The Drama Club performance of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, which was scheduled for this evening, has been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Support HES with Kroger Community Rewards! π«π
It's easy to give back to our school while you shop!
π How to Enroll:
1οΈβ£ Sign into your Kroger Plus account at kroger.com/account/communityrewards
2οΈβ£ Enter our schoolβs code: HV521
3οΈβ£ Link your account and start earning rewards for HES!
Every purchase you make helps support our students and school programs. Thank you for your support! πβ¨
#HESCommunity #KrogerRewards #SupportOurSchool
It's easy to give back to our school while you shop!
π How to Enroll:
1οΈβ£ Sign into your Kroger Plus account at kroger.com/account/communityrewards
2οΈβ£ Enter our schoolβs code: HV521
3οΈβ£ Link your account and start earning rewards for HES!
Every purchase you make helps support our students and school programs. Thank you for your support! πβ¨
#HESCommunity #KrogerRewards #SupportOurSchool

βοΈ Due to weather conditions, the WVPEC Teacher Job Fair has been rescheduled!
π New Date: Friday, January 31, 2026
β° Time: 9:00 a.m. β 12:00 p.m.
π Location: Salem Civic Center
π©βπ« Now Hiring β 500+ Vacancies!
We are seeking:
βοΈ PreKβ12 teachers (all areas)
βοΈ School counselors, nurses, and administrators
βοΈ Licensed educators, those in the licensure process, and individuals interested in becoming licensed
π Why Apply?
β’ Make a positive impact on a childβs life
β’ Opportunities across 18 public school divisions
β’ Full-time benefits, including health insurance and 401(k)
π Learn more & preregister: WVPEC.org
π§ Questions? office@wvpec.org
We look forward to seeing you thereβplease help us spread the word!
π New Date: Friday, January 31, 2026
β° Time: 9:00 a.m. β 12:00 p.m.
π Location: Salem Civic Center
π©βπ« Now Hiring β 500+ Vacancies!
We are seeking:
βοΈ PreKβ12 teachers (all areas)
βοΈ School counselors, nurses, and administrators
βοΈ Licensed educators, those in the licensure process, and individuals interested in becoming licensed
π Why Apply?
β’ Make a positive impact on a childβs life
β’ Opportunities across 18 public school divisions
β’ Full-time benefits, including health insurance and 401(k)
π Learn more & preregister: WVPEC.org
π§ Questions? office@wvpec.org
We look forward to seeing you thereβplease help us spread the word!

β°π Friendly Reminder for Families! πβ°
Please note our student drop-off times:
π Regular school days: 7:45 a.m.
βοΈ 2-hour delay days: 9:45 a.m.
For student safety, please do not drop off students before these times. Thank you for your cooperation and support! ππ«
Please note our student drop-off times:
π Regular school days: 7:45 a.m.
βοΈ 2-hour delay days: 9:45 a.m.
For student safety, please do not drop off students before these times. Thank you for your cooperation and support! ππ«

πβ¨ Ms. B's second graders have been hard at work designing dioramas that showcase the landscapes where the Powhatan, Lakota, and Pueblo Native American tribes lived. ποΈποΈ Their creativity and learning truly shineβgreat job, second grade! π¨π










Valentineβs Day is just around the corner, and our Floral Design students are excited to offer Valentineβs Day flower arrangements for purchase!
We currently have three beautiful designs available, perfect for a spouse, child, friend, or even yourself. In addition, we are happy to create custom arrangementsβjust let us know what you have in mind. Custom orders must be placed by January 27 to ensure availability.
πΈ Order using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUWXucRiBvZa0hFeSzGbNczf4vLunG79WHnZDrv9hvgqiPpA/viewform?usp=header
Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Valentineβs Day extra special with flowers!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Neil at jcneil@highland.k12.va.us.
We currently have three beautiful designs available, perfect for a spouse, child, friend, or even yourself. In addition, we are happy to create custom arrangementsβjust let us know what you have in mind. Custom orders must be placed by January 27 to ensure availability.
πΈ Order using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUWXucRiBvZa0hFeSzGbNczf4vLunG79WHnZDrv9hvgqiPpA/viewform?usp=header
Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Valentineβs Day extra special with flowers!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Neil at jcneil@highland.k12.va.us.

