Highland County Public Schools

🚌💙💛 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK SPOTLIGHT: FRANNY NEIL 💛💙🚌

Highland County Public Schools is proud to spotlight Franny Neil, who has been driving a school bus for an incredible 34 years! That’s 34 years of early mornings, countless miles, wonderful memories, and safely transporting our students. But Franny’s dedication to HCPS goes far beyond the bus! ❤️

🚌 34 Years, Four Buses, and Almost Every Route!

Franny began her career transporting two students in wheelchairs on a special-needs bus. She later drove for Head Start when it was a half-day program, taking preschoolers home after lunch. She has driven every HCPS bus route except the Blue Grass route! This year, she received a brand-new bus, and one of her favorite features is finally having AIR CONDITIONING! 😎

📚 More Than a Bus Driver — Helping Students Succeed!

Franny has also served as a teacher’s aide throughout her years at HCPS, spending much of that time in the Distance Learning Lab. There, she helps students taking challenging courses to prepare for college or earn their associate degree before graduating from high school! 🎓

Whether behind the wheel or helping students reach their academic goals, Franny is always willing to step up and lend a hand wherever she’s needed.

😂 What Happens on the Bus… or Does It?

Franny has learned that kids don't keep family secrets — they tell EVERYTHING! 🤣 She has even learned about moms expecting babies before the news was shared with anyone else. The school bus can be the community's unofficial news network!

Her lost-and-found discoveries include shoes, socks, and even underwear! You never know what you'll find at the end of the route.

Keeping her bus in tip-top shape takes time, too. Franny spends about an hour and a half each week cleaning and maintaining it!

⚠️ Franny's Safety Reminder

STAY SEATED! 🚌 Franny reminds students to remain seated while the bus is moving to help keep everyone safe.

🎉 The Last Day of School Tradition!

One of Franny's favorite days is the last day of school! She circles the bus loop a second time, honking the horn while students cheer and wave goodbye to their teachers. Are they simply saying goodbye, or preparing to soak the teachers with water squirters and water balloons? 😂💦 It's a fun tradition that brings plenty of smiles!

🍔 A Childhood Memory Turned Tradition

When Franny was a little girl, her bus driver, June Burns, would stop at Odie's (Sportsman's Inn) on Pond Hill, most recently known as Jason's Pizza, for the best hamburgers around!

Franny has continued the tradition with her own riders, stopping at the store in McDowell so students can pick out chips and drinks. When Boo Boo and Charlie Moyers rode the bus, they would even call ahead to have sandwiches made! ❤️ These little traditions make bus rides about so much more than transportation.

💙💛 MORE THAN COWORKERS — ONE BIG BUS FAMILY! 🚌❤️

Franny remembers when fellow bus driver Jake Simmons was diagnosed with cancer. Without hesitation, the other drivers stepped up and covered his route so he could focus on what mattered most.

That's the Highland County way — neighbors helping neighbors and coworkers becoming family. Our drivers do more than transport children safely; they support one another and show how much they care.

🏐 Always Cheering for the RAMS! 🐏💙💛

You'll often find Franny in the stands at home games, cheering on her favorite team — the RAMS! Franny is a wonderful example of how HCPS employees go above and beyond to support our students and staff. Whether driving her route, helping in the Distance Learning Lab, or cheering on our athletes, she is always willing to help anyone who needs a hand!

💙💛 THANK YOU, FRANNY! 💛💙

Thank you for 34 years of dedication, laughter, kindness, and memories with Highland County Public Schools. From safely transporting students to helping them succeed academically and supporting our Rams, you make a difference in so many lives. We are thankful to have you as part of the HCPS family! ❤️

Remember, Rams: Stay seated, follow your driver's directions, and help keep every bus ride safe! 🐏🚌

#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #HCPSRams #BusDriverSpotlight #34YearsOfService #SafetyFirst #OnceARamAlwaysARam 💙💛

🚌💙💛 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK SPOTLIGHT: VERNON SIMMONS 💛💙🚌

This School Bus Safety Week, Highland County Public Schools is proud to spotlight Vernon Simmons, who has been driving a school bus for 15 years and has driven four different buses along the way! Today, he enjoys driving the Mill Gap route.

