Dr. Monique Mawhinney

Superintendent

724-226-2400, ext. 5606

mmawhinney@goldenrams.com

Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year: Growing Together!

Dear Highlands School District Staff and Families,

I hope your summer has been restful, restorative, and filled with moments of joy with loved ones. As we return to our classrooms, offices, and schools, we do so with renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose.

This year, we proudly embrace our district theme: Growing Together. Growth is not just about numbers or scores—it’s about people, relationships, and the impact we make when we move forward together with intention, care, and shared vision. Each of us—educators, students, 
families, and community members—plays a vital role in shaping the future of Highlands. Together, we are not only preparing our students for tomorrow; we are reframing what’s possible today.

This year, we continue to build on the foundation of our district’s comprehensive plan, Reframing the Future, which outlines our shared priorities and direction. At the heart of this plan is our unwavering focus on student achievement and growth. We are committed to providing every student with the support and opportunities they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Hand in hand with this is a focus on teaching and learning—we will continue to strengthen instructional practices, provide aligned and rigorous curricula, and invest in meaningful professional development for our educators.

Equally important is the safety and security of our school community. We will remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining safe, welcoming environments for all students and staff. Operational efficiency is another critical priority, as we work to ensure that our financial and physical resources are managed wisely and strategically in support of district goals. And finally, we will continue to foster a collaborative community and culture—one rooted in trust, communication, and partnership among staff, families, and community members. Together, we are creating schools where every individual feels valued and connected.

We recognize that change and growth can be challenging, but they also offer powerful 
opportunities for innovation and unity. Let’s continue to be bold in our aspirations, supportive of one another, and relentless in our pursuit of what’s best for our students. Together, we are not just preparing for the future—we are reframing it.

Thank you for your continued partnership, passion, and dedication to our students. I look forward to all that we will achieve in the year ahead—as we continue growing together.

With Appreciation, 
Monique Mawhinney, Ed.D., Superintendent