HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Highland High School Trimester 1 2026-27

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CALENDARS

These Calendars are continually updated and provide all of the important academic and athletic/activities dates for the school year. Please look at them regularly and use them to stay informed and to plan ahead for any and all major school events. Please contact Highland Administration with any questions.  

Highland Academic Calendar

Highland Sports/Activities Calendar

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October 5-October 10, 2026

Highland Parent, Student, and Ram Supporter,

This Friday is Midterm's. We are already 1/2 way through the 1st trimester of school for the 2026-27 school year. Please make attendance and a focus on academics a top priority as we move into the 2nd half of the 1st trimester that ends just before Thanksgiving Break.  

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HOMECOMING WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

What an amazing Homecoming week. Thank you to student leadership, advisors, teachers, parents, and of course our amazing Highland students for an unforgettable Highland Homecoming week! There were so many great activities, great memories made, and tons of fun throughout the whole week. A lot of people helped make it all happen. Thank you to everyone who put in the work and participated. It was a great week. The dress up themes, hallways and door decorations, and school spirit all week were amazing! There were so many awesome activities, a movie night, pickleball night, BBQ, tailgate, and so much more. It was all capped off with a fun Homecoming Dance on Saturday night. Thank you Student Leadership for organizing everything! It was a great week! Here are a few highlights.

Highland Homecoming Queen's from Years Past Recognized.

• Student Leadership invited past Highland Homecoming Queens to come to our Homecoming Assembly on Thursday 10/2 and be recognized. We even had the 1st Highland Homecoming Queen ever attend the assembly. We are grateful for all that came and participated. Thank you for your legacy and tradition you have helped establish and maintain as Highland Ram Homecoming Queens. 

Highland 2026 Homecoming Royalty Chosen and Recognized.

• In the same assembly Highland's 2026-27 Homecoming Royalty were introduced and they were again recognized during half-time at the Highland Homecoming Football Game v. Pocatello Thunder. Highland's 2026-27 Royalty includes:
  • Freshman Lord: Ian Butler.
  • Freshman Lady: Harper Hunt.
  • Sophomore Duke: Matthew Winward.
  • Sophomore Duchess: Alexis Brizzee.
  • Junior Prince: Keenan Garmendia.
  • Junior Princess: Sage Pierson.
  • King's 2nd Attendant: Spencer Roth.
  • King's 1st Attendant: Cameron Watson.
  • King: Colter Waite.
  • Queen's 2nd Attendant: Gemma Smith.
  • Queen's 1st Attendant: Burklee Tingey.
  • Queen: Mckenzie Winward.

Highland Homecoming Football Rams Beat Thunder 17-8 Extending Record to 3-3.

• Highland Varsity Football extended their win streak to 3 straight beating the Pocatello Thunder on Friday night at Highland Stadium in front of a packed Homecoming crowd 17-8. This Friday Highland plays at Madison High School for a huge district match up. Game is at 7pm at Madison Stadium in Rexburg, ID.

Highland Girls Soccer

• Highland Girls JV Soccer finished out their season with only 1 loss all season and Varsity finished their regular season with a number 1 seed in the district tournament. The first district game will be v. Thunder Ridge at Highland Stadium on Tuesday at 5pm. 

Highland Boys Soccer

• Boys JV Soccer also finished out their season on Saturday and Varsity also finished their regular season with a number 1 seed in the district tournament. Their first district game will also be on Tuesday v. Rigby at Highland Stadium at 7pm. 

Highland Cross Country-Bob Conley Meet at the Portneuf Wellness Complex

• Highland Cross Country did amazing at the Bob Conley Cross Country Meet at the Portneuf Wellness Complex on Thursday 10/1/26 competing against over 674 runners that participated. Highland's own Makenzie Tucker, won the girls race with a time of 18:59.5. Tucker's top time helped the Lady Rams finish 5th as a team overall. The Boys finished 7th overall. Great job Rams! 

Highland Marching Band, Cheer and Dance

• It was amazing to see the Highland Marching Band/Flag Team, Cheer, and Dance all perform together at the Homecoming Game half-time. 