But did you know Vernon wears many hats at HCPS? He’s not only a school bus driver, but also a fantastic custodian and a true jack of all trades! 🔧🛠️ If something needs fixing, Vernon is the guy you want around. He’s always willing to lend a hand and help wherever he’s needed.

And his dedication doesn’t stop when the regular school day ends! 🏀 Vernon also supports our student-athletes by transporting them to their ball games. You’ll often find him in the stands at home games, cheering on his favorite team — the RAMS! 🐏💙💛 Vernon is a wonderful example of how our school employees go above and beyond to support our students, both on and off the bus.

🚌 A New Ride!

Vernon was fortunate enough to get a new bus this year, and one of his favorite features is finally having AIR CONDITIONING! 😎 After all those years behind the wheel, that is definitely something to appreciate!

🦌 You Never Know What You'll See on the Bus Route!

When asked about the weirdest thing to happen along his route, Vernon shared a story that is hard to forget: a deer kicked the bottom window of the bus door and broke the glass! 🦌 Talk about an unexpected encounter!

And the strangest thing he has ever found on his bus? A bathing suit! 👙 You just never know what students might leave behind!

⚠️ Vernon's Important Safety Reminder

Vernon wants students to remember to SIT DOWN AND STAY SEATED so everyone can stay safe while the bus is moving.

He also asks students to please be mindful of the language they use on the bus. Our school bus drivers transport children ranging from just 3 years old to 19 years old, and it’s important to keep the bus environment respectful and appropriate for students of all ages.

🧡 A Favorite Childhood Memory

Before becoming a school bus driver himself, Vernon has fond memories of riding the bus and helping his drivers, Norman Herold and Rev. Adkins, put real chains on the bus tires when it snowed. Those were the days when getting the bus ready for winter weather was part of the adventure!

💙💛 Thank You, Vernon! 💛💙

Thank you, Vernon, for 15 years of dedication to Highland County Public Schools! From safely transporting our students, to keeping our buildings running smoothly, fixing whatever needs fixing, and supporting our student-athletes, you truly do it all! We appreciate everything you do for our students, staff, and school community. You truly exemplify Once A Ram Always A Ram. You are truly a gem!

Remember, Rams: Stay seated, use respectful language, and help make every bus ride a safe ride! 🐏🚌

#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #HCPSRams #BusDriverSpotlight #SafetyFirst #OnceARamAlwaysARam 💙💛

HCPS will once again be creating a special Veterans Day video to honor the veterans who have served our country! ❤️🤍💙 This year, we would love to open this opportunity to anyone in our community who would like to have a veteran recognized in our ceremony.
If you would like to include a veteran, please email Katherine Springer at kspringer@highland.k12.va.us with the following information:

💙A picture of the veteran during their military service

🤍 Full name
❤️Branch of service
💙Years of service
🤍Theaters of service (if applicable)

📅 Deadline: November 4th at 3:00 PM

Please submit all information by the deadline to allow time for the video to be finalized before Veterans Day.

If you submitted a veteran's information last year, you do not need to resubmit it! Previously submitted pictures and information will be included again unless you contact us to request updates or removal.

Thank you for helping us recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served our country. We look forward to celebrating our veterans with you! ❤️🤍💙

#HCPS #VeteransDay #HonoringOurVeterans

🏐💙💛 IT’S GAME NIGHT, RAMS FANS! 💛💙🏐

Come out and cheer on our Lady Rams Volleyball team tonight as they take on Parry McCluer!

📣 Game Schedule:
🏐 Junior Varsity begins at 5:30 PM
🏐 Varsity follows at 6:30 PM

💙💛 Tonight is also Parents’ Night! 💛💙

Join us as we recognize and celebrate the parents who support our Lady Rams throughout the season. Your encouragement, time, and dedication mean so much to our athletes!

Let’s pack the stands, show our Rams pride, and make some noise for our Lady Rams! 📣

LET’S GO, LADY RAMS! 🐏💙💛

#HCPRams #LadyRamsVolleyball #RamsPride #ParentsNight

🚌💙💛 SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK SPOTLIGHT: COLE ARMSTRONG 💛💙🚌

This School Bus Safety Week, Highland County Public Schools is proud to spotlight Cole Armstrong, whose journey as a school bus driver began at just 19 years old!

