🚨 WORK WITH US WEDNESDAY 🚨

Looking for more than just a job? At Highland CSD, you’ll find a small district with a BIG heart ❤️

✔️ 4-day school week
✔️ Supportive, student-centered culture
✔️ Opportunities to grow, lead, and connect

We’re hiring for multiple teaching, coaching, and sponsor positions—including:
🏈 Head Coach
🏋️ Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
📚 Secondary P.E. Teacher
…and more!

📍 Just short drive from Iowa City

👉 Apply today: https://iowa.schoolspring.com/

📢 Help us spread the word—please like, share, and tag someone who would be a great fit!

🌟 Meet Our Summer Adventures Daycare Coordinator! 🌟

We’re excited to introduce Courtney Dietze, current fifth grade teacher, as our Summer Adventures Daycare Coordinator! ☀️

Summer Adventures is a new Highland CSD summer daycare program for elementary-aged students designed to provide a safe, structured, and fun environment.

Q: What inspired you to work with kids and lead our Summer Adventures program?
A: Honestly, a big part of it was seeing the need in our community. Families were looking for something safe, structured, and fun for their kids in the summer—and it just felt like something we should be able to provide. I’ve always loved working with kids, so being able to help turn that need into an actual program has been really exciting. It’s been fun to take an idea and bring it to life in a way that supports both kids and families.

Q: What do you love most about working at Highland?
A: It really comes down to the people. Highland just has that small, supportive feel where everyone looks out for each other and genuinely cares about kids. It makes it easy to collaborate, try new things, and know you have a team behind you.

Q: What’s one thing you’re especially excited to bring to this summer’s program?
A: I’m excited to bring a lot of energy and creativity to the program. I want it to feel like a place kids are excited to come to—not just somewhere they have to be. Fun themes, hands-on activities, and just making sure there’s something for every kid to enjoy is something I’m really looking forward to.

Q: How would you describe your approach to creating a fun and safe environment for kids?
A: For me, it starts with relationships. When kids feel comfortable and know the adults care about them, everything else falls into place. I like to keep expectations clear and consistent, while still making things fun and flexible. Safety is always the priority, but I also want kids to feel relaxed, included, and able to just be kids.

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer?
A: I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come together. Starting something new always has its challenges, but it’s also really rewarding. I’m excited to see kids making friends, trying new things, and families feeling good about where their kids are each day—that’s what it’s all about.

The response to this new summer programming has been tremendous! Courtney has sent out official registration to families who have previously signed up. If you are interested in joining the waitlist or have further questions regarding the program, simply email her at cdeitze@highlandhuskies.org.

We are also currently looking to staff our program with Daycare Site Supervisors and Daycare Lead Teachers. If you know someone who loves working with kids and is looking for a summer job, please have them reach out directly to Mrs. Dietze!

Great news for Highland!

Following the state’s official release of graduation and drop out rates, we are proud to share that our 4-year cohort graduation rate has climbed to 100% for the Class of 2025 — continuing a strong upward trend from 90.2% in 2023 and 95.6% in 2024.

This achievement places Highland well above the state average of 88.8%, highlighting the continued success of our students and school community.

Reaching 100% is a milestone worth celebrating!

💳🐾 Support Highland Schools Just by Swiping Your Card!

Did you know you can help raise money for Highland Community School District every time you use your debit card?

With Classroom Cash from Hills Bank, it’s simple:
👉 Use your debit card for everyday purchases
👉 Hills Bank donates to our schools
👉 It costs you NOTHING!

It’s an easy way to give back and make a real difference for our students and teachers!

📲 Sign up today and start supporting Highland with every swipe!

🎉 Introducing the Highland Hype Crew! 🎉

We’re excited to launch a new initiative at our elementary school—starting April 24th (our snow make-up day)!

We’re inviting local businesses and community members to be part of our Highland Hype Crew—helping us welcome students with smiles, music, positivity, and fist bumps 👊 as they enter our building.

This is a great way to start our students’ last school day of the week on a positive and energizing note!

After our kickoff, the Highland Hype Crew will continue Thursday mornings, and we would LOVE to partner with members of our community to be part of it.

Why this matters:
A simple greeting can make a big difference. When students start their day feeling seen, valued, and connected, it boosts confidence, improves behavior, and helps create a positive school environment. It also shows our kids that their community is behind them and invested in their success.

For local businesses, this is a great opportunity to:
• Give back in a meaningful way
• Build connections with students and families
• Show your support for education and our community

It’s a small time commitment with a BIG impact.

If you or your business would like to participate, please reach out to Superintendent Spencer Lueders at slueders@highlandhuskies.org — we’d love to have you join!

It's Paraprofessioinal Appreciation Day!

Thank you to all of our paraprofessionals for the care and support you bring to our students. You make a difference in our classrooms and help every learner succeed. We appreciate all you do!

What a statement performance to open the season! ⛳🏆

The Highland Girls Golf team captured the team title at the Nikes Invitational at Flint Hills Golf Course!

Leading the charge, Emersyn Schultz delivered an outstanding round to earn a 2nd place individual finish, while Adisyn Prottsman followed closely with an impressive 3rd place finish.

Great start, Huskies!