Highland Community School District
It's a great day to be a Husky!
🏃♂️💥 Support Highland Track & Field This Season! 💥🏃♀️
Our Highland Track & Field team is having an exciting season, and you can be part of it! 🎉
We’re inviting local businesses to sponsor individual events at our home meets. It’s an easy and affordable way to support our student-athletes while increasing your visibility in the community. 🙌
💲 For just $50, your business will:
📣 Be announced live during the meet
📖 Be featured in our printed meet program
👀 Gain exposure to athletes, families, and fans
It’s a simple way to make a big impact! ❤️
Interested in sponsoring, or know someone who might be? Send a message to Angela Strobel at astrobel@highlandhuskies.org — we’d love to partner with you! 🤝
#HighlandHuskies #SupportLocal #TrackAndField #CommunityStrong 🐾
❤️🤍🖤 Today we celebrate the heart of our organization—our incredible Administrative Professionals! 🖤🤍❤️
We hope to see you there! 🎉✨
We hope to see you there! 🎉✨
Let’s go ladies!!! 🔥💪
Wishing you all the luck, strength, and confidence out there—go show them what you’ve got! 💥✨
Wishing you all the luck, strength, and confidence out there—go show them what you’ve got! 💥✨
❄️📣 Huskies Reminder! 🐾
Just a reminder — school IS in session this Friday as it is a Snow Make-Up Day! 🗓️
📅 Stay up to date with schedules here:
👉 Activities Calendar: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/highlandriverside/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-04-21
👉 School Calendar Update: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_FBE7ntXwzufpfRop7CtivN2OWXmdod0/view
Thanks for helping us stay on track, Huskies! ❤️
Just a reminder — school IS in session this Friday as it is a Snow Make-Up Day! 🗓️
📅 Stay up to date with schedules here:
👉 Activities Calendar: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/highlandriverside/calendar?includePractices=false&v=week&date=2026-04-21
👉 School Calendar Update: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_FBE7ntXwzufpfRop7CtivN2OWXmdod0/view
Thanks for helping us stay on track, Huskies! ❤️
Our Highland Huskies continue to shine across Southeast Iowa! Check out these recent highlights:
🏌️♀️ Girls Golf Staying Strong & Unbeaten
https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/16/highland-girls-shoot-down-arrows-to-stay-unbeaten-boys-fall-to-indians-in-superconference-split/
➡️ The girls team kept their win streak alive with another dominant performance! ❤️🤍🖤
🏌️♀️ Huskies Split with Falcons
https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/13/huskies-split-with-falcons-highland-girls-remain-unbeaten/
➡️ Girls stay undefeated while the boys post a strong showing and set a school record score. ❤️🤍🖤
🏃♀️ Girls Track Takes the Title!
https://thenews-ia.com/stories/highland-girls-take-title-at-mike-kautz-invite,189244?
➡️ Huskies dominate the Mike Kautz Invite with a team championship performance! ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://thenews-ia.com/stories/mcelhinney-hired-as-head-football-coach-at-highlandlone-tree,189714?
➡️ Highland names McElhinney as new head football coach ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/20/huskies-and-warriors-take-on-field-at-danville-invite/
➡️ Huskies compete at the Danville Invite ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/17/columbus-boys-highland-girls-take-home-championships-at-lone-tree/
➡️ Highland girls bring home another championship at Lone Tree ❤️🤍🖤
➡️ Freshman standout Hartzler continues an impressive season ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://thenews-ia.com/stories/hartzler-continues-stellar-freshman-season-for-highland-boys,189249?
❤️👏 We are proud of our student-athletes for their hard work, dedication, and success!
#HuskyPride #HighlandStrong #InTheNews #GoHuskies
🏌️♀️ Girls Golf Staying Strong & Unbeaten
https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/16/highland-girls-shoot-down-arrows-to-stay-unbeaten-boys-fall-to-indians-in-superconference-split/
➡️ The girls team kept their win streak alive with another dominant performance! ❤️🤍🖤
🏌️♀️ Huskies Split with Falcons
https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/13/huskies-split-with-falcons-highland-girls-remain-unbeaten/
➡️ Girls stay undefeated while the boys post a strong showing and set a school record score. ❤️🤍🖤
🏃♀️ Girls Track Takes the Title!
https://thenews-ia.com/stories/highland-girls-take-title-at-mike-kautz-invite,189244?
