HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Trimester 2, 2023-24 School Year
Dear Highland Parent, Student, and Ram Supporter,
CALENDARS
These calendars are continually updated and provide all the important academic and athletic/activities dates for the school year. Please look at them regularly for questions about calendar items.
Highland Academic Calendar:
Highland Sports/Activities Calendar:
https://highlandrams.org/main/calendar?
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HIGHLAND MUSICAL: LEGALLY BLONDE
Highland Drama Presents Legally Blonde the musical. Performances begin Thursday 2/29 and run through Tuesday 3/5/24 at 7pm with a matinee on 3/2 at 1pm. Tickets are $10 general and $ 7 with a student ID. The performance has a PG-13 rating.
HIGHLAND ART STUDENTS
The Pocatello Art Center's annual High School Art Exhibition will be opening in the Pocatello Art Center Gallery for the First Friday Art Walk on March 1 from 5:00-8:00 PM. The exhibition will close with an awards ceremony on March 15 at 6:00 PM.
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COLLEGE & CAREER ADVISORS
Dear Highland students & families,
In hopes that you are all feeling a bit rejuvenated after a long weekend, here is some
news to energize you. The days are long and the sun is warmer – those are the signs
that give us all hopes for the changing seasons.
Juniors! Higher Ed + Day at Highland, March 8th
In February and March admissions reps for colleges and universities make
presentations to Idaho high school juniors about colleges and training programs. It is
called Higher Ed Day . . . though it is really only half a day, and the suggestion is that it
is ONLY about colleges or training programs, which is incorrect.
We do it differently at Highland. The colleges (Idaho state colleges and universities, plus
BYU-I, plus Utah State) will come, of course, but we also invite military representatives,
staff members from ISU offices of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Department of
Labor, apprenticeship professionals, and more.It will be like a mini-conference: students will be able to pick three sessions each one about 40 minutes long. It will happen during the first and second instructional hours, only the juniors participate. All juniors are expected to participate. Attendance will be taken at the start of 1st hour and during each of the three sessions. Students will sign in using a QR code.
Here are some more details:
Friday, March 8th
Higher Ed + Day (um, morning)
8:32 to 11:07 am
three sessions each one about 40 minutes long
short presentation followed by questions or engagement activities
Junior students only
Tech Expo – Thursday, March 14th
On Thursday, March 14th , Idaho State University will be hosting its annual Tech Expo.
Held in Holt (oops, ICCU) Arena, this year’s Expo, will have more than 70 displays and
booths related to education and career opportunities in the tech areas. Students will
depart school at 11 am, and leave to return to school at 12 noon. This is valuable
exposure to Idaho’s impressive array of industries and career fields related to
technology. Watch this blog for more information in the weeks ahead because there are
only 40 slots for Highland students. Students will need 1) permission to be absent from
their 2nd and 3rd hour teachers, 2) permission from their school counselor, and 3) will sign
up with the CCAs.
ISU Signing Day – Tuesday, March 26th
Watch this blog for more information about the annual ISU Signing Day event. It will be
Tuesday, March 26th , here at school. Students who plan to enroll at ISU will be honored
and recognized during this morning gathering that celebrates the accomplishments and
ambitions of our graduating seniors. Parents, families, and supporters are invited to join
us for cheer and celebration. More details will follow.
Service Academies Information Sessions – April 13
If you are a first-year, sophomore, or highly motivated junior student with an interest in
attending the United States service academies (West Point, Annapolis, the Air Force
Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy, please know that the Idaho congressional
delegation will hold a Service Academy Day on Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 3 pm at
Meridian City Hall. Both of Idaho’s senators and members of Congress will have
representative there to field questions and review the application process. Students and
families can also attend via Zoom. The CCAs have a QR code that will link you to the
session. Applicants to the service academies need at least one nomination to complete
the application. A nomination can be from a member of the student’s congressional
delegation (senators or representatives) or from a person with a service connection.
The process of application is forthright, but rigorous. Visit with the CCAs if you are high-
achieving, motivated, hard working, and can see yourself at one of America’s
distinguished service academies.
Deadlines, Deadlines, Deadlines
Seniors, deadlines are your life and your friend in the next few months. As an
introduction to adulting, deadlines let you manage your time (rather than having time
manage you). There is a deadline above, and there will be deadlines below. Here are
some big ones, so please make note:
- March 1 : BYU-I scholarship applications
- March 1: complete and submit application(s) for state of Idaho scholarships (Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, the Governor’s Cup Scholarship)
- March 31: complete and submit your FAFSA for consideration of state of Idaho scholarships
Scholarships, Scholarships, Scholarships
Seniors, apply, apply, apply to scholarships, scholarships, scholarships. February,
March, and the first half of April are prime times to be making and submitting
scholarship applications. The CCAs are emphatic in their plea that seniors apply to all
the scholarships that might marginally apply to you. If you have been accepted to a 2- or
4-year college, apply to scholarships on those school websites, and then look farther
afield.
BYU-I Enrollment Information
If you spent time with Jarred Brandt last week, or wish you’d stopped by, Jarred was
able to assist students in completing their BYU-I scholarship application. The deadline
to do that is March 1st , so please be mindful of that date if you are headed to BYU-I.
