Good Morning! Happy Friday! We are looking forward to seeing you today at 10:30!!! Click Here to join: meet.google.com/qnt-phom-tgg
🎉🏃♂️ HVS FBLA FUN RUN IS COMING! 🏃♀️🎉
Mark your calendars for February 6 from 1:00–3:00 PM and get ready for an afternoon full of fun, friends, and school spirit! 💙💛
👟 Open to ALL students!
Every student who attends will receive:
🍿 FREE popcorn donated by AMC
💧 FREE water bottle donated by Winn-Dixie
🎟️ 1 FREE ticket to use for snacks, drinks, or prizes. Additional tickets can be earned by bringing in donations.
🎯 There will be FREE games and activities for everyone, plus even more snacks, drinks, and prizes available with tickets!
💰 Students are encouraged to collect donations to sponsor their laps - and the more you collect, the more fun you earn!
👉 Every $5 donated = 2 tickets
Tickets are used to buy additional drinks, snacks, candy, and win cool prizes!
Come walk, run, play, and have fun while supporting FBLA and showing off your HVS spirit! 🙌
📅 February 6
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 HVS Loop
👉 Be sure to check your Canvas inbox for the donation collection form!
Mark your calendars for February 6 from 1:00–3:00 PM and get ready for an afternoon full of fun, friends, and school spirit! 💙💛
👟 Open to ALL students!
Every student who attends will receive:
🍿 FREE popcorn donated by AMC
💧 FREE water bottle donated by Winn-Dixie
🎟️ 1 FREE ticket to use for snacks, drinks, or prizes. Additional tickets can be earned by bringing in donations.
🎯 There will be FREE games and activities for everyone, plus even more snacks, drinks, and prizes available with tickets!
💰 Students are encouraged to collect donations to sponsor their laps - and the more you collect, the more fun you earn!
👉 Every $5 donated = 2 tickets
Tickets are used to buy additional drinks, snacks, candy, and win cool prizes!
Come walk, run, play, and have fun while supporting FBLA and showing off your HVS spirit! 🙌
📅 February 6
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 HVS Loop
👉 Be sure to check your Canvas inbox for the donation collection form!
✨ Staff Feature: Quintana Neely (aka the one and only Ms. Q!) ✨
If you’ve ever walked into our school and been greeted with a warm smile, chances are you’ve met Quintana Neely—lovingly known by students and staff as Ms. Q. While her official title is Bookkeeper/Secretary, anyone who knows our school knows she does so much more than that.
Ms. Q is often the first face our students see each day, and she makes sure every single one of them feels seen, heard, and welcomed. She’s their sounding board, their voice of reason, and when needed, their provider of some well-placed tough love—always helping students get back on track without letting them stay stuck for long. She’s no-nonsense, but behind that firmness is the biggest heart.
Whether she’s juggling requests, solving problems, or keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, Ms. Q handles it all with grace, patience, and ease. She truly is the glue that helps hold our school together.
And her care doesn’t stop at the school doors. Outside of work, Ms. Q also supports adults with special needs, helping them navigate their lives and plan for their futures—further proof that serving others isn’t just her job, it’s who she is.
Ms. Q is an irreplaceable part of our school family. We are beyond grateful for her, and quite honestly, our school just wouldn’t be the same without her. 💙
If you’ve ever walked into our school and been greeted with a warm smile, chances are you’ve met Quintana Neely—lovingly known by students and staff as Ms. Q. While her official title is Bookkeeper/Secretary, anyone who knows our school knows she does so much more than that.
Ms. Q is often the first face our students see each day, and she makes sure every single one of them feels seen, heard, and welcomed. She’s their sounding board, their voice of reason, and when needed, their provider of some well-placed tough love—always helping students get back on track without letting them stay stuck for long. She’s no-nonsense, but behind that firmness is the biggest heart.
Whether she’s juggling requests, solving problems, or keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, Ms. Q handles it all with grace, patience, and ease. She truly is the glue that helps hold our school together.
