Happy Earth Day! 🌎💚
Did you know? Virtual learning can have a positive impact on the environment! By learning from home, students help reduce daily transportation emissions, use less paper, and minimize overall resource consumption. 🚗⬇️📄
Our virtual students are in a unique position to make a difference - whether it’s using less paper, conserving energy at home, recycling, or supporting eco-friendly habits in their communities. Small choices add up to big change! ♻️✨
We also love seeing learning come to life - Mrs. Bozeman’s class is exploring plants and learning to identify each part, helping students better understand the natural world and how to care for it. 🌱🔍
Together, we can protect our planet - today and every day. 🌿 #EarthDay #Sustainability #VirtualLearning
Did you know? Virtual learning can have a positive impact on the environment! By learning from home, students help reduce daily transportation emissions, use less paper, and minimize overall resource consumption. 🚗⬇️📄
Our virtual students are in a unique position to make a difference - whether it’s using less paper, conserving energy at home, recycling, or supporting eco-friendly habits in their communities. Small choices add up to big change! ♻️✨
We also love seeing learning come to life - Mrs. Bozeman’s class is exploring plants and learning to identify each part, helping students better understand the natural world and how to care for it. 🌱🔍
Together, we can protect our planet - today and every day. 🌿 #EarthDay #Sustainability #VirtualLearning
We are beyond proud of our Entrepreneurship and Digital Information Technology students who earned their ESB and PMI industry certifications! 🎉👏
These students have been putting in the work - learning how to identify opportunities, develop business plans, understand legal structures, and so much more. 💼📊 From leading teams to managing business processes, they are gaining real-world skills that set them up for success in business and project management. 🚀
The future is in their hands, and they are ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! 🌟
These students have been putting in the work - learning how to identify opportunities, develop business plans, understand legal structures, and so much more. 💼📊 From leading teams to managing business processes, they are gaining real-world skills that set them up for success in business and project management. 🚀
The future is in their hands, and they are ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! 🌟
Happy Monday HVS Families!!! We have TWO more weeks of live lessons and ONE week of face to face review before our final assessments of the year. Please be sure that you are in your live lessons, cameras on, and working hard through your course work. Our school goal is to be a B school - we need your help to reach it - keep showing up and working hard - let's be sure to finish strong!!
Also, don't forget to sign up for teacher appreciation week to help celebrate our teachers! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAAAE2AA6FFCE9-63438866-teacher#/
Also, don't forget to sign up for teacher appreciation week to help celebrate our teachers! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAAAE2AA6FFCE9-63438866-teacher#/
Good Morning HVS Students and Parents! I have two important announcements for you!
1. We are in the final weeks now preparing for our state assessments. Please be sure that you are in your Live Lessons each week with your teachers with your cameras on. Teachers are reviewing specific areas from baselines and maps data to ensure you are fully prepared for your assessments. We can't wait to see you there!
2. Also, we want to celebrate our teachers coming up for Teacher Appreciation Week. We need your help! Please sign up here to help us thank your teachers! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAAAE2AA6FFCE9-63438866-teacher
Have a great week!
Mrs. Goudge
1. We are in the final weeks now preparing for our state assessments. Please be sure that you are in your Live Lessons each week with your teachers with your cameras on. Teachers are reviewing specific areas from baselines and maps data to ensure you are fully prepared for your assessments. We can't wait to see you there!
2. Also, we want to celebrate our teachers coming up for Teacher Appreciation Week. We need your help! Please sign up here to help us thank your teachers! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FAAAE2AA6FFCE9-63438866-teacher
Have a great week!
Mrs. Goudge
Happy Assistant Principal Week to an incredible leader who truly does it all! 🎉
Mrs. Goudge is the heart behind so much of what makes our school run smoothly. From overseeing full-time HVS students, to supporting flex students, homeschool families, and our academy, she somehow manages to balance it all with grace, organization, and care.
She navigates multiple systems, rules, and expectations with expertise, and when something new comes up, she meets it with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to finding the right solution. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and her dedication to doing things the right way never goes unnoticed.
