🌾🚜 Join Us for Ag Day!
🌾Highland FFA & 4-H invite you to National Food for America Day on April 17th from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Highland County Fairgrounds!
🚜Come out for a day full of fun, education, and connection as we celebrate agriculture and where our food comes from. Enjoy hands-on activities, a livestock petting zoo, sheep shearing demonstrations, educational exhibits, and so much more!
Meet local organizations, learn from agriculture professionals, and experience something for everyone in the community.
🎉 Free & open to the public — bring your family and come hungry for knowledge!
🌾Highland FFA & 4-H invite you to National Food for America Day on April 17th from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Highland County Fairgrounds!
🚜Come out for a day full of fun, education, and connection as we celebrate agriculture and where our food comes from. Enjoy hands-on activities, a livestock petting zoo, sheep shearing demonstrations, educational exhibits, and so much more!
Meet local organizations, learn from agriculture professionals, and experience something for everyone in the community.
🎉 Free & open to the public — bring your family and come hungry for knowledge!

🚨 We’re Hiring! Join the Highland County Public Schools Team 📣
Highland County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for open positions within our division. If you are passionate about supporting students and making a difference in a small, close-knit community, we encourage you to apply.
To view current openings and application information, please visit:
🌐 https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
⏰ Please note: The application window will close on May 7th.
We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals to our team and continuing to support the students and families of Highland County! 🍎📚
Highland County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for open positions within our division. If you are passionate about supporting students and making a difference in a small, close-knit community, we encourage you to apply.
To view current openings and application information, please visit:
🌐 https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/employment
⏰ Please note: The application window will close on May 7th.
We look forward to welcoming dedicated individuals to our team and continuing to support the students and families of Highland County! 🍎📚

Do you know future educators ready to step into the classroom?
UVA Wise’s Center for Teaching Excellence is making it easier than ever with Summer 2026 licensure courses that meet Virginia Department of Education requirements for a provisional teaching license.
✅ 100% Online
✅3 undergraduate credits per course (except the science course)
✅ Just $636 per course at a special in-state rate (pending board approval)
✅ Financial aid may be available
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Summer 1 Session: May 26 – July 3
Summer 1 Registration Deadline: May 19
Summer 2 Session: July 6-August 14
Summer 2 Registration Deadline: June 29
Whether candidates are pursuing Elementary Education, Special Education: General Curriculum K–12, Middle, Secondary Education, or K-12 endorsement certification, we have the coursework to help them move forward with confidence.
See the attached flyer for details and let our Academic Program Advisors guide candidates to the right fit.
UVA Wise’s Center for Teaching Excellence is making it easier than ever with Summer 2026 licensure courses that meet Virginia Department of Education requirements for a provisional teaching license.
✅ 100% Online
✅3 undergraduate credits per course (except the science course)
✅ Just $636 per course at a special in-state rate (pending board approval)
✅ Financial aid may be available
📅 Mark Your Calendar
Summer 1 Session: May 26 – July 3
Summer 1 Registration Deadline: May 19
Summer 2 Session: July 6-August 14
Summer 2 Registration Deadline: June 29
Whether candidates are pursuing Elementary Education, Special Education: General Curriculum K–12, Middle, Secondary Education, or K-12 endorsement certification, we have the coursework to help them move forward with confidence.
See the attached flyer for details and let our Academic Program Advisors guide candidates to the right fit.

🇺🇸 Life, Liberty, & Literacy 🇺🇸
Highland County Public Schools is excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a series of engaging, hands-on learning experiences for our elementary students!
From special presentations and historical dress-up days to Colonial Arts & Culture Day filled with food, music, and dance, our students will be learning about the history of our nation in fun and meaningful ways—all while supporting Virginia SOLs.
Don’t forget—our Reading Contest is happening now through April 30! 📖
Check out the flyer for event details and stay tuned for more highlights as we celebrate together! 💙💛 #GoRams
Highland County Public Schools is excited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a series of engaging, hands-on learning experiences for our elementary students!
From special presentations and historical dress-up days to Colonial Arts & Culture Day filled with food, music, and dance, our students will be learning about the history of our nation in fun and meaningful ways—all while supporting Virginia SOLs.
Don’t forget—our Reading Contest is happening now through April 30! 📖
Check out the flyer for event details and stay tuned for more highlights as we celebrate together! 💙💛 #GoRams

At last Thursday’s School Board meeting, a few of our second grade students proudly led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸



The SAT School Day will be offered at HHS on Wednesday, April 22. Registration must be submitted through Google form (https://forms.gle/ARHKEUM8oW8sqS9j9) by Friday, April 17. Cost is $60 per student.

