HHS Principal's Update: Week 5

We are excited to kick off the celebration of our Seniors, the Class of 2025! Last Friday, most of our seniors attended the annual Senior Sunrise, a special event that marks the beginning of their final year. From now until their graduation ceremony on June 5th, our Seniors will participate in numerous activities to commemorate their time at Highland High School. They have earned these traditions and rites of passage, setting an example for underclassmen to aspire to!

We’re also thrilled to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15th, where we’ll be celebrating and sharing in the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community. This is a wonderful opportunity for all our students to engage and learn from each other.

We have events planned for all our students this year, and it's wonderful to see our Seniors celebrating their well-deserved achievements. These positive events are the norm at HHS, along with student success in and outside of the classroom. Please encourage your students to get involved in any way they can, as it makes the year that much more enriching! Let's continue to support and cheer on our amazing Bulldogs!

In addition, yesterday, we sent a message regarding a rumor about a potential threat. I understand that the lack of specific details may be frustrating, but in this instance, the rumor originated outside of our campus. Neither the AVUHSD nor HHS received any threats against our schools or students. Since no threats were directed toward HHS, we did not have any additional details to share. Rest assured, we will always provide you with the most up-to-date information available and take every threat seriously.

Have a great Friday and weekend!

Charles Dunn

Your Principal

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 *

• Home Football vs Mission Viejo High School: TOMORROW (UPDATED ENTRY INFO)
• e-Sports Tryouts (See Information 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.

Tomorrow, Highland High School is wrapping up our preseason by hosting Mission Viejo HS, one of the highest ranked football programs in the nation. At HHS, we pride ourselves on playing against the best because we always strive to be the best! Come out and support our Bulldogs in their final preseason tune-up before league play begins. Be sure to also check out our amazing band, cheer team, JROTC, and ASB, as their hard work will be on full display! Let's show our support for ALL HHS athletics and activities, as every team and group dedicates countless hours to excel and make us proud.

Let's rally together and cheer on our Bulldogs! Go Dawgs!

******UPDATED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS******

Important Reminders:

Highland High School prioritizes making all athletic events family-friendly while upholding our core values. To maintain this standard, we enforce the following policies at all home games:

• HHS Students: Must present their CURRENT PHYSICAL Student ID Cards for entry. Photos and PowerSchool will not be accepted– no exceptions.
• Students on the NO Entry List: Students who have unexcused tardies, truancies, or have been involved in any other disciplinary action this school year WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ATTEND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES until cleared do attend.
• • Non-HHS Students: Must show their school ID cards and sit on the Visitor Side.
  • All Other Minors: Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian – no exceptions.
  • Prohibited Items: Backpacks, large bags, and coolers are not allowed in the stadium.
  • Code of Conduct: Anyone failing to follow our code of conduct will be immediately removed from the venue.

We look forward to seeing you there for a night of community, celebration, and school spirit! Go Bulldogs! Let's make this season one to remember—see you there!

Highland High School is excited to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on September 15th, celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Throughout the month, HHS will be alive with vibrant performances, cultural displays, and engaging activities that showcase the diverse traditions and talents within our school. The festivities will culminate in our highly anticipated Noche en la Plaza event on Friday, September 27th, where we’ll come together for an evening of live performances, delicious food, and a celebration of community spirit. We invite all students, families, and community members to join us as we honor and embrace the vibrant heritage that enriches our school. Let’s make this Hispanic Heritage Month a memorable celebration for everyone! ¡Nos vemos en Noche en la Plaza!

We value your feedback and invite you to participate in the Fall Campus Climate Survey. Your input is essential in helping us create a positive and supportive environment for everyone at HHS.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by September 30, 2025, at the following link: Fall Campus Climate Survey.

Thank you for your time and support in making HHS the best it can be!

Attention all gamers! Are you ready to take your skills to the next level and join the nationally ranked esports teams at Highland High School? Tryouts for our varsity and JV squads are happening September 9th-20th, so don't miss your chance to be part of the action.

Whether your game is Fortnite, League of Legends, Rainbow Six Siege, or any of the other top titles, we've got a spot for you on our state-of-the-art esports arena in room 103. Train alongside the best and compete against the best - this is your opportunity to showcase your talents and be part of something bigger.

Don't just take our word for it - our teams have earned national rankings and represent Highland with pride. If you've got the skills and the drive, we want you on our squad. Sign up today by emailing sharrington@avhsd.org. See you at tryouts!

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!

9/20: Golden League Kickoff vs QHHS

9/27: Noche en la Plaza

9/13: Football vs Mission Viejo HS

9/13: Girls Volleyball vs Cal City

9/17: Flag Football vs Littlerock HS

9/17: Girls Volleyball vs Littlerock

9/17: Girls Tennis vs Littlerock @ QHHS

9/20: Football vs QHHS

9/24: Flag Football vs EHS

9/24: Girls Tennis vs EHS @ QHHS

9/24: Girls Volleyball vs EHS

9/25: Flag Football vs KHS

9/26: Girls Volleyball vs KHS

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 1 Dates:

9/14, 9/21 (Super Saturday Grade Boost), 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19 (Super Saturday Grade Boost), 10/26, 11/16 (Super Saturday Grade Boost), 12/7, 12/14

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.

We are excited to announce that all subject morning tutoring will be available. Morning general tutoring will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:45 AM to 8:40 AM in the Student Union. Our tutoring services cover all subjects, providing students with a valuable resource to enhance their learning.

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.

4. 
   

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