At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, our Elementary Gifted students, led by Mrs. Jolley, did an outstanding job presenting their research on the indigenous people of Highland County.
Students shared what they’ve learned through thoughtful research, engaging visuals, and confident speaking. It was wonderful to see their hard work come to life and to watch them take pride in sharing their knowledge with the Board and community.
Students shared what they’ve learned through thoughtful research, engaging visuals, and confident speaking. It was wonderful to see their hard work come to life and to watch them take pride in sharing their knowledge with the Board and community.



🍁 Our young maple syrup producers at First Grade Maple Camp have been hard at work learning the science behind one of Highland County’s sweetest traditions!
Students explored how geography, elevation, and weather impact maple trees and discovered what happens inside the trees before, during, and after tapping. They also learned how maple leaves change throughout the year and were amazed by the “magic” of turning sap into syrup through boiling.
Each student even wrote their favorite fact about this incredible process! We invite you to take a “tour” of their camp and see all they’ve learned. 🍯📚
Students explored how geography, elevation, and weather impact maple trees and discovered what happens inside the trees before, during, and after tapping. They also learned how maple leaves change throughout the year and were amazed by the “magic” of turning sap into syrup through boiling.
Each student even wrote their favorite fact about this incredible process! We invite you to take a “tour” of their camp and see all they’ve learned. 🍯📚










🎓📘 Senior Ad Deadline Extended!
Good news, Ram families! We have extended the Senior Ad deadline to March 20.
In addition, we are offering a FREE yearbook with the purchase of any half-page or full-page Senior Ad!
This is a great opportunity to celebrate your senior and make their yearbook even more special. Don’t miss out—get your ad submitted by March 20! 🖤💛
Good news, Ram families! We have extended the Senior Ad deadline to March 20.
In addition, we are offering a FREE yearbook with the purchase of any half-page or full-page Senior Ad!
This is a great opportunity to celebrate your senior and make their yearbook even more special. Don’t miss out—get your ad submitted by March 20! 🖤💛

Due to forecasted wind chills at or below 0 degrees, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Please stay safe and dress warmly.

🏀🔥 Congratulations to our basketball players on their outstanding achievements this season!
Girls Basketball – Pioneer District Honors
⭐ Second Team: Colleen Adams
⭐ Honorable Mention: Brooke Williams, Adelaide Baxter
Boys Basketball – Pioneer District Honors
⭐ First Team: Zach Armstrong
⭐ Second Team: Elijah Good
⭐ Honorable Mention: Patton Hull
Region 1C Honors
⭐ Second Team: Zach Armstrong
We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and representation of Highland! 🐏👏
Girls Basketball – Pioneer District Honors
⭐ Second Team: Colleen Adams
⭐ Honorable Mention: Brooke Williams, Adelaide Baxter
Boys Basketball – Pioneer District Honors
⭐ First Team: Zach Armstrong
⭐ Second Team: Elijah Good
⭐ Honorable Mention: Patton Hull
Region 1C Honors
⭐ Second Team: Zach Armstrong
We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and representation of Highland! 🐏👏






Highland County School Board Budget Work Session
Thursday, March 19, 2026 · 6:00pm
Highland High School Library
Agenda: https://aptg.co/vgrRfH
Thursday, March 19, 2026 · 6:00pm
Highland High School Library
Agenda: https://aptg.co/vgrRfH
Due to icy roads and hazardous travel conditions, Highland County Public Schools will be closed today, March 17, 2026.
Please stay warm and safe.

📸 Spring Sports and Senior Portraits will be taken on March 27. ⚾🎓

Highland students are currently selling ads for the High School and Elementary Yearbooks, and we would love our community’s support! Businesses, families, and community members can purchase ad space or make a donation to support the program.
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!
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!


Highland County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, due to negative wind chills expected during the morning commute. Please stay safe and dress warmly.

⏰ Reminder: Due to the busy weekend for many in our community, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, March 16, 2026.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday morning after a little extra rest!
We look forward to seeing everyone on Monday morning after a little extra rest!