📣 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

📣 Report cards were sent home with students today.
Please take time to review your child’s grades and progress. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office.
Thank you for your continued support!
Please take time to review your child’s grades and progress. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or the school office.
Thank you for your continued support!

📣 Game Update ⚾
The JV Baseball game vs. Pendleton County, WV, scheduled for today at 5:00 PM at Highland, has been postponed.
The JV Baseball game vs. Pendleton County, WV, scheduled for today at 5:00 PM at Highland, has been postponed.

☀️ Nothing says spring like sunshine on campus and flowers in full bloom in front of our High School sign. It’s a great reminder of growth, new opportunities, and all the good things happening here each day.
We’re proud of our school, our students, and this beautiful place. 💙💛🐏
We’re proud of our school, our students, and this beautiful place. 💙💛🐏

Are those tears in your eyes? 🥹🎓
Our seniors took part in a special Senior Walk, dressed in their caps and gowns for senior picture day, and it was a moment to remember.
From one end of the hallway to the other, they were celebrated by the entire school. Each class lined the halls, music filled the air, cheers echoed throughout the building, special signs were made and held, pom-poms waved, and even a trumpet sounded as they made their way through. 🎺
This is what it’s all about. We are so incredibly proud of them! 💙
Our seniors took part in a special Senior Walk, dressed in their caps and gowns for senior picture day, and it was a moment to remember.
From one end of the hallway to the other, they were celebrated by the entire school. Each class lined the halls, music filled the air, cheers echoed throughout the building, special signs were made and held, pom-poms waved, and even a trumpet sounded as they made their way through. 🎺
This is what it’s all about. We are so incredibly proud of them! 💙










April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and April 10th we wear BLUE to show our commitment to protecting children and strengthening families. 💙
Blue isn’t just a color — it’s a promise.
A promise to speak up.
A promise to support safe, stable, nurturing environments.
A promise to stand with every child who deserves to grow up feeling loved, valued, and protected.
When we wear blue, we raise awareness.
When we take action, we create change.
Let’s come together this month to:
Support families in our communities
Learn the signs of abuse and neglect
Advocate for prevention resources
Spread hope and encouragement
Every child deserves a bright, safe future.
Wear blue. Speak up. Stand strong. 💙
FOLLOW HIGHLAND COUNTY DEPARTMEN OF SOCIAL SERVICES ON FACEBOOK FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION INFORMATION, FACTS, AND WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN IN HIGHLAND!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/227977888621910
Blue isn’t just a color — it’s a promise.
A promise to speak up.
A promise to support safe, stable, nurturing environments.
A promise to stand with every child who deserves to grow up feeling loved, valued, and protected.
When we wear blue, we raise awareness.
When we take action, we create change.
Let’s come together this month to:
Support families in our communities
Learn the signs of abuse and neglect
Advocate for prevention resources
Spread hope and encouragement
Every child deserves a bright, safe future.
Wear blue. Speak up. Stand strong. 💙
FOLLOW HIGHLAND COUNTY DEPARTMEN OF SOCIAL SERVICES ON FACEBOOK FOR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION INFORMATION, FACTS, AND WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT CHILDREN IN HIGHLAND!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/227977888621910

Our 5th grade students are diving into the layers of the Earth! 🌍 To kick off the week after spring break, they created hands-on models using marbles, play-dough, and aluminum foil. The activity was a big hit! Students loved getting a close-up look at what’s beneath the Earth’s surface!





April is Workforce Readiness Month, and we are proud to showcase how our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are preparing students for success beyond the classroom!
👉 Our students are gaining real-world skills and exploring future careers every day:
🔹 Culinary Arts – Students are developing hands-on skills in food preparation, safety, and service while exploring careers in the culinary industry.
🔹 Computer Science – This year, students have made incredible strides in coding and technology, opening doors to a wide range of careers in the growing computer science field.
🔹 Agriculture Education – Our students are exploring diverse career pathways including animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics, building skills that are essential to our community and beyond.
Workforce readiness starts in our schools, and we are proud to help our students build a strong foundation for their futures!
👉 Our students are gaining real-world skills and exploring future careers every day:
🔹 Culinary Arts – Students are developing hands-on skills in food preparation, safety, and service while exploring careers in the culinary industry.
🔹 Computer Science – This year, students have made incredible strides in coding and technology, opening doors to a wide range of careers in the growing computer science field.
🔹 Agriculture Education – Our students are exploring diverse career pathways including animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agricultural mechanics, building skills that are essential to our community and beyond.
Workforce readiness starts in our schools, and we are proud to help our students build a strong foundation for their futures!

