08/21/2026
8/21/26
Dear Highland Staff and Families,
I am deeply inspired by the progress seen across our schools and community following the recent storm. My heartfelt gratitude and pride go out to everyone for your response to these challenges.
Our plan to return to school next week is still unchanged. Teachers will report for professional development on Monday, August 24. Students will report for the first day of school on Tuesday, August 25. If there are changes, we will notify you as soon as possible. We are so incredibly excited for the school year to officially begin!
All of our schools and the Administration Center now have power and wifi. Our custodians, food services, and technology staff are continuing to work every day to ensure that our buildings are ready to go for the start of the school year. Thank you very much to all of them for their efforts!
Here are some additional updates for you:
Transportation:
Our bus drivers are currently driving their bus routes to ensure we are fully prepared for the first day of school.
STOH Administration has worked closely with Highland Public Works to review our bus stops, and we are very thankful for the work they have done to clean them up for our students.)
You can find a list of our bus routes and other important information on our website: https://www.highland.k12.in.us/page/bus-routes
What's Next:
Staff & Student Schedule: Teachers will report for professional development on Monday, August 24, and students will begin their first day of school on Tuesday, August 25.
Elementary Back-to-School Nights: Scheduled for Monday, August 24. Please visit our website (https://www.highland.k12.in.us/article/3055500) for specific elementary building schedules.
Secondary Back-to-School Nights: Highland Middle School will host its event for parents on Wednesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m. Highland High School’s event will take place on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Make-up Days:
The Indiana Department of Education sent all Northwest Indiana superintendents the form to request waiver days. I will update you as soon as I receive confirmation on what may be approved.
We’ve also got some exciting news - all of our schools will have Domino’s Pizza available for lunch on the first day of school! Regular lunch meal prices apply.
Thank you all very much for your patience and understanding as we worked through this devastating storm together. As always, we will continue to keep you informed of any updates. Please enjoy your weekend, and we will see you next week!
Regards,
John Schwuchow, Ph.D.
Interim School Town of Highland Superintendent
Educating Today's Students for Tomorrow's Challenges