In addition, Jarred outlined the steps to take for students who have been offered
admission. It is a detailed and helpful process, so we are directing students to the
Senior Google Classroom for step-by-step directions.
Bengal Visit Day: April 20th
Idaho State University has an annual event called Bengal Visit Day for all admitted
students. This year it will be held on Saturday, April 20th . This all-day event includes
meals, opportunities to learn about student clubs and activities, explore academics and
major programs, tour campus and residence halls, learn more about financial aid and
scholarships. This will be time well spent and can help cement your decision to enroll or
ease your new-student jitters.
Go to https://www.isu.edu/bvd/ to sign up and learn more.
Thanks to you all. Stop by and ask how we can help.
Alice Rowe
Sarah May Clarkson
College career advisors
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STEM DIPLOMA DESIGNATION
The Idaho Legislature recently passed a bill allowing for a STEM designation to be included on a student’s high school diploma. Students who successfully complete all graduation requirements established by the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District may receive a high school diploma designated as a STEM diploma if they meet the following criteria:
· Complete eight (8) credits in mathematics
· Complete eight (8) credits in science
· Complete five (5) additional credits of the student’s choice in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
Students who are interested in applying for the STEM diploma designation can see the Registrar for an application. Applications must be completed and returned to the Registrar prior to May 1, 2024. All students who qualify for the STEM designation will receive a seal on their diploma, notation of designation on their final transcript, cords to wear at graduation and the opportunity to apply for a $3,000 scholarship.
STEM Diploma Scholarships: OPENS: February 15, 2024 DUE April, 1 2024
Donate to STEM Scholarships
Students in Idaho who earn a STEM Diploma are eligible to apply for one of ten, $3,000 scholarships provided they will be attending an Idaho post-secondary institution, including career technical schools, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The STEM Scholarships will be offered in the following fields: Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Computer Science/Technology, Engineering, Food Sciences, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and General STEM (2). Applications can be found at this link: https://stem.idaho.gov/apply/stem-diploma/
Elaine Whitehead
Highland High School Registrar
Phone (208)237-1300
Fax (208)237-1350
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AMERICAN LEGION GEM GIRLS STATE
The American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program is one of kind! Girls from
across the great state of Idaho come together, empower one another and learn
how government works in their state. Those in attendance will be eligible for
certain awards and scholarships.
Girls interested in participating in Girls State must fill out the application and
interview with members of the American Legion Auxiliary. After completion of
both the application and interview, delegates will be selected and contacted with
further instructions. Please visit: https://www.idgirlsstate.org/
Each delegate of Girls State will be placed in a city, cities consist of 20-30 girls
who have also been selected to attend. They will have the opportunity to uplift,
support and empower one another as they all learn how state and local
government work together.
Girls State will be held in Boise from June 9 th -14 th . If you have further questions,
please contact Sami Kyle at 208-221-8185 or via email at
AMERICAN LEGION GEM BOYS STATE
American Legion Gem Boys State application is open for junior boys. Boys State is a fast paced, hands-on experience that teaches Americanism and the political process. It is divided into mythical cities, counties and political parties and populated by the Boys State delegates. Boys participate in a mock government by participating in city responsibilities, running for political offices, and debating and passing legislation. Two boys from Idaho will be selected to participate as "senators" at Boys Nation in Washington D.C. Boys State will be held in Boise, Idaho from June 2-7, 2024 and there is a $100 fee for travel/room/board. Please see Mrs. Santos-Smith in the Counseling Center for an application.
Deadline to apply is March 15th.
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GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024
Order your cap and gown from the Herff Jones website at: https://highschool.herffjones.com/secom/school/ID/HIGHLAND%2BHIGH%2BSCHOOL/11000290000/0432/home?gradYear=2024
Important Dates/Information Class of 2024
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1am68biO7NYd22Xk1FxyI81fp1zuy2uw4tHBzVPDJIdA/edit?usp=sharing
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Highland High School Administration (208)237-1300
-Dr. Brad Wallace-Principal (wallacbr@sd25.us) phone ext.103
-Travis Bell-Assistant Principal/Athletic and Activities Director (belltr@sd25.us) phone ext.105
-Ed.S. Jena Wilcox-Assistant Principal (wilcoxje@sd25.us) phone ext.104
-Dr. Steve Morton-Assistant Principal (mortonst@sd25.us) phone ext.107
Bursar
-Shelley Huelsman (huelsms1@sd25.us) phone ext.106
Registrar
-Elaine Whitehead (whitehel@sd25.us) phone ext.114
-Katie Schwartz (schwarka@sd25.us) phone ext.111
Attendance
-Mindy Murphy (murphymi@sd25.us) phone ext.115
Counseling Center (208)237-1300
-Tami Romriell=students with last name A-D (romrieta@sd25.us) phone ext.131
-Christa Santos-Smith=students with last name E-K (santosch@sd25.us) phone ext.109
-Cali-Ann Hilliard=students with last name L-R (hilliaca@sd25.us) phone ext.110
-Tricia Harvala=students with last name S-Z (harvaltr@sd25.us) phone ext.116
-Sarah May Clarkson=College & Career Advisor (clarksa@sd25.us) phone ext.123
-Alice Rowe=College & Career Advisor (roweal@sd25.us) phone ext.236
School Psychologist
-Amy Holloway (hollowam@sd25.us)