π΅β¨ Tech-Free Tuesdays! β¨π΅
Highland County Public Schools has kicked off a new traditionβTech-Free Tuesdayβand itβs happening all year long! Each Tuesday, our students and staff set aside devices to focus on hands-on learning, creativity, and face-to-face connections. π‘πβοΈ
Weβre excited to keep building this tradition and seeing the great things that happen when we go screen-freeβtogether!
Highland County Public Schools has kicked off a new traditionβTech-Free Tuesdayβand itβs happening all year long! Each Tuesday, our students and staff set aside devices to focus on hands-on learning, creativity, and face-to-face connections. π‘πβοΈ
Weβre excited to keep building this tradition and seeing the great things that happen when we go screen-freeβtogether!

Due to the cold weather advisory for Highland County and continued negative wind chill temperatures, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, January 20, 2026.
Please stay safe and warm!

π±β¨ Stay Connected with HCPS! β¨π±
Want the latest school news, event updates, and important alerts right at your fingertips? Download the Highland County Public Schools Mobile App today!
β Stay up to date on announcements
β Access calendars and schedules
β Get quick notifications right to your phone
Donβt miss a thingβdownload the app now and stay connected with our school community! π
Want the latest school news, event updates, and important alerts right at your fingertips? Download the Highland County Public Schools Mobile App today!
β Stay up to date on announcements
β Access calendars and schedules
β Get quick notifications right to your phone
Donβt miss a thingβdownload the app now and stay connected with our school community! π

πΊπΈ Our kindergarten students proudly led the Pledge of Allegiance at Thursdayβs School Board meeting and followed it with a heartfelt performance of a patriotic song.
Their confidence, enthusiasm, and school pride made the evening especially meaningful for all in attendance. Thank you to our students and Mrs. Ann for sharing such a wonderful moment with our School Board and community.
Their confidence, enthusiasm, and school pride made the evening especially meaningful for all in attendance. Thank you to our students and Mrs. Ann for sharing such a wonderful moment with our School Board and community.

ποΈ 2026-2027 School Calendar Approved
The Highland County School Board has approved the 2026-2027 school calendar!
View the approved calendar here:
https://aptg.co/39NQps
All school calendars can be found on our website:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/school-calendars/351757
The Highland County School Board has approved the 2026-2027 school calendar!
View the approved calendar here:
https://aptg.co/39NQps
All school calendars can be found on our website:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/school-calendars/351757

π’ School Board Meeting Time Update
The Highland County School Board has changed the meeting start time back to 7:00 p.m.
π Next Meeting: Thursday, February 12, 2026
β° Time: 7:00 p.m.
π Location: Highland High School Library
For additional information, please visit:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/school-board1
We encourage community members to attend and stay engaged.
The Highland County School Board has changed the meeting start time back to 7:00 p.m.
π Next Meeting: Thursday, February 12, 2026
β° Time: 7:00 p.m.
π Location: Highland High School Library
For additional information, please visit:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/school-board1
We encourage community members to attend and stay engaged.
Highland County Public Schools is currently seeking feedback on the items under review from the January 2026 School Board Meeting. To access the items under review, please visit the "Items Under Review" folder on the HCPS Website.
We encourage you to carefully review the policies and provide your feedback based on your expertise and experience. Feedback may be left at HCPS@highland.k12.va.us.
Thank you in advance for your valuable feedback and ongoing support in making Highland County Public Schools a thriving educational community.
π https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/items-under-review/374232
We encourage you to carefully review the policies and provide your feedback based on your expertise and experience. Feedback may be left at HCPS@highland.k12.va.us.
Thank you in advance for your valuable feedback and ongoing support in making Highland County Public Schools a thriving educational community.
π https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/items-under-review/374232

