results - we raised $9,300.  Thank you also to Danna Gonzalez who organized the online auction. Raffle Our goal is to raise $75,000 in raffle ticket sales.  To achieve this, every family needs to sell 30 tickets! If you haven't started selling tickets yet, just sell 3 tickets for $25 to 10 people - It's that simple.  Do it for the school - we need the money!  · $24,425 has been sold so far.  Start selling and help our school! Monday, at 5:00 p.m., is the deadline to turn in your raffle tickets in order to be eligible for the "free" incentive raffle tickets.  Friday, at 5:00 p.m., is also the deadline to turn in your tickets to be eligible for the top seller tuition discounts.  Reservations Get your reservations in – there’s only one week left before the Auction!  We promise it’s going to be a fun evening.  If you haven't gotten your reservation in yet, it's not too late.  Go to the link on the THS website and make your reservation for $150 now - before the price goes up.  On Saturday, reservations will go up to $175.  Live Auction, Big Board and More Go the school’s website and click on ‘Auction Catalog’ to do some "window" shopping before the Auction.    Start planning for what you want to bid on now! Miscellaneous March 6th is shaping up to be another memorable evening!   Remember to valet park at the Atrium entrance at the Hilton Anatole.  Valet parking is included in the price of your ticket.  Our Gala will take place in the Grand Ballroom again this year.  We are honored to have Bishop Kevin Vann attending to say the blessing.  New this year will be bar code bidding stickers (no more pencils) and electronic bidding for Big Board items.  For those who want to dance the night away after the Auction again this year, we suggest the Media Grill and Bar conveniently located near the Grand Ballroom. We look forward to seeing everyone on March 6^th! Annual Fund Campaign Our 2009-2010 Campaign goal is $275,000 and 100% participation! So far we have raised $209,000 and are at 62% participation.  We need EVERYONE’S participation in the campaign!  Please plan on getting your donation or pledge card in as soon as possible. Our calling campaign to all those who have not yet given will begin soon. Percent Participation by Grade PK3/PK4:  68% Kindergarten:  76% 1^st Grade:  59% 2^nd Grade:  64% 3^rdGrade:  77% 4^thGrade:  57% 5^thGrade:  63% 6^thGrade:  66% 7^thGrade:  68% 8^thGrade:  66% 9^thGrade:  58 % 10^thGrade:  54% 11^th Grade:  62% 12^thGrade:  73%
Admissions
Sibling Applications: The Admissions Office started accepting Sibling Applications as early as December. Please remember that all siblings applying for grades Kindergarten through 4th Grade need to be tested on Saturday, April 10^th.  Those siblings applying for 5^th through High School need to register for the ISEE test at www.iseetest.org.
Guidance Counselor
Dyslexia - How Parents Can Help All parents with a dyslexic child or teenager (or young adult) face a real struggle in supporting them. Deepika Mundle from Dyslexia online magazine describes some techniques which will help to build up a child's self-confidence. All children need to be recognized in some way or the other when they do something well, either with a hug, a gesture, or a word of praise that tells the child that he or she is special. Giving children recognition for something well done boosts their egos and helps them gain confidence, self respect and security. With dyslexic children it is the other way around Usually with dyslexic children it is the other way around. They rarely experience feelings of good self-esteem and self respect. Their ego gets beaten with every failure. The dyslexic child feels dejected and angry and he is usually withdrawn because he does not understand why he is different from other children. Parents often feel helpless as they watch their dyslexic child move about without purpose. They should realize that every child whether dyslexic or not needs love and appreciation. Parents can find out the individual likes and dislikes of their child and give him/her a lot of encouragement and praise for every effort whether big or small. A dyslexic child needs constant support and praise to gain self esteem. One of the biggest problems for the dyslexic child is that he may never have the opportunity to discover his strengths because his mistakes get in the way. The following are a few suggestions that may help a dyslexic child or an adolescent lead useful, fulfilled and happy lives. Organizational skills A dyslexic child might have difficulty in organizing his day-to-day tasks and learning skills. As a parent one cannot simply tell them to clean up their room. They should be specific. e.g. Pick up the clothes and put them in the laundry or hang them, pick up papers, putting away those that are needed and throwing the rest away. Put things like radios, CDs and tapes where they belong. Parents can also make use of simple checklist to instill organizational skills in their child. Making a child more organized can also be done with the help of the following things: 1. Using transportation: Try to teach the child to use a map, learn the bus routes. 