But what truly sets her apart is her heart for people. Our students are never just numbers to her. She knows their stories, their families, and their goals. She advocates for them, opens doors they didn’t even know existed, and works tirelessly to ensure both students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Each morning, you’ll find her outside, greeting academy students as they arrive—starting their day with respect, encouragement, and a genuine smile. That consistency, that presence, matters more than words can say.
Mrs. Goudge leads with integrity, compassion, and an open door. She is someone you can trust, someone you can go to, and someone who truly listens.
We are so lucky to have you. Thank you for everything you do - today and every day! 💙
Mrs. Goudge is the heart behind so much of what makes our school run smoothly. From overseeing full-time HVS students, to supporting flex students, homeschool families, and our academy, she somehow manages to balance it all with grace, organization, and care.
She navigates multiple systems, rules, and expectations with expertise, and when something new comes up, she meets it with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to finding the right solution. Her attention to detail is unmatched, and her dedication to doing things the right way never goes unnoticed.
But what truly sets her apart is her heart for people. Our students are never just numbers to her. She knows their stories, their families, and their goals. She advocates for them, opens doors they didn’t even know existed, and works tirelessly to ensure both students and staff have what they need to succeed.
Each morning, you’ll find her outside, greeting academy students as they arrive—starting their day with respect, encouragement, and a genuine smile. That consistency, that presence, matters more than words can say.
Mrs. Goudge leads with integrity, compassion, and an open door. She is someone you can trust, someone you can go to, and someone who truly listens.
We are so lucky to have you. Thank you for everything you do - today and every day! 💙
Highlands Virtual School Student Leaders had the privilege to learn from Mr. and Mrs. Whidden that "to change the world, you must never ever right the bell" and to persevere through life's challenges. Students walked away inspired by the message, a powerful reference to the perseverance of Navy SEAL training.
Our student leaders learned that success starts with small, intentional actions - like making your bed each morning to build pride and momentum for the day ahead.
Additional key takeaways included measuring people by their hearts, not their size, facing challenges head-on, and the importance of being your best even in your darkest moments.
We are proud of our Highlands Virtual student leaders for embracing these lessons and continuing to grow into the leaders of tomorrow! 💙
Our student leaders learned that success starts with small, intentional actions - like making your bed each morning to build pride and momentum for the day ahead.
Additional key takeaways included measuring people by their hearts, not their size, facing challenges head-on, and the importance of being your best even in your darkest moments.
We are proud of our Highlands Virtual student leaders for embracing these lessons and continuing to grow into the leaders of tomorrow! 💙
🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
We are SO excited to share that our virtual school is officially upgrading to Scratch & Sniff™ Monitors to better support student learning and engagement!
That’s right—no more just seeing and hearing your lessons… now you can SMELL them too. 🤯
👃 Science class? Experience the rainforest like you’re really there.
🍕 Culinary lessons? Yes, that’s actual pizza you’re smelling. (No, you still can’t eat it.)
🏋️♂️ Virtual PE? Fully immersive… you’ll understand why we say “you should’ve worn deodorant.”
We believe this cutting-edge technology will help students stay focused, engaged, and slightly confused at all times.
📦 Devices will be distributed next week. Please remind students:
• Do NOT scratch aggressively
• Do NOT sniff classmates’ screens
• If your monitor smells like burnt popcorn… that’s math class
Welcome to the future of education. You’re going to want to sit upwind for this one.
#AprilFools #VirtualLearning #Innovation
We are SO excited to share that our virtual school is officially upgrading to Scratch & Sniff™ Monitors to better support student learning and engagement!
That’s right—no more just seeing and hearing your lessons… now you can SMELL them too. 🤯
👃 Science class? Experience the rainforest like you’re really there.
🍕 Culinary lessons? Yes, that’s actual pizza you’re smelling. (No, you still can’t eat it.)
🏋️♂️ Virtual PE? Fully immersive… you’ll understand why we say “you should’ve worn deodorant.”
We believe this cutting-edge technology will help students stay focused, engaged, and slightly confused at all times.
📦 Devices will be distributed next week. Please remind students:
• Do NOT scratch aggressively
• Do NOT sniff classmates’ screens
• If your monitor smells like burnt popcorn… that’s math class
Welcome to the future of education. You’re going to want to sit upwind for this one.
