Parent Engagement

Since 1968 when Highland Community School was born, we have depended on the knowledge, experience, dedication, strength and resilience of our parent body. The Montessori philosophy encompasses
 the theory of developing the “whole child.” As part of that vision we realize how greatly our children grow with the support of their parents.

Children with involved parents are more likely to:

  • Attend school regularly
  • Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school
  • Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
  • Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits
  • Graduate and go on to postsecondary education

Benefits of parent-involvement activities for parents include:

  • More confidence in the school
  • Higher teacher expectations of their children
  • Higher teacher opinions of themselves as parents
  • More self-confidence 

Parent Hours


Parent hours are the many ways that parents get involved throughout the year. Each parent supports our students with the commitment to volunteer at least 36 parent hours each year. They can be completed in several ways. Attending orientations/parent teacher conferences, parent committee meetings, school events, supply making, washing classroom laundry, etc. all count toward your 36 hours. Parents can always feel free to check with your child’s teacher to see if there is anything they need.

Here is a link to download and record your parent hours.

Parent Board & Committees

Highland is overseen by a panel of parents elected from the current body of parents known as the Board of Directors. To learn more about the Board of Directors or to get involved contact the Board President, Leana Nakielski.

Parent committees are designed to help facilitate the needs around Highland. The committees are fully parent run, and meet as often as needed. To get involved in a parent committee, email Ms. Elizabeth here.

The current list of parent committees are as follows.

  • Fund Development/ Fundraising Committee
  • Natural Grounds Committee
  • Facilities Committee
  • Library Committee
  • Admissions Committee
  • Finance Committee
  • Creativity Committee
  • Bike Walk Eat
  • Social Justice Committee

Snack Rotation

We ask that parents participate in bringing in a snack when their child’s classroom is on rotation. The snack is delivered to all the classrooms so that kids have access to healthy foods throughout the day, and we can’t offer this to kids without you. We have volunteers who help make phone calls to remind parents when they are on the rotation. If you are not getting calls or would like us to use a different phone number, please let us know right away. Please deliver all snacks to the kitchen. 

Resources & Forms