2. Cooking: Teach the child to read and then follow recipes e.g., making soup, sandwiches etc. 3. Setting a table: Teach the child to set a place at the table correctly with knife, fork, spoon, napkin, plate and glass. 4. Shopping: Show him how to buy things, make a shopping list, estimate the amount of money needed and make choices at the store. 5. Money: Teach him how to count, keep an account, use a budget. 6. Telephone: Teach the child the home phone number, emergency numbers and how to dial numbers; answer the phone politely and to take messages. A dyslexic child needs much more time to complete tasks, as well as some additional time between difficult tasks; thus parents have to deal very patiently with them. When the dyslexic child experiences difficulty with reading, writing and math/s the parents can patiently take them through various processes until he becomes more proficient in them. (there are various exercises available for reading, writing and arithmetic). Short Attention Span Some dyslexic children and teenagers have difficulty in focusing on a particular task because they have a short attention span. Students with a short attention span often find homework impossible to complete, and they are often slow and easily discouraged. They can allow a restless child to take several breaks while working on a task. Dyslexic children are easily distracted by too much noise or too much going on around them. Parents can help by removing all distractions and by keeping the room fairly quiet when the child is at work. Test Jitters Taking a test is often extremely frustrating for the dyslexic. He may know the answer to a question and be able to answer orally but find it difficult to put the answer on paper. Many dyslexics have failed so many times that they have lost confidence in their ability to pass any kind of test. Parents can help here by giving simple practice tests so that the child can develop a test-taking habit. A particular time limit (about 15 minutes) should be maintained so that the child does not become restless and disinterested. One can give him constant assurance that there is nothing wrong in making mistakes. Point out answers which are wrong. Ask the child to read the subject again. Have the child explain the answer as this helps him relax. Parents can be warm and close to their children. Sometimes their presence, for support and comfort is all that is needed. There should be a good amount of communication between the parent and the child. Parents should respect their teenager by treating him as an adult, at the same time also set limits laying emphasis on one’s own values. They should try and be honest and face any problem that may occur. Both parents and teachers must give the child a sense that he is important. By working together, the home and the school can help a dyslexic teenager change his poor self perception from "I can't succeed" to "I can make it", "I will try" and "I can succeed."  On the web, www.thehighlandsschool.org/counselor
Academics
Good News! Weekly Reader & Six Hour Reading Club have extended time to complete the required reading and documentation.  Many students have not returned their reading logs.  Teachers, please encourage participation, completion, and involvement with reading goals: Increase vocabulary Improve comprehension Lengthen retention Broaden knowledge Reduce apprehension Eliminate detention Thank you very much, Joe Bieger, Librarian & Purchasing Assistant THS Middle School Oratory Contest: The final round of the Annual THS Middle School Oratory Contest will be held on Wednesday, March 3^rd. Competing for top honors are eighth graders Katie Colanero, Josh Henderson, Gary Kim, Carolyn Mackenzie, Shadhi Mansoori and Tony Woods, seventh graders Barbara Bush, Chase Cole and Ceci Weigman, and sixth graders Allison Gerush, Sean Torpey and Dow Zabolio. Congratulations to the rest of the semi-finalists, who performed well through two rounds of competition - Paul Abide,  Anna Anderson, Zachary Bateman, Ale Brauer, Mackenzie Camisa, Marianne Esquivel, Georgie Metz, Maya Paul, Jackie Reagor, Rodrigo Ricaud, Trey Saldi, Peter Vuong and Ashley Zamora.
PSIA
PSIA Announcements: The PSIA training packets have been given to all our team members.  If your child has not brought home a packet, please e-mail Mrs. Tran at ttran@thehighlandsschool.org. The PSIA District 3AA Academic Tournament is fast approaching.  THS will soon announce team members arranged by contests to the THS community.  In the past, students within a contest category used this list to arrange off campus contest-study sessions with the added benefit of spending time with friends in the comfort of a home.  Several students in last year’s Music-Memory contest studied together and they all came out winners.  A year later, they still fondly remember both the camaraderie and disciplined study sessions! PSIA Information: The Private Schools Interscholastic Program (PSIA) is an academic competitive program designed to motivate students to find new excitement in learning, achieve a higher mastery level, and receive recognition for academic excellence.  Competition Dates and Location: District 3AA Tournament: Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Highlands School. State Tournament: Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. District 3AA  consists of Saint Patrick Elementary School (Dallas), Legacy Christian School (Frisco), The Kessler School (Dallas),  All Saints Catholic School (Dallas), Calvary Christian School (Fort Worth), Trinity Valley School (Fort Worth), and The Highlands School. GO BLAZERS!
Nurse
Dear Parents, There seems to be an increase this past week in absences. Let us please go back and review with the students the guidelines to avoid the FLU. Please keep the students home if they exhibit Flu symptoms or Gastrointestinal upsets. The students should not return to school until they are Fever- free and also GI disturbance free for 24 hours. We need to try to contain these illnesses and the only way we can do that is to keep the students at home when they are ill. Please contact me if you have any questions. Borrowed Clothing:  Parents please return any clothes that I have loaned to your child the students when they needed clean clothes. I am out of all clothes to change the younger students when they get wet. Thank you and God Bless. Karin Brown School Nurse The Highlands School (972) 438-8218 ext. 212 STAY HEALTHY!
Athletics
Congratulations to Gary Kim For being Selected to the DPL 8^th grade Boys Basketball ALL STAR GAME! The Booster Club sent out Surveys last week to all of our Booster Club Members.  If you haven't done so already, please remember to return your survey to the Main Office as soon as possible. Thank you for your input!!  In Christ, The Blazer Booster Club 2009-2010 TAPPS 3-3A All District Varsity Boys Basketball 1^st Team All District Andy McCleneghen    Post              Junior David Sedeno             Guard             Junior 2^nd Team All District J.P. Jordan                  Guard               Junior Christian Duaine        Guard            Sophomore Honorable Mention Patrick Gonzales        Post                Junior Ryan LeGrand            Guard              Sophomore Newcomer of The Year David Sedeno             Guard              Junior Freshman Of The Year Alexander Hannis      Guard              Freshman 2009-2010 TAPPS 3-3A All District Varsity Girls Basketball 2^nd Team All District Cecilia Williams          Post                 Senior Lauren Kruger            Guard               Sophomore Laura Cordova           Guard               Senior Honorable Mention Marian Medrano       Guard              Sophomore GO BLAZERS! On the web, www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=thssports
Chaplain’s Corner
Did you know? The other day as I walked down the hall one of the second graders stopped and said, “Father, I am ready for confession tomorrow!”  He expressed the eagerness that most of the second graders had to make their first confession.  It is beautiful to see how much the children look forward to the sacrament of confession.  Their example can raise the question, do we go to confession with the same enthusiasm as they do?  Lent is a great time to take advantage of the sacrament and renew our enthusiasm for it.  Confessions are available in the mornings after the morning communion service and after the lower school Mass.  You may also request them at any other time. Benedict XVI Meditates on Penance Roman Curia Is Midway Through Spiritual Exercises VATICAN CITY, FEB. 24, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Today, the third full day of Benedict XVI's spiritual exercises retreat, the Pope is meditating on penance and its relation to the priestly vocation. The annual seven-day spiritual exercises for the Pontiff and the Roman Curia began Sunday afternoon. This year's retreat is focusing on "The Lessons of God and of the Church in the Priestly Vocation." This theme was chosen to reflect the Year for Priests currently underway. Read more on the web at www.thehighlandsschool.org/info/chaplaincorner.html. US Bishops Urge Bipartisanship in Health Care Debate Call for Reform that Protects Life, Consciences WASHINGTON, D.C., FEB. 24, 2010 (Zenit.org).- As lawmakers prepare for Thursday's White House Health Care Summit, the U.S. Bishops are calling for a commitment to "genuine health care reform that will protect the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.” In a letter sent today to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the U.S. bishops' conference also cited their longtime support of adequate and affordable health care for all, calling health care a basic human right. The letter was signed on behalf of the conference by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, Texas, chair of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Bishop William Murphy of Rockville Centre, New York, chair of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; and Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, Utah, chair of the Committee on Migration.  Read more on the web at www.thehighlandsschool.org/info/chaplaincorner.html. Turin Readies for 1M Shroud Viewers Renovations Will Facilitate Adoration and Confession By Chiara Santomiero TURIN, Italy, FEB. 24, 2010 (Zenit.org).- More than a million pilgrims have made reservations to view the Shroud of Turin when it is displayed this April in the city's cathedral. The shroud -- believed to be the cloth Christ was buried in -- will be on display April 10-23 at the Turin Cathedral. The last time it was displayed was 10 years ago. Nearly a million reservations have been made by Italians alone. Other reservations have come from Argentina, Burkina Faso, Japan and Russia. Some 4,500 volunteers are currently training to help with the logistics. "Those who collaborate in this event do so for free," said Maurizio Bardello, director of the Committee for the Exposition of the Holy Shroud. The organization "has been guided by criteria of sobriety and expected costs. A wide use of recyclable material is planned." Read more on the web at www.thehighlandsschool.org/info/chaplaincorner.html.  On the web, www.thehighlandsschool.org/info/chaplaincorner.html.
Summer School Courses and Summer Camps
2010:  Summer Courses at The Highlands School Summer Registration Packets will be forthcoming Registration Forms should be returned to the Admissions Office.
Parents Club
Parent's Club Vice President position available for the fall-  The Parent's Club is looking for someone special to fill the Vice President's position for the 2010-2011 school year.  After 2 years, Donna Terreri has decided to pursue other interests within the school, and we will truly miss her!  This position entails: assisting the President with committee meetings, school administration meetings, and overseeing 15 committees within the school; each committee is Chaired and managed by amazing parent volunteers!  We would like this person to work with Donna and I these next few months to understand the position.   I would be happy to discuss it with you, if you are interested!   Danna Dinkel will be returning as Treasurer of the Parent's Club in the fall! In Christ, Kim Austin kkausti@gmail.com
School Store
School Store Hours “Can God Be Trusted?” Finding Faith In Troubled Times On Sale Now, While Supplies Last!! The Signed Edition by Fr. Thomas Williams, LC, ThD $25.00 Monday – Friday 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  On behalf of the School Store and Volunteers, Thank you for your support. (972) 554-1980 Ext. 213 GO BLAZERS!
Calendar of Events
This Week Saturday, February 27 ·     Valentine Dance in the Gym from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 2 ·   How Well do you Know Our Pope? With Miss Alexandra & Miss Denise in the Assembly Room at 7:00 p.m.  Please email dfunke@thehighlandsschool.org  by Monday, March 1 if you plan to attend. Wednesday, March 3 ·   Middle School Oratory Finals 8:30 in the Assembly Room   Saturday, March 6 ·     THS Gala and Live Auction at the Hilton Anatole Dallas at 6:00 p.m. Upcoming Events Tuesday, March 9 ·     Parent formation Talk by Fr. Alfonse – Part II - Marriage & the Art of Car Maintenance at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room.        Please email anazzaro@legionaries.org   by Monday, March 8 if you plan to attend. Sunday, March 14 ·   Daylight Savings Time – Spring Forward (1) Hour Monday, March 15 – Friday, March 19 ·     Spring Break – Classes Resume March 22. Tuesday, March 23 ·      Director’s Day Evening of Reflection by the Regnum Christi – 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel Wednesday, March 31 ·     Teacher In-Service- Early Dismissal – Lower School at 11:40, Middle and High School 12:00P Thursday, April 1 – Friday, April 2 ·     Easter Break Friday, April 16 ·   Pope Day / All School Mass celebrated by Bishop Farrell at 8:30 a.m. in the Gym
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