π School Board Meeting Highlights β January 15, 2026
The Highland County School Board held its January meeting and approved several important items that support our students, staff, and community:
ποΈ School Calendar Approved
View the approved calendar here: https://aptg.co/39NQps
All school calendars can be found at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/school-calendars/351757
πΌ Salary Scale Approved
View the approved salary scale here: https://aptg.co/tsz2Fc
All salary scales are available at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/employment/salary-scale/226403
π Congratulations
We are pleased to congratulate Mrs. Ali Williams, who was announced as our school principal beginning in July 2026. We look forward to her leadership and continued service to our school community.
π Draft Meeting Minutes
Draft minutes from the January 15 meeting are available here:
https://aptg.co/XrkhNn
Thank you to our School Board members for their continued dedication to Highland County Public Schools.
The Highland County School Board held its January meeting and approved several important items that support our students, staff, and community:
ποΈ School Calendar Approved
View the approved calendar here: https://aptg.co/39NQps
All school calendars can be found at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/school-calendars/351757
πΌ Salary Scale Approved
View the approved salary scale here: https://aptg.co/tsz2Fc
All salary scales are available at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/employment/salary-scale/226403
π Congratulations
We are pleased to congratulate Mrs. Ali Williams, who was announced as our school principal beginning in July 2026. We look forward to her leadership and continued service to our school community.
π Draft Meeting Minutes
Draft minutes from the January 15 meeting are available here:
https://aptg.co/XrkhNn
Thank you to our School Board members for their continued dedication to Highland County Public Schools.

π§ͺπ₯ Chemistry in Action! Our students had a blast distilling ethanol in Mr. Warf's class, watching flasks bubble and learning hands-on π¬β¨. Check out our future scientists in action! π©βπ¬π¨βπ¬βοΈ




Virginia Kindness Week is Coming!
Join us February 9β13 to celebrate everyday acts of kindness that make our schools and communities stronger.
π Support the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundationβraising awareness of teen mental healthβby ordering a Virginia Kindness Week t-shirt.
β‘οΈ Order by January 20 to get your shirt before Kindness Week: https://www.bonfire.com/va-kindness-week/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=post_campaign_launch&utm_campaign=va-kindness-week&utm_content=default
π Nominate a Kindness Ambassador!
Submit your nomination using the Virginia Kindness Week Ambassador Nomination Form. All nominators receive a digital certificate for their nominee, and one adult and one student will be selected as the 2026 Virginia Kindness Ambassadors of the Year.
β‘οΈ Nomination Deadline: February 2, 2026
β‘οΈ Nomination Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qeUKYsFOoE-GQV2fOGxzCd7DJ0j3ltJNgZTM_uJQMG1UNUtWMUVZMUVQTEFZWTc5SFExTTJBTlVWOS4u
π Check out the 12-Month Kindness Calendar for daily inspiration: https://aptg.co/S2GqYr
Letβs spread kindness together! For more information visit: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/integrated-student-supports/virginia-kindness-week
Join us February 9β13 to celebrate everyday acts of kindness that make our schools and communities stronger.
π Support the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundationβraising awareness of teen mental healthβby ordering a Virginia Kindness Week t-shirt.
β‘οΈ Order by January 20 to get your shirt before Kindness Week: https://www.bonfire.com/va-kindness-week/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=post_campaign_launch&utm_campaign=va-kindness-week&utm_content=default
π Nominate a Kindness Ambassador!
Submit your nomination using the Virginia Kindness Week Ambassador Nomination Form. All nominators receive a digital certificate for their nominee, and one adult and one student will be selected as the 2026 Virginia Kindness Ambassadors of the Year.
β‘οΈ Nomination Deadline: February 2, 2026
β‘οΈ Nomination Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qeUKYsFOoE-GQV2fOGxzCd7DJ0j3ltJNgZTM_uJQMG1UNUtWMUVZMUVQTEFZWTc5SFExTTJBTlVWOS4u
π Check out the 12-Month Kindness Calendar for daily inspiration: https://aptg.co/S2GqYr
Letβs spread kindness together! For more information visit: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/integrated-student-supports/virginia-kindness-week

