Highland Community School District
It's a great day to be a Husky!
🌟 Highland Summer Adventures is in full swing! 🌟
📸 Check out some of the highlights from this week and see all the fun in action!
#HighlandSummerAdventures
📸 Check out some of the highlights from this week and see all the fun in action!
#HighlandSummerAdventures
📢 Today's Summer Library program at Ainsworth will be rescheduled for tomorrow, Friday, June 12th. We will still meet from 9:30AM-10:45 AM at the library at City Center. Hope you can join us!
⚠️ Summer Library Program Cancelled Today ⚠️📚 Due to the storms and forecasted weather conditions, today’s Summer Library Program in Ainsworth has been cancelled for the safety of everyone involved. Please keep an eye on our social media pages and other communications for information regarding a makeup date. Thank you for your understanding! – Ms. Bean 🌧️📖
The Highland Summer Library Program at Ainsworth kicked off last week. We will be featuring a different part of a plant each week and for our first week, we learned about leaves. We read the book, Leaf Trouble, and used leaves and flowers to naturally dye book bags. We would like to thank Wolf Floral in Washington for donating the flowers for our project!
It's not to late to join us this Thursday at 9:30 AM at City Center in Ainsworth. Registration forms and Bingo cards may be picked up then. If you have questions, please contact Brenda Bean at bbean@highlandhuskies.org.
🐾🏆 GO HUSKIES! | Week at a Glance 🏆🐾
It’s a busy week for our Huskies!
👏 Good luck to all our Huskies competing this week!
📲 For schedules, updates, scores, and locations, visit our Bound page: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/highlandriverside
As we finish the 2025-26 school year and look ahead to 2026-27, we're excited to continue strengthening how we connect with our Highland community.
As part of that effort, the Highland Elementary Facebook page will be retired prior to next school year. Moving forward, all district news, celebrations, announcements, reminders, and updates will be shared right here on the Highland Community School District page.
Our goal is to make it easier for families, staff, students, and community members to stay informed by having one central location for information from across the district.
Elementary classrooms will continue using Seesaw for daily communication with families, including classroom updates, learning highlights, and important reminders.
We also value your feedback as we continue to improve our communication efforts. Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey:
Your input will help us better understand what information matters most and how we can best serve our students, families, staff, and community.
Thank you for your continued support of Highland Community Schools. We look forward to sharing the great things happening across our district as we begin another exciting year together.
Go Huskies!
Our Summer Strength & Conditioning Program is off to a strong start! 💪🏽🏋️♂️🏃♀️
📊 Week 1 Attendance Highlights
🔹 High School Boys
• Averaged 26 athletes per session
• 16 athletes achieved perfect attendance for the week
🔹 High School Girls
• Averaged 14 athletes per session
• 2 athletes achieved perfect attendance for the week
🔹 Junior High Athletes
• Averaged 23 athletes per session
• 7 athletes achieved perfect attendance for the week
A great first week of summer training!
📅 Just a Reminder: Summer Strength & Speed Schedule (June 1 – July 24)
🏋️ High School Boys Lifting
• Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
• 6:30–7:30 AM
🏋️ High School Girls Lifting
• Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
• 7:45–8:45 AM
🏋️ Junior High Athletes Lifting
• Tuesday & Thursday
• 9:00–9:45 AM
🏃 All Athletes Speed, Agility & Quickness (SAQ)
• Wednesday
• 7:00–7:40 AM
🏈🐾 Calling all future football players! 🐾🏈
Get ready to learn, compete, and have FUN at the 2026 HLT Football Camp!
📅 July 20 & 21, 2026
⏰ 4:30–5:45 PM
📍 Highland Football Field
💲 Cost: $30
👦 Open to students entering Grades 3–8 this fall
🏈 Build football fundamentals
💪 Improve your skills
🤝 Meet teammates and coaches
🔥 Get a head start on the upcoming season
Grade in Fall of 2026
Grades 3–6 and Grades 7–8 will have age-appropriate instruction, with older athletes focusing more on offensive and defensive position skills.
👕 Register by July 7 to guarantee your camp t-shirt!
If you have any questions, please contact Coach Thayne McElhinney at tmcelhinney@highlandhuskies.org.
Don't miss this great opportunity to learn the game, make new friends, and be part of the Football family!
This summer, our Highland Summer Adventures program will provide students with exciting hands-on experiences, opportunities to explore beyond the classroom, and memories that will last a lifetime.
We're currently seeking community sponsors to help make these experiences possible! One of our goals is to provide three educational visits from the Children's Museum, bringing engaging, interactive learning directly to our students. The total cost for these visits is $750.
If you or your business would like to sponsor this opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Courtney Dietze at cdietze@highlandhuskies.org.