Cole started driving as a substitute for his mom, Belle Armstrong, who drove a school bus for HCPS for more than 30 years. His dad, Charlie, also drove a school bus for HCPS for a couple of years, making school bus driving a family tradition! 🚌❤️ Cole began filling in for his mom and has been driving ever since.

🏀⚾ Making Memories with the Rams!

One of Cole’s favorite memories as a bus driver was driving for the Highland boys’ baseball and basketball teams while also coaching. Being able to combine his love of sports, coaching, and driving made those experiences especially memorable!

🛑 A Safety Reminder for Everyone!

Cole wants to remind fellow drivers and the community to keep an eye out for children along the road and for school buses picking them up. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our students safe. Please slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for children and school buses!

💙 A Special Childhood Memory

When asked about his favorite memory of riding the school bus as a child, Cole's answer was a special one: his mom was his bus driver! 😊

Her route was quite the trip, it went to McDowell then Williamsville and back to Headwaters. He figures he probably got a little special treatment along the way! Belle didn't just drive Cole to school; she also drove her grandchildren. What a wonderful family tradition of getting generations of students safely to school!

💙💛 Thank you, Cole Armstrong, for your continued dedication to Highland County Public Schools and our students! And a special thank-you to Belle for more than 30 years of service behind the wheel. We also recognize Cole's dad for his time driving for HCPS. The Armstrong family's commitment to our school community is something to celebrate!

Remember, Rams: Stay alert, watch for children, and help keep our school buses and students safe! 🐏🚌

#SchoolBusSafetyWeek #HCPSRams #BusDriverSpotlight #SafetyFirst

🍂🍰TOMMORROW IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER 🍰🍂
Cheesecake Fundraiser – Class of 2029!

The Highland High School Class of 2029 is having a cheesecake fundraiser and would love your support! ❤️

Enjoy a delicious cheesecake for just $25 each! Choose from a variety of flavors:

🍓 Berrie-Berry
🍫 Chocolate
🍎 Apple
🍋 Key Lime
🍰 Classic New York
🍪 Classic Oreo
🎃 Pumpkin

🚚 Delivery: November 12th

📲 Contact a Highland High School sophomore to place your order, or order online!

🌐 https://cheesecakefundraising.com/pages/highland2029

Online orders and donations are accepted!

Thank you for supporting the Class of 2029! Your support helps make a difference for our students! 💙💛

📚🎉 REMINDER, RAMS — TONIGHT IS BOOK FAIR FAMILY NIGHT! 🎉📚

Grab the family and join us at Highland Elementary School for a fun evening of books, reading, and discovering your next favorite story! 💙💛🐏

📅 TONIGHT — Tuesday, October 20th
⏰ 3:30–7:00 PM
📍 Highland Elementary School

📖 Browse a great selection of books for readers of all ages, encourage a love of reading, and help your child build their home library!

❤️ Bring the whole family and make some wonderful reading memories together!

We can’t wait to see you tonight! 📚✨

💙💛 GO RAMS! 🐏

🏐💙💛 IT’S GAME NIGHT, RAMS FANS! 💛💙🏐

Come out and cheer on our Lady Rams Volleyball team tonight as they take on Tygarts Valley!

📣 Game Schedule:
🏐 Middle School begins at 5:30 PM
🏐 Varsity follows against Tygarts Valley

💙💛 Tonight is also Parents’ Night for Middle Schoolers! 💛💙

Join us as we recognize and celebrate the parents who support our Lady Rams throughout the season. Your encouragement, time, and dedication mean so much to our athletes!

Let’s pack the stands, show our Rams pride, and make some noise for our Lady Rams! 📣

LET’S GO, LADY RAMS! 🐏💙💛
#HCPRams #LadyRamsVolleyball #RamsPride #ParentsNight

🚌💙💛 BUS SAFETY WEEK SPOTLIGHT: MEET MR. RONNIE LIPTRAP! 💛💙🚌

This Bus Safety Week, Highland County Public Schools is proud to shine the spotlight on one of our dedicated bus drivers, Mr. Ronnie Liptrap, who has spent an incredible 45 years safely transporting students to and from school! 👏🚌

Mr. Ronnie spent 40 of those years driving for Bath County Public Schools and now brings his experience and dedication to Highland County Public Schools. Over his 45-year career, he has driven only three different routes — talk about knowing your way around!

