Highlands Middle School

2026-27 Leadership Announcement 📣

Kennewick School District is pleased to announce the selection of Rose Santoy Gilliam as the new principal of Highlands Middle School. She will officially take over the position starting July 1, 2026.

Gilliam brings 18 years of experience in education to the role, including nine years as an assistant principal at the middle and high school level. She currently serves as assistant principal at Sageview High School in Pasco.

Prior to this role, she served as assistant principal at Chiawana High School and Stevens Middle School in Pasco, Wash., and Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, Calif. Her educational career began as an English language arts teacher and AVID coordinator among other instructional support positions in California and Pasco, Wash.

“Ms. Santoy Gilliam is a student-centered leader who understands the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive,” said Rhonda Pratt, director of elementary education. “Her experience and commitment to helping students reach their highest potential make her an excellent fit for Highlands Middle School.”

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and teaching certificate from Washington State University, and a master’s degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University.

Last night at the Kennewick School District School Board meeting a former HMS Scottie, Diego Anguiano, was recognized as the outgoing Senior Student School Board Representative.
See the highlights at 7:23-11:00 and then his remarks at 14:26.
Loved also hearing the School Board members say such kind and supportive things about him!

Link: https://youtu.be/YGKF5Israws?si=bx6QBV7q6ul1jlxu

So excited to see just one of our amazing students showcase what we’d like all of them to be!

Congratulations Diego and can't wait to see your continued successes!!

Come to Highlands on Wednesday, June 10th to watch "A Million Miles Away" with your students!
This is the last family event before summer starts!
A Million Miles Away is a movie about Jose Hernandez and his path from a farm worker to becoming an engineer and an astronaut. A tale of perseverance, community and sacrifice to accomplish a seemingly impossible dream.

Doors will open up at 2:45 and movie will start at 3pm.
After the movie we will have a time for families to have some pizza and time to talk about lessons from the movie!

This is a FREE event-there will be some snacks for sale-but popcorn and pizza are FREE.

Due to this movie being a PG rating a student MUST be with their own parent in order to attend.
Please RSVP through ParentSquare so we have enough pizza for everyone!

We hope to see you there!

A special thank you to Kennewick School District Family Engagement for funding this amazing event!

Don't forget!! Sign up today for the Color Run! June 1st will be the best day ever!!

We are so proud of our SRO!!
Thank you Tim for ALL you do for us Scotties!!

John Goldsbury Award

Each year, the Pasco-Kennewick Rotary presents the John Goldsbury Award to one Kennewick Police officer and one Pasco Police officer. The award recognizes officers who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the highest standards of modern policing and the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

This year’s Kennewick Police Department recipient was School Resource Officer Tim Harris, and the Pasco Police Department recipient was Officer Adam Wright.

Both officers have nearly 20 years of service to our community and consistently demonstrate the professionalism, dedication, and commitment this award represents.

Congratulations to Officer Harris and Officer Wright for going above and beyond in service to our communities every day!

Thank you to Kennewick School District Family Engagement for supporting our school and families with Dual Language teacher classroom and office signs and amazing feather flags that will show the world how proud we are to be Scotties!!

So much fun to be had at this fundraiser!!

So proud of all the hard work these students are putting in to beautify their school!!
Great job Scotties!

Do you have a current 7th grade student who would make a great leader? 🌟

Encourage them to apply for WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Club! WEB is a mentorship program designed to help incoming 6th graders feel welcomed and supported as they transition into middle school.

Through this program, selected 8th graders serve as mentors who help build a strong, connected school community.

If you think your 7th grader would be a great fit, have them pick up an application in the front office or grab one from our current WEB Leaders who are tabling during 7th grade lunch.❤️

Peep Peep Peep!!
Chicks are hatching!!
Check them out on YouTube:

Stephanie Day Cavalcade of Authors books, read to you by Mrs. Day!