The School Board of Highlands County is an organization committed to student Achievement, Accountability and Academics. Highlands County is located in the center of the Sunshine State with a diverse population of roughly 100,000.
STUDENTS RETURN TO CLASSROOMS POSTPONED THROUGH May 1, 2020.
In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, schools throughout Florida and the United States are on extended breaks in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Florida Department of Education has compiled a list of free resources, offered by state and federal agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations to help school districts, colleges, educators and families ensure continuity of learning during this time.
COVID-19 UPDATE 03-30-20
This is Superintendent Brenda Longshore with an important update on the school district response to COVID-19.
STUDENTS RETURN TO CLASSROOMS POSTPONED THROUGH May 1, 2020.
Late this afternoon Governor DeSantis announced that students will not return to their school campuses through May 1, 2020. This return date will be assessed by the Governor and Commissioner of Education as we move closer to that date.
VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION BEGINS MONDAY MARCH 30
Beginning March 30th we will be utilizing virtual learning for the delivery of instruction in Highlands County schools. We have a plan in place as well as mechanisms for delivery. Some aspects are in the final stages of development, however detailed information can be found here:
STATE ASSESSMENTS CANCELLED
Per the direction of Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran, all Florida state assessments are cancelled for the current school year.
SCHOOL RELATED EVENTS CANCELLED
All school-related extra-curricular events are cancelled through May 1, 2020.
This is a rapidly changing situation across the state and I thank you for your patience. We will share information as soon as we receive it and we will keep you informed as new K-12 education directives are given by the Governor and Commissioner of Education.
Superintendent Brenda Longshore
Mission Statement:
All employees of the School Board of Highlands County will partner with students, families, and the community, to prepare our students for a successful future by building a strong foundation for responsible citizenship, preparation for college and careers, and empowerment to achieve personal excellence.
Vision Statement:
Transforming Today’s Learners into Tomorrow’s Leaders
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Department of Education created an anonymous reporting App that allows you to instantly send information about suspicious activity to local law enforcement and school officials
School Board of Highlands County
426 School Street
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: 863-471-5555
Message Center: 863-471-5556
Fax: 863-471-5600
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Except as provided by law, The School Board of Highlands County shall not on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, political or religious beliefs, national or ethnic origin, or genetic information, exclude individuals from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity in any employment condition or practice, or be denied equal access to school facilities if the organization is The Boy Scouts of America or other patriotic youth groups.
We have worked with local and state law enforcement as well as with school districts from around the nation to be proactive, and we have made changes to our school safety practices. Videos created with the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office will be shown to students in kindergarten through 12th grade during the first week of school.
Because children are at different developmental levels, we have created three separate videos appropriate for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-12.
We want to make sure parents have the opportunity to view these videos prior to school, and our hope is that families will have discussions with children about the importance of following procedures should an emergency arise.
K-2 Video
3-5 Video
6-12 Video
The Public Records Custodian for the School Board of Highlands County is:
Andrew Lethbridge, Deputy Superintendent
426 School Street, Sebring, FL 33870
Email: recordsrequest@highlands.k12.fl.us
Phone: (863) 471-5555
Fax: (863) 471-5673
Disclaimer
The district makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The district will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or errors or omissions including any and all viruses. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. The district specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.