💌📚 History with Heart! 📚💌
Our AP Government and AP Modern World History students combined creativity with content by designing Valentine’s cards connected to what they are learning in Mrs. Mcwhorter's class. ❤️
Our AP Government and AP Modern World History students combined creativity with content by designing Valentine’s cards connected to what they are learning in Mrs. Mcwhorter's class. ❤️









🧪🔬 Our 6th grade science students presented their science fair projects to judges during class last week and did an outstanding job sharing their research, experiments, and findings.
The public will have the opportunity to view these projects during 4-H Contest Day on February 27 from 4:00–6:00 PM. Student displays will be set up in the Elementary Library.
We invite our community to come out and support our young scientists and see their hard work on display!










❤️✨ First Grade Dreaming Big! ✨❤️
Our first grade students have been learning about the incredible life and lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As part of their classwork, they explored his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and reflected on how they can help make the world a kinder place.
To celebrate MLK Day and Valentine’s Day, students wrote and displayed their own dreams for a better, more caring world. Their thoughtful words and bright ideas are a wonderful reminder that even our youngest learners can make a big difference. 💭💕
Our first grade students have been learning about the incredible life and lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As part of their classwork, they explored his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and reflected on how they can help make the world a kinder place.
To celebrate MLK Day and Valentine’s Day, students wrote and displayed their own dreams for a better, more caring world. Their thoughtful words and bright ideas are a wonderful reminder that even our youngest learners can make a big difference. 💭💕


The HCPS Technology Department 💻 will be conducting a beta test of our Canvas LMS system as we prepare for the required New Login UI update, which must be implemented by June 30, 2026. 🔐
🗓️ The test will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
⚠️ Please be aware that there may be temporary issues logging in during the testing period.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to ensure a smooth transition! 🚀
🗓️ The test will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
⚠️ Please be aware that there may be temporary issues logging in during the testing period.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to ensure a smooth transition! 🚀

🐾 101st Day of School Fun! 🐾
Our Pre-K class celebrated the 101st day of school with a 101 Dalmatians theme. Look at all those spots! 🖤🤍
Wait… is that a real Dalmatian?! 😄 Cruella shared her dog with the class. What a special surprise for our students.
They had a blast in the gym running around and playing fetch. Learning, movement, and a little Disney magic made it a perfect Pre-K day!
Our Pre-K class celebrated the 101st day of school with a 101 Dalmatians theme. Look at all those spots! 🖤🤍
Wait… is that a real Dalmatian?! 😄 Cruella shared her dog with the class. What a special surprise for our students.
They had a blast in the gym running around and playing fetch. Learning, movement, and a little Disney magic made it a perfect Pre-K day!









Due to the winter weather advisory tonight and into the morning hours, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Road conditions will be evaluated in the morning, and any additional updates will be communicated as soon as possible.

📚 8th Grade Student/Parent Scheduling Meeting
Parents and students—please join us for an important scheduling meeting as we prepare for the transition to high school!
🗓 Wednesday, February 25
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 HCPS Cafeteria
We will discuss:
✔️ 9th grade course offerings
✔️ Diploma types
✔️ VDOE graduation requirements
✔️ Additional learning opportunities
This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions and plan for a successful high school experience.
If you are unable to attend, please contact Mrs. Obaugh at 540-468-6323 or mobaugh@highland.k12.va.us
We hope to see you there!
Parents and students—please join us for an important scheduling meeting as we prepare for the transition to high school!
🗓 Wednesday, February 25
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 HCPS Cafeteria
We will discuss:
✔️ 9th grade course offerings
✔️ Diploma types
✔️ VDOE graduation requirements
✔️ Additional learning opportunities
This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions and plan for a successful high school experience.
If you are unable to attend, please contact Mrs. Obaugh at 540-468-6323 or mobaugh@highland.k12.va.us
We hope to see you there!

Due to the continued snowfall overnight and worsening road conditions this morning, Highland County Public Schools will be closed today, Tuesday, February 24th, 2026.

