🐾💙 MEET FIONA – A SPECIAL MEMBER OF BLUE AND GRAY SEARCH & RESCUE DOGS! 💙🐾
Highland County Public Schools was excited to welcome Fiona and her team from Blue and Gray Search and Rescue Dogs for a special visit!
Fiona is a Wire-Haired Vizsla who serves as a Trailing K9. During their visit, students had the opportunity to learn about the important work these specially trained dogs do, how they use their incredible sense of smell to follow a person's scent, and how they assist search teams in locating missing individuals.
The team shared just how important their work is and gave our students a better understanding of the training, dedication, and teamwork that goes into every search and rescue mission.
These amazing four-legged partners play an important role in helping others, working side by side with their handlers to help bring missing individuals home safely.
We appreciate Blue and Gray Search and Rescue Dogs taking the time to visit HCPS and share their knowledge with our students. What a wonderful learning experience!
Join us in recognizing Fiona and her handler for the important work they do!
🐾 Four paws, one incredible mission! 💙
Highland County Public Schools is accepting applications for an Elementary Secretary!
📌 12-month position
📅 Begins December 2026
💰 Salary: $32,136–$48,547 (based on experience)
✅ Paid annual leave, health insurance, and retirement benefits
📅 Application Deadline: November 27, 2026
Interested applicants should apply online at:
🔗 https://highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
Please share to help us spread the word!
Highland County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sometimes the best surprises come after the rain! What a beautiful sight over the Highland Elementary School playground today!
Our students loved spotting the rainbow and taking a moment to enjoy this beautiful creation. Their excitement and smiles made the moment even more special!
We've always known our little school is a POT OF GOLD, but seeing a rainbow right over our playground was a pretty sweet reminder! 🌈💛
A rainbow stretching across the sky reminds us that even after a cloudy day, there's always a little sunshine and something beautiful waiting to be discovered.
Just another reminder that some of the sweetest memories happen during the simplest learning moments at Highland County Public Schools!
💛💙Once a Ram, Always a Ram! 💙💛
Middle and High Schoolers, need a little extra help with schoolwork? We've got you covered!
Highland County Public Schools is offering after-school tutoring to provide students with additional support, extra practice, and opportunities to build confidence in the classroom.
Tutoring Schedule:
📅 Monday: Ms. Pitsenbarger
📅 Tuesday: Mrs. Moats and Mrs. Wood
📅 Thursday: Ms. Nelson and Ms. Callison
⏰ Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their skills, ask questions, and get the extra help they need to succeed!
We're proud of our teachers for going the extra mile to support our students!
Every student. Every opportunity. Every day!
💙💛 GO RAMS!
💙💛 HEY, HIGHLAND RAMS CHEERLEADERS! 💛💙
📣 Just a reminder that Highland Rams Cheer Practice is scheduled for Thursday, November 12th, from 3:30–5:00 PM!
Get ready to bring your energy, spirit, and RAM PRIDE! 🐏📣
Let's keep building that RAMS spirit! 💙💛
#HighlandRams #RamsCheer #RamPride
❤️🤍💙 HONORING OUR VETERANS AT HCPS! 💙🤍❤️
Highland County Public Schools was honored to celebrate and recognize our veterans today during a special Veterans Day Breakfast and Ceremony. It was a meaningful morning filled with delicious food, patriotism, music, gratitude, and heartfelt appreciation for the men and women who have served our country.
Mr. Miller and Mrs. Williams, our favorite veterans, lead the assembly and helped make this day very special. We were pleased to welcome special guest Jason Wilfong, who shared remarks with our students and guests. Our elementary and band students filled the gym with patriotic spirit as they performed a selection of patriotic songs under the direction of Music Director Chris Johnston.
We were also honored to welcome VMI cadets, who participated in the presentation of the American flag, and the Highland FFA Chapter, which recognized each branch of our military.
A special thank-you goes to our talented cafeteria staff — Lisa, Laci, Latisha, and Diane — for preparing and serving a delicious breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits for our veterans to enjoy and to Bonnie Botkin's Culinary Arts class for preparing and serving delicious patriotic flag cakes. These beautiful treats featured white sponge cake topped with lemon whipped cream icing and decorated with fresh blueberries and raspberries. A wonderful job by Kendra, Mason, Grace, Lily, and Mikhail for making and serving these special desserts!
