Next week we join in the HOME SWEET HOMECOMING fun across the Highland School District!
Check out our dress-up days at CES 🍭🍬
CES Lil’ Rebels Home Sweet Homecoming Spirit Week
Monday, September 28 – ROLO-ver & Get Out of Bed
PJ Day
Wear your pajamas!
Tuesday, September 29 – Twix & Twizzler Day
Twin Day
Match with a buddy!
Wednesday, September 30 – Sour Patch Kids Day
Wear bright or neon colors.
Thursday, October 1 – SKOR the Touchdown
Wear Rebel red and grey.
Friday, October 2 – Skittles Class Colors Day
Wear your Harvest Fest grade-level T-shirt.
**shirts will be given out to students at school that morning
Check out our dress-up days at CES 🍭🍬
CES Lil’ Rebels Home Sweet Homecoming Spirit Week
Monday, September 28 – ROLO-ver & Get Out of Bed
PJ Day
Wear your pajamas!
Tuesday, September 29 – Twix & Twizzler Day
Twin Day
Match with a buddy!
Wednesday, September 30 – Sour Patch Kids Day
Wear bright or neon colors.
Thursday, October 1 – SKOR the Touchdown
Wear Rebel red and grey.
Friday, October 2 – Skittles Class Colors Day
Wear your Harvest Fest grade-level T-shirt.
**shirts will be given out to students at school that morning
We want to take a moment to recognize and thank the regular donors who generously support our weekly Food Backpack Program across the Highland School District.
Each weekend, we currently send home more than 140 food backpacks with students across our district. These backpacks are filled with ready-to-eat snacks and easy-to-prepare meal items to help ensure students have access to food over the weekend and during extended breaks throughout the school year.
The continued generosity of our donors helps make this program possible and allows us to meet an important need for our students and families.
“Healthy learners are better learners.” When students have their basic needs met, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed—and we are incredibly grateful for the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help us provide this support week after week.
If you are an individual, business, or organization interested in supporting the Highland School District Food Backpack Program, we would love to hear from you! Please contact:
Kara McEntire
Director of Federal Programs/Student Services
📧 kara.mcentire@highlandrebels.org
📞 870-257-0115
To all of our regular donors—thank you for your generosity, consistency, and commitment to taking care of Highland students. Your support truly makes a difference! ❤️
Each weekend, we currently send home more than 140 food backpacks with students across our district. These backpacks are filled with ready-to-eat snacks and easy-to-prepare meal items to help ensure students have access to food over the weekend and during extended breaks throughout the school year.
The continued generosity of our donors helps make this program possible and allows us to meet an important need for our students and families.
“Healthy learners are better learners.” When students have their basic needs met, they are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed—and we are incredibly grateful for the individuals, businesses, and organizations that help us provide this support week after week.
If you are an individual, business, or organization interested in supporting the Highland School District Food Backpack Program, we would love to hear from you! Please contact:
Kara McEntire
Director of Federal Programs/Student Services
📧 kara.mcentire@highlandrebels.org
📞 870-257-0115
To all of our regular donors—thank you for your generosity, consistency, and commitment to taking care of Highland students. Your support truly makes a difference! ❤️
A GREAT DAY TO BE A REBEL!
The release of the 2025–2026 Arkansas School Letter Grades gives us plenty to celebrate across the Highland School District! We are incredibly proud to announce that Highland School District earned an overall grade of B, with all three of our schools showing significant growth in their scores!
⭐ Cherokee Elementary School — A | Score: 560
CES increased its score by an impressive 82 points, up from 478 last year. Cherokee Elementary was also named an Arkansas Gem School and recognized among the top 5% of schools in Arkansas for overall growth!
⭐ Highland Middle School — B | Score: 493
HMS made an incredible 111-point jump, increasing from 382 last year to 493 this year!
⭐ Highland High School — B | Score: 467
HHS continued its positive growth, increasing 41 points from last year's score of 426!
Every single Highland campus showed growth — and that is something worth celebrating!
Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Lewis said these results are a reflection of the commitment seen throughout the district.
