
HHS Principal's Update: Week 27
Thursday, March 13th
Good Evening HHS Students and Families,
We are just one week away from Spring Break and the end of Quarter 3! Let's finish strong as we wrap up this final stretch. I want to take a moment to reflect on Monday’s Academic Awards Ceremony, where we had the privilege of celebrating the hard work and achievements of over 800 students who demonstrated academic excellence. It was truly inspiring to see so many of our students recognized for their dedication and perseverance. A huge thank you to our band, JROTC and choir for their outstanding performances, which added to the evening’s celebration. We also had a fantastic turnout of parents and families, showing once again the strong support that makes Highland High School such a special place. Events like these highlight all of the incredible things happening at HHS and the commitment of our students, staff, and families to academic success.
Let’s carry that same energy and momentum into this final week of the quarter. Finish strong, stay focused, and let’s make it a great week before we head into a well-deserved Spring Break!
Enjoy your weekend,
Charles Dunn
Your Principal
*** To access all links, ensure you open the SMORE Newsletter by clicking on the top banner***
Para asegurarse de que todas nuestras familias tengan acceso a estos mensajes, haga clic en la función de traducción en la parte superior derecha de este mensaje para el idioma que prefiera. Gracias.
*NEW UPDATES THIS WEEK *
- Last Day of Quarter 3 (3/21)
- Spring Break (3/24 - 3/28)
- Prom Tickets (Last Tickets Available)
- Grad Nite Permission Slips an Tickets Deadline
- Yearbook Sales: Don't Miss Out!
***Don't forget to check out our weekly episode of The Weekly Bite! (Video below)***
Highland High School's Student Learning Outcomes
Students embody our BARK core values. At Highland High School:
Brilliant students have multiple experiences and opportunities for academic, collegiate, professional and personal growth.
Accountable students are academically proficient and prepared for college and career readiness.
Respectful students cultivate a safe and secure, positive school culture that supports all students’ personal and academic growth.
- Kind students communicate effectively and continue to build relationships with all community members.
NEW UPDATES AND INFORMATION
End of Quarter 3 (March 21st)
The last day of Quarter 3 is quickly approaching! Friday, March 21st marks the official close of the quarter, which means this is the final opportunity for students to submit any remaining assignments, improve their grades, and finish strong. It’s important to remember that quarter grades impact extracurricular eligibility, including participation in athletics, ASB, performing arts, and other school activities. Students who do not meet eligibility requirements based on their academic performance may face restrictions in these programs.
Spring Break: March 24th - March 28th
Spring Break is almost here! There will be no school the week of March 24th, giving everyone a well-deserved opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends.
Classes will resume on Monday, March 31st, marking the start of Quarter 4—the final stretch of the school year! As we return, let’s stay focused, set goals, and make the most of these last weeks leading up to finals, graduation, and end-of-year celebrations. Enjoy your break, Highland! We’ll see you back on March 31st, ready to finish the year strong!
Survey for Increasing Visual & Performing Arts at HHS
We want to make sure Highland High School students have the best academic experience possible, along with a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. While we already have great programs, we’re working to expand our Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) options even further. Your input is invaluable! Please take a moment to complete this survey and let us know how we can best support and grow VAPA at HHS. Your feedback will help shape the future of arts education at our school!
STUDENT ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS & INFORMATION
GRAD Nite Applications & Tickets (DEADLINES FAST APPROACHING)
Class of 2025,
This is a reminder that Grad Night permission slips are due in one week on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. No extensions will be given, so be sure to submit your completed forms on time! Both the Grad Night Permission Slip and the District Office Permission Slip are required. These forms can be picked up in the Activities Office with Ms. Epley and must be turned in before you can select your bus. Late forms will only be accepted at the time of ticket purchase between April 1-30, 2025, but bus preferences will not be guaranteed.
Please submit your forms to the Activities Office by the deadline. For full details, including ticket prices, rules, and regulations for Grad Night at Universal Studios on Friday, May 30, 2025, refer to the attached permission slip.
🚨 PROM TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST! 🚨
We have ONLY 38 TICKETS LEFT before we SELL OUT! Once they're gone, they're gone for good.
If you want to be part of this unforgettable night, DON’T WAIT! Get your tickets ASAP before it’s too late. Don’t miss out on this incredible evening!
Exciting News from the Yearbook Team!
Great news—there's still time to order your Yearbook! Don't miss out on the chance to relive the best moments and memories captured throughout the year. Check out the attached flyer for more details. Secure your copy before they're gone!
THE HHS WEEKLY BITE: Season 3: Episode 19
We take great pride in presenting the remarkable talent of our students in the HHS Film class through their production of "The Weekly Bite." This captivating show is crafted and brought to life by our students on a weekly basis. We cordially invite you to watch and immerse yourself in each episode, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to witness the creativity and dedication of our students firsthand. Prepare to be amazed by their hard work and artistic prowess!
HHS Visual & Performing Arts Weekly Showcase
Check out works from our VAPA courses throughout the year!
