🐍🦎 Spoiled doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Our Ag students have been showing some extra love to their cold-blooded classroom companions. From fresh meals to plenty of attention, this ball python and leopard gecko are living the good life thanks to the care and responsibility of our students!
Did you know? Ball pythons are known for their calm temperament and will often curl into a ball when they feel nervous, while leopard geckos store fat in their tails and are one of the most beginner friendly reptiles to care for.
Hands on experiences like this are what make learning come alive! 👏
Our Ag students have been showing some extra love to their cold-blooded classroom companions. From fresh meals to plenty of attention, this ball python and leopard gecko are living the good life thanks to the care and responsibility of our students!
Did you know? Ball pythons are known for their calm temperament and will often curl into a ball when they feel nervous, while leopard geckos store fat in their tails and are one of the most beginner friendly reptiles to care for.
Hands on experiences like this are what make learning come alive! 👏

🥎 Schedule Update: Today’s Middle School softball game at Shawsville has been postponed and rescheduled for May 5th.

🌸 Help Us Brighten the Lives of Older Adults This Adult Abuse Awareness Month! 🌿
Mrs. Neil’s AG class and Highland DSS are teaming up to spruce up yards and flower beds for older adults in our community — and they'd love your support.
They are collecting mulch, flowers, and shrubs through May 21st to help create safe, beautiful outdoor spaces for those who deserve them most.
✨ How to Donate:
• Purchase items at Rockingham Coop — they’ll hold them for us!
• Or drop off donations at Highland DSS (please call ahead: 540-468-2199 ext. 307)
Mrs. Neil’s AG class and Highland DSS are teaming up to spruce up yards and flower beds for older adults in our community — and they'd love your support.
They are collecting mulch, flowers, and shrubs through May 21st to help create safe, beautiful outdoor spaces for those who deserve them most.
✨ How to Donate:
• Purchase items at Rockingham Coop — they’ll hold them for us!
• Or drop off donations at Highland DSS (please call ahead: 540-468-2199 ext. 307)

☀️ Summer Help Wanted – Students 16+ ☀️
Highland County Public Schools is now accepting applications for Summer Help positions! We are looking to hire four students (age 16 and older) from within our division to assist with a variety of summer projects, including:
🔧 Technology support
🧹 Custodial and grounds work
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and contribute to your school community over the summer.
📍 Apply online: https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
➡️ Look under Classified Openings
📞 Call (540) 468-6300 with any questions
Highland County Public Schools is now accepting applications for Summer Help positions! We are looking to hire four students (age 16 and older) from within our division to assist with a variety of summer projects, including:
🔧 Technology support
🧹 Custodial and grounds work
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build skills, and contribute to your school community over the summer.
📍 Apply online: https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
➡️ Look under Classified Openings
📞 Call (540) 468-6300 with any questions

🪀✨ Our students had an amazing time enjoying The NED Show, a high-energy assembly all about positive mindset and never giving up! 🙌
Through incredible yo-yo tricks and lots of laughs, students learned what NED stands for:
💡 Never give up
💡 Encourage others
💡 Do your best
This engaging program uses fun and interactive demonstrations—like yo-yoing—to teach perseverance and character in a way kids won’t forget.
And let’s be honest… the yo-yo tricks were a HUGE hit! 🪀🔥
Way to go, Rams—keep that NED mindset going strong! 🐏💪
Through incredible yo-yo tricks and lots of laughs, students learned what NED stands for:
💡 Never give up
💡 Encourage others
💡 Do your best
This engaging program uses fun and interactive demonstrations—like yo-yoing—to teach perseverance and character in a way kids won’t forget.
And let’s be honest… the yo-yo tricks were a HUGE hit! 🪀🔥
Way to go, Rams—keep that NED mindset going strong! 🐏💪










✨🏫 Mrs. Wood brought history to life with fun Colonial Stations in P.E., where our elementary students experienced the colonial versions of modern-day equipment! 🇺🇸👣
From hands-on activities to a glimpse of how kids stayed active long ago, it was a great mix of learning and movement. 💪
From hands-on activities to a glimpse of how kids stayed active long ago, it was a great mix of learning and movement. 💪






