As we wrap up this week’s Book Fair at Highland Elementary, we want to thank all of our students, families, and staff for making it such a success! Your support helps us grow our school library and continue to inspire a love of reading in our students.
A special thank-you to Mrs. Sweeney for organizing another wonderful event and to everyone who helped make it possible! 🌟📖
A special thank-you to Mrs. Sweeney for organizing another wonderful event and to everyone who helped make it possible! 🌟📖
🚸 Committed to School Bus Safety 🚌
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is dedicated to promoting safe behaviors on our nation’s roads and reducing injuries and fatalities from motor vehicle crashes.
To keep children safe, NHTSA sets rigorous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — including special safety requirements for school buses that go above and beyond those for regular buses. Because every child deserves the safest ride possible. 💛
NHTSA also provides families with helpful safety information about bus stop rules, school zone safety, and driver awareness — along with a Pupil Transportation Toolkit that includes an interactive tool for planning safer school bus stops and routes.
Together, we can help ensure every student gets to school and home safely. 🚌✨
Learn more: nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is dedicated to promoting safe behaviors on our nation’s roads and reducing injuries and fatalities from motor vehicle crashes.
To keep children safe, NHTSA sets rigorous Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards — including special safety requirements for school buses that go above and beyond those for regular buses. Because every child deserves the safest ride possible. 💛
NHTSA also provides families with helpful safety information about bus stop rules, school zone safety, and driver awareness — along with a Pupil Transportation Toolkit that includes an interactive tool for planning safer school bus stops and routes.
Together, we can help ensure every student gets to school and home safely. 🚌✨
Learn more: nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety
🚗💬 Learning the Dangers of Distracted Driving — the Fun Way! 📱🙈
The Virginia State Police visited Highland’s Driver’s Education class to share their Distracted Driving Course, giving students a hands-on look at just how dangerous distractions can be behind the wheel.
There were plenty of laughs 😄 — and some eye-opening moments — as students realized the importance of staying focused and safe on the road. 🚘💡
A huge thank-you to the Virginia State Police for bringing this valuable learning experience to our students! 💙
#VirginiaStatePolice
The Virginia State Police visited Highland’s Driver’s Education class to share their Distracted Driving Course, giving students a hands-on look at just how dangerous distractions can be behind the wheel.
There were plenty of laughs 😄 — and some eye-opening moments — as students realized the importance of staying focused and safe on the road. 🚘💡
A huge thank-you to the Virginia State Police for bringing this valuable learning experience to our students! 💙
#VirginiaStatePolice
During Virginia Farm to School Week, our Highland County preschoolers learned all about apples and joined in on the “Crunch Heard ’Round the Commonwealth!” 🐝🍏
On Thursday, October 9th, our preschoolers joined students across Virginia in taking a big, juicy bite of fresh, Virginia-grown apples to celebrate local farmers and healthy eating! 🌾💪
A special thank-you to Sheriff Bob Kelly for stopping by to read an apple harvest story and spend time with our little learners! 📚🍎
#FarmToSchool #CrunchHeardRoundTheCommonwealth #HealthyEating #SupportLocalFarmers
On Thursday, October 9th, our preschoolers joined students across Virginia in taking a big, juicy bite of fresh, Virginia-grown apples to celebrate local farmers and healthy eating! 🌾💪
A special thank-you to Sheriff Bob Kelly for stopping by to read an apple harvest story and spend time with our little learners! 📚🍎
#FarmToSchool #CrunchHeardRoundTheCommonwealth #HealthyEating #SupportLocalFarmers
🚌 Bus Safety: Different by Design 🚌
Did you know that school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road? They’re built to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries — and stop-arm laws in every state help protect children from other motorists.
Why School Buses Are So Safe:
💛 Designed for visibility with flashing red lights, cross-view mirrors, and stop-sign arms
💛 Built with high-strength seating, rollover protection, and crush-resistant structures
💛 Equipped with a unique safety system called “compartmentalization,” which protects students with strong, closely spaced, energy-absorbing seats — even without seat belts on large buses
Seat Belts on Buses:
Large school buses rely on compartmentalization for safety.
Small school buses (10,000 lbs. or less) are required to have lap or shoulder belts for every seat, since their size and weight are more like passenger vehicles.
