Highland Elementary tells board connections drive student learning; highlights buddy classrooms, family charters

Dr. Karen Bradley, principal of Highland Elementary, led a staff presentation on 'Connections' — classroom, teacher and family practices the school uses to build relationships that support learning. Bradley said the work ties to district goals on cultural responsiveness, equity and social‑emotional learning, and introduced a leadership team including teachers and specialists who described specific practices.

Jordan Katz, a Highland special education teacher, said the school emphasizes reciprocal turn‑taking, conflict resolution and empathy, and described classroom structures such as buddy classrooms where older students support younger peers. Megan Looney and Patty Perron highlighted teacher‑to‑student feedback practices (sticky notes and bio slides), Highlandpalooza PTA events, family reading and math nights, and the family charter — a living document created with families to shape classroom norms. "Learning is all about connections," the team concluded; staff invited trustees and community members to visit Highland to see the models in use.

Trustees praised the presentation and the superintendent later thanked the Highland team for their work. The presentation was framed as a broad overview tied to board goals rather than a request for new district funding.