Highland County Public Schools

📣 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 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 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!

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! 👏✨

🥐 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! 💙✨

Due to weather, the Teacher Job Fair has been rescheduled to February 14th at the Salem Civic Center.

📅 February 14, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Salem Civic Center

WVPEC is seeking:
✔️ PreK–12 Teachers (All Areas)
✔️ School Counselors, Nurses & Administrators
✔️ Licensed educators, those in the licensure process, and individuals interested in becoming licensed

Why Apply?
✅ Positively impact a child’s life
✅ 18 Public School Divisions
✅ Full-time benefits
✅ Health insurance
✅ 401K

🔗 More information & preregistration: WVPEC.org
📧 Questions? office@wvpec.org

Please help us spread the word — we look forward to seeing you on February 14th!

Mrs. B’s 2nd grade class has been busy learning how to use a dictionary! Students practiced putting words in alphabetical order, locating guide words, and finding definitions — building important reference and vocabulary skills along the way.

We love seeing our students grow as independent learners and problem-solvers. Great job, 2nd grade! 👏📖💙

📢 Cafeteria Account Reminder

This is a reminder that if you would like your child to purchase extra entrées, chips, ice cream, or other additional items from the cafeteria, they must have money available in their lunch account or cash in hand at the time of purchase.

Due to the ongoing difficulty in bringing lunch accounts up to date, we will no longer be charging extra food items to student accounts.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email Lisa Jamison at ljamison@highland.k12.va.us
or call 540-468-6364 after 2:00 PM.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Lisa Jamison
Food Service Director

We are currently experiencing a slight power outage at our schools due to a utility issue in Monterey. At this time, both buildings remain warm, and water service is functioning properly. Please know that all students and staff are safe. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. We will dismiss at our regular time today, February 11, 2026. Thank you for your understanding. We will provide additional updates if needed.

🎉 Congratulations to our second group of four raffle winners from the NHS Attendance Incentive! 🎉 Thank you to everyone who’s been showing up and staying committed — your names are still in the running! 🙌 Any entries not drawn this time will roll over for our Grand Prize Drawing at the end of the year… for a brand new Nintendo Switch 2! 🎮 Keep up the great attendance, and you could be our next winner! 💪✨ #NHS #AttendanceMatters #StayInSchool #WinBig

Highland County School Board Meeting
Thursday, February 12, 2026 · 7:00pm
Highland High School Library
Agenda: https://aptg.co/dM4Dlm

To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/sky-zspz-rdv
To join by phone: (US) +1 614-948-6183
PIN: ‪904 490 558‬#

Following the Board meeting, you are invited to join us for light refreshments in recognition of School Board Appreciation Month, provided by the High School Culinary Arts class.

💛 Celebrate Virginia Kindness Week with Daily Acts of Kindness! 💛

Virginia Kindness Week is the perfect time to practice and share kindness, but why stop there? This 12-Month Kindness Calendar gives you ideas to spread compassion, positivity, and connection all year long, one day at a time!

📅 Check it out and start your year of kindness today: https://aptg.co/S2GqYr

Let’s make kindness a habit, not just a week!

Highland County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, February 9, 2026, due to single-digit temperatures and negative wind chills expected during the morning hours. Please stay warm and safe.

Well, today we had two new principals. Leadership was strong, confidence was high, and the dress code was… familiar.

We are proud to recognize and celebrate our School Counselor, Mrs. Megan Obaugh, for the incredible support she provides to our students each and every day. From academic guidance to social-emotional support, Mrs. Obaugh plays a vital role in helping our students grow, succeed, and feel supported.

Thank you, Mrs. Obaugh, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to our school community. We appreciate all that you do! 💙🐏

Due to the inclement weather:
All after school activities are canceled for today, 2/6/26
The Homecoming Dance has been postponed from 2/7/26 to 2/21/26
Please be safe