School buses are engineered for safety from the ground up — making them the safest ride to and from school. 🚌✨
Learn more from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
👉 NHTSA School Bus Safety: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Did you know that school buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road? They’re built to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries — and stop-arm laws in every state help protect children from other motorists.
Why School Buses Are So Safe:
💛 Designed for visibility with flashing red lights, cross-view mirrors, and stop-sign arms
💛 Built with high-strength seating, rollover protection, and crush-resistant structures
💛 Equipped with a unique safety system called “compartmentalization,” which protects students with strong, closely spaced, energy-absorbing seats — even without seat belts on large buses
Seat Belts on Buses:
Large school buses rely on compartmentalization for safety.
Small school buses (10,000 lbs. or less) are required to have lap or shoulder belts for every seat, since their size and weight are more like passenger vehicles.
School buses are engineered for safety from the ground up — making them the safest ride to and from school. 🚌✨
Learn more from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
👉 NHTSA School Bus Safety: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety?utm_source=chatgpt.com
🌯🎃 Our Introduction to Culinary Arts students have been busy in the kitchen! Last week, they learned how to make delicious burritos while focusing on the healthy components that go into a balanced meal. To finish things off, they whipped up a sweet fall treat — pumpkin rolls! 👩🍳🍁
🇺🇸 Veterans Day Celebration 🇺🇸
Please join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. ❤️💙
📅 Tuesday, November 11, 2025
🕙 Program begins at 10:00 AM
📍 Highland High School Gym
🥞 Breakfast will be served in the Cafeteria from 8:30–9:30 AM.
We invite all veterans, families, and community members to attend as we come together to celebrate and express our gratitude for their service. 🇺🇸✨
Please join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. ❤️💙
📅 Tuesday, November 11, 2025
🕙 Program begins at 10:00 AM
📍 Highland High School Gym
🥞 Breakfast will be served in the Cafeteria from 8:30–9:30 AM.
We invite all veterans, families, and community members to attend as we come together to celebrate and express our gratitude for their service. 🇺🇸✨
🚸 Bus Stop Safety: Tips for Parents 🚸
Parents, take time to talk with your child about staying safe at the bus stop! A few simple reminders can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe around school buses. 🚌
Before the Bus Arrives:
✅ Arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes early.
✅ Wait at least 10 feet (five big steps) from the curb.
✅ Remember—the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
Getting On and Off Safely:
✅ Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before boarding or exiting.
✅ Always use the handrails to prevent falls.
Always Use Caution Around the Bus:
✅ Never walk behind the school bus.
✅ If crossing in front, walk 10 feet ahead of the bus and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
✅ If something drops near the bus, don’t pick it up—tell the driver instead.
Let’s work together to keep our students safe every day, from home to school and back again! 💛
Parents, take time to talk with your child about staying safe at the bus stop! A few simple reminders can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe around school buses. 🚌
Before the Bus Arrives:
✅ Arrive at the stop at least 5 minutes early.
✅ Wait at least 10 feet (five big steps) from the curb.
✅ Remember—the bus stop is not a place to run or play.
Getting On and Off Safely:
✅ Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay before boarding or exiting.
✅ Always use the handrails to prevent falls.
Always Use Caution Around the Bus:
✅ Never walk behind the school bus.
✅ If crossing in front, walk 10 feet ahead of the bus and make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
✅ If something drops near the bus, don’t pick it up—tell the driver instead.
Let’s work together to keep our students safe every day, from home to school and back again! 💛
🏐🧡 Middle School Volleyball Hits the Road! 💙🏐
Over the weekend, our Highland Middle School Volleyball team traveled to watch a UVA Volleyball game! 🏛️✨ It was an exciting trip and a wonderful learning experience for our student-athletes as they watched high-level play, teamwork, and sportsmanship in action.
What a great way to grow their love for the game! 💪💙
Over the weekend, our Highland Middle School Volleyball team traveled to watch a UVA Volleyball game! 🏛️✨ It was an exciting trip and a wonderful learning experience for our student-athletes as they watched high-level play, teamwork, and sportsmanship in action.