“These results show substantial growth across all three of our schools and are a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, administrators, and staff. We are extremely proud of what they have accomplished, but we also know that this kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident.”
Behind these numbers is the work happening in classrooms every day. Through Highland’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) framework, teachers and administrators collaborate to strengthen instruction and improve student learning. Professional development, formative and summative assessments, High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), targeted interventions, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative teams are all part of the district’s continued focus on student success.
“A letter grade is only one measure of a school’s success, but these results provide meaningful evidence that the work being done throughout our district is making a difference,” Dr. Lewis said. “Our staff continues to work together, study the data, strengthen instruction, and look for ways to better serve every student. Most importantly, our students are responding to that work, and we are seeing the growth.”
From an A at Cherokee Elementary, to tremendous improvement at Highland Middle School, continued growth at Highland High School, and an overall B for the Highland School District, there is much to be proud of throughout Rebel Nation!
Congratulations to our students, teachers, administrators, staff, families, and entire Highland community. These accomplishments belong to everyone who continues to invest in our students and believe in what we are building together.
Highland Proud! Go Rebels! ❤️🤍
Pride • Tradition • Excellence
The release of the 2025–2026 Arkansas School Letter Grades gives us plenty to celebrate across the Highland School District! We are incredibly proud to announce that Highland School District earned an overall grade of B, with all three of our schools showing significant growth in their scores!
⭐ Cherokee Elementary School — A | Score: 560
CES increased its score by an impressive 82 points, up from 478 last year. Cherokee Elementary was also named an Arkansas Gem School and recognized among the top 5% of schools in Arkansas for overall growth!
⭐ Highland Middle School — B | Score: 493
HMS made an incredible 111-point jump, increasing from 382 last year to 493 this year!
⭐ Highland High School — B | Score: 467
HHS continued its positive growth, increasing 41 points from last year's score of 426!
Every single Highland campus showed growth — and that is something worth celebrating!
Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Lewis said these results are a reflection of the commitment seen throughout the district.
“These results show substantial growth across all three of our schools and are a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, administrators, and staff. We are extremely proud of what they have accomplished, but we also know that this kind of progress doesn’t happen by accident.”
Behind these numbers is the work happening in classrooms every day. Through Highland’s Professional Learning Community (PLC) framework, teachers and administrators collaborate to strengthen instruction and improve student learning. Professional development, formative and summative assessments, High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM), targeted interventions, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative teams are all part of the district’s continued focus on student success.
“A letter grade is only one measure of a school’s success, but these results provide meaningful evidence that the work being done throughout our district is making a difference,” Dr. Lewis said. “Our staff continues to work together, study the data, strengthen instruction, and look for ways to better serve every student. Most importantly, our students are responding to that work, and we are seeing the growth.”
From an A at Cherokee Elementary, to tremendous improvement at Highland Middle School, continued growth at Highland High School, and an overall B for the Highland School District, there is much to be proud of throughout Rebel Nation!
Congratulations to our students, teachers, administrators, staff, families, and entire Highland community. These accomplishments belong to everyone who continues to invest in our students and believe in what we are building together.
Highland Proud! Go Rebels! ❤️🤍
Pride • Tradition • Excellence
JOIN US FOR STEM NIGHT AT HIGHLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL!
Bring the family and join us on Tuesday, September 29, for a fun, hands-on evening of STEM activities at Highland Middle School!
Our 6th–8th grade students will be involved in STEM Night, showcasing and participating in a variety of activities centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We are also excited to invite our 5th grade students and their families to join us, participate in the activities, and get a glimpse of all the fun that awaits them at HMS!
📅 Tuesday, September 29
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Highland Middle School
Make it a family night! Families are encouraged to come along, get involved, and enjoy the hands-on activities together. Spend the evening experimenting, building, creating, problem-solving, and discovering while making some great memories along the way!
📚 Be sure to stop by the Scholastic Book Fair in the library during the event, and come hungry—the HMS Student Council will have a concession stand available!
Bring the family and join us on Tuesday, September 29, for a fun, hands-on evening of STEM activities at Highland Middle School!