➡️ Huskies dominate the Mike Kautz Invite with a team championship performance! ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://thenews-ia.com/stories/mcelhinney-hired-as-head-football-coach-at-highlandlone-tree,189714?
➡️ Highland names McElhinney as new head football coach ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/20/huskies-and-warriors-take-on-field-at-danville-invite/
➡️ Huskies compete at the Danville Invite ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/17/columbus-boys-highland-girls-take-home-championships-at-lone-tree/
➡️ Highland girls bring home another championship at Lone Tree ❤️🤍🖤
➡️ Freshman standout Hartzler continues an impressive season ❤️🤍🖤
📍 https://thenews-ia.com/stories/hartzler-continues-stellar-freshman-season-for-highland-boys,189249?
❤️👏 We are proud of our student-athletes for their hard work, dedication, and success!
#HuskyPride #HighlandStrong #InTheNews #GoHuskies
📅 Huskies Weekly Outlook 🐾
Here’s what’s coming up this week at Highland!
Here’s what’s coming up this week at Highland!
🌊🗺️ Fourth Grade Flood Experts in the Making! 🗺️🌊
Our 4th graders had an exciting visit from the University of Iowa Flood Center today! (We even had a few familiar faces—parents from our elementary community—join us! 😊)
Students learned all about floods, flood mapping, and how scientists study real-world events 🌧️📊—perfectly connecting to our science standards!
To put their skills to the test, students tackled a challenge: navigating through Iowa City 🏙️ while dealing with road closures caused by flooding 🚧🌊. Talk about problem-solving and critical thinking in action!
A big thank you to the Flood Center team for bringing science to life in such a fun and meaningful way! 👏❤️
Our 4th graders had an exciting visit from the University of Iowa Flood Center today! (We even had a few familiar faces—parents from our elementary community—join us! 😊)
Students learned all about floods, flood mapping, and how scientists study real-world events 🌧️📊—perfectly connecting to our science standards!
To put their skills to the test, students tackled a challenge: navigating through Iowa City 🏙️ while dealing with road closures caused by flooding 🚧🌊. Talk about problem-solving and critical thinking in action!
A big thank you to the Flood Center team for bringing science to life in such a fun and meaningful way! 👏❤️
🎭 Highland Drama Presents 🎭
**This Murder Was Staged**
Join us for a night of mystery, suspense, and stellar performances by our talented Fine Arts students!
📅 Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
🎟️ $5 at the door
Come support our Fine Arts students—and don’t miss our seniors’ final performance on the Highland stage!
#HighlandDrama #SupportTheArts #StudentTalent #FinalCurtain
**This Murder Was Staged**
Join us for a night of mystery, suspense, and stellar performances by our talented Fine Arts students!
📅 Friday, April 17 & Saturday, April 18
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
🎟️ $5 at the door
Come support our Fine Arts students—and don’t miss our seniors’ final performance on the Highland stage!
#HighlandDrama #SupportTheArts #StudentTalent #FinalCurtain
What an incredible day for Highland FBLA! 🎉
On April 11th, we hosted our very first Color Run, and it was a HUGE success! From the energy at the starting line to the colorful finish, it was amazing to see our community come together for such a fun and memorable event.
A special THANK YOU goes out to our generous sponsors—this event would not have been possible without your support. Your commitment to our students and programs truly makes a difference, and we are so grateful!
We also want to thank everyone who participated, volunteered, and cheered us on. You helped make our first Color Run one to remember… and we’re already excited for next year! 🌈🏃♂️
#HighlandFBLA #ColorRun #CommunitySupport #ThankYouSponsors
On April 11th, we hosted our very first Color Run, and it was a HUGE success! From the energy at the starting line to the colorful finish, it was amazing to see our community come together for such a fun and memorable event.
A special THANK YOU goes out to our generous sponsors—this event would not have been possible without your support. Your commitment to our students and programs truly makes a difference, and we are so grateful!
We also want to thank everyone who participated, volunteered, and cheered us on. You helped make our first Color Run one to remember… and we’re already excited for next year! 🌈🏃♂️
#HighlandFBLA #ColorRun #CommunitySupport #ThankYouSponsors
We are excited to welcome Thayne McElhinney to the Highland community as the new Head Football Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and Physical Education teacher!
Thayne brings a strong background in both education and athletics. Originally from Morning Sun and a graduate of Winfield-Mt. Union, he earned his degree in Exercise Science from Simpson College and recently completed his teaching license through Morningside University. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Thayne has seven years of strength and conditioning experience across middle school, high school, and collegiate levels, along with seven years of football coaching experience—most recently serving as an assistant coach and Physical Education teacher at Lone Tree High School.
Thayne is passionate about developing student-athletes into individuals of strong character who serve their teams, school, and community. He is committed to maintaining high standards and believes success comes from focusing on the little things—both in the weightroom, classroom, and beyond.
Thayne and his wife, Haley, are excited to join the Highland family.
Please join us in giving Coach McElhinney a warm Husky welcome! 🐾
🎉 **Highland Prom Grand March – Reserved Seating Available!** 🎉
Community members—don’t miss your chance to get the best seats in the house for Grand March! 💃🕺
💺 Reserved seating is **first come, first served**
👨👩👧 Reserve **as many seats as you need** – your group will be seated together
🏷️ Seats will be clearly marked with your party’s name
🗓️ **Event Details:**
🚪 Doors Open: 6:30 PM
✨ Grand March Begins: 7:30 PM
💲 **Cost:** $10 per reserved chair
💵 **Payment Details:**
Make checks payable to **Highland Class of 2027** or send cash
📅 **Payment deadline: April 22**
📬 **Payment Options:**
• Send with your student to school
• Mail to:
Traci Vonnahme
Highland CSD
1715 Vine Ave
Riverside, IA 52327
📧 Questions? Contact: [tvonnahme@highlandhuskies.org](mailto:tvonnahme@highlandhuskies.org)
Reserve early to guarantee your spot—these seats will go fast! 🎟️
#HighlandHuskies #Prom2026 #GrandMarch
Click on the link below to book your sports
Reserved Seats
Mrs. Duder’s 9th Grade classes have officially wrapped up their Vietnam War unit and are now exploring its lasting impact.
As part of this next step, students are learning about the POW/MIA Table Ceremony 🍽️ and the Missing Man Ceremony ✈️—two powerful traditions that honor those who never returned home.
This lesson encourages students to reflect on sacrifice, service, and the importance of remembrance. ❤️🤍💙
#NeverForget #HistoryMatters
As part of this next step, students are learning about the POW/MIA Table Ceremony 🍽️ and the Missing Man Ceremony ✈️—two powerful traditions that honor those who never returned home.
This lesson encourages students to reflect on sacrifice, service, and the importance of remembrance. ❤️🤍💙
#NeverForget #HistoryMatters
🐾🎨 Huskies Hard at Work in Art! 🎨🐾
Our Huskies in Mrs. Van Buren’s art class have been busier than a bee in a bonnet this spring! 🐝🌸 From Kindergarten through 5th grade, students have been rolling, shaping, and creating their annual clay masterpieces—and WOW, are they amazing!
We’ve seen everything from adorable ladybugs 🐞 and clucky chickens 🐔 to turtles 🐢, snails 🐌, butterflies 🦋, and even magical gnome homes! Each project shows off our students’ creativity, imagination, and hard work.
Our creative Huskies have done a fantastic job using materials thoughtfully while really exercising their “art brains”! 🧠✨
Did you know? Art is SO important for our kiddos! It helps develop important thinking skills, builds confidence, and strengthens fine motor skills. It even supports learning in subjects like math and reading! Plus, art gives students a safe and fun way to express their feelings and ideas while learning to problem-solve and think creatively.
We are so proud of our young artists and the incredible work they’re creating. Keep shining, Huskies! 🌟🐾
Our Huskies in Mrs. Van Buren’s art class have been busier than a bee in a bonnet this spring! 🐝🌸 From Kindergarten through 5th grade, students have been rolling, shaping, and creating their annual clay masterpieces—and WOW, are they amazing!
We’ve seen everything from adorable ladybugs 🐞 and clucky chickens 🐔 to turtles 🐢, snails 🐌, butterflies 🦋, and even magical gnome homes! Each project shows off our students’ creativity, imagination, and hard work.