What a great way to grow their love for the game! 💪💙
🎉 Today Highland Elementary School is celebrating a HUGE accomplishment — 100% attendance! 🙌 Every single Highland Ram showed up ready to learn, grow, and make today amazing! 🐏✨
A big shoutout to our students, families, and staff for making attendance a priority. When we all show up, we all succeed! 💙💛
A big shoutout to our students, families, and staff for making attendance a priority. When we all show up, we all succeed! 💙💛
It’s Locotubre in Mrs. Hupman’s room! 🎉 Students are coming by during break to enjoy and talk about different songs in spanish. 🎵
🚌 It’s National School Bus Safety Week! 🚌
When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, remember—it’s not just the bus you need to watch, but the surrounding area too. Children often wait several feet away from the bus and may cross the street as they board or get off. That’s why you must always stop for school buses and never attempt to pass when the stop-arm is out.
🚨 Illegal School Bus Passing
Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm is illegal in every state—and extremely dangerous. It puts children’s lives at risk.
💡 Understanding School Bus Lights
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop—slow down and get ready to stop.
Red flashing lights and an extended stop-arm mean the bus has stopped for students to get on or off. You must remain stopped until:
✅ The red lights stop flashing
✅ The stop-arm is withdrawn
✅ The bus begins moving again
Let’s all do our part to keep students safe on the road. 🚦
When you see a school bus slowing down or stopping, remember—it’s not just the bus you need to watch, but the surrounding area too. Children often wait several feet away from the bus and may cross the street as they board or get off. That’s why you must always stop for school buses and never attempt to pass when the stop-arm is out.
🚨 Illegal School Bus Passing
Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop-arm is illegal in every state—and extremely dangerous. It puts children’s lives at risk.
💡 Understanding School Bus Lights
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop—slow down and get ready to stop.
Red flashing lights and an extended stop-arm mean the bus has stopped for students to get on or off. You must remain stopped until:
✅ The red lights stop flashing
✅ The stop-arm is withdrawn
✅ The bus begins moving again
Let’s all do our part to keep students safe on the road. 🚦
📣 Attention Cheerleaders, Dance Team Members, and Rocky the Ram Prospects! 🐏
There is a sign-up sheet in the High School office for all interested participants.
Mandatory Meeting:
🗓️ Thursday, October 30
🕞 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 Mrs. Ann’s Classroom – Room #7, Elementary School
Don’t miss this important meeting! 💙💛
There is a sign-up sheet in the High School office for all interested participants.
Mandatory Meeting:
🗓️ Thursday, October 30
🕞 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 Mrs. Ann’s Classroom – Room #7, Elementary School
Don’t miss this important meeting! 💙💛
Highland County School Board
Special Called Meeting (Executive Session Only)
Discussion of Personnel Matters
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7:30AM
School Board Conference Room
Special Called Meeting (Executive Session Only)
Discussion of Personnel Matters
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7:30AM
School Board Conference Room
🎒🚌 It’s National School Bus Safety Week! 🚌🎒
This week we’re focusing on safe rides, safe stops, and safe students. Let’s all do our part to keep everyone protected when the bus arrives and departs.
Key tips:
👉Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early and wait at least ten feet (five big steps!) from the curb.
👉Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, its door opens, and the driver says it’s ok before getting on or off.
👉When crossing in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side to a spot at least ten feet in front of the bus. 👉Make eye contact with the driver so they see you.
👉If something drops near or under the bus, don’t go retrieve it yourself—tell the driver.
👉Drivers: when you see the bus’s red lights and stop-arm extended, stop your car and wait until the lights go off and the arm retracts.
Let’s make this a safe week for everyone catching a ride to school or heading home. Share this and spread the word! 🚦
This week we’re focusing on safe rides, safe stops, and safe students. Let’s all do our part to keep everyone protected when the bus arrives and departs.
Key tips:
👉Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early and wait at least ten feet (five big steps!) from the curb.
👉Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, its door opens, and the driver says it’s ok before getting on or off.
👉When crossing in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side to a spot at least ten feet in front of the bus. 👉Make eye contact with the driver so they see you.
👉If something drops near or under the bus, don’t go retrieve it yourself—tell the driver.
👉Drivers: when you see the bus’s red lights and stop-arm extended, stop your car and wait until the lights go off and the arm retracts.