Highland Staff Treat-Ice Cream Truck

• Highland Staff's Sunshine Club celebrated Homecoming on Thursday Night by handing out ice cream to teachers from a homemade ice cream truck! Thank you Alice and Tami and the Highland Sunshine Club for the yummy treats!

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HIGHLAND STUDENT WINS WORLD ARM WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP IN TOKYO, JAPAN

Congratulations to Highland student Ty Buetts who took 1st at the World Arm Wrestling Championships Junior U-15 +78kg Division in Tokyo, Japan! This is an amazing accomplishment and we are so proud of our Highland Ram,-#1 in Worlds, Ty Buetts! 

 

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IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY INDIGENOUS DAY CELEBRATION MONDAY 10/12/26

On behalf of the Idaho State University Indigenous Peoples’ Day Planning Committee, we invite students and staff from our local schools to join us for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Idaho State University.

This year’s theme is:

Beyond the Land Acknowledgment: Indigenous Knowledge. Sovereignty in Action.

This is a FREE event, and all students are encouraged to attend! Schools, classes, and student groups are welcome to participate in all or part of the day as schedules allow.

Schedule of Events

• 8:00 AM | Student-Led Tipi Raising
  • In front of the ISU Administration Building
• 9:30 AM | Event Registration Opens
• 10:00 AM | Opening Ceremony
  • We invite all visiting royalty and dancers to bring their regalia and join us in dancing in the flags during the Opening Ceremony.
• 10:30 AM | Indigenous Peoples’ Day Brunch, Networking & Entertainment
  • Featuring flute music by Hovia Edwards
  • Complimentary brunch will be available from approximately 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, while food lasts.
• 11:00 AM | Keynote Address: Tribal Sovereignty
  • Presented by Gaylen Edmo, JD, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member and Assistant General Counsel for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes
• 12:00 PM | Break & Entertainment provided by Tyson Shay (hand drum)
• 12:15 PM | ISU Student & Alumni Oratorical/Storytelling Competition
• 1:30 PM | Student Dance Exhibition
  • Students are encouraged to bring their regalia if they would like to showcase their dance style!
• 2:00–5:00 PM | Free Admission to the Idaho Museum of Natural History
• 6:00 PM | Contemporary Indigenous Fashion Show
• 12:00–8:00 PM | Food Trucks
  • Food will be available for individual purchase throughout the afternoon and evening. On-campus dining options will also be available.

Students are welcome to attend whether they are Native or non-Native. Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity for young people throughout our region to experience the ISU campus while learning about and celebrating Indigenous knowledge, culture, contemporary expression, and Tribal sovereignty.

Register for this FREE event (all students must be registered to attend):
https://www.isu.edu/ipd/register/

View the full agenda and event information:
https://www.isu.edu/ipd/

Please share this invitation and the attached flyer with your students, families, teachers, coaches, advisors, cultural programs, royalty, and other school staff.

We especially encourage student dancers and royalty to bring their regalia and participate in the Opening Ceremony and Student Dance Exhibition.

We hope to welcome many of our local students and schools to Idaho State University on October 12!

Sincerely,

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Planning Committee
Idaho State University

Echo Marshall

Director of Tribal Relations | Office of the President
Clifton Strengths: Empathy | Developer | Futuristic | Significance | Activator

Administration Building | Room 245A
921 South 8th Ave. Stop 8310 | Pocatello, ID 83209
(208) 282-4177 | Cell: (208) 604-7764 | echomarshall@isu.edu

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HIGHLAND KEY CLUB BLOOD DRIVE-OCTOBER 7th

Highland Key Club is sponsoring a Blood Drive at Highland on Wednesday, October 7th.  Students who are 16 and older can donate. 16-year-olds need parent permission. Students who donate will receive a $15 gift card by email! Contact Ms. Frasure in room B17 to sign up or to get a permission slip.

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HIGHLAND WRESTLING OPEN MATS START MONDAY 10/5/26

Anyone interested in wrestling, open mats start Monday at 6-8pm at 42 Princeton Ave, contact Coach Moysh through email or room C44. 