Our creative Huskies have done a fantastic job using materials thoughtfully while really exercising their “art brains”! 🧠✨
Did you know? Art is SO important for our kiddos! It helps develop important thinking skills, builds confidence, and strengthens fine motor skills. It even supports learning in subjects like math and reading! Plus, art gives students a safe and fun way to express their feelings and ideas while learning to problem-solve and think creatively.
We are so proud of our young artists and the incredible work they’re creating. Keep shining, Huskies! 🌟🐾
🐾📰 **HUSKIES IN THE NEWS** 📰🐾
Our Huskies are making headlines across Southeast Iowa! 💪🔥 Check out what’s happening around Highland:
⛳ **Highland Golf Splits with the Falcons**
A strong showing on the course as the Huskies battled the Falcons and came away with a split — great competition and grit! 💥👏
https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/13/huskies-split-with-falcons-highland-girls-remain-unbeaten/
⚽ **Future Huskies on the field**
It’s “just a start” for our junior high soccer athletes — building skills, teamwork, and the Husky way from the ground up! 🌱⚽
https://www.thenews-ia.com/stories/just-a-start-huskies-play-a-junior-high-soccer-game,188804?
🏃♂️ **Track Success at Steve Roth Relays (Washington)**
The Huskies turned in strong performances at the Steve Roth Relays, showcasing speed, endurance, and determination against tough competition! 🏁🐾💨
https://www.thenews-ia.com/stories/highland-relays-rush-past-the-pack,187789?
From the field to the track to the course — **Huskies are putting in the work and getting noticed!** ❤️🖤
#HuskiesInTheNews #GoHuskies #HuskyPride #SmallSchoolBigHeart
Our Huskies are making headlines across Southeast Iowa! 💪🔥 Check out what’s happening around Highland:
⛳ **Highland Golf Splits with the Falcons**
A strong showing on the course as the Huskies battled the Falcons and came away with a split — great competition and grit! 💥👏
https://www.kciiradio.com/2026/04/13/huskies-split-with-falcons-highland-girls-remain-unbeaten/
⚽ **Future Huskies on the field**
It’s “just a start” for our junior high soccer athletes — building skills, teamwork, and the Husky way from the ground up! 🌱⚽
https://www.thenews-ia.com/stories/just-a-start-huskies-play-a-junior-high-soccer-game,188804?
🏃♂️ **Track Success at Steve Roth Relays (Washington)**
The Huskies turned in strong performances at the Steve Roth Relays, showcasing speed, endurance, and determination against tough competition! 🏁🐾💨
https://www.thenews-ia.com/stories/highland-relays-rush-past-the-pack,187789?
From the field to the track to the course — **Huskies are putting in the work and getting noticed!** ❤️🖤
#HuskiesInTheNews #GoHuskies #HuskyPride #SmallSchoolBigHeart
🚌 Bus Safety in Action at Highland Elementary!
Our Highland Elementary students recently practiced bus safety and evacuation procedures during AMP with Mr. Jeff. While we hope these skills are never needed, practicing helps our students stay prepared and confident in any situation.
Why is this so important?
✔️ Emergency Preparedness – Students learn how to safely exit the bus in under 3–5 minutes in case of an emergency.
✔️ Knowledge of Exits – They practice using rear doors, side doors, and roof hatches if the main exit is blocked.
✔️ Calm & Orderly Behavior – Drills help students stay calm, follow directions, and move efficiently without panic.
✔️ Looking Out for Others – Students learn how to support classmates and respond if the driver is unable to help.
Students also practiced moving at least 100 feet away from the bus and staying together to remain safe from traffic or other hazards.
We’re proud of our students for taking this seriously and showing great responsibility! 👏
Our Highland Elementary students recently practiced bus safety and evacuation procedures during AMP with Mr. Jeff. While we hope these skills are never needed, practicing helps our students stay prepared and confident in any situation.
Why is this so important?
✔️ Emergency Preparedness – Students learn how to safely exit the bus in under 3–5 minutes in case of an emergency.
✔️ Knowledge of Exits – They practice using rear doors, side doors, and roof hatches if the main exit is blocked.
✔️ Calm & Orderly Behavior – Drills help students stay calm, follow directions, and move efficiently without panic.
✔️ Looking Out for Others – Students learn how to support classmates and respond if the driver is unable to help.
Students also practiced moving at least 100 feet away from the bus and staying together to remain safe from traffic or other hazards.
