Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there will be no Spring Fling Dance tonight at Highland High School. Our #1 priority at Highland CUSD 5 is the safety of our students, and unfortunately the safe decision is to cancel the dance. Thank you.
Good afternoon Highland CUSD No. 5 stakeholders,
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has become the issue discussed in every location across the country at this time. Highland CUSD No. 5 nurses have been diligently working with the Madison County Health Department on preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of exposure and transmission within our schools. Recommendations to use good hygiene such as washing hands, not touching your face, and not reporting to school or work if you experience flu-like (cough, fever, respiratory issues or any other signs of illness) symptoms continue to be the focus for each of us. However, it has become evident that additional measures may become necessary to combat the spread.
The purpose of this correspondence is to clarify the district’s position. Many are calling for school closures and suspension of all activities. We do not currently have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our district or county. Currently, school is one of the safest atmospheres for our nearly 3000 students. This is a very fluid situation and may change even by the time this correspondence goes out. We will prepare for the worst case scenario, but hope for the best. This is why our district staff are working towards an e-learning plan to engage students in the learning process should a prolonged district closure occur.
We are continuously in contact with the Madison County Health department, which is in contact with local, state and federal officials. As circumstances change, so do our plans. If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 locally, school closure will likely be one of the first considerations. We plan to have more information about opportunities and/or expectations of continued learning should a prolonged district closure occur. We are currently inundated with calls, email and concerns about our next steps. My commitment at this time is to the safety and wellbeing of all HCUSD No. 5 students and staff.
Regarding field trips, extracurricular and curricular activities, we will make decisions based on the risk of exposure for our students and staff. If it becomes evident that participation increases the risk of exposure, we will suspend or cancel as needed. We certainly respect parents’ decisions should they desire to opt out of any activities at this time.
Madison County Superintendents issued a joint press release yesterday as a result of a meeting with the Madison County Health Department. That release, as well as additional releases, will be available on the district website at www.highlandcusd5.org. Additional resources are available for families through the Madison County Health Department website at www.madisonchd.org
As this situation continues to be fluid, we will be exploring options to meet students’ individual needs to ensure a continuity of education.
Please click for the e-learning survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclYzEzaYyVY3VF9Tf0TrMo8R3NSHySdvmANL5mU-taissycw/viewform
Respectfully,
Michael S. Sutton
Superintendent
Please review www.highlandcusd5.org for the latest update from Superintendent Sutton regarding COVID-19. www.highlandcusd5.org
Congratulations to Freshman Garrett Schlarmann who was accepted to the prestigious FBI Youth Leadership Camp. There are only 60 invitees ages 14-16 chosen from students all over the world. Way to go Garrett for this awesome achievement, HHS is very proud.
CAVC- Collinsville Area Vocational Center Open House- March 12 5:30-6:30pm. Meet instructors, see classrooms and learn more about these programs. Cosmetology meeting at 6pm in the auditorium.
Pops Concert at HHS! Featuring the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and HHS Choirs! @ Highland High School
Be sure to catch our HHS Pops Concert tonight at 7pm! If you can't make it watch the live stream using the link below!
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/highland-high-school-highland-il/evtc911d5abea
Here is the girls soccer Mater Dei Tournament bracket.
Tennis practice is cancelled for today. There will still be a parent meeting at HHS at 6pm in the HHS Cafeteria.
There are lots of opportunities for students to get money to help pay for college. Applications are available in the Career Center. Check out our website for the scholarship database:
https://www.highlandcusd5.org/o/highland-high-school/page/counseling-department--18
Please click the link to see the latest School Counselor Newsletter: https://www.smore.com/8yp1d
There will be an all spring sport parent meeting on Monday at 6pm in the HHS Cafeteria. Tennis, Boys Track, Soccer and Softball will meet after at 6:30pm.
Anatomy field trip continued to the zoo for lunch and comparative anatomy. It was a great day with awesome students!
The Lady Bulldogs Softball program is selling spirit wear. Get yours today!
https://aa-sportswear.com/hhs_softball_2020
Mrs. Buss’ Anatomy classes visited the SLU campus to participate in a cadaver lab.
Students in Mr. Deibert’s Building Trades class continue to make progress on the new storage facility. It’s been an awesome project so far and we can’t wait until it’s completed.
Students in Mr. Deibert’s Building Trades class continue to make progress on the new storage facility. It’s been an awesome project so far and we can’t wait until it’s completed.
Anatomy students put their heart into dissecting beef hearts❤️
Mark your calendars!! Posters and more information to come soon!
Interested in trying out for either the HHS Basketball or Football Cheerleading teams for the ’20-’21 season? There will be a parent and student meeting on Tuesday, March 17 at 7pm, at the HMS Plaza.
This is open to 8th graders and existing High schoolers from any school that will be attending Highland High School at the start of 2020-2021 school year. This meeting will include all paperwork needed to tryout out, all information on tryouts and all details on what our program involves.
Sign ups to tryout will open at the start of the meeting. You will need to have the signed paperwork and a current physical on hand before the start of the actual tryouts, which will be mid April.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Angie Fears at 618-792-4311.