📚✨ FREE Books for Your Child! ✨📚
Did you know that Highland Elementary School supports the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for our local families? 💙🐏
Through this amazing program, children from birth to age 5 can receive FREE books mailed directly to their home every month, building a love of reading right from the start!
And the impact is HUGE:
📖 Children in the program are 9x more likely to be read to regularly
📖 They are more likely to develop strong early literacy skills
📖 Families build lasting reading habits together
This is a resource available to YOU and we want every Highland child to take advantage of it!
👉 Sign up is quick and easy:
Visit: https://imaginationlibrary.com
Enter your child’s information and start receiving books!
Let’s continue building strong readers and a love of learning right here in Highland County. 💙📚
#HighlandReads #HCPS #ImaginationLibrary #EarlyLiteracy #FreeBooks
Did you know that Highland Elementary School supports the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for our local families? 💙🐏
Through this amazing program, children from birth to age 5 can receive FREE books mailed directly to their home every month, building a love of reading right from the start!
And the impact is HUGE:
📖 Children in the program are 9x more likely to be read to regularly
📖 They are more likely to develop strong early literacy skills
📖 Families build lasting reading habits together
This is a resource available to YOU and we want every Highland child to take advantage of it!
👉 Sign up is quick and easy:
Visit: https://imaginationlibrary.com
Enter your child’s information and start receiving books!
Let’s continue building strong readers and a love of learning right here in Highland County. 💙📚
#HighlandReads #HCPS #ImaginationLibrary #EarlyLiteracy #FreeBooks

Highland County School Board Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Highland High School Library
Public Packet: https://aptg.co/txNYHV
To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/cyc-qozy-fva
To join by phone: (US) +1 803-999-3206
PIN: 419 459 883#
Thursday, April 9, 2026 · 7:00pm
Highland High School Library
Public Packet: https://aptg.co/txNYHV
To join by Google Meet video: https://meet.google.com/cyc-qozy-fva
To join by phone: (US) +1 803-999-3206
PIN: 419 459 883#

📣 Highland PTO
Join us for our monthly meetings on the Tuesday before School Board meetings at 7:00 PM in the Elementary Library.
🗓 Upcoming Dates:
April 7
May 12
June 9
July 7
Your voice matters! Come connect, share ideas, and support our students and schools. 💙💛

🏆👏 Celebrating Excellence at HCPS!
Today, during our Teacher Workday Luncheon, Dr. Nycum recognized two outstanding members of our team:
🍎 Teacher of the Year: Mike Warf
🌟 Staff Member of the Year: Vernon Simmons (who was unable to be with us today)
Dr. Nycum shared that these awards were 100% staff-selected, making them especially meaningful and well-deserved. He spoke highly of the dedication, impact, and positive influence both individuals have on our schools each and every day.
Mr. Good also shared kind words about Mr. Warf, highlighting the difference he makes for students and colleagues alike.
Congratulations to both Mr. Warf and Mr. Simmons. Thank you for all you do for Highland County Public Schools! 🐏
Today, during our Teacher Workday Luncheon, Dr. Nycum recognized two outstanding members of our team:
🍎 Teacher of the Year: Mike Warf
🌟 Staff Member of the Year: Vernon Simmons (who was unable to be with us today)
Dr. Nycum shared that these awards were 100% staff-selected, making them especially meaningful and well-deserved. He spoke highly of the dedication, impact, and positive influence both individuals have on our schools each and every day.
Mr. Good also shared kind words about Mr. Warf, highlighting the difference he makes for students and colleagues alike.
Congratulations to both Mr. Warf and Mr. Simmons. Thank you for all you do for Highland County Public Schools! 🐏







🎒 Kindergarten Registration
It’s time to start preparing for the 2026–2027 school year! If you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten, registration is now open.
📄 The registration packet can be found here:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/elementary
Required documents include:
• Birth Certificate
• Physical Exam
• Immunization Record
For more information, please contact Highland Elementary School at 540-468-6360. We can’t wait to welcome our newest Rams! 🐏📚
It’s time to start preparing for the 2026–2027 school year! If you have a child who will be entering Kindergarten, registration is now open.
📄 The registration packet can be found here:
https://www.highland.k12.va.us/page/elementary
Required documents include:
• Birth Certificate
• Physical Exam
• Immunization Record
For more information, please contact Highland Elementary School at 540-468-6360. We can’t wait to welcome our newest Rams! 🐏📚

🥚🐰 Our Kindergarten students had a blast during their classroom Easter egg hunt, made extra special by their 4th grade buddies who helped hide the eggs! The 4th graders loved being part of the festivities and even spent time working on puzzles with their younger buddies afterward.
So many smiles, laughter, and great teamwork all around! 🌷✨