Let’s make this a safe week for everyone catching a ride to school or heading home. Share this and spread the word! 🚦
Algebra 2 students turned math into an adventure! 🚀✨ They simplified radical expressions while racing against the clock in an escape room challenge! 🔓🧠
🎄✨ Spread Some Holiday Cheer! ✨🎄
The Highland High School Junior Class is hosting a Poinsettia Fundraiser! 🌺
These beautiful holiday plants make the perfect seasonal decoration or gift.
🌿 Available Sizes & Prices:
6.5” – $12
7.5” – $18
8.5” – $24
🌸 Colors: Red • Pink • White • Marble
🗓️ Orders & Payment Due: November 10th
To order, reach out to any Junior or email:
📧 Ms. Megan Botkin – mbotkin@highland.k12.va.us
📧 Ms. Pitsenbarger – wpitsenbarger@highland.k12.va.us
Support our Juniors and brighten your home for the holidays! ❤️💚
The Highland High School Junior Class is hosting a Poinsettia Fundraiser! 🌺
These beautiful holiday plants make the perfect seasonal decoration or gift.
🌿 Available Sizes & Prices:
6.5” – $12
7.5” – $18
8.5” – $24
🌸 Colors: Red • Pink • White • Marble
🗓️ Orders & Payment Due: November 10th
To order, reach out to any Junior or email:
📧 Ms. Megan Botkin – mbotkin@highland.k12.va.us
📧 Ms. Pitsenbarger – wpitsenbarger@highland.k12.va.us
Support our Juniors and brighten your home for the holidays! ❤️💚
🚨 What Is Cyberbullying — And How You Can Fight Back
Cyberbullying is when someone uses digital tools (texts, social media, chat apps) to harass, embarrass, or threaten others online. It’s not just rude — it can cause real emotional harm and stress.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:
Don’t respond to hurtful messages.
Use block or mute features on social media or messaging apps.
Report the behavior to site/platform moderators or school officials.
Save or screenshot evidence — don’t erase it.
Talk with someone you trust — a friend, teacher, or parent.
Strengthen your online security: use strong, unique passwords and privacy settings.
We all have a role to play in making online spaces safer. Cyberbullying isn’t okay — speak up, help someone, and don’t let it slide.
More tips here: https://www.cisa.gov/tips/st06-005
Cyberbullying is when someone uses digital tools (texts, social media, chat apps) to harass, embarrass, or threaten others online. It’s not just rude — it can cause real emotional harm and stress.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and others:
Don’t respond to hurtful messages.
Use block or mute features on social media or messaging apps.
Report the behavior to site/platform moderators or school officials.
Save or screenshot evidence — don’t erase it.
Talk with someone you trust — a friend, teacher, or parent.
Strengthen your online security: use strong, unique passwords and privacy settings.
We all have a role to play in making online spaces safer. Cyberbullying isn’t okay — speak up, help someone, and don’t let it slide.
More tips here: https://www.cisa.gov/tips/st06-005
📚✨ The Scholastic Book Fair starts tomorrow at Highland Elementary! ✨📚
We can’t wait to welcome students and families to explore an amazing selection of books and support our school library!
🗓 Book Fair: October 20–24, 2025
👨👩👧👦 Family Nights: October 21 & 23 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Come find the perfect story and help us celebrate the joy of reading! ❤️📖
We can’t wait to welcome students and families to explore an amazing selection of books and support our school library!
🗓 Book Fair: October 20–24, 2025
👨👩👧👦 Family Nights: October 21 & 23 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Come find the perfect story and help us celebrate the joy of reading! ❤️📖
💳✨ Make shopping at the Book Fair easy!
Set up your child’s Scholastic eWallet—the safe, cash-free way for students to shop the Book Fair. No need to send money to school—just add funds online and let your reader pick out their favorite books! 📚💫
Create your eWallet here 👉 https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/highlandelementaryschool75
Set up your child’s Scholastic eWallet—the safe, cash-free way for students to shop the Book Fair. No need to send money to school—just add funds online and let your reader pick out their favorite books! 📚💫
Create your eWallet here 👉 https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/highlandelementaryschool75
