Blue isn’t just a color — it’s a promise.
A promise to speak up.
A promise to support safe, stable, nurturing environments.
A promise to stand with every child who deserves to grow up feeling loved, valued, and protected.
When we wear blue, we raise awareness.
When we take action, we create change.
Let’s come together this month to:
Support families in our communities
Learn the signs of abuse and neglect
Advocate for prevention resources
Spread hope and encouragement
Every child deserves a bright, safe future.
Wear blue. Speak up. Stand strong. 💙
FOLLOW HIGHLAND COUNTY DEPARTMEN OF SOCIAL SERVICES ON FACEBOOK FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION INFORMATION, FACTS, AND WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN IN HIGHLAND!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/227977888621910
👉 Our students are gaining real-world skills and exploring future careers every day:
🔹 Culinary Arts – Students are developing hands-on skills in food preparation, safety, and service while exploring careers in the culinary industry.
🔹 Computer Science – This year, students have made incredible strides in coding and technology, opening doors to a wide range of careers in the growing computer science field.
🔹 Agriculture Education – Our students are exploring diverse career pathways including animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics, building skills that are essential to our community and beyond.
Workforce readiness starts in our schools, and we are proud to help our students build a strong foundation for their futures!
Did you know that Highland Elementary School supports the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for our local families? 💙🐏
Through this amazing program, children from birth to age 5 can receive FREE books mailed directly to their home every month, building a love of reading right from the start!
And the impact is HUGE:
📖 Children in the program are 9x more likely to be read to regularly
📖 They are more likely to develop strong early literacy skills
📖 Families build lasting reading habits together
This is a resource available to YOU and we want every Highland child to take advantage of it!
👉 Sign up is quick and easy:
Visit: https://imaginationlibrary.com
Enter your child’s information and start receiving books!
Let’s continue building strong readers and a love of learning right here in Highland County. 💙📚
#HighlandReads #HCPS #ImaginationLibrary #EarlyLiteracy #FreeBooks
Thursday, April 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Highland High School Library
Public Packet: https://aptg.co/txNYHV
To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/cyc-qozy-fva
To join by phone: (US) +1 803-999-3206
PIN: 419 459 883#
📣 Highland PTO
Join us for our monthly meetings on the Tuesday before School Board meetings at 7:00 PM in the Elementary Library.
🗓 Upcoming Dates:
April 7
May 12
June 9
July 7
Your voice matters! Come connect, share ideas, and support our students and schools. 💙💛
Today, during our Teacher Workday Luncheon, Dr. Nycum recognized two outstanding members of our team:
🍎 Teacher of the Year: Mike Warf
🌟 Staff Member of the Year: Vernon Simmons (who was unable to be with us today)
Dr. Nycum shared that these awards were 100% staff-selected, making them especially meaningful and well-deserved. He spoke highly of the dedication, impact, and positive influence both individuals have on our schools each and every day.
Mr. Good also shared kind words about Mr. Warf, highlighting the difference he makes for students and colleagues alike.
Congratulations to both Mr. Warf and Mr. Simmons. Thank you for all you do for Highland County Public Schools! 🐏
It’s time to start preparing for the 2026–2027 school year! If you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten, registration is now open.
📄 The registration packet can be found here:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/elementary
Required documents include:
• Birth Certificate
• Physical Exam
• Immunization Record
For more information, please contact Highland Elementary School at 540-468-6360. We can’t wait to welcome our newest Rams! 🐏📚
🥚🐰 Our Kindergarten students had a blast during their classroom Easter egg hunt, made extra special by their 4th grade buddies who helped hide the eggs! The 4th graders loved being part of the festivities and even spent time working on puzzles with their younger buddies afterward.
So many smiles, laughter, and great teamwork all around! 🌷✨
📢 Preschool Applications Open for the 2026-2027 School Year!
Highland County Public Schools is now accepting preschool applications for the upcoming school year. Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 30 to be eligible.
🗓️ Application window: March 1 – July 24
📌 Priority deadline: June 1
Students who apply by June 1 will be included in the first enrollment selection (held by June 14). A second selection will take place by August 1 if space is still available.
Please note that acceptance is based on eligibility criteria and available space—it is not first come, first served.
You can find the application and full details here:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/preschool
We look forward to welcoming our newest little learners! 🖍️📚
📝 Submit your application to:
Highland Elementary School
252 Myers Moon Road / P.O. Box 310
Monterey, VA 24465
📧 Or email Kim Call at call.kd@augusta.k12.va.us
The Highland County Arts Council is inviting community members to help create an “official-unofficial” ode to Highland County! ✍️
Join a series of FREE creative writing workshops where participants will write poetry, share ideas, and celebrate what makes Highland County special. No writing experience is needed—just bring your creativity!
🗓 Workshop Dates:
April 9 • April 16 • April 23
📍 Location: The Highland Center
👩🎓 Youth Workshop (Ages 11–17): 4:00–5:15 PM
🧑💼 Adult Workshop (Ages 18+): 5:30–6:45 PM
✨ Open to writers of all abilities in a welcoming, collaborative environment.
🔗 Register here:
highlandcountyartscouncil.org
We are beyond excited to share that Highland County Public Schools has been recognized by Virginia Living as one of the TOP SCHOOLS in Virginia for 2026! 🎉
That’s right—our small but mighty division is being recognized across the state for the incredible work happening right here in Highland County. 💙🐏
From our dedicated teachers and staff, to our hardworking students, and our supportive community—this recognition belongs to ALL of you. 👏
📖 Check us out in Virginia Living Magazine (Page 141!) and see how Highland is making a big impact!
This honor reflects the commitment, pride, and excellence that define HCPS every single day. We couldn’t be more proud! 💥
#HighlandPride #HCPS #TopSchools2026 #SmallButMighty #VirginiaLiving
Ad options range from $65–$150, or you can make a $25 donation to be listed on our Acknowledgement Page.
📅 Deadline: April 1
See the attached forms for details. Thank you for supporting our students!
What a sweet experience! 🍁✨
Today marks the end of the 3rd quarter! Report cards will be sent home on April 10th.
We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved spring break next week! 🌸☀️
🚨 We’re Hiring! Join the Highland County Public Schools Team 🚨
Highland County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for open positions within our division. If you are passionate about supporting students and making a difference in a small, close-knit community, we encourage you to apply.
To view current openings and application information, please visit:
🌐 https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals to our team and continuing to support the students and families of Highland County! 🍎📚
To top it off, they enjoyed creating maple-themed crafts, bringing their learning full circle in a fun and creative way!
What a SWEET way to learn! 🍁✨
📸 Don't forget, Spring Sports and Senior Portraits will be taken tomorrow, March 27. ⚾🎓
Students asked thoughtful questions and learned that Mr. Smith studied history in college and originally began writing his first book for his sons. His story sparked excitement and creativity, leaving many students eager to begin writing stories of their own!
This field trip was a wonderful extension of what students are currently learning in Language Arts and Virginia Studies, bringing their classroom lessons to life in a meaningful way. 📖✨
👏 Special thanks to Bath County Public Schools for inviting us to this special event!
