We may have missed National Custodian Day yesterday, but we still want to take a moment to celebrate and thank our incredible custodial staff - Tara, Marib, and Debbie! Their hard work and dedication keep our school clean, safe, and welcoming every day!
My WIN for the week is ___________.
We are excited to spotlight Rita Graham, one of our dedicated teachers at HVS. With experience teaching Reading, Business, and PE, Mrs. Graham brings a wide range of skills and creativity into the classroom.
In addition to teaching, Mrs. Graham also sponsors our FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) chapter, where students gain valuable leadership skills, explore entrepreneurship, and prepare for industry certification.
Known for being encouraging, friendly, and student-focused, Mrs. Graham makes learning engaging and meaningful across every subject.
We are grateful for the positive energy and dedication Mrs. Graham brings to our school every day! 💙
What's Up Wednesday!
For a recent assignment, Mrs. Graham’s virtual PE students explored health and fitness topics by creating these original informational posters. Even though they’re learning online, our students still get projects that let them research, create, and showcase their knowledge in creative ways!
Where is my assignment?
On the last slide of the lesson.
At HVS, you are in control of your learning. There is work you will complete online, and if you need assistance, you have a certified teacher to reach out to!
HVS teachers are here and ready to support you as you go through your courses.
Why would I cheat on my exam when I can use...
... my brain?
Teacher Feature!
We are proud to spotlight Brandy Simmons, our amazing Front Office Jane-of-all-Trades. Her workday includes serving as the Data Operator, Attendance Clerk, and On-Campus Nurse for both HVS and the Academy.
Fun Fact: Mrs. Brandy has recently been promoted to Mimi!
Her kindness shines through each day as she greets every student with warmth and respect. Because of her dedication and positive impact, Mrs. Simmons has been named our School-Related Employee of the Year! 🎉
We are so thankful for everything she does to keep our schools running smoothly and our students supported. 💙
Attendance at Highlands Virtual School looks a little different than in a traditional setting. At HVS, students are considered present when they:
✅Are passing all of their classes
✅Have no missing assignments
When a student misses 2 days per month:
✔️They will miss 20 days a year.
✔️They will miss over a year of school by graduation.
✔️When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their chances of graduating.
Please be sure that you are in your Live Lesson, Boot Camps, and Bubble Group meetings this week.
All Week 7 work is due on Friday!
We will also have our Freestyle Friday meeting at 10:30 on Friday followed by homeroom.
Wednesday is an early release we will not have lessons after 2:00PM.
FBLA is having a bake sale so be sure to stop by the office for some yummy treats!!!
Have a great week!
HVS teachers share why they applied to college - and why you should too! #WhyApply
🎓Experience new challenges
🎓Invest in yourself
🎓Make lasting friendships
🎓Gain confidence
🎓Discover your passions
🎓Study abroad
🎓I saw my mom go back to school after having a family
🎓Education was my way out of poverty
🎓To prove that high school dropouts can do it
🎓Higher earning potential
🎓Be the first in your family
🎓Stand out to employers
🎓Experience life beyond your hometown
Share your story and use the hashtag #WhyApply
Did you know…
✨ Learning another language improves memory and problem-solving skills.
✨ It opens doors to travel, careers, and global connections.
✨ Bilingual students often perform better academically and have more opportunities in the future.
🗣️ Whether it’s Spanish, French, or another language, every new word you learn builds your brain power and your future success.
👉 Start small, stay consistent, and watch your skills grow!
Mrs. Cabrera has been a valued member of HVS since 2020.
Mrs. Cabrera has taught both middle school and high school Science classes, as well as served as the Spanish teacher for students throughout the district.
Mrs. Cabrera brings a positive attitude every day and is great at working behind the scenes with all kinds of groups on campus, from AVID to Graduation. As a Senior Committee Member, she contributes to fundraising efforts and helps prepare the event space for graduation night.
In her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her granddaughter, Matilda.
Thank you for all of your efforts in making our school shine!
Have a fun or memorable story about Mrs. Cabrera?
Share it in the comments below!
Senior Picture Day is September 30, 2025
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
3560 US Hwy 27 S, Sebring, FL 33870
Order today on mylifetouch.com
Create an account or log in with your Picture Day ID: EVTCCVBSH
See Senior Tile for full details on outfit guidelines.
Shout out to our bilingual and language learning students!
Give us a situation in which you have used (or wish you knew) another language.
Their dedication and big hearts make a difference every single day - so well deserved!
🌍 Tips for Learning a New Language
*Practice every day – Even 10 minutes counts! Consistency matters more than cramming.
*Start with everyday words – Learn greetings, numbers, food, and things you actually use.
*Listen like a local – Watch shows, listen to music, or follow social media in that language.
*Speak out loud – Don’t just read it—say it. Your brain remembers better when you hear yourself.
*Make mistakes (and laugh at them!) – Mistakes mean you’re learning.
*Use flashcards or apps – or even sticky notes around your room.
*Find a friend – Practice with someone else, even if they’re learning too.
*Celebrate small wins – Ordering food, saying hello, or understanding a phrase is success!
👉 Remember: The more you use it, the faster you’ll learn it.