Our 6th–8th grade students will be involved in STEM Night, showcasing and participating in a variety of activities centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We are also excited to invite our 5th grade students and their families to join us, participate in the activities, and get a glimpse of all the fun that awaits them at HMS!
📅 Tuesday, September 29
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Highland Middle School
Make it a family night! Families are encouraged to come along, get involved, and enjoy the hands-on activities together. Spend the evening experimenting, building, creating, problem-solving, and discovering while making some great memories along the way!
📚 Be sure to stop by the Scholastic Book Fair in the library during the event, and come hungry—the HMS Student Council will have a concession stand available!
Highland School District will offer a vaccination clinic on Monday, September 28, for middle school and high school students who need additional vaccinations to meet state requirements.
Consent forms have been sent home with HMS and HHS students who are currently in need of one or more required vaccines. Completed consent forms must be returned by Tuesday, September 22. All students must be in compliance with required vaccination requirements by Wednesday, September 30.
Vaccines available during the clinic will include:
• Tdap – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
• Meningococcal vaccine – Please note that many high school students are in need of their second meningococcal vaccination, which is required at age 16.
• HPV – Human Papillomavirus vaccine
If your child received a consent form, please complete and return it by September 22 so they can participate in the September 28 clinic.
If you have questions regarding your child's vaccination status or the upcoming clinic, please contact your child's building nurse:
Highland High School
Grace Gurley, HHS Nurse
870-856-3273
grace.gurley@highlandrebels.org
Highland Middle School
Nicole Amaya, HMS Nurse
870-856-3284
nicole.amaya@highlandrebels.org
Thank you for helping us ensure our students meet required vaccination requirements for the 2026–2027 school year.
Consent forms have been sent home with HMS and HHS students who are currently in need of one or more required vaccines. Completed consent forms must be returned by Tuesday, September 22. All students must be in compliance with required vaccination requirements by Wednesday, September 30.
Vaccines available during the clinic will include:
• Tdap – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis
• Meningococcal vaccine – Please note that many high school students are in need of their second meningococcal vaccination, which is required at age 16.
• HPV – Human Papillomavirus vaccine
If your child received a consent form, please complete and return it by September 22 so they can participate in the September 28 clinic.
If you have questions regarding your child's vaccination status or the upcoming clinic, please contact your child's building nurse:
Highland High School
Grace Gurley, HHS Nurse
870-856-3273
grace.gurley@highlandrebels.org
Highland Middle School
Nicole Amaya, HMS Nurse
870-856-3284
nicole.amaya@highlandrebels.org
Thank you for helping us ensure our students meet required vaccination requirements for the 2026–2027 school year.
Happy IT Professionals Day!
Today, we’re giving a special Rebel Shout-Out to the Highland School District Technology Department!
From the hardware in our classrooms and offices to the software and systems we rely on every day—and everything in between—our IT professionals work behind the scenes to keep Rebel Nation connected and running smoothly.
They troubleshoot problems, maintain devices, manage networks and programs, support our staff and students, and somehow always seem to have an answer when technology decides not to cooperate!
Technology touches nearly every part of a school day, and we appreciate the people who make sure it works when and where we need it.
Thank you to our Technology Department for all you do for Highland School District! Happy IT Professionals Day! ❤️💻🩶
Today, we’re giving a special Rebel Shout-Out to the Highland School District Technology Department!
From the hardware in our classrooms and offices to the software and systems we rely on every day—and everything in between—our IT professionals work behind the scenes to keep Rebel Nation connected and running smoothly.
They troubleshoot problems, maintain devices, manage networks and programs, support our staff and students, and somehow always seem to have an answer when technology decides not to cooperate!
Technology touches nearly every part of a school day, and we appreciate the people who make sure it works when and where we need it.
Thank you to our Technology Department for all you do for Highland School District! Happy IT Professionals Day! ❤️💻🩶
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY IS WEDNESDAY!
Get those smiles ready, Rebel Nation! School Picture Day is Wednesday across Highland School District for students in Preschool through 11th grade.
Students should have brought home an order form either at the end of last week or today with information for pre-ordering picture packages. If you don't pre-order, no worries—pictures may also be purchased after Picture Day.