🍎 Our fifth graders enjoyed a special lunch with their Pre-K buddies, and it was full of smiles, laughter, and great conversations!🧃
It’s always wonderful to see our older students stepping up as role models and building positive relationships with our youngest learners. Moments like these help make our school feel like one big family. 🐏
It’s always wonderful to see our older students stepping up as role models and building positive relationships with our youngest learners. Moments like these help make our school feel like one big family. 🐏



🐾 Interested in becoming a veterinarian? 🐾
NC State’s VetCAMP 2026 is a great opportunity for students to explore veterinary careers through hands-on labs, dissections, animal care units, and live sessions with veterinarians!
📅 Virtual: June 22–26
📅 In-person: July 6–10 or July 13–17
📝 Apply by April 6
Students can earn 40 hours of veterinary experience and a graduation certificate!
🔗 https://cals.ncsu.edu/vetpac/vetcamp/
#VetCAMP #CareerReady #CTEOpportunities
NC State’s VetCAMP 2026 is a great opportunity for students to explore veterinary careers through hands-on labs, dissections, animal care units, and live sessions with veterinarians!
📅 Virtual: June 22–26
📅 In-person: July 6–10 or July 13–17
📝 Apply by April 6
Students can earn 40 hours of veterinary experience and a graduation certificate!
🔗 https://cals.ncsu.edu/vetpac/vetcamp/
#VetCAMP #CareerReady #CTEOpportunities


The HCPS Technology Department 💻 will be conducting a beta test of our Canvas LMS system as we prepare for the required New Login UI update, which must be implemented by June 30, 2026. 🔐
🗓️ The test will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
⚠️ Please be aware that there may be temporary issues logging in during the testing period.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to ensure a smooth transition! 🚀
🗓️ The test will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026.
⚠️ Please be aware that there may be temporary issues logging in during the testing period.
We appreciate your patience and support as we work to ensure a smooth transition! 🚀

We’re 100 days smarter! 💯🧠
That’s 100 days of learning, growing, and laughing. We are so proud of the hard work our students and staff have put in so far and we’re excited for what’s still ahead.
Here’s to the next 80+ days of learning, success, and finishing the year strong! 🎉📚✏️
That’s 100 days of learning, growing, and laughing. We are so proud of the hard work our students and staff have put in so far and we’re excited for what’s still ahead.
Here’s to the next 80+ days of learning, success, and finishing the year strong! 🎉📚✏️

Due to the current winter weather advisory and below freezing temperatures, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026. Staff will monitor road conditions in the morning to ensure safe travel.

🌾💙 FFA Spirit Week – February 23–27 💛🌾
Join us as we celebrate FFA Spirit Week with a full lineup of fun dress-up days and activities!
Monday – Down on the Farm
Dress as a farm animal or farmer
🎉 Kickoff Treat
Tuesday – Camo vs. Carhartt
Wear your favorite Carhartt, camo, or both
👔 State Officer Visit – 9:30 AM (HS Library)
🎊 Federation Fiesta @ Buffalo Gap Afterschool
Wednesday – Western Wednesday
Cowboy up and show us your best boots!
🍕 FFA Members Lunch in the Ag Shop (Pizza!)
Thursday – Farmers Day Off
Wear your PJs to school
🥞 Teachers Breakfast – Thank you for supporting our program!
Friday – FFA Apparel Day
Wear past or present FFA shirts
🏆 Oldest shirt or FFA jacket wins a prize
📢 FFA Assembly
Join us as we celebrate FFA Spirit Week with a full lineup of fun dress-up days and activities!
Monday – Down on the Farm
Dress as a farm animal or farmer
🎉 Kickoff Treat
Tuesday – Camo vs. Carhartt
Wear your favorite Carhartt, camo, or both
👔 State Officer Visit – 9:30 AM (HS Library)
🎊 Federation Fiesta @ Buffalo Gap Afterschool
Wednesday – Western Wednesday
Cowboy up and show us your best boots!
🍕 FFA Members Lunch in the Ag Shop (Pizza!)
Thursday – Farmers Day Off
Wear your PJs to school
🥞 Teachers Breakfast – Thank you for supporting our program!
Friday – FFA Apparel Day
Wear past or present FFA shirts
🏆 Oldest shirt or FFA jacket wins a prize
📢 FFA Assembly