Thank you for investing in our students and helping make this summer an incredible experience for this new program!
We're currently seeking community sponsors to help make these experiences possible! One of our goals is to provide three educational visits from the Children's Museum, bringing engaging, interactive learning directly to our students. The total cost for these visits is $750.
If you or your business would like to sponsor this opportunity, please reach out to Mrs. Courtney Dietze at cdietze@highlandhuskies.org.
Thank you for investing in our students and helping make this summer an incredible experience for this new program!
Highland Summer Adventures is off to a great start! Our summer child care program for elementary-aged children officially opened on June 1st!
Today, our kiddos had the opportunity to meet Deputy Colton Schneider, ask thoughtful questions, sit in the driver's seat of his patrol vehicle, and even try their hand at finger-painting his cruiser!
A huge thank you to Deputy Schneider for taking the time to visit, engage with our students, and help create a fun and memorable experience. We can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store!
Today, our kiddos had the opportunity to meet Deputy Colton Schneider, ask thoughtful questions, sit in the driver's seat of his patrol vehicle, and even try their hand at finger-painting his cruiser!
A huge thank you to Deputy Schneider for taking the time to visit, engage with our students, and help create a fun and memorable experience. We can't wait to see what the rest of the summer has in store!
⚾ Highland Huskies Baseball Presents: Veteran’s Appreciation Night ⚾
Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country!
📅 Friday, June 5
🕔 Starting at 5:00 PM
📍 Highland High School Baseball Field
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION for all active-duty military personnel and veterans with a valid military ID.
Come out and cheer on the Highland Huskies while we recognize the sacrifice, dedication, and commitment of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Bring your family, friends, and community spirit as we celebrate our military heroes and enjoy an evening of Huskies baseball.
❤️🤍💙 Thank you for your service and your continued commitment to protecting our freedoms.
Come support our men and women in uniform and help us show our appreciation for all they do.
#HighlandHuskies #VeteransAppreciationNight #HuskiesBaseball #SupportOurVeterans #MilitaryAppreciation #ThankYouForYourService #CommunityStrong #HighlandPride #GoHuskies ⚾
Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country!
📅 Friday, June 5
🕔 Starting at 5:00 PM
📍 Highland High School Baseball Field
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION for all active-duty military personnel and veterans with a valid military ID.
Come out and cheer on the Highland Huskies while we recognize the sacrifice, dedication, and commitment of those who have served and continue to serve our nation. Bring your family, friends, and community spirit as we celebrate our military heroes and enjoy an evening of Huskies baseball.
❤️🤍💙 Thank you for your service and your continued commitment to protecting our freedoms.
Come support our men and women in uniform and help us show our appreciation for all they do.
#HighlandHuskies #VeteransAppreciationNight #HuskiesBaseball #SupportOurVeterans #MilitaryAppreciation #ThankYouForYourService #CommunityStrong #HighlandPride #GoHuskies ⚾
🌞🍎 FREE Summer Meals for Kids & Teens! 🍎🌞
Did you know that children and teens 18 years old and under can receive FREE meals all summer long through the Summer Food Service Program? 🥪🥛🍉
📍 Find a meal site near you:
📞 Call 2-1-1
📞 Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
📞 Español: 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
📱 Text "Summer Meals" to 914-342-7744
🌐 Visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
Help ensure children in our community have access to healthy meals while school is out. ❤️ Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors!
#HighlandCSD #SummerMeals #FoodForKids #SummerFoodServiceProgram #CommunitySupport #HealthyKids #HighlandHuskies 🐾
Did you know that children and teens 18 years old and under can receive FREE meals all summer long through the Summer Food Service Program? 🥪🥛🍉
📍 Find a meal site near you:
📞 Call 2-1-1
📞 Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479)
📞 Español: 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
📱 Text "Summer Meals" to 914-342-7744
🌐 Visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
Help ensure children in our community have access to healthy meals while school is out. ❤️ Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors!
#HighlandCSD #SummerMeals #FoodForKids #SummerFoodServiceProgram #CommunitySupport #HealthyKids #HighlandHuskies 🐾
📚❤️🖤 HIGHLAND SUMMER LIBRARY IS BACK! 🖤❤️📚
🌟 Join us for a summer full of stories, learning, and fun! 🌟
📍 Ainsworth City Center
🕤 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
📅 Every Thursday
✅ June 4
✅ June 11
✅ June 18
✅ June 25
❌ No Library on July 2
✅ July 9
✅ July 16 (Final Day!)
📍 Riverside Location Information Coming Soon!
📅 Stay tuned for dates, times, and location details.
📖 Enjoy books, activities, and time with friends all summer long!