And her care doesn’t stop at the school doors. Outside of work, Ms. Q also supports adults with special needs, helping them navigate their lives and plan for their futures—further proof that serving others isn’t just her job, it’s who she is.
Ms. Q is an irreplaceable part of our school family. We are beyond grateful for her, and quite honestly, our school just wouldn’t be the same without her. 💙
HVS National Honor Society
💖 Valentine’s Day Candy Gram 💖
Spread the love this Valentine’s Day!
Join us for our special Valentine’s Candy Gram event!
Send sweet and heartfelt messages to the HVS teachers and staff.
It’s the perfect way to show how much you care.
Cost: $5
Pre-orders due: February 6 at 3:00 PM
Ways to pre-order:
• Visit our table at the FBLA Fun Run (2/6 from 1–3 PM)
• Stop by the HVS front office with cash
• Order online: HVS Website → Pay HVS → Donations → Donation with Messages
💖 Valentine’s Day Candy Gram 💖
Spread the love this Valentine’s Day!
Join us for our special Valentine’s Candy Gram event!
Send sweet and heartfelt messages to the HVS teachers and staff.
It’s the perfect way to show how much you care.
Cost: $5
Pre-orders due: February 6 at 3:00 PM
Ways to pre-order:
• Visit our table at the FBLA Fun Run (2/6 from 1–3 PM)
• Stop by the HVS front office with cash
• Order online: HVS Website → Pay HVS → Donations → Donation with Messages
🎉🏃♂️ HVS FBLA FUN RUN IS COMING! 🏃♀️🎉
Mark your calendars for February 6 from 1:00–3:00 PM and get ready for an afternoon full of fun, friends, and school spirit! 💙💛
👟 Open to ALL students!
Every student who attends will receive:
🍿 FREE popcorn donated by AMC
💧 FREE water bottle donated by Winn-Dixie
🎟️ 1 FREE ticket to use for snacks, drinks, or prizes. Additional tickets can be earned by bringing in donations.
🎯 There will be FREE games and activities for everyone, plus even more snacks, drinks, and prizes available with tickets!
💰 Students are encouraged to collect donations to sponsor their laps - and the more you collect, the more fun you earn!
👉 Every $5 donated = 2 tickets
Tickets are used to buy additional drinks, snacks, candy, and win cool prizes!
Come walk, run, play, and have fun while supporting FBLA and showing off your HVS spirit! 🙌
📅 February 6
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 HVS Loop
👉 Be sure to check your Canvas inbox for the donation collection form!
Mark your calendars for February 6 from 1:00–3:00 PM and get ready for an afternoon full of fun, friends, and school spirit! 💙💛
👟 Open to ALL students!
Every student who attends will receive:
🍿 FREE popcorn donated by AMC
💧 FREE water bottle donated by Winn-Dixie
🎟️ 1 FREE ticket to use for snacks, drinks, or prizes. Additional tickets can be earned by bringing in donations.
🎯 There will be FREE games and activities for everyone, plus even more snacks, drinks, and prizes available with tickets!
💰 Students are encouraged to collect donations to sponsor their laps - and the more you collect, the more fun you earn!
👉 Every $5 donated = 2 tickets
Tickets are used to buy additional drinks, snacks, candy, and win cool prizes!
Come walk, run, play, and have fun while supporting FBLA and showing off your HVS spirit! 🙌
📅 February 6
⏰ 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 HVS Loop
👉 Be sure to check your Canvas inbox for the donation collection form!
🎉Congratulations to our newly inducted NHS and NJHS members!
We held a beautiful ceremony last night to recognize these outstanding scholar-leaders.
Each of these students has demonstrated a strong commitment to the core pillars of NHS and NJHS: Service, Character, Leadership, and Scholarship.
Congratulations to the following students:
Matthew Castillo
Briggs Thayer (in absentia)
Nisimar Merced Hernandez
Emma Barajas
Linnell Palmer (Senior)
Aaron Leiva
Phillip Sudduth (NJHS)
A special thank you to returning Vice President Evan Inabnett for assisting with the induction ceremony.