💃🕺 HOMECOMING DANCE — TOMORROW NIGHT! 🎶✨
Grab your friends and get ready to dance! Tomorrow night from 7:00–10:00 PM, the high school cafeteria is the place to be for the Homecoming Dance, open to 8th–12th grade students.
🎧 A live DJ will be spinning the music
📸 A fun photo area for pics with friends
🍴 Catering to keep the energy up
👑 Homecoming Court will be crowned
Tickets are $10 per person, so don’t miss out on one of the most fun nights of Homecoming Week. Dress to impress, bring your best moves, and make some memories with your Ram family!
See you on the dance floor! 💙💛
Grab your friends and get ready to dance! Tomorrow night from 7:00–10:00 PM, the high school cafeteria is the place to be for the Homecoming Dance, open to 8th–12th grade students.
🎧 A live DJ will be spinning the music
📸 A fun photo area for pics with friends
🍴 Catering to keep the energy up
👑 Homecoming Court will be crowned
Tickets are $10 per person, so don’t miss out on one of the most fun nights of Homecoming Week. Dress to impress, bring your best moves, and make some memories with your Ram family!
See you on the dance floor! 💙💛

🎉 We are proud to celebrate our incredible Career & Technical Education teachers who help our students celebrate today and own tomorrow!
Our outstanding educators who lead our CTE programs:
🌱 Jennifer Neil – Agriculture
💻 Julie Jessee – Business Technology
🍳 Bonnie Botkin – Culinary Arts
Through hands-on learning, real-world skills, and meaningful career preparation, these teachers are making a lasting impact on our students every single day. Their dedication helps open doors to certifications, careers, and lifelong success.
Please join us in thanking them for the passion, knowledge, and opportunities they bring to our school and community. We appreciate you more than words can say! 👏
Our outstanding educators who lead our CTE programs:
🌱 Jennifer Neil – Agriculture
💻 Julie Jessee – Business Technology
🍳 Bonnie Botkin – Culinary Arts
Through hands-on learning, real-world skills, and meaningful career preparation, these teachers are making a lasting impact on our students every single day. Their dedication helps open doors to certifications, careers, and lifelong success.
Please join us in thanking them for the passion, knowledge, and opportunities they bring to our school and community. We appreciate you more than words can say! 👏

Preschool Sweethearts! ❤️

Our cheerleaders brought the spirit and the sparkle all season long! 📣✨
Loud, proud, and full of energy — they kept the excitement high all year. So proud of this group! 💙




🦷👑 February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! 👑🦷
Families are invited to join the fun on Monday, February 23rd at 9:15 a.m. at HES!
We will visit classrooms for engaging, dental-related activities and talk with students about the importance of good oral health habits.
🎁 When you attend, children will receive:
• A FREE tooth brushing kit
• A FREE children’s book
We look forward to promoting healthy smiles together! 😁✨
Families are invited to join the fun on Monday, February 23rd at 9:15 a.m. at HES!
We will visit classrooms for engaging, dental-related activities and talk with students about the importance of good oral health habits.
🎁 When you attend, children will receive:
• A FREE tooth brushing kit
• A FREE children’s book
We look forward to promoting healthy smiles together! 😁✨

Last week’s School Board meeting was made extra special by our students. 💙
Students created decorations to brighten the room, our PK class gifted each board member a sweet handprint flower bouquet, and Culinary Arts prepared beautiful charcuterie boards and punch for the appreciation reception.
We’re so proud of our students for showcasing their creativity and talents!