❤️🤍🖤 We can't wait to see you there! 🖤🤍❤️
#HighlandHuskies #HighlandSummerLibrary #ReadAllSummer #HuskyPride 📚🐾❤️🖤🤍
📚❤️🖤 ¡LA BIBLIOTECA DE VERANO DE HIGHLAND HA REGRESADO! 🖤❤️📚
🌟 ¡Únete a nosotros para un verano lleno de historias, aprendizaje y diversión! 🌟
📍 Centro Comunitario de Ainsworth
🕤 9:30 – 10:45 a. m.
📅 Todos los jueves
✅ 4 de junio
✅ 11 de junio
✅ 18 de junio
✅ 25 de junio
❌ No habrá biblioteca el 2 de julio
✅ 9 de julio
✅ 16 de julio (¡Último día!)
📍 Información sobre la ubicación de Riverside próximamente.
📅 Mantente atento para conocer las fechas, horarios y detalles del lugar.
📖 ¡Disfruta de libros, actividades y tiempo con amigos durante todo el verano!
❤️🤍🖤 ¡Estamos ansiosos por verte allí! 🖤🤍❤️
#HighlandHuskies #BibliotecaDeVeranoHighland #LeeTodoElVerano #OrgulloHusky 📚🐾❤️🖤🤍
🏈💪 **STRENGTH & SPEED FOR ALL HUSKIES + SUMMER HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL DATES!** 💪🏈
Summer is here, Huskies! It's time to get stronger, faster, and ready for the upcoming school year and fall sports seasons! 🔥🐾
📅 **June 1 – July 23**
💪 **Strength & Speed Schedule**
🔹 **Boys:** 6:30 AM — Monday, Thursday, Friday
🔹 **Girls:** 7:45 AM — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
🔹 **Junior High:** 8:00 AM — Tuesday & Thursday
🏈 **High School Football Open Field**
📍 8:00 AM every Wednesday morning in June
🏈 **High School Football Camp**
📅 July 20–24
⏰ 10:00 AM – Noon
🏈 **Youth Football Camp**
📅 July 20 & 21
⏰ 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
🏈 **High School Football Practice Begins**
📅 August 3
⏰ 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM
❤️🤍🖤 **A HUGE THANK YOU to our Highland Huskies Athletic Boosters!** 🖤🤍❤️
Your continued support helps provide opportunities, equipment, resources, and experiences that make a difference for our Husky athletes!👏🐾
Let's make this a great summer of hard work, growth, and Huskie pride!
#GoHuskies #HighlandHuskies #StrengthAndSpeed #HuskieFootball #AthleticBoosters #ThankYouBoosters #SummerTraining #OnePackOnePurpose 🐾🏈💪
Summer is here, Huskies! It's time to get stronger, faster, and ready for the upcoming school year and fall sports seasons! 🔥🐾
📅 **June 1 – July 23**
💪 **Strength & Speed Schedule**
🔹 **Boys:** 6:30 AM — Monday, Thursday, Friday
🔹 **Girls:** 7:45 AM — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
🔹 **Junior High:** 8:00 AM — Tuesday & Thursday
🏈 **High School Football Open Field**
📍 8:00 AM every Wednesday morning in June
🏈 **High School Football Camp**
📅 July 20–24
⏰ 10:00 AM – Noon
🏈 **Youth Football Camp**
📅 July 20 & 21
⏰ 4:30 PM – 5:45 PM
🏈 **High School Football Practice Begins**
📅 August 3
⏰ 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM
❤️🤍🖤 **A HUGE THANK YOU to our Highland Huskies Athletic Boosters!** 🖤🤍❤️
Your continued support helps provide opportunities, equipment, resources, and experiences that make a difference for our Husky athletes!👏🐾
Let's make this a great summer of hard work, growth, and Huskie pride!
#GoHuskies #HighlandHuskies #StrengthAndSpeed #HuskieFootball #AthleticBoosters #ThankYouBoosters #SummerTraining #OnePackOnePurpose 🐾🏈💪
🍽️🏷️ HIGHLAND KITCHEN GARAGE SALE! 🏷️🍽️
Looking for kitchen equipment, supplies, or useful items at a great price? Now is your chance! 🎉
📍 Pickup Location:
Highland CSD Kitchen
1715 Vine Avenue, Riverside, IA
📅 Pickup Deadline: June 30
💲 All items are sold AS IS, WHERE IS
🚚 Buyer is responsible for removing and loading all items
🤝 All items are OBO (Or Best Offer) June 17
📧 Interested or have questions? Contact Rachel Cerny at rcerny@highlandhuskies.org
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BF2OZiuDTQn-GJmM_FWVVfvHs7uIhU7UHCwDyGH6mTs/edit?usp=sharing
🥈🏌️♀️ STATE RUNNER-UP HUSKIES! 🏌️♀️🥈
What an incredible finish for the Highland Huskies Girls Golf Team!