The Highland County School Board executive session previously scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. has been canceled.
🎒✨ Free Pre-School Developmental Screening!
Join us for a FREE screening to support your child’s growth in:
👁 Vision
👂 Hearing
🗣 Language
🧠 Cognitive Development
🤸 Motor Skills
📍 Highland High Library
📅 May 21
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
👶 Ages Birth–5
✅ No appointment needed
📞 Questions? Call (540) 468-6308
Head Start Preschool applications will also be available!
Let’s work together to give your child the best start possible 💙
Join us for a FREE screening to support your child’s growth in:
👁 Vision
👂 Hearing
🗣 Language
🧠 Cognitive Development
🤸 Motor Skills
📍 Highland High Library
📅 May 21
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
👶 Ages Birth–5
✅ No appointment needed
📞 Questions? Call (540) 468-6308
Head Start Preschool applications will also be available!
Let’s work together to give your child the best start possible 💙

🇺🇸 Our preschoolers had a special visit from none other than George Washington this week! He stopped by to read a story… but things got a little interesting when his teeth fell out mid-visit! 😆🦷
The students were full of giggles while learning a little history along the way—definitely a moment they won’t forget! ❤️📚
The students were full of giggles while learning a little history along the way—definitely a moment they won’t forget! ❤️📚







🍧👣 Our first graders are enjoying a refreshing popsicle treat as they walk the loop and work hard to earn their Mile Club feet! 👟💪
Way to go, Rams—keep stepping, keep smiling, and keep reaching those goals! 🐏👏
Way to go, Rams—keep stepping, keep smiling, and keep reaching those goals! 🐏👏

The Highland County School Board will convene in executive session on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing personnel matters. This meeting will be closed to the public, and no action will be taken.

💙🥤 A big thank you to our National Honor Society students for the delicious soda bar treat today! It was such a fun and refreshing surprise, and we truly appreciate your kindness and thoughtfulness.
You made our day a little sweeter! 😊
You made our day a little sweeter! 😊



📣 Out-of-District Enrollment Now Open for 2026–2027 📣
Highland County Public Schools is now accepting non-resident enrollment applications for the 2026–2027 school year.
Families residing outside of Highland County who wish to enroll their child must complete and submit an application by May 5, 2026 .
Applications are reviewed annually and must include academic, attendance, and disciplinary records, along with any applicable plans (IEP, 504, or gifted) . All requests are subject to School Board approval.
📄 Access the application here: https://aptg.co/3c1PLp
📄 Policy JEC: https://aptg.co/rXtHtj
If you have any questions about the process after reviewing all documents, please contact your child’s school or our Superintendent’s Office.
🐏 #GoRams
Highland County Public Schools is now accepting non-resident enrollment applications for the 2026–2027 school year.
Families residing outside of Highland County who wish to enroll their child must complete and submit an application by May 5, 2026 .
Applications are reviewed annually and must include academic, attendance, and disciplinary records, along with any applicable plans (IEP, 504, or gifted) . All requests are subject to School Board approval.
📄 Access the application here: https://aptg.co/3c1PLp
📄 Policy JEC: https://aptg.co/rXtHtj
If you have any questions about the process after reviewing all documents, please contact your child’s school or our Superintendent’s Office.
🐏 #GoRams

✂️🌱 During Ag Day last Friday, we proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting of our new greenhouse. A project that will serve our students for years to come!
We were honored to hear from special speakers Delegate Runion, Joe Guthrie, and Brie Cox, who each shared their support for agricultural education and the importance of investing in our students’ futures. The moment was made official as Mrs. Neil cut the ribbon, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our program!
A special thank you to Mrs. Jennnifer Neil, Mr. Good, Dr. Maerz, Dr. Nycum, our Highland County School Board members, and the Highland County Board of Supervisors for their vision and support in making this greenhouse dream a reality.
This new space creates incredible hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to explore plant science, sustainability, and real-world agricultural practices in a meaningful way. 🌿
🌸 Come see it for yourself!
Join us for our Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9th. We can’t wait to share what our students have been growing!
#GoRams #AgEducation #GrowingTheFuture
We were honored to hear from special speakers Delegate Runion, Joe Guthrie, and Brie Cox, who each shared their support for agricultural education and the importance of investing in our students’ futures. The moment was made official as Mrs. Neil cut the ribbon, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our program!
A special thank you to Mrs. Jennnifer Neil, Mr. Good, Dr. Maerz, Dr. Nycum, our Highland County School Board members, and the Highland County Board of Supervisors for their vision and support in making this greenhouse dream a reality.
This new space creates incredible hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to explore plant science, sustainability, and real-world agricultural practices in a meaningful way. 🌿
🌸 Come see it for yourself!
Join us for our Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9th. We can’t wait to share what our students have been growing!
#GoRams #AgEducation #GrowingTheFuture
🛠️⚡ Our gifted students have been diving into the world of engineering. Designing and building functional model vehicle motors, solar-powered cars, and remote control cars!
Through this hands-on experience, students aren’t just building, they’re understanding. They can clearly explain how each component works together to produce energy, movement, light, and sound.
It’s incredible to see their creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in action. The future is bright with these young engineers leading the way! 🚗💡
#GoRams #GiftedEducation #STEM #FutureEngineers
Through this hands-on experience, students aren’t just building, they’re understanding. They can clearly explain how each component works together to produce energy, movement, light, and sound.
It’s incredible to see their creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in action. The future is bright with these young engineers leading the way! 🚗💡
#GoRams #GiftedEducation #STEM #FutureEngineers