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SOPHOMORE PSAT DAY OCTOBER 14th, JUNIORS ALSO ENCOURAGED TO SIGN UP, FRESHMAN, JUNIORS, SENIORS VIRTUAL DAY.

Sophomore PSAT Day is coming up on Wednesday, October 14th. Juniors are also encouraged to sign up and participate but are not required to. Freshman, Juniors, and Seniors will have a virtual day this day. 

The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is offered each October and the results can provide valuable feedback about academic strengths and areas for improvement, while also offering tools to explore career interests and college options.

Juniors are also highly encouraged to take the PSAT and can register to take it by visiting the Junior Google Classroom and filling out the Junior PSAT Registration Google form.

ALL sophomores will be registered by the district to take the exam and will not need to complete a form. PSAT information and practice opportunities have been added to both the junior and sophomore Google classrooms. Please contact Mrs. Santos-Smith for questions.

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HIGHLAND CLASS OF 2027

Highland Class of 2027. Please check out all events and information for graduates for the year on the link=Highland Class of 2027 Important Information, Dates, & Events doc.

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FREE TUTORING IS AVAILABLE

Highland offers free tutoring to any student that needs it. The tutoring schedule is:

• General Tutoring=4-5pm Tuesday & Thursday Room B1.
• General Tutoring=4-5pm Wednesday & Friday Room B19. 
• Math Tutoring=4-5pm Tuesday & Thursday Room C26
• Math Tutoring=4-5pm Wednesday Room C39. 
• Set up an appointment with your own teacher. 

Remember that transportation home from tutoring is not provided. 

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ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Make a attendance a top priority as it is the #1 factor in student success at school. 

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To complete a Highland Virtual Present Request, students must take the following steps:

1. Come get the physical Teacher Signature Virtual Present Request Form from Principal Wallace.
2. Go to each teacher, make a plan to complete your work virtually for the dates requested, and have the teacher sign the form.
3. Take a picture of the form and upload it to the Highland Virtual Present Request Form Tri 1 and submit it.
4. Wait for a reply from Principal Wallace to grant approval.

For questions please contact Principal Wallace.
 

 

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COLLEGE & CAREER ADVISORS

Dear Highland Students & Families,

Opening October 1st . . . 

The following applications and platform, crucial to Highland seniors, will open on October 1st:

• The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Apply Idaho (giving students the opportunity to apply to any or all of the ten Idaho colleges, universities, and training programs – and it’s free)

• Scholarship Idaho (from which students can apply for either the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship or the Launch grant, or the competitive Governor’s Cup Scholarship)

The URLs for further information on each are here:

FAFSA:  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Apply Idaho:  https://apply.nextsteps.idaho.gov/Account/Login

Scholarship Idaho:  https://scholarships.idaho.gov/

Hold the Phone! The FAFSA is Now Open!

We do not peddle in fake news or misinformation, but no sooner did we get ready to post this information to the newsletter when we found out that the government opened up the FAFSA today, September 25th. The sooner you get that baby done, the better. The KickStart will be a prime opportunity to do that, but students could come in with their Social Security #, their phone, and a ChromeBook, and we can help them get their part done. Follow the URL above. The state of Idaho platforms noted will open on October 1st.

MAKE NOTE: Senior KickStart, Wed., October 14. 

This senior extravaganza will be at the PV-TEC Building from 10 am to 6 pm (it is PSAT day for sophomores and a virtual school day for first years, juniors, and seniors) on Wednesday, October 14th. At this event, students and their families can apply to state of Idaho schools and training programs, state scholarships, the FAFSA, visit with military recruiters, learn about out-of-state schools, BYU-I will be there to assist with their application, and more. Broad information sessions will be on the hour from 10 am to 5 pm, and then students can set themselves to work. Lots can get done in one day – which is the goal. Stop by any time during the day and bring your families.