Get those smiles ready, Rebel Nation! School Picture Day is Wednesday across Highland School District for students in Preschool through 11th grade.
Students should have brought home an order form either at the end of last week or today with information for pre-ordering picture packages. If you don't pre-order, no worries—pictures may also be purchased after Picture Day.
Happy Grandparents Day to all of the wonderful grandparents throughout Rebel Nation! ❤️🤍
Today, we celebrate the love, wisdom, encouragement, and special memories grandparents bring to our families and the lives of our students.
“Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and a little warmer.”
Happy Grandparents Day from Highland School District!
Today, we celebrate the love, wisdom, encouragement, and special memories grandparents bring to our families and the lives of our students.
“Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and a little warmer.”
Happy Grandparents Day from Highland School District!
The Highland Bands Fall Festival is coming up! Join us Saturday, September 19, from 3:00–7:00 PM at the A.L. Hutson Center for an afternoon of family fun while supporting Highland Bands!
There will be more than 30 games and attractions, including the Old-Fashioned Cake Walk, face painting, a hayride, bounce houses, and much more! A concession stand will also be available.
Tickets are just 25¢ each, and most games only require ONE ticket!
Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and come enjoy a great afternoon at the Highland Bands Fall Festival!
There will be more than 30 games and attractions, including the Old-Fashioned Cake Walk, face painting, a hayride, bounce houses, and much more! A concession stand will also be available.
Tickets are just 25¢ each, and most games only require ONE ticket!
Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and come enjoy a great afternoon at the Highland Bands Fall Festival!
PATRIOT DAY | SEPTEMBER 11
Today, Highland School District joins our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honoring the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who demonstrated incredible courage in the face of tragedy.
As we reflect on this day in our nation’s history, we are reminded of the strength found in unity, service, and compassion for one another.
We remember those we lost. We honor those who served. We will never forget.
Today, Highland School District joins our nation in remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honoring the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who demonstrated incredible courage in the face of tragedy.
As we reflect on this day in our nation’s history, we are reminded of the strength found in unity, service, and compassion for one another.
We remember those we lost. We honor those who served. We will never forget.
Attention Rebel Families:
We wanted to alert our families that you may see an increased law enforcement/emergency vehicle presence at some of our campuses this morning. Local emergency personnel and law enforcement officers are participating in Patriot Day activities across the district.
As always, we appreciate those who serve and protect our students and staff daily!
We wanted to alert our families that you may see an increased law enforcement/emergency vehicle presence at some of our campuses this morning. Local emergency personnel and law enforcement officers are participating in Patriot Day activities across the district.
As always, we appreciate those who serve and protect our students and staff daily!
Highland School District will present its Annual Report to the Public on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, prior to the regularly scheduled September School Board meeting.
The Annual Report to the Public will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the School Board meeting at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Central Office Boardroom.
The Annual Report to the Public provides an opportunity to share important information about our district, including student achievement, programs, services, and other updates from across Rebel Nation.
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ Annual Report to the Public — 5:30 p.m.
⏰ School Board Meeting — 6:00 p.m.
📍 Central Office Boardroom
The Annual Report to the Public will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the School Board meeting at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Central Office Boardroom.
The Annual Report to the Public provides an opportunity to share important information about our district, including student achievement, programs, services, and other updates from across Rebel Nation.
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ Annual Report to the Public — 5:30 p.m.
⏰ School Board Meeting — 6:00 p.m.
📍 Central Office Boardroom
First Quarter Progress Reports are being sent home today!
Parents and guardians, please be on the lookout for your student’s progress report:
Cherokee Elementary School (CES): Progress reports will be sent home in student backpacks.
Highland Middle School (HMS) & Highland High School (HHS): Progress reports will be sent home by mail.
The first quarter ends October 9, so now is a great time to review your student’s progress, celebrate successes, and address any areas that may need a little extra attention before the end of the quarter.
We appreciate our families working alongside our teachers and students to support success throughout Rebel Nation!
Parents and guardians, please be on the lookout for your student’s progress report:
Cherokee Elementary School (CES): Progress reports will be sent home in student backpacks.
Highland Middle School (HMS) & Highland High School (HHS): Progress reports will be sent home by mail.
