It was all about March Madness today as students participated in our third nine weeks PBIS celebration! Students kicked off the event with a visit from some local mascots. Check out this video to see the excitement! https://5il.co/3bugf
10 months ago, Erin Snell
williams bulldog mascot greeting students
Highland's 1st grade students recently enjoyed a field trip to the Nido & Mariana Qubein Children's Museum where students are able to learn through exploration and play. Students had a wonderful time discovering all the museum had to offer!
11 months ago, Erin Snell
students on a carousel
student posing in space suit
students on a carousel
student in astronaut outfit
students on a carousel
student in water play exploration
🌟 #ABSSExcellence | Talent. Dedication. Passion. Innovation. We're honored to present the remarkable 2025 Teachers of the Year. These educators represent the very best of our district. Their exceptional work shapes tomorrow's leaders. Join us in celebrating them! 👏 #ThisisABSS
11 months ago, James Shuler
A list of all ABSS 2025 Teachers of the Year
Book Fair Preview is here! Our students are so excited to check out the books that will soon be available for purchasing. Purchasing week begins March 17th and Family Shopping Nights will be Thursday March 13th and 20th from 3-5:30pm. Highland Hawks love books!
11 months ago, Erin Snell
2 boys previewing books
students looking at scholastic book shelves
5th grader helping a kindergarten student preview
librarian helping students make a wishlist
It is that time of year again! If you have not already ordered your copy of Highland Elementary's 2024-2025 Yearbook, be sure to get your order in between now and Spring Break (April 14). The cost for the book is $23, or if you want to add your child's name on the cover it is $29. Orders will only be accepted online at the Yearbook Order Center website at this time. After the yearbooks are delivered in late May, there will be a few copies for purchase from the school office (at a higher cost), but these will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The only way to guarantee your copy of the yearbook is to order now! The link to order is - https://yearbookordercenter.com/job/19575
11 months ago, Erin Snell
Order Your Yearbook
✨ Start strong, start here! Kindergarten registration is live! Instructions can be found on our website: https://bit.ly/absskindergarten. Also, don't forget about our Kindergarten Fair next Saturday, March 8th, 9 AM to 12 PM at Holly Hill Mall! #ABSSEvents #ThisisABSS
11 months ago, James Shuler
Four children giving a thumbs-up with text Kindergarten Registration is Live!
As a student told us today, our brains get busy! 🧘‍♀️ Highland Elementary third grade teacher Sasha Denham is bringing mindfulness to her classroom with daily yoga sessions. Ms. Denham leads students through calming poses like "tree tops," "bird breaths," and "doing the laundry" to help them start their day focused and ready to learn. This innovative approach will be featured on FOX8 "What's Right With Our Schools" segment with Cindy Farmer, airing next Monday morning and again on Thursday. You can look forward to interviews with Ms. Denham and student Candace, as well as footage of the class applying their yoga-induced focus to finding details in a passage about Mercury.
over 1 year ago, James Shuler
Reporter Cindy Farmer in pink shirt, a blonde student in yellow shirt, and teacher Sasha Denham in denim jacket smile together in a colorful elementary school classroom.
The blonde student from Image 1 sits on a chair, smiling and being interviewed by reporter Cindy Farmer in a pink shirt. Classroom supplies and camera are visible.
Teacher Sasha Denham with long dark hair assists a young boy with schoolwork at a desk in the classroom. Colorful classroom decorations are visible.
Teacher Sasha Denham with long dark hair stands at the whiteboard with arms outstretched, leading an energetic classroom activity. Students raise their hands enthusiastically.
Back to School Updates & Information
over 1 year ago, Mary Chandler
Back to school updates
arrival and breakfast
afternoon dismissal
Kindergarten staggered entry
class dojo and join pta
Back to School Food Drive
Back to School Food Drive: We are hosting a Food Drive to stock our food pantry for the start of the school year. Please consider donating non-perishable food items. These can be dropped off at the Highland Car Circle in the green box!
over 1 year ago, Mary Chandler
Back to School Food Drive
Green Box
Don't miss the chance to win this great prize. Looking forward to seeing parents at our 1st PTA meeting Monday at 4:30pm!
over 1 year ago, Mary Chandler
8-12-2024 PTA Meeting
Highland Elementary School's 2nd grade classes had an exciting and educational Career Day today! The students had the opportunity to learn about a diverse range of careers from visiting parents and family members who graciously volunteered their time. The students discovered what it's like to be a banker, an occupational therapist, a dentist, a dietician, a software engineer, a sales account manager, a teacher, an exercise physiologist, and even a college football coach! The presenters shared valuable insights about their professions, the skills required, and what a typical day looks like in their job. Career Day is an important event that helps broaden students' horizons and get them thinking about their future aspirations. A big thank you to all the parents and family members who made this day possible!
over 1 year ago, James Shuler
An adult presenter speaks about Appliances beside a whiteboard projection showing examples while two students look on from their desks
A class of students looks towards a presenter in an Elon University shirt holding a football
An elementary student in a black jersey is wearing a large Elon University football helmet
An adult presenter in a grey suit speaks to a class seated in front of them in desks and on a carpet
One elementary student uses a stethoscope to check the pulse of another student sitting beside her
Highland 2nd Graders participated in Career Day yesterday. They learned about many careers from parents and family members. Some of the careers they learned about were: banker, occupational therapist, dentist, dietician, software engineer, sales account manager, teacher, exercise physiologist, and college football coach.
over 1 year ago, Rachel Hydrick
A guest presenter talks to second grade students about her job.
A second grade student shows off a college football helmet.
A guest presenter lets students try out some of the tools she uses for work like a stethoscope.