A special shout-out to our HCPS family who helped make this celebration possible! Our faculty and students were busy this week displaying artwork, decorating and our preparing the space to make everything look amazing while creating a welcoming, patriotic atmosphere. Brooke Springer created a touching slideshow presentation showcasing our favorite veterans of Highland County Public Schools' family members. It was a wonderful way to recognize the personal connections and stories of those who have served.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in making today's celebration so meaningful. Your hard work and hospitality were greatly appreciated! Most importantly, thank you to all our veterans for your courage, dedication, and sacrifices. We are grateful for your service and proud to honor you! 💙🤍❤️
❤️🤍💙Once a hero, always a hero. Thank you, Veterans! 💙🤍❤️
We would like to take a moment to give a very special THANK-YOU to the Veterans who are not only part of our Highland County Public Schools family but have also proudly served our country.
Their dedication, courage, and sacrifices extend far beyond our school community. We are honored to recognize these individuals and acknowledge their service to our nation.
Please join us in thanking our HCPS Veterans:
❤️Jason Wilfong – United States Marine Corps
Served: 2008–2015
-Operation Enduring Freedom
-Global War on Terrorism
-Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary
🤍Ali Williams – United States Army
Served: 1993–2025
-Afghanistan
-Oman/Kuwait
-Iraq
💙 Richard Miller – United States Air Force
Served: 1989–1997
-Japan
-Saudi Arabia
-Africa
-South Korea
❤️ Gary Lane – United States Air Force
Served: 1985–2005
-Gulf War – Operation Desert Storm
To Jason, Ali, Richard, and Gary, thank you for your years of service, your sacrifices, and your commitment to protecting our freedom. We are incredibly proud to have you as members of our HCPS family!
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Veterans in our community and across our nation.
Once a Ram, Always a Ram! 💙💛
❤️🤍💙 LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! 💙 🤍❤️
We had a wonderful time enjoying breakfast with some very special guests—our Veterans! It was a great morning filled with fellowship, smiles, and an opportunity to show our appreciation for those who have served our country.
We can't wait to celebrate them again at our Veterans Day Program!
📅 Join us at 10:00 AM
📍 Highland High School Gymnasium
Come out and help us honor these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
❤️🤍💙To all our Veterans, thank you for your service, your sacrifices, and your dedication. We are proud to honor you! 💙🤍❤️
Highland County Public Schools invites our community to join us on Wednesday, November 11 th, as we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country.
🍳 Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m.
🎖️ Veterans Day Program begins at 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Highland High School Gymnasium
This special celebration is an opportunity to express our gratitude to the veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms. We are proud to honor all who have served and recognize the courage, dedication, and patriotism of our nation's heroes.
❤️🤍💙 Please join us as we come together as a community to say THANK YOU to our veterans!
We are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice. 💙🤍❤️
Highland County Public Schools is excited to announce our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! The National Honor Society is once again partnering with the Department of Social Services to help provide food for families in our community.
💙💛 Let's come together to make a difference! 💛💙
📅 Collection Dates:
Highland High School: November 9th–20th
Highland Elementary School: November 16th–20th
Each grade has been assigned specific food items to collect. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a friendly competition to see which class can donate the most food!
🏆 Class Prizes:
🥇 1st Place: Class Pizza Party!
🥈 2nd Place: Class Ice Cream Party!
🥉 3rd Place: Candy for the Class!
Every donation helps make a difference for families in our community. Thank you for your generosity and support as we work together to make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for everyone!
As colder weather approaches, Highland County Public Schools wants to remind families to stay informed about our school closing and delay procedures for the 2026–2027 school year.
Please take a moment to review the information below so you're prepared when winter weather arrives! 🌨️
📌 School Closings & Delays Information:
https://aptg.co/GQYKZY
The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. Stay safe and warm this winter! 🚌
Calling all cookie lovers! Cookie Monster says it's time to satisfy those sweet cravings while supporting a SWEET cause!
Our Highland NHS students are hosting a Sweet Treats for a Sweet Cause Fundraiser from November 2nd through November 18th!
🍪 Cookie dough
🍿 Popcorn
🥣 Granola
🍬 And MORE delicious treats!
🌾 Gluten-free options are available, too!
Every purchase helps support our community and school events. So grab your favorite sweet treats and help our NHS students make a difference!