The first quarter ends October 9, so now is a great time to review your student’s progress, celebrate successes, and address any areas that may need a little extra attention before the end of the quarter.
We appreciate our families working alongside our teachers and students to support success throughout Rebel Nation!
Happy Labor Day, Rebel Nation!
Today, we recognize and thank the hardworking men and women throughout Rebel Nation whose dedication and commitment help make our schools and community stronger each day. We appreciate all that you do!
Enjoy a safe and relaxing Labor Day!
Today, we recognize and thank the hardworking men and women throughout Rebel Nation whose dedication and commitment help make our schools and community stronger each day. We appreciate all that you do!
Enjoy a safe and relaxing Labor Day!
Junior Class Parent Meeting
Date: Thursday, September 10th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: High School Cafeteria
We invite all Junior Class students and their parents/guardians to join us for an informative meeting on Thursday, September 10th at 5:30 PM in the High School Cafeteria. We will cover important information regarding expectations, key events, and guidelines for the upcoming junior year. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date: Thursday, September 10th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: High School Cafeteria
We invite all Junior Class students and their parents/guardians to join us for an informative meeting on Thursday, September 10th at 5:30 PM in the High School Cafeteria. We will cover important information regarding expectations, key events, and guidelines for the upcoming junior year. We look forward to seeing you there!
Beginning September 1, Highland School District building nurses will begin conducting state-required health screenings for students based on grade-level requirements. Screenings will continue until all required screenings have been completed. Depending on the student’s grade level, screenings may include hearing, vision, BMI (height and weight), and scoliosis. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like additional information regarding school health screenings, please reach out to your child’s building nurse.
The Highland School District will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Thank you
Thank you
Highland School District will not be in session on Friday, August 28, 2026.
We understand this is short notice and may require families to make unexpected arrangements. Many of our staff members will be attending services for Rhett Carter and supporting the Carter family during this difficult time.
Due to the number of employees who plan to attend, we would not have adequate substitute coverage to safely and effectively operate our schools tomorrow.
This missed school day will not need to be made up. Our district calendar includes additional instructional hours that allow us to account for this missed day without extending the school year.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding as we provide our staff the opportunity to support the Carter family, whose ties to Highland School District include both current and former employees.
**Highland Preschool will be open tomorrow - regular hours
We understand this is short notice and may require families to make unexpected arrangements. Many of our staff members will be attending services for Rhett Carter and supporting the Carter family during this difficult time.
Due to the number of employees who plan to attend, we would not have adequate substitute coverage to safely and effectively operate our schools tomorrow.
This missed school day will not need to be made up. Our district calendar includes additional instructional hours that allow us to account for this missed day without extending the school year.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding as we provide our staff the opportunity to support the Carter family, whose ties to Highland School District include both current and former employees.
**Highland Preschool will be open tomorrow - regular hours
It's that time of the year again! The first blood drive of the year will be hosted in the High School Library from 2:30-3:30 on September 3rd, 2026.
You must be at least 16 years old with a photo ID to donate!
You must be at least 16 years old with a photo ID to donate!
LOCK IN THE MEMORIES! 📸🔥
Rebels, the new school year is officially here, and you know what that means... it’s time to secure your piece of history!
The 2026–2027 Yearbook is officially available for presale! Catch the early bird price of just $45 before prices go up after September 18th.
Don't wait until it’s sold out—use the QR code or link below to order.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1002342/Highland-High-School/2027-Yearbook/20260721131516260101/CATALOG_SHOP/
If you ordered a yearbook last year, it will be going home next week!
#RebelPride #YearbookPresale #RebelNation #MakeItMatter
Rebels, the new school year is officially here, and you know what that means... it’s time to secure your piece of history!
The 2026–2027 Yearbook is officially available for presale! Catch the early bird price of just $45 before prices go up after September 18th.
Don't wait until it’s sold out—use the QR code or link below to order.
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1002342/Highland-High-School/2027-Yearbook/20260721131516260101/CATALOG_SHOP/
If you ordered a yearbook last year, it will be going home next week!
#RebelPride #YearbookPresale #RebelNation #MakeItMatter