🏗️⚙️ Mr. Warf’s physics students put their engineering skills to the test by designing and building balsa wood towers then seeing just how much weight they could hold.
From careful design to the moment of truth, students explored concepts like force, load distribution, and structural integrity in a hands-on way. Learning that sticks (and sometimes snaps!) is the best kind. 😄
From careful design to the moment of truth, students explored concepts like force, load distribution, and structural integrity in a hands-on way. Learning that sticks (and sometimes snaps!) is the best kind. 😄



🧠🚫 No Tech Tuesday = Hands-On Learning! 🐖❤️
Today in Mrs. Neil’s Ag class, students traded screens for science as they dissected pig hearts! This engaging, real-world activity gave them a closer look at anatomy and how the heart functions—bringing textbook concepts to life in a memorable way.
From identifying chambers to understanding blood flow, our students jumped right in and weren’t afraid to get their hands a little messy in the name of learning! 👩🔬👨🔬
We love seeing curiosity, teamwork, and practical skills all come together like this.
Today in Mrs. Neil’s Ag class, students traded screens for science as they dissected pig hearts! This engaging, real-world activity gave them a closer look at anatomy and how the heart functions—bringing textbook concepts to life in a memorable way.
From identifying chambers to understanding blood flow, our students jumped right in and weren’t afraid to get their hands a little messy in the name of learning! 👩🔬👨🔬
We love seeing curiosity, teamwork, and practical skills all come together like this.






We were honored to welcome Delegate Chris Runion to Highland County Public Schools this past Friday! 🇺🇸📚
Delegate Runion spent time with our students recognizing their hard work and dedication by personally handing out Honor Roll letters. Moments like these mean so much to our students—it’s a great reminder that their efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated beyond the classroom.
Thank you, Delegate Runion, for taking the time to invest in our students and celebrate their achievements. We are incredibly proud of our Rams and all they continue to accomplish!
Go Rams! 🐏✨
Delegate Runion spent time with our students recognizing their hard work and dedication by personally handing out Honor Roll letters. Moments like these mean so much to our students—it’s a great reminder that their efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated beyond the classroom.
Thank you, Delegate Runion, for taking the time to invest in our students and celebrate their achievements. We are incredibly proud of our Rams and all they continue to accomplish!
Go Rams! 🐏✨








🔥🏕️ Looking for something fun and meaningful for your child? Come check out this Scouting event open to all boys and girls in Highland County!
📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Camp Shenandoah
222 Boy Scout Ln, Swoope, VA
Join in for an afternoon of:
🔥 Campfire & s’mores
🎯 Fun outdoor games
🛠️ Hands-on activities
Stop by anytime after 1:00 PM and stay as long as you’d like—we’ll wrap up around the campfire!
📩 Questions? Contact Mike Bruce at s.mike.bruce@gmail.com
🔗 RSVP: https://forms.gle/95mntnbdhX1gTnze9
Come see what Scouting is all about—adventure, friendship, and lifelong skills! 🌲✨
📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Camp Shenandoah
222 Boy Scout Ln, Swoope, VA
Join in for an afternoon of:
🔥 Campfire & s’mores
🎯 Fun outdoor games
🛠️ Hands-on activities
Stop by anytime after 1:00 PM and stay as long as you’d like—we’ll wrap up around the campfire!
📩 Questions? Contact Mike Bruce at s.mike.bruce@gmail.com
🔗 RSVP: https://forms.gle/95mntnbdhX1gTnze9
Come see what Scouting is all about—adventure, friendship, and lifelong skills! 🌲✨


🚌🇺🇸 Our 8th grade students recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for unforgettable learning and exploration! From visiting historic landmarks to experiencing our nation’s history firsthand, students had the opportunity to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the world around them.
Trips like this create lasting memories and deepen understanding in ways that go far beyond textbooks. We’re so proud of our students and grateful they had this opportunity!
Trips like this create lasting memories and deepen understanding in ways that go far beyond textbooks. We’re so proud of our students and grateful they had this opportunity!