😂 A Little Bus Driver Humor!

When asked about the funniest or most random things from his career, Mr. Ronnie shared that he drove Preschool Teacher, Mrs. Shelley Thomas, to school for 13 years, then drove her home after sports practices on the activity bus and on special field trips!

And after all these years? He still can't get rid of her! 😂🚌

But that’s not the only surprise he’s encountered on his bus! One day, he looked back and discovered a cat sitting on one of the bus seats! 🐈 We wonder if that passenger had a bus pass!

💙 A Family Bus-Riding Memory

Mr. Ronnie’s favorite childhood memory of riding the school bus was having his own dad, Donnie, as his bus driver. With six children in the family, they all had the chance to ride with Dad. The only catch? You definitely couldn't get away with anything! 😂

Maybe that explains why Mr. Ronnie is a little mischievous himself these days!

🛑 Mr. Ronnie's Bus Safety Tip: LIMIT DISTRACTIONS!

After 45 years behind the wheel, Mr. Ronnie has some important advice for keeping everyone safe. When training other bus drivers, he emphasizes handling distractions when the bus is stopped, because addressing a distraction while the bus is moving can be much more dangerous.

🚌 Students, you can help keep your bus safe!
✅ Follow the bus driver's instructions.
✅ Keep voices at a reasonable level.
✅ Keep hands and objects to yourself.
✅ Avoid distracting the driver while the bus is moving.

Our bus drivers have a big responsibility every day, and we can all do our part to help them get everyone to school and home safely.

Join us in thanking Mr. Ronnie Liptrap for 45 years of dedication, countless miles driven, and a lifetime of memories made along the way! We are grateful to have him behind the wheel for Highland County Public Schools. 💙💛

🐏 Thank you, Mr. Ronnie, for helping keep our Rams safe! 🚌💙💛

#BusSafetyWeek #HCPSRams #ThankYouBusDrivers #SafetyFirst

📚🎉 IT’S SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR WEEK AT HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY! 🎉📚

Get ready, Rams! 🐏💙💛 The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Highland Elementary THIS WEEK, and we can’t wait to celebrate the joy of reading!

📅 October 19th – 23rd
⏰ Daily Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

🌙 Family Nights:
📖 Tuesday, October 20th

📖Wednesday,, October 21st
⏰ 3:30–7:00 PM

Bring the family and explore a wonderful selection of books for readers of all ages! The Book Fair is a great opportunity to encourage a love of reading while helping raise funds for our school. ❤️📚

💳 Make shopping easy with Book Fair eWallet! Families can set up an eWallet so students can shop independently, and friends and family can contribute toward their book purchases. Any unspent funds remain in your Scholastic account for future Book Fairs.

🔗 Visit our Book Fair homepage to get started:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/highlandelementaryschool61

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get excited to discover your next favorite book! 📚✨

💙💛 Happy Reading, Rams! 🐏📖

🐾👔 Happy Boss’s Day to Highland County Public Schools’ BOSSES! 👔🐾

We appreciate all the hard work and leadership our bosses provide each day… BUT let’s be honest, we all know who’s REALLY in charge around here! 😂🐶

That’s right… BRUNO! 🐾💙💛

He may not attend meetings, answer emails, or sign paperwork, but he sure knows how to steal the show and keep everyone at his command! 😉

All jokes aside, we are truly thankful for the leadership, dedication, and support of Superintendent, Mr. Nycum, HHS Principal, Mr. Miller, and HES Principal Designee, Mrs. Williams. Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and the entire HCPS family! 💙💛

Happy Boss’s Day to our HCPS leaders from the one who REALLY runs the school! 👑🐾😂🐶

Special Thanks to CL Photoz for this sweet photo.

#HCPSRams #HappyBossesDay #BrunoIsTheBoss #RamPride