We are incredibly proud of these students for representing the very best of HVS—proving that excellence, leadership, and community thrive here every day. 💙🎓
We held a beautiful ceremony last night to recognize these outstanding scholar-leaders.
Each of these students has demonstrated a strong commitment to the core pillars of NHS and NJHS: Service, Character, Leadership, and Scholarship.
Congratulations to the following students:
Matthew Castillo
Briggs Thayer (in absentia)
Nisimar Merced Hernandez
Emma Barajas
Linnell Palmer (Senior)
Aaron Leiva
Phillip Sudduth (NJHS)
A special thank you to returning Vice President Evan Inabnett for assisting with the induction ceremony.
We are incredibly proud of these students for representing the very best of HVS—proving that excellence, leadership, and community thrive here every day. 💙🎓
🌟 National Mentoring Month Spotlight 🌟
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the power of guidance, encouragement, and real-world skill building. One of the schools that HVS proudly supports is the Academy, where mentoring plays a key role in preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
This month, Mrs. Hickman’s mentoring class focused on a practical life skill - learning how to properly wrap gifts. While it may seem simple, this activity teaches students the importance of attention to detail, patience, and presentation. Knowing how to present a gift thoughtfully helps students make positive first impressions, shows respect for others, and builds confidence in social and professional settings.
Skills like these translate directly to future opportunities, whether it’s preparing for a job, participating in community events, or strengthening personal relationships. We are proud of Mrs. Hickman and her students for embracing mentoring moments that build both character and confidence.
👏 Great work, Academy mentors and students!
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the power of guidance, encouragement, and real-world skill building. One of the schools that HVS proudly supports is the Academy, where mentoring plays a key role in preparing students for success beyond the classroom.
This month, Mrs. Hickman’s mentoring class focused on a practical life skill - learning how to properly wrap gifts. While it may seem simple, this activity teaches students the importance of attention to detail, patience, and presentation. Knowing how to present a gift thoughtfully helps students make positive first impressions, shows respect for others, and builds confidence in social and professional settings.
Skills like these translate directly to future opportunities, whether it’s preparing for a job, participating in community events, or strengthening personal relationships. We are proud of Mrs. Hickman and her students for embracing mentoring moments that build both character and confidence.
👏 Great work, Academy mentors and students!
We loved welcoming our board members to campus this week as they got a glimpse of how HVS students learn on the cloud! ☁️💻
Our students greeted them and shared why they chose virtual school and how it supports their success.
Thank you to our board members for visiting and to our amazing students for being such great ambassadors for HVS! 🎉👏
Our students greeted them and shared why they chose virtual school and how it supports their success.
Thank you to our board members for visiting and to our amazing students for being such great ambassadors for HVS! 🎉👏
🌟 Teacher Feature: Mrs. Abell 🌟
We are excited to spotlight Mrs. Abell, a valued member of our school community who wears many important hats each day! Mrs. Abell serves as our MTSS-B (Multi-Tiered System of Supports - Behavior) lead, where she helps identify student needs, supports positive behavior, and works proactively with staff and students to create a safe, supportive learning environment. She also provides Math and History support and plays a key role in facilitating Threat Assessments, ensuring student well-being remains a top priority.
Mrs. Abell has worked extensively with our elementary students, math, and history classes, building strong relationships and helping students grow both academically and behaviorally. Her work is rooted in data-driven decision making, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success.
Along with being an Avon Park graduate, Mrs. Abell comes from a large family and brings that same sense of care, connection, and community into our school. She is known for being compassionate, dedicated, student-centered, dependable, and collaborative - a true team player who always puts kids first.
When she’s not supporting students and staff, Mrs. Abell enjoys baking, and we are lucky enough to occasionally enjoy her delicious treats! 🍪🧁
We are so grateful for everything Mrs. Abell does for our students, staff, and school community. Thank you for all you do! 💙
We are excited to spotlight Mrs. Abell, a valued member of our school community who wears many important hats each day! Mrs. Abell serves as our MTSS-B (Multi-Tiered System of Supports - Behavior) lead, where she helps identify student needs, supports positive behavior, and works proactively with staff and students to create a safe, supportive learning environment. She also provides Math and History support and plays a key role in facilitating Threat Assessments, ensuring student well-being remains a top priority.
Mrs. Abell has worked extensively with our elementary students, math, and history classes, building strong relationships and helping students grow both academically and behaviorally. Her work is rooted in data-driven decision making, collaboration, and a deep commitment to student success.
Along with being an Avon Park graduate, Mrs. Abell comes from a large family and brings that same sense of care, connection, and community into our school. She is known for being compassionate, dedicated, student-centered, dependable, and collaborative - a true team player who always puts kids first.
When she’s not supporting students and staff, Mrs. Abell enjoys baking, and we are lucky enough to occasionally enjoy her delicious treats! 🍪🧁
We are so grateful for everything Mrs. Abell does for our students, staff, and school community. Thank you for all you do! 💙
Sunday was such a special day for our FBLA students! 💙💛
A HUGE thank you to Publix for allowing us to set up a table and collect donations. We also appreciate every shopper who stopped to talk with us, asked about FBLA, and supported our students. They had an amazing time interacting with the public and sharing what they’ve been working toward.
And we have to say - Publix having BOGO popcorn chicken was the real MVP snack of the day 😄🍗
A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to Alexis Conner, who donated $500 in her father’s name. Her generosity brought so many tears and thank-yous. Her father, Harold Conner, was a longtime supporter of schools and fundraising and truly enjoyed helping students. We are incredibly honored by this donation and the legacy behind it ❤️
Because of this amazing community, we raised $1,047 🎉 This money will go directly toward helping our students attend the FBLA State Conference in Orlando, FL.
We are beyond thankful, so proud of these students, and so grateful for everyone who made today possible 💙
A HUGE thank you to Publix for allowing us to set up a table and collect donations. We also appreciate every shopper who stopped to talk with us, asked about FBLA, and supported our students. They had an amazing time interacting with the public and sharing what they’ve been working toward.
And we have to say - Publix having BOGO popcorn chicken was the real MVP snack of the day 😄🍗
A very special and heartfelt thank you goes to Alexis Conner, who donated $500 in her father’s name. Her generosity brought so many tears and thank-yous. Her father, Harold Conner, was a longtime supporter of schools and fundraising and truly enjoyed helping students. We are incredibly honored by this donation and the legacy behind it ❤️
Because of this amazing community, we raised $1,047 🎉 This money will go directly toward helping our students attend the FBLA State Conference in Orlando, FL.
We are beyond thankful, so proud of these students, and so grateful for everyone who made today possible 💙
Good Morning HVS Students & Parents! Welcome to week 4! We are looking forward to seeing all our students in their live lessons this week. As discussed in Freestyle Friday we are seeing some great growth in student learning on our FAST and Maps Assessments. We are so excited to be moving towards our school goals for this year and seeing each student reach their goals as well. The students we are seeing the most improvement from are the ones that are in class and actively participating. Please be sure that you have set up a school space at home for your student and that they are in that space and attending each of their lessons each week. Together we can achieve great success at HVS!!!
Freestyle Friday today at 10:30!!! We are looking forward to seeing our students and giving updates on all the happenings at HVS!! See you soon!
CLICK HERE: meet.google.com/qnt-phom-tgg
CLICK HERE: meet.google.com/qnt-phom-tgg
Good Morning!!! We are looking forward to another great week at HVS!!! Please be sure to be in all lessons this week and completing week 3 work by Friday. We will see everyone at Freestyle Friday at 10:30 on Friday followed by homeroom. meet.google.com/qnt-phom-tgg
HVS FBLA came to Districts and absolutely ate. 🔥🏆
Left no crumbs. Swept the stage. Understood the assignment. 6/7 is cool… but 8 awards? That’s a full course meal. 🍽️🔥
These students showed up locked in, put in the work, and it paid off in a BIG way. We are so proud of how they represented our school at the district awards ceremony.
🏆 District Award Winners
🥇 1st Place
• Joseph Stafford – Introduction to FBLA (not pictured)
🥈 2nd Place
• Aaron Leiva – Computer Problem Solving
• John Stafford – Introduction to FBLA (not pictured)
• Franko Ramos Molina – Digital Citizenship
🥉 3rd Place
• Stella Givens – Exploring Marketing Concepts
• Lena Folkner – Exploring Business Communication
• LS – Business Communication (not pictured)
🏅 4th Place
• Beckett Thayer – Computer Problem Solving (not pictured)
From preparation to execution, this group delivered. This is what happens when hard work meets opportunity. 💙
On to the next level 👀🔥
#HVSFBLA #FBLA #TheyAte #LeftNoCrumbs #StageSwept #DistrictWinners
Left no crumbs. Swept the stage. Understood the assignment. 6/7 is cool… but 8 awards? That’s a full course meal. 🍽️🔥
These students showed up locked in, put in the work, and it paid off in a BIG way. We are so proud of how they represented our school at the district awards ceremony.
🏆 District Award Winners
🥇 1st Place
• Joseph Stafford – Introduction to FBLA (not pictured)
🥈 2nd Place
• Aaron Leiva – Computer Problem Solving
• John Stafford – Introduction to FBLA (not pictured)
• Franko Ramos Molina – Digital Citizenship
🥉 3rd Place
• Stella Givens – Exploring Marketing Concepts
• Lena Folkner – Exploring Business Communication
• LS – Business Communication (not pictured)
🏅 4th Place
• Beckett Thayer – Computer Problem Solving (not pictured)
From preparation to execution, this group delivered. This is what happens when hard work meets opportunity. 💙
On to the next level 👀🔥
#HVSFBLA #FBLA #TheyAte #LeftNoCrumbs #StageSwept #DistrictWinners
HVS FBLA students have been working hard in preparation for the FBLA District Awards Ceremony.
Their preparation has included creating a banner in recognition of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, as well as developing a one-minute speech to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals and families. Students have also been reaching out to community members to seek donations for our upcoming Fun Run- more details coming soon!
Today, students will present their banner and speech, then anxiously (and excitedly!) find out how they placed in their individual competitive events.
No matter the results, we are incredibly proud of the commitment, professionalism, and dedication they have demonstrated throughout this entire process.
🧠 About the Alzheimer’s Foundation:
The Alzheimer’s Foundation supports individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease through education, advocacy, research, and care resources. Their mission is to improve the quality of life while working toward a future without Alzheimer’s.
Most importantly, our students have already succeeded by stepping into leadership roles, advocating for an important cause, and representing HVS with pride, regardless of final placements. Please help us cheer them on and remind them that they are #1 in our books, always! 👏⭐💙
Their preparation has included creating a banner in recognition of the Alzheimer’s Foundation, as well as developing a one-minute speech to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on individuals and families. Students have also been reaching out to community members to seek donations for our upcoming Fun Run- more details coming soon!
Today, students will present their banner and speech, then anxiously (and excitedly!) find out how they placed in their individual competitive events.
No matter the results, we are incredibly proud of the commitment, professionalism, and dedication they have demonstrated throughout this entire process.
🧠 About the Alzheimer’s Foundation:
The Alzheimer’s Foundation supports individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease through education, advocacy, research, and care resources. Their mission is to improve the quality of life while working toward a future without Alzheimer’s.
Most importantly, our students have already succeeded by stepping into leadership roles, advocating for an important cause, and representing HVS with pride, regardless of final placements. Please help us cheer them on and remind them that they are #1 in our books, always! 👏⭐💙
New year, new teacher! 🎉
We are excited to welcome one of our newest educators to the Highlands Virtual School family, Mrs. Cramatte!
