Dear Highlands Families,
What a wonderful start we’ve had to the school year! The energy in our building has been incredible, and it has been exciting to see students diving into learning, reconnecting with friends, and settling into strong routines. With well-balanced class sizes, our students are receiving even more individual attention and support, which will help make this an exceptional year.
We are also thrilled to welcome several amazing new staff members to Highlands. Their talent, experience, and passion for students have already made a positive impact, and we feel fortunate to have them on our team.
In addition to the great start in classrooms, I am excited to share some outstanding news. Highlands received one of the highest ratings possible from the Colorado Department of Education on the School Performance Frameworks. Among the 59 schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District, Highlands earned the second-highest score. This remarkable achievement is a true testament to our amazing community, our supportive families, and our talented and dedicated staff who go above and beyond for students every day.
Looking ahead, we have many exciting things planned for this school year—opportunities for students to grow, engage, and thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are making Highlands a place where every child can succeed.
Sincerely,
Ryan Ball
- September 15th – iPad insurance window closes
- September 17th – Pack the Park Night @ 6pm
- September 19th – HHH Applications and Permisions Due
- September 26th – Fun Run
- Sept 30th, October 2nd and October 7th – Parent Teacher Conferences
- October 1st – Hearing and Vision Screening
- October 10th – NO SCHOOL
- October 13th – NO SCHOOL
Highlands’ Leadership Club (HHH)
Dear Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Families,
We are looking for students interested in joining our Hawks Helping Hands (HHH) Student Leadership Club. The club meets once a month, before school. Our overall focus is to explore opportunities that serve our school and community while demonstrating leadership skills.
Students interested can get an application from their teacher, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Starzynski or one is attached here. Applications and permission forms are due back no later than Friday, September 19. Applications will be reviewed and students notified by Friday, September 26. We are excited for another great year with our Highlands’ leadership team!
Pack the Park Night
Looking for a fun way to support some of our amazing Highlands students? Join us for Sandlot League’s Pack the Park on Wednesday, September 17 at 6 PM at The Ballpark @ Erie! This adaptive baseball league includes several of our past and current students—let’s celebrate another successful season together. Wear your Highlands gear, bring your cheers, and show our friends some big community spirit!
Please direct any questions to Michelle moon [email protected]
Hearing and Vision Screening
There will be a vision and hearing screening at your school on October 1st. Your
child(ren) may be on the list to be screened. Please encourage them to wear their glasses to school on this day. If the screening indicates your student needs further evaluation, you will be notified by mail. Please consult your school’s health clerk if you have questions or concerns.
Here is a link for further information about the Colorado Department of Education’s guidelines for vision screenings: https://www.cde.state.co.us/shs/visionscreeningk122016
Please click on the image above to view the PTO newsletter.
Insurance Window Closes Soon!
The Learning Technology Program Student iPad Insurance window will close on September 15th. Parents who wish to join the insurance pool for the current school year will need to make at least a partial payment before that date. All students are eligible to join the insurance pool for the school year.
This optional insurance fee will be voided on September 15th if no payment has been made.
2025-2026 Student iPad Insurance: $25.00
Please note, outstanding insurance balances from last year must be paid in full before new insurance is added.
The iPad insurance fee will be reduced or waived for students eligible for a free or reduced price lunch under the federal poverty income guidelines and homeless students as defined by McKinney-Vento. If you have families who are in the process of applying for these programs, they may make a minimum payment to opt into the insurance while the application is being processed.
FUN RUN GOAL AND PRIZE UPDATE
Highlands Elementary School is making great strides in the 2025 “Around the World” Fun Run, having raised $14,380 so far—22% of the $65,000 goal! With 29% of students registered and 19% already receiving donations, there’s still time to get involved before the final donation deadline on September 30, 2025. Families can register or log in at www.getmovinfundhub.com using school ID 610d436ad0451, donate to support their child, and share their child’s fundraising page with friends and family—sharing is the most impactful way to help! Every contribution supports students and classrooms directly. Don’t forget to check if your employer offers matching donations for an even bigger impact. Questions? Email [email protected]. Let’s hit our goal together!