Due to single-digit temperatures and negative wind chill values overnight and into the morning commute, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday, January 16, 2026

Looking for a career that makes a difference?
Join us at the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium Teacher Job Fair!
π January 24, 2026
β° 9:00 AM β 12:00 PM
π Salem Civic Center
With 500+ vacancies, school divisions across the region are seeking:
βοΈ PreKβ12 teachers in all areas
βοΈ School counselors, nurses, and administrators
βοΈ Licensed educators, those in the licensing process, or anyone interested in becoming licensed
Why attend?
βοΈ Make a positive impact on a childβs life
βοΈ Explore opportunities in 18 public school divisions
βοΈ Full-time benefits, including health insurance & 401k
βοΈ Meet representatives ready to hire!
π Learn more & preregister: WVPEC.org
π§ Questions? office@wvpec.org
Donβt miss this opportunity to start or advance your career in education! β¨ππ
Join us at the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium Teacher Job Fair!
π January 24, 2026
β° 9:00 AM β 12:00 PM
π Salem Civic Center
With 500+ vacancies, school divisions across the region are seeking:
βοΈ PreKβ12 teachers in all areas
βοΈ School counselors, nurses, and administrators
βοΈ Licensed educators, those in the licensing process, or anyone interested in becoming licensed
Why attend?
βοΈ Make a positive impact on a childβs life
βοΈ Explore opportunities in 18 public school divisions
βοΈ Full-time benefits, including health insurance & 401k
βοΈ Meet representatives ready to hire!
π Learn more & preregister: WVPEC.org
π§ Questions? office@wvpec.org
Donβt miss this opportunity to start or advance your career in education! β¨ππ

We have exciting news to share! π
Highland County Public Schools has been selected as one of Virginia Livingβs 2026 Top Schools & Universities, an honor we are incredibly proud of.
Virginia Livingβs editors use a holistic evaluation process, considering academic performance in reading, writing, and math, as well as key student success indicators such as on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and overall educational quality. Being recognized through this comprehensive lens makes this distinction especially meaningful.
Our district will be featured in the MarchβApril 2026 issue of Virginia Living Magazine as part of their annual State of Education section, a trusted resource families across the Commonwealth rely on when searching for high-quality educational opportunities.
This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence in education.
Congratulations, Highland County Public Schools! This achievement is well deserved! πππ
You can view the digital edition of the MarchβApril 2025 issue here: https://www.flipsnack.com/8EDCDCFF8D6/2025-april/full-view.html?p=114
Highland County Public Schools has been selected as one of Virginia Livingβs 2026 Top Schools & Universities, an honor we are incredibly proud of.
Virginia Livingβs editors use a holistic evaluation process, considering academic performance in reading, writing, and math, as well as key student success indicators such as on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and overall educational quality. Being recognized through this comprehensive lens makes this distinction especially meaningful.
Our district will be featured in the MarchβApril 2026 issue of Virginia Living Magazine as part of their annual State of Education section, a trusted resource families across the Commonwealth rely on when searching for high-quality educational opportunities.
This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence in education.
Congratulations, Highland County Public Schools! This achievement is well deserved! πππ
You can view the digital edition of the MarchβApril 2025 issue here: https://www.flipsnack.com/8EDCDCFF8D6/2025-april/full-view.html?p=114

π Athletics Update π
Middle School Basketball games at Marlinton Middle School scheduled for this evening have been postponed.
Varsity Basketball games at Craig County will be played as scheduled:
β’ 5:30 PM β Girls
β’ 7:00 PM β Boys
Good luck to our Varsity teams! Go Rams! π
Middle School Basketball games at Marlinton Middle School scheduled for this evening have been postponed.
Varsity Basketball games at Craig County will be played as scheduled:
β’ 5:30 PM β Girls
β’ 7:00 PM β Boys
Good luck to our Varsity teams! Go Rams! π