We’re proud of our students for taking this seriously and showing great responsibility! 👏
📅 Huskies Weekly Outlook 🐾
Here’s what’s coming up this week at Highland!
Here’s what’s coming up this week at Highland!
🎉📚 Shoutout Time! 📚🎉
A huge round of applause for our amazing first grade teacher, Miah Nelson 👏🍎 for bringing something extra special to our elementary students!
She’s kicking off a fun and engaging ABC Countdown to the End of the School Year 🔤✨—a creative way to celebrate each day as we head into summer break! ☀️🎈
We are excited to kick off our ABC Countdown to the End of the School Year 🔤🎉, beginning April 15th! 📅 Each school day will feature a fun theme 🎈 that matches a letter of the alphabet as we celebrate the final weeks of learning together 📚✨.
Students are invited to participate in the themed activities each day 🙌. Please be on the lookout 👀 for special dress-up days such as Favorite Hat Day 🎩, Glow Day ✨, Husky Spirit Day 🐾💙, Jersey Day 🏈, PJ Day 💤, USA Day 🇺🇸, and Wacky Sock Day 🧦🤪, as these themes may require students to bring or wear items from home 🏡.
Please see the attached schedule 📄 for the list of themed days.
We hope these days bring extra excitement 🎊 and school spirit 🎉 as we head toward the end of the year, and we look forward to celebrating together 🥳 and finishing the school year strong 💪📚.
Thank you for your continued support ❤️.
#Shoutout #ABCCountdown #EndOfYearFun #ElementaryExcitement 🎉📚✨
A huge round of applause for our amazing first grade teacher, Miah Nelson 👏🍎 for bringing something extra special to our elementary students!
She’s kicking off a fun and engaging ABC Countdown to the End of the School Year 🔤✨—a creative way to celebrate each day as we head into summer break! ☀️🎈
We are excited to kick off our ABC Countdown to the End of the School Year 🔤🎉, beginning April 15th! 📅 Each school day will feature a fun theme 🎈 that matches a letter of the alphabet as we celebrate the final weeks of learning together 📚✨.
Students are invited to participate in the themed activities each day 🙌. Please be on the lookout 👀 for special dress-up days such as Favorite Hat Day 🎩, Glow Day ✨, Husky Spirit Day 🐾💙, Jersey Day 🏈, PJ Day 💤, USA Day 🇺🇸, and Wacky Sock Day 🧦🤪, as these themes may require students to bring or wear items from home 🏡.
Please see the attached schedule 📄 for the list of themed days.
We hope these days bring extra excitement 🎊 and school spirit 🎉 as we head toward the end of the year, and we look forward to celebrating together 🥳 and finishing the school year strong 💪📚.
Thank you for your continued support ❤️.
#Shoutout #ABCCountdown #EndOfYearFun #ElementaryExcitement 🎉📚✨
🚀✨ Marvin, Kam, & Soren are on a roll! They took a single-digit number and kept doubling it… and guess what? They’ve officially surpassed **1,000!** 🎉🔥
Starting with a number between 1–9 and doubling it over and over is a powerful way to *see* exponential growth in action 📈. It may begin slowly, but suddenly—BOOM 💥—it skyrockets faster than you’d expect!
Our brains are wired to think in straight lines ➡️ (1, 2, 3, 4…), but exponential growth curves 📊 (1, 2, 4, 8…) can be tricky to wrap our heads around. That’s why this “Double It” challenge is so valuable—it helps us understand that the biggest leaps often come at the very end of a long, steady climb 💡
Keep growing, keep doubling, and keep being amazed! 🙌🚀
#ExponentialGrowth #MathInAction #FutureThinkers
Starting with a number between 1–9 and doubling it over and over is a powerful way to *see* exponential growth in action 📈. It may begin slowly, but suddenly—BOOM 💥—it skyrockets faster than you’d expect!
Our brains are wired to think in straight lines ➡️ (1, 2, 3, 4…), but exponential growth curves 📊 (1, 2, 4, 8…) can be tricky to wrap our heads around. That’s why this “Double It” challenge is so valuable—it helps us understand that the biggest leaps often come at the very end of a long, steady climb 💡
Keep growing, keep doubling, and keep being amazed! 🙌🚀
#ExponentialGrowth #MathInAction #FutureThinkers