STUDENT & PARENT RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS
Spring Season Home Varsity Athletic Events
3/14/2025 Baseball vs Quartz Hill
3/17/2025 Volleyball, Boys vs Sunrise Mountain
3/18/2025 Golf, Boys vs Eastside
3/18/2025 Tennis, Boys vs Eastside
3/19/2025 Softball vs Kennedy,
3/19/2025 Track & Field, Boys vs Littlerock - At QH
3/20/2025 Tennis, Boys vs Knight
3/20/2025 Volleyball, Boys vs Lancaster
3/21/2025 Baseball vs Knight
4/8/2025 Volleyball, Boys vs Knight
4/15/2025 Softball vs Palmdale
4/18/2025 Volleyball, Boys vs Antelope Valley
4/24/2025 Golf, Boys vs Quartz Hill
5/3/2025 Softball vs Hart High
2024-2025 Bell Schedule
Saturday School Information & Forms (Semester 2)
Are you behind on assignments or need to make up missed school days? If you're looking for a quiet place to study, we have the perfect solution for you! Starting in September, HHS will be hosting Saturday School sessions for Semester 2. Signing up is simple, just choose one of the Saturday School Applications below and select your preferred dates from the provided links. Remember to bring the completed application with you, whether it's a digital or hardcopy version.
Saturday School Semester 2 Dates:
3/15, 4/5, 4/12, 5/3, 5/17, 5/31
DAILY Math Tutoring & Support
Every Week, Monday thru Friday, HHS students will have an amazing opportunity to benefit from a variety of interventions aimed at enhancing their math skills and ensuring success in their math classes. These sessions, which run from 7:45 AM to 8:30 AM, also offer valuable preparation for several important assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, CAASPP, AP, and NWEA.
All Subject Tutoring
Short-Term Independent Study: Stay On Track While You're Away for even 1 day!
Did you know you can use Short-Term Independent Study (IS) even if you’re only missing one day of school? Whether it’s for a vacation, a doctor’s appointment, or any other reason, you can complete a Short-Term IS application for the days you’ll be absent.
Why choose Short-Term IS?
- You won’t be marked absent for the days you miss.
- You’ll receive assignments to complete during your absence, which helps reduce the stress of making up missed work.
- You can maintain your positive attendance status without needing to attend Saturday School.
- You’ll remain eligible for our positive attendance incentives!
To participate in this program, print out the IS application below or pick one up from the front or attendance office. For any additional questions, please contact our attendance office or Vice Principal Palmer.
Click on the link below to access the HHS Policies & Procedures which include but not limited to:
- Student Dropoff & Pickup
- Substance abuse & Physical Altercations
- Food Deliveries
- Attendance & Tardy Policy
- Dress Code
- Campus Cleanliness
IMPORTANT HHS CONTACTS
High School Administration Team Contact Information
We encourage you to reach out to our administration if you have any questions regarding their areas of supervision. They will be more than happy to assist you.
Principal: Charles Dunn
Assistant Principal: Jennifer Griffey: jengriffey@avhsd.org
Activities & MTSS Vice-Principal: Jose Cortinas jcortinas@avhsd.org
Special Education Vice-Principal: Jason Spitzer jspitzer@avhsd.org
Athletics & Alt. Placement Vice-Principal: James Dunlavey mdunlavey@avhsd.org
Outreach & Interventions, Attendance Vice-Principal: Amanda Palmer apalmer@avhsd.org
HHS Counseling Contact Information
Accessing your Student’s Grades in PowerSchool:
To view your student's grades in the Antelope Valley Union High School District, you have three options:
AV High School District App (Parent Link): This app is available for both Apple and Android devices. You can find it in the App Store by searching for "AV High School District." Download the app to access news, information, and track your student's progress.
PowerSchool App: The PowerSchool app is directly linked to the PowerSchool parent portal, providing real-time updates on your student's grades and attendance. You can find it in both the Apple App Store and Android App Store. Search for "PowerSchool" and use the district code NWMZ to access your student's information.
Parent Portal: Access the Parent Portal directly at https://powerschool.avhsd.org. This portal allows you to view your student's grades and other relevant information.
Choose the option that suits you best to stay informed about your student's academic progress in the Antelope Valley Union High School District.
Don't Miss Any Important Information: Download Parent Link TODAY
To stay well-informed and receive important updates, it is essential to download the AVUHSD app. This app, in addition to email, will be one of our main communication channels during the school year. Here are the steps to download it:
1. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your device.
2. Search for "AVUHSD" and download the app.
3. Once the app is downloaded, open it and select the checkboxes for HHS to receive updates specifically tailored to our school. That's all!
By following these steps, you will have the AVUHSD app installed and customized to receive relevant information and updates related to Highland High School.
Follow Us On Social Media!
Stay updated with all the exciting news and updates by following HHS today!
Instagram: highlandhighschool1989
Facebook: Highland High School Bulldogs
Attendance and Absences (Contact Information)
At HHS, we believe that attendance is vital for student success. We understand the importance of regular attendance in achieving academic goals. Therefore, for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, we are dedicated to actively encouraging and promoting daily attendance and punctuality. Our goal is to ensure that all students are present and on time for every class, every day.
To report an absence, please use the following contact information:
Email: HHS-ATTENDANCE@AVHSD.ORG
Phone: (TBD Soon)
Highland High School
Website: https://www.highlandhs.org/
Location: 39055 25th Street West, Palmdale, CA, USA
Phone: 661-538-0304
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandhs