In memory of Dr. King

Why do we celebrate Dr. King's birthday as a national holiday? According to Wikepedia; The holiday was signed into law in 1983 by then president Ronald Reagon.  It is a floating holiday celebrated on the 3rd Monday of January every year.   A few states fought against this celebration of a private citizen and it wasn't until 2000 that all states got on board and celebrated this day as a national holiday. 

King is the only private citizen honored with a holiday because many feel his dedication to the Civil Rights Movement and to peace across this great land were worthy struggles.  He gave his life in the pursuit of equality for all American citizens. There are many wonderful books about Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, in the library. If you want to learn more research his life and what he stood for.

Dr. King's speeches are memorable.  He talked about freedom, peace, believing in your own power, and was an anti-war activist.  Here is avideo of his "I have a dream" speech.  Look at the video and check out how many people are listening to him.  How does your dreams for the future fit with Dr. King's ideals?

Beyond enjoying your day off today I hope you can continue his dream of action.  What can you do to help another person?  With kindness week approaching and a 4th and 5th grade food drive I am sure we will have many opportunities to celebrate Dr. King's memory.

Cookies.  We've baked dozens of sugar cookies to pass out to Highland students this last week of school.

Cookies are a symbol of good will during the holidays but remember not to eat too many! 

Top Ten Things to do over break:

10.  Go for a walk.

9. Write a thank you note to someone.

8. Make a craft.

7. Draw a picture.

6. Play in the snow.

5. Call a friend.

4. Write a story.

3. Explore websites on our Highland blog.

2.  Play a board game or card game like UNO.

1. READ a BOOK!  (of course)

Happy Holidays!  Merry Christmas!  Happy Kwanzaa!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Highland students and families;

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  We all have much to be thankful for everyday.
Count your blessings.  Write them down.    Share them with each other. 

If you think you don't have anything to be thankful for;  think of your mom or dad, think of friends at school or in your neighborhood, think of a teacher at school who cares about you, think of your strong and healthy body, think of the beautiful library your school has and all the books in in that you are able to read.

with warmest wishes,

Mrs. Holt

(who is very thankful to have such a fun job
with amazing and smart students to inspire!)

Here are some Thanksgiving related games and websites to enjoy if you find yourself with some
extra free time over the long weekend.

Primary Games-Turkey Pardon.
Thanksgiving information
Kaboose-Thanksgiving
Thanksgviving puzzles

Book Fair Fundraiser and News

Look at all the pennies many of you brought in!!  They were so heavy we had a hard time lifting them. Mrs. Wheeler has taken them to the bank to be counted and  we will give you a final total later today.  Thank you, Thank you to all those that cleaned out their change jars for us.  Many students will benefit from this fundraiser. 


Here are the top five titles we've sold: 

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid; Do-It-Yourself by Jeff Kinney
2. Barbie Princess; Best Friends Rock! by mary Mah-Kong
3. Wild Life by Cynthia DeFelice
4. There's a fly guy in my soup by Tedd Arnold
5. Summer Jackson; Grown up by Teresa E. Harris


What books would you like to buy at the book fair?

Highland Girls Read! part Two

5th Grade Book Clubs

Our book club has begun for the year and we read In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Betty Boa Lord.  We had lots to discuss from bullying, Chinese culture, baseball, and the difficult process of feeling at home in a new country.

We now have the task of choosing our next book.  Click on your first choice in the survey below.

Celebrate October with picture books!

 The air is chilly, the leaves are turning brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows and Halloween is not too far away. There must be books that match up with this time of year...

Here's are a few picture books for Fall and Halloween:

For the youngest try Leaves by David Ezra Stein and Fall Leaves Fall! by Zoe Hall, ill. by Shari Halpern; both books celebrate the joy of leaves and the changing season.

Poetically written, Hello, Harvest Moon by Ralph Fletcher and Kate Kiesler, shares the mysteries of that big, bright moon that greets us in the night.

My best pumpkin picks are The Bumpy Little Pumpkin by Margery Cuyler and Will Hillebrand and Pumpkin Day by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace.

Have fun with Halloween by reading Where's My Mummy by Carolyn Crimi and John Manders, Trick or Treat, Smell my Feet! by Lisa Desimini, or The Three Bears' Halloween by Kathy Duvall and Paul Meisel. 

Behind the Mask by Yangsook Choi is a great Halloween tale for 3rd and 4th grade students.  Kimin uses his grandfather's Korean dancing mask to dress up and understands more about his grandfather in the process.  

If you are looking for books on Fall, pumpkins, witches, or Halloween we have these and many more.  Come browse the Highland Library today!