Two second grade students try out a stethoscope.
A guest presenter talks to second grade students about his job.
Nuclear energy sparked excitement at Highland Elementary today! 🔥 The 4th graders had a special guest - Zach Veselich, a Penn State student majoring in nuclear engineering. This former Williams High School grad shared his passion, teaching the kids about nuclear fission, different nuclear careers, and how nuclear energy can power our world. The highlight: Glowing uranium glass! ⚛️
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
A class of fourth graders at AO Elementary standing with a Penn State nuclear engineering student, most everyone is giving a thumbs up
Penn State nuclear engineering student in a blue polo shirt gestures in the air during a lesson to a class of fourth graders at Highland Elementary
✨ 38 Days, 38 Schools - Highland Elementary 💚 At Highland Elementary, academic excellence and cultural diversity go hand in hand. The dedicated staff work provides a rich learning experience for all students, while actively involving families in the educational journey. Highland prides itself on celebrating the various cultures represented within the student body! Through initiatives like the monthly cultural celebrations organized by the Diversity Committee, and events such as the Holiday Lights Around the World night and the Parade of Diverse Cultures, Highland fosters an environment of understanding, appreciation, and inclusivity. These events not only showcase the cultural richness but also provide opportunities for families to engage with their children's learning. The Hawk's Nest is a great place to learn and grow!
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
Collage of Highland Elementary staff and students with Highland Hawks logo
There are cultures from 38 countries represented at Highland Elementary. 🌍 What better way to celebrate this diversity than with a parade on a beautiful sunny day! ☀️ During today's Parade of Diverse Cultures, students proudly represented their cultural heritage by dressing in traditional clothing, waving flags, and walking around the school track. They were supported by a sea of cheers and waves from other students, staff, and many #ABSSCommunity members who came together for this special event. 🤝 A huge shoutout goes to the Highland Elementary Diversity Committee for their hard work in organizing this fantastic parade. Thanks to their efforts, today was a truly memorable celebration.
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
Group photograph of students participating in the Highland Elementary Parade of Diverse Cultures
Students representing the United States of America walking in the Highland Parade of Diverse Cultures
Students representing China walking in the Highland Parade of Diverse Cultures
Students representing Colombia walking in the Highland Parade of Diverse Cultures
Students representing Ghana walking in the Highland Parade of Diverse Cultures
Students cheering loudly during a Parade of Diverse Cultures outside at Highland Elementary
Students representing India walking in the Highland Parade of Diverse Cultures
Students representing Mexico walking in the Highland Parade of Diverse Cultures
A family in Ghana cultural attire stands with their students at Highland Elementary
Diversity Committee at Highland Elementary
📣 Spread the word: the ABSS Job Fair is this Saturday, April 13th, at Highland Elementary! it will open at 9 AM and go until 12PM. We are excited to welcome anyone looking to start a new career in ABSS. Many positions are available. Schools will have tables set up and our talented staff is available to greet you and answer your questions. See you there!
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
ABSS Job Fair graphic with relevant details
📚✨Our Media Specialists totally deserve a shoutout on National Library Workers Day! Sure, they'll help you find the perfect book, but they also collaborate with teachers, model tech skills, and think outside the box to engage inquiring minds. From cozy story nooks to cutting-edge resources, they maintain an incredible space just brimming with opportunities to learn and grow. Thanks for all you do! 🙌 #StudentCenteredFutureFocused
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
National Library Workers Day graphic with date April 9th, 2024 and a blurred image of a stack of books
🌟Teacher of the Year Finalist Feature: Linda Gruener, First Grade Teacher at Highland Elementary An effective elementary teacher possesses patience, strong communication abilities, and creativity to engage young learners. They have excellent classroom management skills and the flexibility to adapt to diverse student needs. Above all, a commitment to professional growth and a genuine passion for teaching are essential qualities - all of which Ms. Gruener at Highland Elementary exemplifies. Today, she led an engaging lesson comparing schools Then and Now, using visuals, examples, and continual assessment to solidify her students' understanding. With an engaging scavenger hunt mid-lesson and an independent activity, Ms. Gruener's creativity and expertise were on full display! We're lucky to have such a dedicated teacher helping shape young minds at Highland. #StudentCenteredFutureFocused
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
First Grade teacher Linda Gruener at Highland Elementary points to a venn diagram comparing schools then and now while students look up attentively from the carpet
First grade students look up attentively on a classroom carpet
First grade teacher Linda Gruener watches as a student places a photograph on a large chart showing schools Then and Now
A student in a gray sweatshirt draws a picture in a box on a Then and Now independent activity worksheet
First Grade teacher Linda Gruener shows a student an example of an independent Then and Now activity while a student in a red dress studies it
Three first graders use lap desks on a carpet and look up at the Smartboard as they work on an activity using a pencil and paper
First grade students work independently on an activity at their desks.  Two of the students are talking to one another.
The staff at Highland are having a delicious (pizza) Pi Day thanks to our wonderful PTA! Thank you for all of the ways you support and treat our staff!
almost 2 years ago, Rachel Hydrick
Teacher filling her plate at the provided pizza luncheon.
🌟Job seekers, mark your calendars - our 2024 Job Fair is one month away! We are hiring for many positions, both certified and classified. Come find your next opportunity with us! Please share with anyone you know who may be interested. 📍 Highland Elementary ⏰ 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM 🗓️ April 13th, 2024 #StudentCenteredFutureFocused
almost 2 years ago, James Shuler
ABSS Job Fair 2024 graphic with information about its location at Highland Elementary, April 13th, 9 AM to 12:00 PM showing four photographs of staff and students