#AprilFools #VirtualLearning #Innovation
We loved having our students back on campus for MAPS testing! ✏️📊
There’s nothing better than seeing their faces in person and watching them put in the work they’ve been building toward all year long. Their dedication, focus, and growth have been incredible to witness.
Wishing all of our students the very best of luck - you’ve got this! 💪✨
There’s nothing better than seeing their faces in person and watching them put in the work they’ve been building toward all year long. Their dedication, focus, and growth have been incredible to witness.
Wishing all of our students the very best of luck - you’ve got this! 💪✨
Our FBLA students have represented HVS proudly at the Florida State Conference! 💼✨
They took on their objective tests with confidence, cast their votes for the future Florida FBLA State Officers, and stepped into their roles as leaders shaping tomorrow’s business world.
A highlight of the experience was hearing from Gian Paul Gonzalez, who challenged students to be ALL IN - a mindset our members are embracing as they pursue excellence in and out of the classroom.
From engaging workshops to exploring the endless opportunities FBLA provides, our students are actively living out the FBLA mission: preparing for careers in business and strengthening the confidence, leadership, and skills needed to achieve their goals.
We are proud to see them stepping up, pushing forward, and turning their ambitions into action. The future is bright, and they are just getting started! 🔷📈
A special thank you to our chaperones and sponsors - we could not have made this trip happen without you! 🙌
#FBLA #AllIn #FutureLeaders
They took on their objective tests with confidence, cast their votes for the future Florida FBLA State Officers, and stepped into their roles as leaders shaping tomorrow’s business world.
A highlight of the experience was hearing from Gian Paul Gonzalez, who challenged students to be ALL IN - a mindset our members are embracing as they pursue excellence in and out of the classroom.
From engaging workshops to exploring the endless opportunities FBLA provides, our students are actively living out the FBLA mission: preparing for careers in business and strengthening the confidence, leadership, and skills needed to achieve their goals.
We are proud to see them stepping up, pushing forward, and turning their ambitions into action. The future is bright, and they are just getting started! 🔷📈
A special thank you to our chaperones and sponsors - we could not have made this trip happen without you! 🙌
#FBLA #AllIn #FutureLeaders
HVS students from NHS, SGA, and FBLA presented at the School Board meeting last night, highlighting this month’s character word: Self-Motivation!
At Highlands Virtual School, self-motivation is part of our everyday life. Our students show it daily by logging into live meets, staying engaged, and completing their weekly work independently. We’re so proud of the initiative and determination our students show in their learning journey! 👏
At Highlands Virtual School, self-motivation is part of our everyday life. Our students show it daily by logging into live meets, staying engaged, and completing their weekly work independently. We’re so proud of the initiative and determination our students show in their learning journey! 👏
Good Morning HVS Family! We have another great week ahead. Please be sure that you are in your lessons with your cameras on. Teachers are going over important material in lessons that will help prepare you for your state assessments coming up. If you were not at Freestyle Friday please be sure to check those slides in your AVID FOLDER or click below for important updates and testing dates coming up right after break. Spring Break is next week so be sure that you have all work completed up to week 10 by the end of the week to enjoy your break next week. Have a great week - see you in class!!!
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11C9Qy6ZDEMFYK61-WRkpT8oQJy3vCoJxXQbl4S2rYv4/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11C9Qy6ZDEMFYK61-WRkpT8oQJy3vCoJxXQbl4S2rYv4/edit?usp=sharing
🌟 SPONSOR SHOUTOUT 🌟
The HVS FBLA Chapter would like to give a HUGE thank you to Tommy from Regal Nails (both Walmart locations!) for being an incredible supporter of our students and our community.
Tommy is always looking for ways to give back. From hosting school supply drives to famously doing FREE nails for students who earn straight A’s on their report cards, he is constantly celebrating and investing in our youth. He also hosts community parties and even runs a local food truck that brings fun and joy wherever it goes.
Because of his generous sponsorship, our FBLA students are one step closer to attending the state conference! Opportunities like this truly make a difference in the lives of our future business leaders.
Tommy, we are so honored that you chose HVS FBLA. Thank you for believing in our students and for all you do to make our community better every single day! 💙
If you are interested in sponsoring our students, please check out our homepage: https://hvs.highlands.k12.fl.us/
From there, you will click "Pay HVS", "donations", then "FBLA Donations".
Anything helps!
The HVS FBLA Chapter would like to give a HUGE thank you to Tommy from Regal Nails (both Walmart locations!) for being an incredible supporter of our students and our community.
Tommy is always looking for ways to give back. From hosting school supply drives to famously doing FREE nails for students who earn straight A’s on their report cards, he is constantly celebrating and investing in our youth. He also hosts community parties and even runs a local food truck that brings fun and joy wherever it goes.
Because of his generous sponsorship, our FBLA students are one step closer to attending the state conference! Opportunities like this truly make a difference in the lives of our future business leaders.
Tommy, we are so honored that you chose HVS FBLA. Thank you for believing in our students and for all you do to make our community better every single day! 💙
If you are interested in sponsoring our students, please check out our homepage: https://hvs.highlands.k12.fl.us/
From there, you will click "Pay HVS", "donations", then "FBLA Donations".
Anything helps!
💻✨ Teacher Feature: Will Wester – Our Tech Wizard! ✨💻
At a virtual school, technology is not just important… it is everything. And that is why we are beyond grateful for Will Wester, our incredible School Tech!
Will keeps our entire school running behind the scenes. From maintaining every single student Chromebook to managing software updates, troubleshooting tech emergencies, and opening up our LMS each week so students can jump right into learning, he truly does it all. If there is a glitch, a freeze, or a mysterious “it was just working five minutes ago” moment… Will is on it.
His calm presence and steady demeanor help keep both students and teachers grounded when technology decides to test our patience. He never panics, even when the WiFi does. That reassurance makes all the difference in a virtual environment like ours.
Let’s be honest… without Will, we would all be staring at spinning loading circles.
Will, thank you for keeping us connected, updated, and sane. We appreciate you more than you know! 💙
At a virtual school, technology is not just important… it is everything. And that is why we are beyond grateful for Will Wester, our incredible School Tech!
Will keeps our entire school running behind the scenes. From maintaining every single student Chromebook to managing software updates, troubleshooting tech emergencies, and opening up our LMS each week so students can jump right into learning, he truly does it all. If there is a glitch, a freeze, or a mysterious “it was just working five minutes ago” moment… Will is on it.
His calm presence and steady demeanor help keep both students and teachers grounded when technology decides to test our patience. He never panics, even when the WiFi does. That reassurance makes all the difference in a virtual environment like ours.
Let’s be honest… without Will, we would all be staring at spinning loading circles.
Will, thank you for keeping us connected, updated, and sane. We appreciate you more than you know! 💙
🌟 HVS Student Spotlight! 🌟
Highlands Virtual School is beyond proud of 11th grader Briggs Thayer for his nomination for the prestigious Champion for Children Youth Award! 👏
Briggs is the definition of dedication. With a 4.48 GPA, varsity soccer athlete status, 250+ volunteer hours serving local youth sports, and leadership roles as Student Government Association President, Superintendent’s Student Council member, and National Honor Society member - he truly does it all!
From mentoring elementary students at sports and church camps to serving seniors and families in need, Briggs leads with integrity, humility, and heart. 💙
And somehow, he balances dual enrollment and three part-time jobs along the way!
We are incredibly proud to have Briggs represent Highlands Virtual School.
Way to go, Briggs! 🎉
Highlands Virtual School is beyond proud of 11th grader Briggs Thayer for his nomination for the prestigious Champion for Children Youth Award! 👏
Briggs is the definition of dedication. With a 4.48 GPA, varsity soccer athlete status, 250+ volunteer hours serving local youth sports, and leadership roles as Student Government Association President, Superintendent’s Student Council member, and National Honor Society member - he truly does it all!
From mentoring elementary students at sports and church camps to serving seniors and families in need, Briggs leads with integrity, humility, and heart. 💙
And somehow, he balances dual enrollment and three part-time jobs along the way!
We are incredibly proud to have Briggs represent Highlands Virtual School.
Way to go, Briggs! 🎉
Good Morning HVS Students and Parents!!! We have a great week ahead. Please be sure that you are in ALL your lessons this week as teachers are going over information that will help you be successful in your course. Two more weeks until spring break so please keep working hard to finish this quarter strong. We will also have Freestyle Friday and Homeroom on Friday starting at 10:30! See you then! Have a great week!!!
