Dear Highlands Families,

To show our respect and support for Chief Justin McIntire and his family, the Highlands School District will operate on an asynchronous learning day next Wednesday, January 11, 2023. This means there will be no live instruction via zoom for students and no expectations for them to log into homeroom or any classes that day. Students should check their Google Classroom for schoolwork and have until Tuesday, January 17, 2023, to complete and submit it.  

Operating on an asynchronous learning day allows our families and their children to pay their respects by attending the funeral and procession that will follow. Giving them additional time to complete the work avoids parents worrying about returning home after an emotional day to complete schoolwork. It also allows district staff to be able to pay their respects as well. 

Next week is going to be very emotional for so many people. I hope you continue to take advantage of the district’s counseling services and the outside agencies that are providing services. Please let us know if your child is struggling in any way so that we can ensure they get the support they need.  

This is a time to pull together, be there for one another, and put any differences aside. This is one strength this faculty, staff, and community have repeatedly demonstrated. 

My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the McIntire family, their friends, our students, faculty, staff, and the community.  

God Bless, 

Dr. Mawhinney

Highlands Superintendent