The Huskies earned a 2nd Place finish at the 2026 IGHSAU Class 1A State Golf Tournament, finishing just 2 strokes behind the state champion with a two-day total of 703 (356-347). The team improved by 9 strokes on Day 2 and finished as the Class 1A State Runner-Up!
⛳ Highland Individual Results
🥉 Adisyn Prottsman – 3rd Place State Medalist
81-78 = 159 (+15)
Joslyn Prottsman – 20
94-82 = 176 (+32)
Emersyn Schultz – 21
90-86 = 176 (+32)
Autumn Guseman – 50th
91-101 = 192 (+48)
Cassidy Duster – 64th
104-103 = 207 (+63)
Kenzie Davis – 66th
108-103 = 211 (+67)
This team represented Highland with determination, resilience, and pride all season long. To finish as the 2nd-best Class 1A team in Iowa is an outstanding accomplishment and one that our entire community can celebrate.
Congratulations to our players, coaches, families, and supporters on an unforgettable season!
🎙️ New Podcast Episode Available!
The latest episode of Conversations with the Superintendent is now live!
In Episode 9, Superintendent Spencer Lueders sits down with Thayne McElhinney, Highland Community School District’s new Physical Education Teacher, Head Football Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator.
Coach McElhinney shares his journey into education and coaching, his philosophy for developing student-athletes, and his vision for Highland athletics. From the classroom to the weight room to the football field, this conversation offers a great opportunity to get to know one of the newest members of the Highland family and learn what excites him most about joining the Highland community.
We’re excited to welcome Coach McElhinney to Highland and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, programs, and community.
🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/36y7Yuj7ga4LNcaQEJwYt7?si=JPOU6C5DQ8SU-cOjQyfIeQ
The latest episode of Conversations with the Superintendent is now live!
In Episode 9, Superintendent Spencer Lueders sits down with Thayne McElhinney, Highland Community School District’s new Physical Education Teacher, Head Football Coach, and Strength & Conditioning Coordinator.
Coach McElhinney shares his journey into education and coaching, his philosophy for developing student-athletes, and his vision for Highland athletics. From the classroom to the weight room to the football field, this conversation offers a great opportunity to get to know one of the newest members of the Highland family and learn what excites him most about joining the Highland community.
We’re excited to welcome Coach McElhinney to Highland and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, programs, and community.
🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/36y7Yuj7ga4LNcaQEJwYt7?si=JPOU6C5DQ8SU-cOjQyfIeQ
Day 1 of the IGHSAU State Golf Tournament is in the books, and Highland is sitting in 2nd place as a team with a 356! ⛳️🔥
Individually, Adisyn Prottsman led the Huskies with an impressive 81, currently tied for 4th overall! Highland had several strong performances across the board as the Huskies battled through a tough opening round.
One more day to go — let’s finish strong tomorrow!
Individually, Adisyn Prottsman led the Huskies with an impressive 81, currently tied for 4th overall! Highland had several strong performances across the board as the Huskies battled through a tough opening round.
One more day to go — let’s finish strong tomorrow!
☀️📚 We’re officially in our Summer Era, Huskies! ❤️
The backpacks are packed away, the alarms are turned off, and it’s time for sunshine, adventures, and making memories!
Thank you to our amazing students, staff, families, and community for another incredible school year at Highland. We hope your summer is filled with laughter, relaxation, and fun.
We can’t wait to see everyone back in the fall refreshed and ready for another great year!
🏐 Meet the Coaches 🏐
Highland is excited to welcome back alumna Kelsey Black (‘17) alongside Anne Schlabaugh as Co-Head Volleyball Coaches!
A four-year varsity volleyball player at Highland, Kelsey knows firsthand what it means to wear the Husky jersey. Last season marked her first year as Highland’s assistant volleyball coach, adding to nine years of coaching experience that also includes coaching Highland junior high softball. Her coaching philosophy centers on character development, mastering fundamentals, emotional control, and creating a positive environment where athletes can grow both on and off the court.
Kelsey’s passion for Highland runs deep: “I love that I’ve had the opportunity to give back and represent the school that helped build me. The support and pride we receive from the district is unmatched and truly speaks volumes for the character of the students, staff, and the community.”
Anne brings 13+ years of experience coaching junior high and high school volleyball teams and is passionate about building teamwork, confidence, and a strong program culture while helping student-athletes develop both as players and people.
We look forward to seeing the growth of our student-athletes both on and off the court under the leadership of Coach Black and Coach Schlabaugh! Go Huskies!
