HHS Principal's Update: Week 34

As we close out the first full week of May, Highland is buzzing with pride! Next week we celebrate our students at the Senior Awards & Scholarship Presentation and the District 4.0 Ceremony, huge milestones that reflect their hard work and growth.

Last week, our PSA Academy organized a powerful disaster simulation, while our Best Buddies students hosted an unforgettable Inclusion Prom that filled the gym with energy and joy. Highland continues to showcase the very best of what high school can offer, and we're proud to share why we believe HHS stands out in the AV. (We’ll admit—we’re a little biased, thanks to our amazing students!) Check out the highlights below.

Just a reminder, Summer School applications are now open, and spots are filling up quickly this year! If you're interested in enrolling in summer courses, be sure to sign up using the link below to secure your place.

It's hard to believe that we have only 22 days until graduation!

Have a wonderful 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 *

• Senior Awards (5/13)
• Senior District 4.0 Ceremony @ AV Fair (5/14)
• HHS Band, Choir and Drama Spring Performances! (See Details Below)

***Don't forget to check out our weekly episode of The Weekly Bite! (Video below)***

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.

Mark your calendars! Highland High School’s Senior Awards Night is set for Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00 PM in the Large Gym. This special evening celebrates the academic achievements, leadership, and resilience of the Class of 2025. From scholarships to senior recognitions, we’ll be honoring the incredible accomplishments of our graduating students. Please note: this is an invitation-only event—only seniors who receive an official invitation are eligible to attend. It’s going to be a memorable night of pride and celebration!

We’re proud to share that many of our Highland seniors will be recognized at the Districtwide 4.0 Ceremony on Wednesday, May 14 at 5:00 PM at the AV Fairgrounds! This prestigious event honors seniors from across the Antelope Valley who have maintained a 4.0 GPA or higher. It’s an invitation-only celebration, and we’re thrilled that so many HHS students have earned a spot among the Valley’s top performers. Let’s show up strong, families, friends, and staff, to celebrate our scholars and represent Highland with pride!

Highland High School Summer School 2025 will begin this year on June 30th, 2025, and will conclude on July 25, 2025. The summer school day is scheduled here at Highland High School, from 8:30am-2:00pm, with two sessions each day. July 4th is a holiday.

In order to be eligible for Summer School enrollment, you must complete both links below. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the AP Office at (661) 538-0304 ext 375 or jengriffey@avhsd.org.

LINK 1 - Summer School Course Selection

LINK 2 - Summer School Master Agreement

It’s never too early for families to begin planning for graduation! This year’s ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 5th at Antelope Valley College’s football stadium, beginning promptly at 6:00 PM. Seniors have already begun receiving information and will continue to get updates in the coming weeks regarding logistics, senior checkout, and graduation practice.

Mark your calendars for this exciting and meaningful culminating event!

Seniors, if you did not get a chance to pick up your yard sign on Tuesday, you can come to the activities office and pick up your signs. Parents, if your student is not on campus, you may pick it up as well.

Last Friday, Highland's Public Service Academy teamed up with Palmdale High's Health Careers Academy to respond to a simulated chemical disaster — a school bus crash into a pest control truck that spilled toxic materials and injured multiple victims.

Our PSA students were first on scene, securing the area, delivering emergency aid, and decontaminating exposed victims before transferring them to PHS students for further treatment. It was an intense, fast-paced simulation that put their training to the test — and they crushed it. Big shoutout to these future first responders and healthcare heroes. This simulation was as real as it gets — and they proved they’re ready.

Last Friday's Best Buddies Prom lit up the gym with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories. From red carpet entrances to packed dance floors and dazzling décor, it was pure joy from start to finish. Students, families, and staff came together to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and the magic of just being yourself. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.

Join us for a wonderful evening of music and fun!

Join us for the Highland High School Spring Concert on May 15th at 6:00 PM in the Large Gym.

🎟️ Tickets are $5
🎓 HHS Students get in FREE with ID!

Come support our amazing music program—see you there!

Join us for A Midsummer Night’s Dream on May 23 & 24!
Shows: 7:00 PM both nights + a 2:30 PM matinee on May 24
- $5 Students | $10 Adults (Cash only) – Doors open 30 mins early
- Outdoor Stage in the Commons (bring a jacket!)
Get ready for a night of magic, mischief, and moonlight with Shakespeare’s classic comedy!

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!

Check out works from our VAPA courses throughout the year!

5/13: Senior Awards

5/14: District 4.0 Ceremony @ AV Fair

5/23 & 5/24: HHS Drama Presents " A Midsummer Night's Dream

5/26: Memorial Day (No School)

5/27: NO FLEX DAY (Release at 3:40 PM)

6/2: Senior Checkout

6/3: NO FLEX DAY (Release at 3:40 PM)

6/4: Flex Day (Final Exams)

6/5: Flex Day (Final Exams)

6/5: Graduation Ceremony @ AVC

6/5: Last Day of School

Playoffs TBD

Please click on the link below for the 2024-2025 Bell Schedule Below.

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:

5/17, 5/31

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.

Need help with your studies or want to improve your grades? You're invited to our free tutoring sessions! Join us in the Student Union on Mornings from 7:45 - 8:40 AM Monday through Friday & After school from 3:45 - 4:30 PM Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Let’s work together for your success!

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

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

To view your student's grades in the Antelope Valley Union High School District, you have three options:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

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Choose the option that suits you best to stay informed about your student's academic progress in the Antelope Valley Union High School District.

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.

Stay updated with all the exciting news and updates by following HHS today!

Instagram: highlandhighschool1989

Facebook: Highland High School Bulldogs

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)

We highly recommend that you utilize our school website, social media pages, and the AVUHSD App to stay informed about the latest updates and information. These resources are designed to keep you up-to-date on school news, events, and important announcements. By regularly checking these platforms, you can stay connected with our school and the district.

Website: https://www.highlandhs.org/
Location: 39055 25th Street West, Palmdale, CA, USA
Phone: 661-538-0304
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandhs