📌 School Board Meeting Highlights – January 15, 2026
The Highland County School Board held its January meeting and approved several important items that support our students, staff, and community:
🗓️ School Calendar Approved
View the approved calendar here: https://aptg.co/39NQps
All school calendars can be found at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/school-calendars/351757
💼 Salary Scale Approved
View the approved salary scale here: https://aptg.co/tsz2Fc
All salary scales are available at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/employment/salary-scale/226403
🎉 Congratulations
We are pleased to congratulate Mrs. Ali Williams, who was announced as our school principal beginning in July 2026. We look forward to her leadership and continued service to our school community.
📝 Draft Meeting Minutes
Draft minutes from the January 15 meeting are available here:
https://aptg.co/XrkhNn
Thank you to our School Board members for their continued dedication to Highland County Public Schools.
The Highland County School Board held its January meeting and approved several important items that support our students, staff, and community:
🗓️ School Calendar Approved
View the approved calendar here: https://aptg.co/39NQps
All school calendars can be found at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/school-calendars/351757
💼 Salary Scale Approved
View the approved salary scale here: https://aptg.co/tsz2Fc
All salary scales are available at:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/documents/district/employment/salary-scale/226403
🎉 Congratulations
We are pleased to congratulate Mrs. Ali Williams, who was announced as our school principal beginning in July 2026. We look forward to her leadership and continued service to our school community.
📝 Draft Meeting Minutes
Draft minutes from the January 15 meeting are available here:
https://aptg.co/XrkhNn
Thank you to our School Board members for their continued dedication to Highland County Public Schools.
🧪💥 Chemistry in Action! Our students had a blast distilling ethanol in Mr. Warf's class, watching flasks bubble and learning hands-on 🔬✨. Check out our future scientists in action! 👩🔬👨🔬⚗️
Virginia Kindness Week is Coming!
Join us February 9–13 to celebrate everyday acts of kindness that make our schools and communities stronger.
💙 Support the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation—raising awareness of teen mental health—by ordering a Virginia Kindness Week t-shirt.
➡️ Order by January 20 to get your shirt before Kindness Week: https://www.bonfire.com/va-kindness-week/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=post_campaign_launch&utm_campaign=va-kindness-week&utm_content=default
💛 Nominate a Kindness Ambassador!
Submit your nomination using the Virginia Kindness Week Ambassador Nomination Form. All nominators receive a digital certificate for their nominee, and one adult and one student will be selected as the 2026 Virginia Kindness Ambassadors of the Year.
➡️ Nomination Deadline: February 2, 2026
➡️ Nomination Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qeUKYsFOoE-GQV2fOGxzCd7DJ0j3ltJNgZTM_uJQMG1UNUtWMUVZMUVQTEFZWTc5SFExTTJBTlVWOS4u
📅 Check out the 12-Month Kindness Calendar for daily inspiration: https://aptg.co/S2GqYr
Let’s spread kindness together! For more information visit: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/integrated-student-supports/virginia-kindness-week
Join us February 9–13 to celebrate everyday acts of kindness that make our schools and communities stronger.
💙 Support the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation—raising awareness of teen mental health—by ordering a Virginia Kindness Week t-shirt.
➡️ Order by January 20 to get your shirt before Kindness Week: https://www.bonfire.com/va-kindness-week/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=post_campaign_launch&utm_campaign=va-kindness-week&utm_content=default
💛 Nominate a Kindness Ambassador!
Submit your nomination using the Virginia Kindness Week Ambassador Nomination Form. All nominators receive a digital certificate for their nominee, and one adult and one student will be selected as the 2026 Virginia Kindness Ambassadors of the Year.
➡️ Nomination Deadline: February 2, 2026
➡️ Nomination Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qeUKYsFOoE-GQV2fOGxzCd7DJ0j3ltJNgZTM_uJQMG1UNUtWMUVZMUVQTEFZWTc5SFExTTJBTlVWOS4u
📅 Check out the 12-Month Kindness Calendar for daily inspiration: https://aptg.co/S2GqYr
Let’s spread kindness together! For more information visit: https://www.doe.virginia.gov/programs-services/student-services/integrated-student-supports/virginia-kindness-week
Due to single-digit temperatures and negative wind chill values overnight and into the morning commute, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Friday, January 16, 2026
Looking for a career that makes a difference?
Join us at the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium Teacher Job Fair!
📅 January 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Salem Civic Center
With 500+ vacancies, school divisions across the region are seeking:
✔️ PreK–12 teachers in all areas
✔️ School counselors, nurses, and administrators
✔️ Licensed educators, those in the licensing process, or anyone interested in becoming licensed
Why attend?
✔️ Make a positive impact on a child’s life
✔️ Explore opportunities in 18 public school divisions
✔️ Full-time benefits, including health insurance & 401k
✔️ Meet representatives ready to hire!
🔗 Learn more & preregister: WVPEC.org
📧 Questions? office@wvpec.org
Don’t miss this opportunity to start or advance your career in education! ✨📚🙌
Join us at the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium Teacher Job Fair!
📅 January 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Salem Civic Center
With 500+ vacancies, school divisions across the region are seeking:
✔️ PreK–12 teachers in all areas
✔️ School counselors, nurses, and administrators
✔️ Licensed educators, those in the licensing process, or anyone interested in becoming licensed
Why attend?
✔️ Make a positive impact on a child’s life
✔️ Explore opportunities in 18 public school divisions
✔️ Full-time benefits, including health insurance & 401k
✔️ Meet representatives ready to hire!
🔗 Learn more & preregister: WVPEC.org
📧 Questions? office@wvpec.org
Don’t miss this opportunity to start or advance your career in education! ✨📚🙌
We have exciting news to share! 🎉
Highland County Public Schools has been selected as one of Virginia Living’s 2026 Top Schools & Universities, an honor we are incredibly proud of.
Virginia Living’s editors use a holistic evaluation process, considering academic performance in reading, writing, and math, as well as key student success indicators such as on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and overall educational quality. Being recognized through this comprehensive lens makes this distinction especially meaningful.
Our district will be featured in the March–April 2026 issue of Virginia Living Magazine as part of their annual State of Education section, a trusted resource families across the Commonwealth rely on when searching for high-quality educational opportunities.
This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence in education.
Congratulations, Highland County Public Schools! This achievement is well deserved! 👏📚🎓
You can view the digital edition of the March–April 2025 issue here: https://www.flipsnack.com/8EDCDCFF8D6/2025-april/full-view.html?p=114
Highland County Public Schools has been selected as one of Virginia Living’s 2026 Top Schools & Universities, an honor we are incredibly proud of.
Virginia Living’s editors use a holistic evaluation process, considering academic performance in reading, writing, and math, as well as key student success indicators such as on-time graduation rates, dropout rates, and overall educational quality. Being recognized through this comprehensive lens makes this distinction especially meaningful.
Our district will be featured in the March–April 2026 issue of Virginia Living Magazine as part of their annual State of Education section, a trusted resource families across the Commonwealth rely on when searching for high-quality educational opportunities.
This recognition is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, families, and community. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to excellence in education.
Congratulations, Highland County Public Schools! This achievement is well deserved! 👏📚🎓
You can view the digital edition of the March–April 2025 issue here: https://www.flipsnack.com/8EDCDCFF8D6/2025-april/full-view.html?p=114
🏀 Athletics Update 🏀
Middle School Basketball games at Marlinton Middle School scheduled for this evening have been postponed.
Varsity Basketball games at Craig County will be played as scheduled:
• 5:30 PM – Girls
• 7:00 PM – Boys
Good luck to our Varsity teams! Go Rams! 🐏
Middle School Basketball games at Marlinton Middle School scheduled for this evening have been postponed.
Varsity Basketball games at Craig County will be played as scheduled:
• 5:30 PM – Girls
• 7:00 PM – Boys
Good luck to our Varsity teams! Go Rams! 🐏
🎉 UFLI Phonics brings lots of fun with short vowel /u/. This week, Kindergartners are sounding out and reading words while having lots of fUn 😄 in the sUn ☀️ Under our Umbrellas ☂️!
Due to single-digit temperatures and negative wind chill values overnight and into the morning commute, Highland County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Homecoming Week is almost here, and we are ready to celebrate! 🎉
🏀 Homecoming Game Day vs. Craig
📅 Thursday, February 5 at 5:30PM
Come support the Rams as they take on Craig in an exciting Homecoming matchup. Alumni are invited to attend free of charge, and don’t miss the limited-edition alumni T-shirt raffle.
💃 Homecoming Dance
📅 Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 - 10:00PM
The Homecoming Dance will be held in the high school cafeteria and is open to students in grades 8–12. Admission is $10 per person. The evening will feature a live DJ, catering, a photo area, and crowning of the Homecoming Court.
⚡💡 Mrs. Jessee’s class is diving into circuits and breadboards, exploring how electricity flows and learning the basics of electronics hands-on!
Our students are building, experimenting, and problem-solving as they bring their ideas to life — a fun and educational way to spark creativity and curiosity.🔌
Our students are building, experimenting, and problem-solving as they bring their ideas to life — a fun and educational way to spark creativity and curiosity.🔌
🏫🎉Mrs. Hise and the National Honor Society (NHS) have put together some fantastic prizes to reward our students for strong attendance and academic success!
These prizes are proudly displayed in the HHS showcase to motivate and encourage students to attend school regularly and strive for excellence. 🌟📚
These prizes are proudly displayed in the HHS showcase to motivate and encourage students to attend school regularly and strive for excellence. 🌟📚
It’s Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week, and here in Highland County we’re celebrating something extra special — The Tims!
That’s right, we are fortunate to have not one, but two outstanding principals, named Tim.
Tim Johnson and Tim Good, thank you for your leadership, dedication, and the countless hours you invest in supporting our students, staff, and families. You tackle every challenge with professionalism, care, and a genuine heart for kids. Your commitment to our school community does not go unnoticed.
We are incredibly lucky to have The Tims at the helm, and we are grateful for everything you do each day to make Highland County Schools a great place to learn and grow.
