Programs

at

Highland Oaks

 

D.E.A.R.

 

Drop Everything and Read

 

 

Highland Oaks Elementary School emphasizes reading for pleasure. Each Monday afternoon an announcement is made that it is D.E.A.R. time and everyone should DROP EVERYTHING AND READ. At that moment, students and staff all reach for their favorite book or newspaper to enjoy twenty minutes of uninterrupted sustained silent reading. The students are learning that reading is more than learning facts to memorize. They are practicing a skill that can be a rewarding, lifelong activity. The adults that are reading with the students are providing a role model of good reading habits. Frequently, the students beg for "just a few more minutes" to finish their favorite part. It is a program that has the entire school looking forward to Mondays!




Four R's Environmental Club

 

The Highland Oaks' Four R's Environmental Club, which stands for reduce, reuse, recycle, and replant, is composed of students, teachers, and parents who are dedicated to recycling and being responsible caretakers of our earth. Our school has won an award from SCEIC, $500 from Tennessee School Recycling Awards (one of 7 winners from the state), and $900 for Rebook phonebook recycling. For two years, Highland Oaks has collected 11,147 phone books-the second highest amount in Memphis and Shelby County.




Wee Deliver


Highland Oaks enjoys the use of "Wee Deliver," an intra-school postal service. Mail is picked up, sorted, and delivered biweekly throughout the school. Students improve reading and writing skills by sending and receiving letters. Fifth graders appreciate the additional responsibility of operating the post office.



Look Who's Reading Club

 

The Look Who's Reading Club, sponsored by the Reading Enhancement Committee, encourages pleasurable reading through a year long reading competition. The top classroom and grade level winners receive awards each month. At the end of the school year, the students who read the most pages in the K-2 division and in the 3-5 division receive a plaque.



Tutoring


Highland Oaks offers before and after school tutoring for second, third, fourth, and fifth grade students. The tutoring classes provide additional practice and reinforcement of skills taught in the regular classroom. A study skills class is offered to students for organizational techniques. Enrichment classes which promote and extend higher order thinking and problem solving skills are also available.



Hands-On Science


Hands-On Science offers students in 1st through 5th grades an opportunity to participate in an optional, recreational science program. It stimulates "science in your life" awareness through active involvement. Also, it uses science as a good approach to problem solving and the fun of exploring, experimenting, questioning, and creating.




Community Readers Day

Each year, the Look Who's Reading club sponsors Community Readers Day. Prominent members of the Shelby County community are invited to visit a classroom to read a book to the students. The readers spend time as a role model for the students. The readers often discuss their occupations, the importance of reading, and how reading helps in their careers and daily lives.



Peer Mediation

"Peer Mediation is for me.
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Talk it out, talk it out
Don't push, don't shout
Just talk it out!"


Peer Mediation helps students from kindergarten through fifth grades learn alternatives to violence. They know that any problem can be solved if both parties will just talk to each other. This program is great also because it teaches kids to think creatively and solve problems.




Technology Buddy Classes

Highland Oaks promotes the use of technology through the pairing of "Buddy Classes." Each year an older class is paired with a younger one; the students participate in a variety of activities to practice technology skills. The secondary benefits are enormous! Children make friends throughout the school, the grade levels become closer, and friendships develop.


 



Technology Enrichment Class


Groups of fifth graders meet weekly in order to enhance their technological skills. Projects include database, slide show creation, class logo design, and internet travel.



Just Say No!

 

Kids at Highland Oaks say no to drugs, crime, and violence. Each month, trained parents come to the classrooms to teach the Just Say No program. There are activities and games designed to improve self esteem, healthy choices, and refusal skills. The kids love it!