🌾💙 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!







✏️💖 After a week full of learning fractions, our 4th graders had the chance to get creative and paint valentines for family and friends!
It was a fun way to celebrate creativity and kindness, after a busy week of math and learning. We love seeing our students apply both their brains and their hearts! 🎨💌







Pep rally! 🎉🏀📣
Our students brought the energy, the noise, and ALL the school spirit! From the cheers to the games and everything in between, it was a gym full of pride and excitement.









📢 Join our team at Highland County Public Schools!
Check out the official employment page for current job opportunities in our district — from licensed teaching positions and classified staff roles to substitute and volunteer openings. 🧑🏫📚 Whether you're an experienced educator or interested in supporting students in other ways, there’s something for you!
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
All positions are contingent upon required background checks and School Board approval. 🌟
Check out the official employment page for current job opportunities in our district — from licensed teaching positions and classified staff roles to substitute and volunteer openings. 🧑🏫📚 Whether you're an experienced educator or interested in supporting students in other ways, there’s something for you!
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
All positions are contingent upon required background checks and School Board approval. 🌟

💙 School Board Clerk Appreciation Week 💙
Today we proudly recognize Tabitha Ulmer — the glue that holds our school together!
Mrs. Ulmer’s organization, professionalism, and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts keep our School Board running smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication to our division does not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for the care, commitment, and heart she brings to her role each and every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Ulmer, for all you do for our schools, our staff, and our community! 👏🍎 #SchoolBoardClerkAppreciationWeek
Today we proudly recognize Tabitha Ulmer — the glue that holds our school together!
Mrs. Ulmer’s organization, professionalism, and tireless behind-the-scenes efforts keep our School Board running smoothly and efficiently. Her dedication to our division does not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for the care, commitment, and heart she brings to her role each and every day.
Thank you, Mrs. Ulmer, for all you do for our schools, our staff, and our community! 👏🍎 #SchoolBoardClerkAppreciationWeek
📣 Last week, our 4th and 5th graders at Highland Elementary School participated in the “All Hands On Deck” bullying program as part of Phase Two of our anti‑bullying campaign!
Students learned valuable lessons about respect, kindness, and how everyone plays a role in creating a school community where all students feel safe and supported. This interactive program reinforced our commitment to teaching students how to recognize bullying, stand up for one another, and build positive relationships.
We’re proud of our students for engaging thoughtfully and showing leadership in supporting a culture of kindness and inclusion! 💛✨




💕 Kindergarten had a LOVE-ly time at their Valentine’s Party this past Friday!







🏀 Pioneer District Tournament – Round 1 Tonight! 🏀
Our Lady Rams hit the road to take on Perry McCluer High School at 6:00 PM while the boys will host Bath County High School tonight at 6:00 PM.
Both matchups are first-round games in the Pioneer District Tournament — come out and support our teams!
🎟 Admission is $8 for everyone (staff, students, and spectators).
Go Rams! 🐏
Our Lady Rams hit the road to take on Perry McCluer High School at 6:00 PM while the boys will host Bath County High School tonight at 6:00 PM.
Both matchups are first-round games in the Pioneer District Tournament — come out and support our teams!
🎟 Admission is $8 for everyone (staff, students, and spectators).
Go Rams! 🐏
💌 Our gifted elementary students got creative for this Valentine’s Day! They handcrafted beautiful Valentines and added their own unique verses, making each one truly personal and special. ❤️✨




🎓💰 Scholarship Opportunity – Class of 2026! 💰🎓
The DCCU Cares Foundation 2026 Scholarship Contest is now open!
🗓 Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
🔗 Learn more & apply: mydccu.com/scholarships
For this and other scholarship opportunities, remember to check the Class of 2026 Canvas course regularly:
👉 https://highlandk12.instructure.com/courses/2150/pages/scholarships
Don’t miss out on important deadlines and opportunities to support your future plans!
The DCCU Cares Foundation 2026 Scholarship Contest is now open!
🗓 Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
🔗 Learn more & apply: mydccu.com/scholarships
For this and other scholarship opportunities, remember to check the Class of 2026 Canvas course regularly:
👉 https://highlandk12.instructure.com/courses/2150/pages/scholarships
Don’t miss out on important deadlines and opportunities to support your future plans!

💖 The 3rd graders were spreading the love today! 💌 Their classroom was full of smiles, treats, and Valentine’s Day fun as they celebrated together. Wishing everyone a sweet and joyful Valentine’s Day! ❤️




📚 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!

We are thrilled to recognize Ms. Peggy Pinkard, our high school secretary, as our local Virginia Kindness Ambassador! 🌟
Known for her compassion and unwavering support, Ms. Pinkard is someone who always listens and always helps. Her answer is never “no,” but “How can I help?” often going above and beyond, even using her own funds to ensure students have what they need.
Her kindness creates a safe, caring environment where everyone feels valued. 💙 Please join us in celebrating Ms. Pinkard and the incredible difference she makes every day! 👏✨
Known for her compassion and unwavering support, Ms. Pinkard is someone who always listens and always helps. Her answer is never “no,” but “How can I help?” often going above and beyond, even using her own funds to ensure students have what they need.
Her kindness creates a safe, caring environment where everyone feels valued. 💙 Please join us in celebrating Ms. Pinkard and the incredible difference she makes every day! 👏✨

🥐 ButterBraids Are Back! 🥐
National Honor Society is selling ButterBraids — a delicious, flaky pastry that comes frozen so you can bake it anytime! With lots of amazing flavors, they’re perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat.
👉 How to order:
• Purchase directly from any NHS member or Mrs. Hise, or
• Order online using this link:
https://store.myfundraisingplace.com/9a37e4f6-5dac-4c53-a991-243dc72e06d1
📅 Orders are due March 3, with delivery shortly after.
📦 Even if you order online, an NHS member will receive your order and deliver it to you.
Thank you for supporting our NHS students and their activities! 💙✨
