Highland County Public Schools

Preschool students loved welcoming FFA State Officers Alli and Lee for a special visit! Thank you for taking the time to read with our students and spend time with them. 💙💛

✏️ Mrs. Thomas' Preschool class took advantage of the recent snow on the playground. They practiced writing their names and letters in the snow. It was snow much fun!! ❄️

Kindergarten students had a great time creating their own “Name Snowmen”! This fun winter project reinforced writing and fine motor skills through careful gluing, while giving each student the opportunity to personalize their snowman in a unique way. ⛄❄️

We are seeking your feedback on several items presented at the December 2025 School Board Meeting. Your input is vital as we plan for the 2026–2027 school year. Please take a moment to review the proposed school calendar and salary scales using the links below, and share your thoughts through the surveys or by emailing HCPS@highland.k12.va.us

📅 Proposed 2026–2027 School Calendar: https://aptg.co/1DCh6F
👉 Calendar Survey: https://forms.gle/QWznXMgwK65fKnHS7

⚖️ Proposed 2026–2027 Salary Scales: https://aptg.co/tmbp-R
👉 Salary Scale Survey: https://forms.gle/VNSr7cMGsPzVfcPf7

📄 Draft Minutes from the December 11, 2025 Meeting: https://aptg.co/Stnkmd

🏠🎄 Our Pre-K families and students worked together during a fun and festive engagement activity decorating gingerbread houses. Everyone had an amazing time as the room was filled with laughter, creativity, and plenty of holiday cheer.

Students were given an important direction — no eating the candy until the houses were finished! While most tried their best, a few just couldn’t resist the temptation. 😄

Thank you to our families for joining us and making this such a joyful and memorable event!

✨🕯️Mrs. Justine's Crafts class learned how to make their own candles using soy wax. Students customized their jars and selected their own scent and color for each candle. Some added dried flowers for a decorative touch, while others brought containers from home to upcycle into unique candles. They even made three candles to gift to our School Board members at their December meeting.

🎓 New Scholarship Opportunity! 🎓

Highland High School seniors and alumni can now apply for the Little Swiss Educational Scholarship — a $1,000 award, renewable for up to four years, for students attending an accredited college or university.

📌 Deadline: April 5
📚 Eligibility includes: 3.0 GPA, 90% attendance, Highland County residency since 9th grade, and college acceptance.

Additional scholarships may also be available through The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham.

Visit their website for more information: https://www.tcfhr.org/new-little-swiss-educational-scholarship-to-benefit-highland-high-students-and-alumni/

🎄✨ Our 3rd graders got creative while making their own ornaments! It was a fun, hands-on activity that brought out their creativity and holiday spirit. We love seeing learning and joy come together in the classroom.

🎉 The 67th Day of School!

Some of our staff decided to join in on the fun for the 67th day of school. Did we hear a student say, “It’s not funny anymore!!” Maybe… 😉

If you can’t beat them, join them! We truly enjoy our jobs and love creating a school environment filled with laughter, fun, and memorable moments.

🎉 Our 2nd graders surprised Ms. B to celebrate her earning her Master’s Degree! We are so proud of her dedication, hard work, and commitment to education.

Congratulations, Evelyn — we are lucky to have you!

🎄 Cindy Lou, Who?? Mrs. Springer surprised our PK class dressed as Cindy Lou Who and read a story to them and their fifth grade buddies! 📖 Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to make PK smile!

Applications are NOW OPEN for the I’m Determined ’26 Summit, a unique opportunity for youth with disabilities and their families to learn, connect, and grow together.

📅 June 9–11, 2026
📍 James Madison University
👥 Who: Youth ages 14–18 with disabilities and at least one family member
📘 What: Separate, engaging educational sessions for youth and families
🎯 2026 Theme: Relatedness

🗓 Important Dates:
• Applications close January 11
• Decisions emailed by January 30

Family members and/or teachers may assist with the application, but youth are encouraged to share their own responses.

👉 Scan the QR code or visit www.imdetermined.org
to apply.

For questions: imdeterminedcenter@jmu.edu

Don’t miss this empowering experience!

Due to the cold weather advisory, with low temperatures and wind chills below 0, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, December 15, 2025.

🎄✨ SCA CHRISTMAS SPIRIT WEEK IS HERE!
Get ready to spread some holiday cheer from December 15–19! Check out our festive dress-up days and join in the fun:

📅 Monday: Christmas PJ Day
🎄 Tuesday: National Tree Day
⭐ Wednesday: Christmas Character Day
🎅 Thursday: Santa & Friends Hat Day
❤️💚 Friday: Rock the Red & Green Day

Let’s make this week merry and bright!
Reminder: All outfits must follow school dress code.

🎁✨ We can’t wait to see everyone’s Christmas spirit!

Highland Basketball – Tomorrow on our Home Court! 🏀

3:00 PM – Boys Middle School vs. Paw Paw @ Highland
4:00 PM – Girls Varsity vs. Paw Paw @ Highland
5:15 PM – Boys Varsity vs. Paw Paw @ Highland

Times have been moved up, so don’t miss a minute of the action! Come out and support our Highland Rams! 🐏

We are seeking your feedback on several items presented at the December 2025 School Board Meeting. Your input is vital as we plan for the 2026–2027 school year. Please take a moment to review the proposed school calendar and salary scales using the links below, and share your thoughts through the surveys or by emailing HCPS@highland.k12.va.us

📅 Proposed 2026–2027 School Calendar: https://aptg.co/1DCh6F
👉 Calendar Survey: https://forms.gle/QWznXMgwK65fKnHS7

⚖️ Proposed 2026–2027 Salary Scales: https://aptg.co/tmbp-R
👉 Salary Scale Survey: https://forms.gle/VNSr7cMGsPzVfcPf7

📄 Draft Minutes from the December 11, 2025 Meeting: https://aptg.co/Stnkmd

Our Preschoolers loved having their Fifth Grade Buddies read their newly picked library books! After storytime, it was outside for some fun… and the Big Buddies quickly learned that chasing a bunch of energetic Preschoolers is a workout! 😂💨

🎶 The Advanced Band has been hard at work, and you won’t believe what they’ve been practicing! 🤩🔥 Come join us TONIGHT at 6 PM in the High School Gym for our Holiday Concert! 🎄✨ Don’t miss this festive musical celebration! 🎷🥁🎸