Idaho State – Experience the Roar, Pocatello, Wed., Oct. 14

ISU / Pocatello’s premier fall enrollment event is “Experience the Roar” on Wednesday, October 14th, from 6 to 9 pm so it will not conflict with school or most after-school activities. At this open house-type event, students and families can learn about academic and training programs, scholarships, timelines for completion. Faculty and program staff will be there to provide information and answer questions. If you think you know ISU, this is the time and place to see how much more there is to learn. Please register by going to this URL:

https://www.isu.edu/experience/

BYU-Idaho Campus Day, Friday, October 16

If you are interested in, or already plan to apply to BYU-Idaho, consider attending their Campus Day. It will run from 8 am to 4 pm, featuring a department fair, campus tours, student life and housing, adventures of various kinds, and a tour of departments based on your interest. The day wraps up with application assistance, but you can also do your BYU-I application at the Senior KickStart on October 14th (our BYU-I rep will be there all day to help with applications). You will need to speak to Mr. Wallace about missing school that day. Mark your calendar if BYU-I might be in your future. 

Portneuf Valley College Fair, Monday, October 26 

At ISU, in the morning. We will be taking juniors and seniors, by bus, who sign up with the CCAs. All the Idaho schools, training programs, out of state schools and colleges, military recruiters, cosmetology programs, and much more will be there. Great opportunity.

OK, time to close the book on this week. It is lovely fall weather. Enjoy it – and each other.

Highland College Career Advisors

Alice Rowe

Sarah May Clarkson

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EXTRACURRICULARS'

Highland Fall Extracurriculars are now in full swing, practicing every day. We encourage all students to participate in an extracurricular-a club, a sport, an activity, wherever their talents and interests lead them. If students want to start a club, come speak with Mr. Bell in the front office when the school year begins. Each week we will post the activities happening that week at Highland here, in the newsletter..... 

Monday 10/5/26:

• 12pm Highland Art Club Meeting @ lunch in Mrs. Childers room, Room C41.

Tuesday 10/6/26:

• 1pm Highland Girls/Boys Varsity Golf-Regionals @ Sand Creek Golf Course-Idaho Falls, ID.
• 5:30pm Highland Freshman/JV Volleyball v Thunder Ridge @ Highland High School Gym.
• 7pm Highland Varsity Volleyball v Thunder Ridge @ Highland High School Gym.
• 5pm Highland Varsity Girls Soccer v. Thunder Ridge District Tournament @ Highland Stadium.
• 7pm Highland Varsity Boys Soccer v. Rigby District Tournament @ Highland Stadium.

Wednesday 10/7/26:

• Highland Key Club Sponsored Blood Drive @ Highland Gym-16 and older can donate (16 yrs old must have a permission slip). 
• 9:30am Highland Varsity Girls/Boys District Golf Tournament @ Sand Creek Golf Course-Idaho Falls, ID.
• 4:30pm Highland Freshman Football v Madison @ Highland Stadium.
• 7pm Highland JV Football v Madison @ Highland Stadium.

Thursday 10/8/26:

• 12:30pm Creative Writing Club @ Lunch in Mrs. Pauline Smith's Room, Room C42.
• 3:30pm Highland Cross Country Doug Root Invite @ Desert Canyon Golf Course-Mountain Home, ID.
• 5:30pm Highland Freshman/JV Volleyball v Century @ Highland Gym.
• 7pm Highland Varsity Volleyball v Century @ Highland Gym.
• Highland Boys/Girls District Soccer Game v TBD @ TBD.

Friday 10/9/26: MIDTERM 1ST TRIMESTER

• Highland Freshman Volleyball Tournament @ Highland Gym. 
• 7pm Highland Varsity Football @ Madison High School-Rexburg, ID.

Saturday 10/10/26:

• Highland JV Volleyball Tournament @ Madison High School-Rexburg, ID.
• Highland Varsity Girls/Boys Golf Travel to State Tournament @ Avondale Golf Course-Coeur d'Alene /Hayden Lake, ID.
• 9:45am Highland Swim v Canyon Ridge @ Twin Falls City Pool-Twin Falls, ID
• Highland Boys/Girls District Soccer Game v TBD @ TBD.

Monday 10/12/26:

• Highland Varsity Girls/Boys Golf State Tournament @ Avondale Golf Course-Coeur d'Alene /Hayden Lake, ID.
• 12pm Highland Art Club Meeting @ lunch in Mrs. Childers room, Room C41.

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