Highlands Virtual School -

Highlands Virtual School Open Enrollment
• Full-time ​online​ public school
• Same 180-day calendar as local schools
• Flexibility, safety, and support
• Florida state-certified teachers
• Grades K to 12
• Graduate with a HS diploma
• Participate in clubs and activities

http://hvs.highlands.k12.fl.us/openenrollment

*New students only - current students do not need to complete this form.*

Fill in the Blank FRIDAY!

It’s the end of Kindness Week, and we want to hear from you!

We started the week with a challenge: What kind thing have you done for someone this week?

Leave a comment below and fill in the blank:

“I show kindness to others when I ________.”

Let’s finish the week by spreading positivity—one thoughtful action at a time! 🌟

Happy (a little belated) World Kindness Day!
At Highlands Virtual School, we’re celebrating the power of kindness and the difference it makes in our community. 💕

Teacher Feature Thursday!

Today, on Kindness Day, we’re celebrating one of our kindest teachers-Mrs. Henson-Smith!

Mrs. Henson-Smith teaches World History, Civics, and American History, bringing the past to life while helping students understand their role as thoughtful, responsible citizens today. Civics has recently become one of her favorite classes to teach, and her passion for guiding students shines through in every lesson.

Her passion extends not only to students but also to all faculty and staff on campus. Mrs. Henson-Smith is in charge of our Sunshine Committee, and she joyfully celebrates birthdays and accomplishments of her coworkers. She goes above and beyond for all to feel uplifted, even during the harder times.

Her gentle and encouraging nature makes her classroom a safe space for questions, curiosity, and growth. She believes that history and civics aren’t just about facts and laws-they’re about understanding people, showing empathy, and practicing kindness in our communities.

Thank you, Mrs. Henson-Smith, for teaching students that leadership, learning, and living with compassion go hand in hand! 💫

Word of the Week Wednesday

💚 Kindness = treating others the way you’d like to be treated.

Kindness doesn’t need a classroom - our virtual students show it every day through their words, actions, and support for one another. Our bi-weekly homeroom meetings are a chance for students to learn important life skills and support each other beyond the classroom.

Whether it’s sending a kind message in chat, helping a classmate with an assignment, or showing patience during group work, our students prove that kindness connects us no matter where we learn from. 💻💬

Let’s keep spreading positivity - one message, one smile, and one kind act at a time. 💚

Tips Tuesday

At HVS, students practice kindness and good manners every time they join a Google Meet. 

Being respectful online helps everyone have a positive and productive learning experience.

Students are expected to:

• Be Kind - Take turns speaking and listen when others are talking. 

• Listen - Pay attention to the speaker. Support classmates by being patient, helpful, and understanding. 

• Try your best - Stay focused on the lesson and avoid distractions.

• Use the Chat - Raise your hand or use the chat to ask questions respectfully.

• Show Patience - Use polite and encouraging language with classmates and teachers.

• Video - Keep cameras and microphones on/off as requested, respecting the flow of the meeting.

By practicing these habits, students show that kindness isn’t just in the classroom — it’s part of how we communicate and collaborate online. 💻💛

Meme Monday

💚 World Kindness Day is this Thursday!

Let’s start the week with a challenge: do one kind thing for someone each day until then.
Small acts, big impact. 💫

How will you spread kindness this week?

Fill in the Blank FRIDAY!

Writers, it’s your time to shine! 🌟
In honor of National Novel Writing Month, tell us below: I like to write about _______.

Teacher Feature Thursday!

💫📖Who better to feature during Novel Writing Month than one of our high school English teachers, Mrs. Hendry!

Mrs. Hendry inspires her students to bring their stories to life through strong writing and creative expression. She believes that every student has a voice worth sharing and encourages them to challenge themselves with every paragraph they write. She also sponsors 📖Book Clubs for both High School and Middle School HVS students, expanding their horizons with reading.

Her classroom sets high expectations — not just for grammar and structure, but for imagination, participation, and effort. Whether her students are writing essays, interpreting excerpts, or building their vocabulary, Mrs. Hendry motivates them to work hard to improve their skills.

Thank you, Mrs. Hendry, for helping our students find the ✏️write✏️ words and the confidence to share them! 💫📖