To place an order, ask any NHS member or contact Mrs. Hise at mhise@highland.k12.va.us. or use this link https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/ffc42c42-4c08-4142-acd3-f35ae356cf8d
ME WANT COOKIES! AND ME WANT YOU TO SUPPORT OUR NHS FUNDRAISER! 💙💛🍪
#SweetTreatsForASweetCause #NHSFundraiser #SupportOurStudents
Highland County Public Schools is accepting applications for the position of Director of Technology.
We are seeking a knowledgeable, motivated professional to lead our division's technology operations, including network and systems administration, cybersecurity, student information systems, state reporting, and serving as the Division Director of Testing.
This is a 12-month position offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a small, supportive school division.
Flexible training opportunities may be available beginning January 2027.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit our website for more details.
Website: https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
Highland County Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Join us for a special evening of volleyball, fun, and support as the Highland County Lady Rams Volleyball team hosts PINK NIGHT! 💗
Games get underway at 6:00 PM, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved!
Whether you're serving, hitting, cheering, or simply coming out to show your support, there's something for everyone!
💗 All proceeds will benefit the Highland County Department of Social Services Cancer Relief Fund.💗
Let's fill the gym with PINK, show our support, and cheer on our Lady Rams while making a difference in our community!
💗 Wear your pink and come out for a great night of volleyball for a great cause! 🏐💗
#PinkNight #LadyRamsVolleyball #HighlandCounty #RamsPride #PlayForACause
Thursday, November 12, 2026 · 7:00pm
Highland High School Library
Public Packet: https://aptg.co/2h_bR_
To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/vuu-ytyj-qic
To join by phone: (US) +1 929-226-2346
PIN: 662 080 336#
Get ready for Pink Night at Highland High School! 💗
📅 November 6th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 HHS Gym
🎀 Wear Pink. Be Loud. Fight Proud. 🎀
Come out, show your support, and help us make a difference! All proceeds will support local families battling cancer. 💗
There will also be bake goods available! 🧁🍪
💗 Together we fight. Together we win. 💗
🏐🎀Make plans to join us TONIGHT! 🎀🏐
Get ready for Pink Night at Highland High School! 💗
📅 November 6th
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 HHS Gym
🎀 Wear Pink. Be Loud. Fight Proud. 🎀
Come out, show your support, and help us make a difference! All proceeds will support local families battling cancer. 💗
There will also be bake goods available! 🧁🍪
💗 Together we fight. Together we win. 💗
🏐🎀Make plans to join us! 🎀🏐
Highland County Public Schools is excited to announce our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive! The National Honor Society is once again partnering with the Department of Social Services to help provide food for families in our community.
💙💛 Let's come together to make a difference! 💛💙
📅 Collection Dates:
Highland High School: November 9th–20th
Highland Elementary School: November 16th–20th
Each grade has been assigned specific food items to collect. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a friendly competition to see which class can donate the most food!
🏆 Class Prizes:
🥇 1st Place: Class Pizza Party!
🥈 2nd Place: Class Ice Cream Party!
🥉 3rd Place: Candy for the Class!
Every donation helps make a difference for families in our community. Thank you for your generosity and support as we work together to make this Thanksgiving a little brighter for everyone!
#HCPSRams #ThanksgivingFoodDrive #HighlandCounty #CommunityGiving #RamsGiveBack
🏐💙💛 VOLLEYBALL ALL-DISTRICT TEAM SELECTIONS! 💛💙
Congratulations to our HCPS Lady Rams Volleyball players on their All-District team selections!
🌟 Adelaide Baxter – 2nd Team All-District! Your hard work, dedication, and consistency in training have paid off. We are so proud of you!
👏 Brooklyn Bussard and Marley Jarrells– Honorable Mention! Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
What a great way to wrap up the season! We are incredibly proud of all three of you and the hard work you have put in throughout the year.
Way to go, ladies! Go Rams! 🐏💙💛
A special Thank You to CL Photoz for the photos!
Get ready to turn up the volume and show your support for our Highland County Public Schools Mid Kids Radio Club! 💜🎶
📻 Wednesday, 11/04 from 1:00–3:00 PM
🎙️ 89.7 FM WVLS
Tune in and hear our Mid Kids take to the airwaves! We’re excited to hear what they have to say and share this fun experience with our community.
Don’t miss it—tune in tomorrow from 1–3 PM! 📻✨
#HCPS #MidKidsRadioClub #897FM #WVLS #HighlandRams #StudentVoices