Don’t miss out on fantastic prizes!
Highlands PTO would like your help to fill the staff lounge with drinks and snacks for the staff to enjoy throughout the first semester. We will be collecting items in front of the school from 8:45 to 9:15am on September 17th. Thank you for helping us appreciate our Highlands staff!
Gifted and Talented Referrals
Each year, schools in St. Vrain Valley School District complete a process to identify students who demonstrate exceptional ability or performance in one or more academic and/or talent areas and may, therefore, qualify for Gifted/Talented educational services. These students usually perform at least two years above grade level in their strength area(s), and they require additional academic challenges in order to support their continued educational growth and progress. In addition, they usually demonstrate characteristics of unique creativity and high motivation in their strength areas.
Referrals are open through the month of September and will close on the last day of the month. Referrals after that date will be addressed on a case by case basis. Completing a referral guarantees a review of the student profile to determine if testing is recommended for the student. The process for identification requires a body of evidence and often takes place throughout the school year.
The process takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Please note: All 2nd grade students will take the CogAT Screener this fall. You do not need to submit a referral for your 2nd grade child.
JoLene Lewis
Link to the Referral form
OR
Dear parents,
School pictures are ready!
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student’s student ID number.
All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.
More about the Smilesafe program here.
Thank you!
Behavioral Code of Conduct
Thank you for your partnership and supporting the academic growth, safety, and well-being of our students. Every year, St. Vrain Valley Schools prints an up-to-date version of the Code of Conduct for students and families to review. This important document guides students and school staff on what expectations for school conduct and the consequences for behaviors that fall outside of those expectations. It is important that families review this information every year and acknowledge their receipt and understanding of this document.
To this end, please click here to access an electronic version of the Code of Conduct for the current school year. After you have reviewed this information, all families must sign an electronic acknowledgement that they have received, read, and understand the information contained, including the Annual Notification to Parents/Guardians; Behavioral Code of Conduct; Rights and Responsibilities of Students and Parents; and Board of Education Policies book. To sign your electronic acknowledgement, please follow the steps described here.
Again, thank you for your continued partnership and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me directly at [contact information].
Sincerely,
Principal Ryan Ball
Student Fees & Payments
You can pay school fees through either Revtrak or Infinite Campus.
- Revtrak: For field trips, class shirts, and special classroom supplies (like music recorders).
- Infinite Campus: For materials fees, iPad insurance, and preschool tuition.
Join us down on Briggs Monday 9/15!
6:00-8:00 pm and a SVVSD drove show to follow at Coal Creek Park.
Games and booths hosted by EHS students.
Erie Youth Girls Basketball Camp Series – Fall 2025
Calling all 3rd–8th grade girls! Join the Erie High School coaching staff and varsity players for a fun and engaging basketball camp series focused on skill development, teamwork, and more.
Camp Dates: October 4, October 11, October 25
Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cost: $40 per day — choose one, two, or all three sessions!
Use the QR code on the flyer to register!
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from the best and grow your game in a supportive and energetic environment!
Sept 11th is youth night at our home volleyball games! All youth in Erie Volleyball shirts get in for free!
Join the Erie High School Spirit Teams for a fun Junior Tigers Clinic for kids in Kindergarten through 6th grade! The clinic will be held on Monday, September 29th from 4–6 PM, with a performance at the soccer game on Tuesday, September 30th at 6 PM. Participants will learn cheers and a halftime routine, and receive a T-shirt, bow, and pom-poms. Registration closes September 15th.
Location: Erie High School, 3180 Co Rd 5, Erie, CO 80516
Register at: eriedanceteam.com/junior-tigers
Helpful Links:
Free and Reduced Lunch/Education Benefit Form
Recent Updates
View our latest news and announcements
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Register for 2025-2026 Transportation Services
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