Please join us in showing some love and appreciation for Tim Johnson and Tim Good this week! 👏🍎📚
Learn more about this statewide recognition here:
https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/proclamations/proclamation-list/virginia-school-principals-appreciation-week-3.html
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and our Floral Design students are excited to offer Valentine’s Day flower arrangements for purchase!
We currently have three beautiful designs available, perfect for a spouse, child, friend, or even yourself. In addition, we are happy to create custom arrangements—just let us know what you have in mind. Custom orders must be placed by January 27 to ensure availability.
🌸 Order using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUWXucRiBvZa0hFeSzGbNczf4vLunG79WHnZDrv9hvgqiPpA/viewform?usp=header
Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Valentine’s Day extra special with flowers!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Neil at jcneil@highland.k12.va.us.
We currently have three beautiful designs available, perfect for a spouse, child, friend, or even yourself. In addition, we are happy to create custom arrangements—just let us know what you have in mind. Custom orders must be placed by January 27 to ensure availability.
🌸 Order using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUWXucRiBvZa0hFeSzGbNczf4vLunG79WHnZDrv9hvgqiPpA/viewform?usp=header
Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Valentine’s Day extra special with flowers!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Neil at jcneil@highland.k12.va.us.
Today is National Fourth Grade Day! 🎉📚
This special day honors the hard work, creativity, and growth of our 9–10-year-old students as they master new skills while still holding on to their wonderful imaginations. ✏️✨
We are excited to celebrate our fantastic, creative fourth graders and all the effort they bring to the classroom each day. We are so proud of you! 💙⭐
This special day honors the hard work, creativity, and growth of our 9–10-year-old students as they master new skills while still holding on to their wonderful imaginations. ✏️✨
We are excited to celebrate our fantastic, creative fourth graders and all the effort they bring to the classroom each day. We are so proud of you! 💙⭐
📅 Tomorrow, Monday, January 12, 2026
⏰ 9:15–10:15 a.m.
👶 Preschool families will meet in the HES Preschool classroom tomorrow at 9:15am for a fun activity with your preschooler, then join Mrs. Call for practical budgeting tips and helpful financial resources as we plan for 2026.
🎁 All participating families will receive a FREE budgeting planner!
We look forward to supporting our Preschool families with useful tools and resources for the year ahead.
Highland County School Board Meeting
Thursday, January 15, 2026 · 6:00pm
Highland High School Library
Public Packet: https://aptg.co/nP-tm2
To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/adr-rjcm-cnv
To join by phone: (US) +1 650-457-1294
PIN: 658 736 179#
Thursday, January 15, 2026 · 6:00pm
Highland High School Library
Public Packet: https://aptg.co/nP-tm2
To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/adr-rjcm-cnv
To join by phone: (US) +1 650-457-1294
PIN: 658 736 179#
Cake making in Culinary Arts was in full swing. 🎂👩🍳 From baking the cakes to preparing buttercream frosting, crumb coating, icing, and piping, students experienced the entire process from start to finish. These first attempts turned out great, and we are proud of their hard work and creativity. 🎉🍰
✨📚 Start the new year with a great book! The 4th grade class at HES is inviting students, families, and community members to read along with us this month as we enjoy Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing 📖
This fun and relatable story is perfect for readers of all ages, and we’d love to hear what you think!
💬 Join the conversation: Tell us your favorite part of the book in the comments below.
Let’s kick off the year by reading together! 📘
This fun and relatable story is perfect for readers of all ages, and we’d love to hear what you think!
💬 Join the conversation: Tell us your favorite part of the book in the comments below.
Let’s kick off the year by reading together! 📘
Head Start is excited to offer the Conscious Discipline 7-Week Parent Program, available exclusively for Preschool families. This meaningful program is designed to support parents as we work together to build lifelong social-emotional skills in our children.
📅 Begins Wednesday, January 28
💻 Offered online via Zoom
Each week, families will explore one skill and one power of Conscious Discipline, focusing on topics such as composure, empathy, encouragement, choices, and positive intent. These skills help children learn emotional regulation, responsibility, kindness, and problem-solving—skills they will carry with them for life.
🧠 This is an “adult-first” model, reminding us that we cannot teach skills we do not practice ourselves.
🎒 Families who attend will receive Conscious Discipline resources each week to use at home.
While attending all sessions is encouraged, families are welcome to join any sessions that fit their schedules.
We invite our Preschool families to take this journey with us as we explore a positive, supportive approach to discipline and connection.
📅 Begins Wednesday, January 28
💻 Offered online via Zoom
Each week, families will explore one skill and one power of Conscious Discipline, focusing on topics such as composure, empathy, encouragement, choices, and positive intent. These skills help children learn emotional regulation, responsibility, kindness, and problem-solving—skills they will carry with them for life.
🧠 This is an “adult-first” model, reminding us that we cannot teach skills we do not practice ourselves.
🎒 Families who attend will receive Conscious Discipline resources each week to use at home.
While attending all sessions is encouraged, families are welcome to join any sessions that fit their schedules.
We invite our Preschool families to take this journey with us as we explore a positive, supportive approach to discipline and connection.