🌟 Teacher Feature: The Dynamic Duo of ESE! 🌟
This week, we are proud to spotlight two incredible women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our students and teachers - Laura Belanger, ESE Lead, and Acacia Francis, IDEA Clerk.
These ladies are the true Dynamic Duo of ESE Excellence! 💙
Every single day, they ensure that our students receive the support and services they deserve. From managing and monitoring IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and 504 Plans, to coordinating eligibility meetings, reevaluations, EP meetings, parent communication, compliance documentation, service logs, and accommodations tracking, their work is detailed, demanding, and absolutely essential.
They keep timelines on track.
They ensure compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
They support teachers with documentation and accommodations.
They communicate with families with care and professionalism.
They advocate for students every step of the way.
Their organization, dedication, and heart for students make a tremendous difference in our school community. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the impact is seen in every student who receives the services they need to succeed.
Laura and Acacia, thank you for your commitment, your teamwork, and your unwavering support of our students and staff. We are so grateful for our ESE Excellence Team! 💛
#TeacherFeature #ESEExcellence #StudentSupport #DynamicDuo
This week, we are proud to spotlight two incredible women who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our students and teachers - Laura Belanger, ESE Lead, and Acacia Francis, IDEA Clerk.
These ladies are the true Dynamic Duo of ESE Excellence! 💙
Every single day, they ensure that our students receive the support and services they deserve. From managing and monitoring IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and 504 Plans, to coordinating eligibility meetings, reevaluations, EP meetings, parent communication, compliance documentation, service logs, and accommodations tracking, their work is detailed, demanding, and absolutely essential.
They keep timelines on track.
They ensure compliance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
They support teachers with documentation and accommodations.
They communicate with families with care and professionalism.
They advocate for students every step of the way.
Their organization, dedication, and heart for students make a tremendous difference in our school community. While much of their work happens behind the scenes, the impact is seen in every student who receives the services they need to succeed.
Laura and Acacia, thank you for your commitment, your teamwork, and your unwavering support of our students and staff. We are so grateful for our ESE Excellence Team! 💛
#TeacherFeature #ESEExcellence #StudentSupport #DynamicDuo
Our Highlands Virtual students were SHOWING UP and SHOWING OUT at the Highlands County Fair! 🐖🌸🐄 From impressive steers and prize-worthy pigs to caladiums and chickens galore, our students truly brought their A-game to the barns and exhibits.
A special shoutout to our seniors and dedicated 4-H members - your hard work, leadership, and commitment were on full display. We are so proud of the way you represented Highlands Virtual School with excellence, integrity, and heart. 💙
Thank you for making HVS proud and for being such amazing ambassadors for your school and community!
HVS Family! We want to see you in Live Lessons!!! We are seeing growth in our student assessments for those attending their Live Lessons! Be sure that you are in class with your teacher for Live Lesson, Bubble Groups, and Bootcamps. Check out their homepage for times and days!!! See you there!!!
🎓 Sponsor a Senior 🎓
We’re looking for individuals or businesses willing to sponsor a senior this year. Your sponsorship helps support graduation expenses and gives a student the encouragement they deserve as they head into their future.
How to Sponsor a Senior:
➡️ Go to our school website: https://hvs.highlands.k12.fl.us/
➡️ Click “Pay HVS” at the top of the page
➡️ Select “Donations”
➡️ Choose “Senior Class”
That’s it! Any amount makes a difference and is truly appreciated.
If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to comment below or message us directly.
Thank you for supporting our seniors! 🎓✨
We’re looking for individuals or businesses willing to sponsor a senior this year. Your sponsorship helps support graduation expenses and gives a student the encouragement they deserve as they head into their future.
How to Sponsor a Senior:
➡️ Go to our school website: https://hvs.highlands.k12.fl.us/
➡️ Click “Pay HVS” at the top of the page
➡️ Select “Donations”
➡️ Choose “Senior Class”
That’s it! Any amount makes a difference and is truly appreciated.
If you have questions or would like more information, feel free to comment below or message us directly.
Thank you for supporting our seniors! 🎓✨