🌮 Ms. Botkin’s Culinary Arts students wrapped up their unit on Mexican cuisine with a festive Mexican feast today! The class celebrated with colorful fiesta décor and some incredible homemade desserts, including Tres Leches Cake and Mexican Flan.
What a tasty way to finish the unit! 🇲🇽🍰
What a tasty way to finish the unit! 🇲🇽🍰






🚨 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! 🍎📚
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! 🍎📚

🍓 Our 3rd graders are studying the lifecycle of plants this week, and thanks to our amazing FFA fundraiser, they were able to focus on the lifecycle of strawberries.
After completing their writing assignments, students enjoyed a sweet treat - fresh strawberries with chocolate sauce! A fun (and delicious) way to connect learning to real life.
After completing their writing assignments, students enjoyed a sweet treat - fresh strawberries with chocolate sauce! A fun (and delicious) way to connect learning to real life.










📘 Preorder Your 2025–2026 Highland High School Yearbook!
Don’t miss your chance to capture this year’s memories! Yearbooks are available for $40.00, but orders must be placed by March 27, 2026 to guarantee a copy.
🎉 Students who pre-order will also be invited to the Yearbook Reveal & Signing Party in June, where they can pick up their books, socialize, and sign each other’s yearbooks.
📅 Order Deadline: March 27, 2026
💲 Price: $40
📧 For more information, please contact Mrs. Jessee at jjessee@highland.k12.va.us
.
Don’t miss your chance to capture this year’s memories! Yearbooks are available for $40.00, but orders must be placed by March 27, 2026 to guarantee a copy.
🎉 Students who pre-order will also be invited to the Yearbook Reveal & Signing Party in June, where they can pick up their books, socialize, and sign each other’s yearbooks.
📅 Order Deadline: March 27, 2026
💲 Price: $40
📧 For more information, please contact Mrs. Jessee at jjessee@highland.k12.va.us
.


📢 PUBLIC NOTICE
Highland County School Board - Budget Work Sessions and Public Hearing
The Highland County School Board will hold Budget Work Sessions on the following dates:
🗓 Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the High School Library
🗓 Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the High School Library
🗣 A Public Hearing on the proposed budget will be held immediately following the March 26, 2026 work session at the same location.
Highland County School Board - Budget Work Sessions and Public Hearing
The Highland County School Board will hold Budget Work Sessions on the following dates:
🗓 Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the High School Library
🗓 Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., in the High School Library
🗣 A Public Hearing on the proposed budget will be held immediately following the March 26, 2026 work session at the same location.

The AP World History class started their World War I unit with a trench warfare simulation. Students got a small glimpse into the conditions and challenges soldiers faced during trench warfare as they begin learning about the First World War.



Support HES with Kroger Community Rewards! 🏫💙
It's easy to give back to our school while you shop!
🛒 How to Enroll:
1️⃣ Sign into your Kroger Plus account at kroger.com/account/communityrewards
2️⃣ Enter our school’s code: HV521
3️⃣ 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! 🙌✨
#HESCommunity #KrogerRewards #SupportOurSchool
It's easy to give back to our school while you shop!
🛒 How to Enroll:
1️⃣ Sign into your Kroger Plus account at kroger.com/account/communityrewards
2️⃣ Enter our school’s code: HV521
3️⃣ 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! 🙌✨
#HESCommunity #KrogerRewards #SupportOurSchool

📸 Spring Picture Day is Tomorrow! 🌸
Don’t forget—tomorrow is Spring Picture Day at school!

💻 MOS Certification Opportunity for High School Students!
HCPS is offering current Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors the opportunity to earn their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification — a valuable credential that demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and looks great on college and job applications.
📌 Interested students should contact Mrs. Obaugh by Monday, March 16.
📧 Questions? Contact mobaugh@highland.k12.va.us
Take advantage of this great opportunity to build real-world technology skills!
HCPS is offering current Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors the opportunity to earn their Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification — a valuable credential that demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and looks great on college and job applications.
📌 Interested students should contact Mrs. Obaugh by Monday, March 16.
📧 Questions? Contact mobaugh@highland.k12.va.us
Take advantage of this great opportunity to build real-world technology skills!

