Red Ribbon Week
Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free!
October 27-31
Monday: Piece Together Your Future - Dress for Success
Tuesday: Team Up to Solve the Puzzle - Twin or Team Day
Wednesday: Be a Bright Piece in the Puzzle - Wear Bright or Neon Colors and Sunglasses
Thursday: Crazy About Staying Drug Free - Crazy Hair Day!
Friday: Drugs Are Scary - Stay Cozy and Drug Free! - Wear Your Halloween Costume or PJs!
Our word of the week is impeccable, and Mrs. Saenz is the perfect example of what that means!
She shows impeccable dedication to her students every single day — from teaching Social Sciences to leading our Student Government Association and AVID program. Mrs. Saenz models consistency and commitment, encouraging her students to show up, stay engaged, and take ownership of their learning.
HVS is a model AVID school due to the dedication of Mrs. Saenz, who led HVS in hosting the first “AVID Virtual Showcase” in 2024. AVID classes create an environment where students have a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging each other to succeed, and building empathetic relationships.
Thank you, Mrs. Saenz, for being an impeccable example of leadership, organization, and student success at Highlands Virtual! 💙
Word of the Week Wednesday: Impeccable
Our word of the week is impeccable — meaning flawless or perfect in behavior, performance, or appearance.
What’s one area of school where you’d like to be impeccable this week?
🎯 Your attitude? Attendance? Time management?
Anyone who knows Mrs. Whiteside knows she has a big heart and is always there for her students. She goes above and beyond every single day, working hard to make sure her students feel supported!
We are so grateful to have her as part of our team!
We may have missed National Custodian Day yesterday, but we still want to take a moment to celebrate and thank our incredible custodial staff - Tara, Marib, and Debbie! Their hard work and dedication keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming every day!
My WIN for the week is ___________.
We are excited to spotlight Rita Graham, one of our dedicated teachers at HVS. With experience teaching Reading, Business, and PE, Mrs. Graham brings a wide range of skills and creativity into the classroom.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Graham also sponsors our FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter, where students gain valuable leadership skills, explore entrepreneurship, and prepare for industry certification.
Known for being encouraging, friendly, and student-focused, Mrs. Graham makes learning engaging and meaningful across every subject.
We are grateful for the positive energy and dedication Mrs. Graham brings to our school every day! 💙
What's Up Wednesday!
For a recent assignment, Mrs. Graham’s virtual PE students explored health and fitness topics by creating these original informational posters. Even though they’re learning online, our students still get projects that let them research, create, and showcase their knowledge in creative ways!
Where is my assignment?
On the last slide of the lesson.
At HVS, you are in control of your learning. There is work you will complete online, and if you need assistance, you have a certified teacher to reach out to!
HVS teachers are here and ready to support you as you go through your courses.
Why would I cheat on my exam when I can use...
... my brain?
Teacher Feature!
We are proud to spotlight Brandy Simmons, our amazing Front Office Jane-of-all-Trades. Her workday includes serving as the Data Operator, Attendance Clerk, and On-Campus Nurse for both HVS and the Academy.
Fun Fact: Mrs. Brandy has recently been promoted to Mimi!
Her kindness shines through each day as she greets every student with warmth and respect. Because of her dedication and positive impact, Mrs. Simmons has been named our School-Related Employee of the Year! 🎉
We are so thankful for everything she does to keep our schools running smoothly and our students supported. 💙
Attendance at Highlands Virtual School looks a little different than in a traditional setting. At HVS, students are considered present when they:
✅Are passing all of their classes
✅Have no missing assignments
When a student misses 2 days per month:
✔️They will miss 20 days a year.
✔️They will miss over a year of school by graduation.
✔️When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their chances of graduating.
Please be sure that you are in your Live Lesson, Boot Camps, and Bubble Group meetings this week.
All Week 7 work is due on Friday!
We will also have our Freestyle Friday meeting at 10:30 on Friday followed by homeroom.
Wednesday is an early release we will not have lessons after 2:00PM.
FBLA is having a bake sale so be sure to stop by the office for some yummy treats!!!
Have a great week!
HVS teachers share why they applied to college - and why you should too! #WhyApply
🎓Experience new challenges
🎓Invest in yourself
🎓Make lasting friendships
🎓Gain confidence
🎓Discover your passions
🎓Study abroad
🎓I saw my mom go back to school after having a family
🎓Education was my way out of poverty
🎓To prove that high school dropouts can do it
🎓Higher earning potential
🎓Be the first in your family
🎓Stand out to employers
🎓Experience life beyond your hometown
Share your story and use the hashtag #WhyApply
Did you know…
✨ Learning another language improves memory and problem-solving skills.
✨ It opens doors to travel, careers, and global connections.
✨ Bilingual students often perform better academically and have more opportunities in the future.
🗣️ Whether it’s Spanish, French, or another language, every new word you learn builds your brain power and your future success.
👉 Start small, stay consistent, and watch your skills grow!
Mrs. Cabrera has been a valued member of HVS since 2020.
Mrs. Cabrera has taught both middle school and high school Science classes, as well as served as the Spanish teacher for students throughout the district.
Mrs. Cabrera brings a positive attitude every day and is great at working behind the scenes with all kinds of groups on campus, from AVID to Graduation. As a Senior Committee Member, she contributes to fundraising efforts and helps prepare the event space for graduation night.
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her granddaughter, Matilda.
Thank you for all of your efforts in making our school shine!
Have a fun or memorable story about Mrs. Cabrera?
Share it in the comments below!