An Air Force brat at heart, she was born in Alabama but raised all over the world, including attending kindergarten in Heraklion, Crete, an island off the coast of Greece.
She is a proud graduate of St. Leo University and brings 19 years of experience in education, most of them in Polk County. Her background includes teaching 8th Grade ELA at Polk Virtual School for three years and an impressive 17 years as a Teacher of the Gifted. A self-described lifelong learner, she loves to research, research, and research—and that passion shines through in her teaching.
She has been married to her husband, Michael, for 36 years! Their story began at Circus World (now Posner Park), and they were married at Cypress Gardens (now LEGOLAND). Together, they have four children—Michaela, Kaitlynn, Bradley, and Joshua- and are joyfully preparing to welcome their first grandchild this year.
Outside of the classroom, creativity is her happy place. From journaling and drawing to crafting and exploring new technology, her craft room is full of projects and possibilities. Nothing is off limits when inspiration strikes! She also has a spoiled kitty named Phoenix who keeps her company.
She is thrilled to be here, and we look forward to her being an active part of the Highlands Virtual School family. Our elementary students are so lucky to have you! Welcome aboard! 💙
We are excited to welcome one of our newest educators to the Highlands Virtual School family, Mrs. Cramatte!
An Air Force brat at heart, she was born in Alabama but raised all over the world, including attending kindergarten in Heraklion, Crete, an island off the coast of Greece.
She is a proud graduate of St. Leo University and brings 19 years of experience in education, most of them in Polk County. Her background includes teaching 8th Grade ELA at Polk Virtual School for three years and an impressive 17 years as a Teacher of the Gifted. A self-described lifelong learner, she loves to research, research, and research—and that passion shines through in her teaching.
She has been married to her husband, Michael, for 36 years! Their story began at Circus World (now Posner Park), and they were married at Cypress Gardens (now LEGOLAND). Together, they have four children—Michaela, Kaitlynn, Bradley, and Joshua- and are joyfully preparing to welcome their first grandchild this year.
Outside of the classroom, creativity is her happy place. From journaling and drawing to crafting and exploring new technology, her craft room is full of projects and possibilities. Nothing is off limits when inspiration strikes! She also has a spoiled kitty named Phoenix who keeps her company.
She is thrilled to be here, and we look forward to her being an active part of the Highlands Virtual School family. Our elementary students are so lucky to have you! Welcome aboard! 💙
✨Today is Make Your Dreams Come True Day!✨
Big dreams start with small steps-
show up, try hard, and believe in yourself.
What's one goal you're working on today?
Happy New Year and Welcome to Second Semester!!! We are excited to have you back and starting up second semester tomorrow, Tuesday, January 6th! This week we will have new student orientation for all new students to HVS on Tuesday from 1:00 - 4:00. Students that were with us during the fall semester will not need to attend orientation. All 6th - 10th graders will need to schedule a time to meet with their teachers for a data chat. Teachers will be reviewing FAST data, latest baseline data and helping students make goals to finish this year strong. Parents are welcome to attend these Google Meet Meetings.
Please schedule your time here: https://forms.gle/NT6A8TDi3PbADUkT9
Attend the meeting at this link at your scheduled time: meet.google.com/qnt-phom-tgg
Please schedule your time here: https://forms.gle/NT6A8TDi3PbADUkT9
Attend the meeting at this link at your scheduled time: meet.google.com/qnt-phom-tgg
Happy New Year!! We are looking forward to getting our next semester started off soon.
If you are a NEW student at HVS please plan to attend our orientation on Tuesday January 6th starting at 1:00!!
See you there!
If you are a NEW student at HVS please plan to attend our orientation on Tuesday January 6th starting at 1:00!!
See you there!
New semester loading! 💻 Calling all new HVS students!! Join us on campus for orientation and meet your teachers! We hope to see you all on January 6th at 9:00 am.
