School Board of Highlands County

CALENDAR REMINDER 📢

Our first early release of this school year is next week on Wednesday. All schools will dismiss 2 hours early, and buses will arrive home 2 hours before their regularly scheduled drop-off time. Elementary afterschool care is available for pre-registered students.

📅 Wednesday, August 26, 2026
🕛 2-Hour Early Release

The Highlands County College & Trade Fair takes place today, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Sebring High School Smith Center (351 Sebring Pkwy, Sebring, FL).

This free event is part of the regional student fairs and will feature over 30 colleges, universities, and trade schools

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕰️ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Sebring High School Smith Center
💰Free (Open to all middle and high school students and families)

Connect directly with reps from universities, state colleges, and technical/trade institutions. Learn about certificate programs, degree tracks, and direct career entry options. Speak with service representatives about enlistment paths.

The School Board of Highlands County is excited to launch Highlands PLUS, a brand-new way for non-enrolled and non-traditional students in our community to access high-quality district courses. Students can take as little as one course or several. Courses can be taken in person or virtually through Highlands Virtual School (HVS)! Please note that course availability varies by school.

Whether your student is looking to explore a new passion or get ahead, we offer incredible courses in:
🔬 STEM
🎨 Fine Arts
💼 Career & Technical Education (CTE)
📚 Core Academics (Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies—including Honors!)
💻 Virtual Learning

We are an authorized StepUp for Students provider! We accept payments directly through the EMA portal as well as direct pay options. This program is specifically designed for non-traditional students who may be utilizing the FTC or FES school choice scholarships.

Access to a district Chromebook is fully included in your course enrollment price. Accidental Chromebook damage is covered by paying an annual $10 use fee.
Note: Highlands PLUS is for non-enrolled students, meaning SBHC acts as a contracted service provider. Participants are not enrolled as full-time public school students.

👉 Ready to customize your child's education? Log into your StepUp EMA portal or visit our district website at https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/plus to explore courses and begin enrollment today!

#HighlandsPLUS #StepUpForStudents #SchoolChoice

Your participation is requested! The 2025-2026 ESE survey takes less time to complete, making it easier for you to provide feedback.

To complete the survey, visit: https://bit.ly/ESEParentSurvey

CALENDAR REMINDER

There is no school on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Your participation is requested! The 2025-2026 ESE survey takes less time to complete, making it easier for you to provide feedback.

To complete the survey, visit: https://bit.ly/ESEParentSurvey

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is here! Lock in future college costs at today’s rates. New options include 1-year plans and payments as low as $29/month. 🎓

Secure your child’s future today: https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/flprepaid

CALENDAR REMINDER:

📅 Thursday, 2/12 - 2-Hour Early Release
📅 Friday, 2/13 - Student Holiday, No School

📬 Report cards are coming home!

Report cards across the district are making their way this week! We are so proud of a strong 1st semester. 📚⬆️

Parent Tip: Log in to Skyward Family Access to check progress anytime. 🖥️

https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/skywardstudent