Reclaiming Athletic Dominance, Partnering with Community and Adding Career Pathways
As part of a larger effort to reinvent school programs and grade levels in the area, Highlands is in the middle of a multi-layered transformation led by Principal Darryl Hawthrone, a Highlands graduate.
The first layer is the name and grade level at the campus. Many years ago under the Grant district, Highlands became a seventh through twelfth grade academy, leading to an unexpected and dramatic drop in enrollment. Current students, families, staff and the Highlands Alumni Association are excited about the change to restore the campus to a comprehensive ninth through twelfth grade and change the name back to Highlands High School (HHS).
Recent wins on the athletic field are invigorating the return of the historically dominant Scots. The football and basketball teams won their league for the first time in more than 20 years. Cross country won the league for the fourth year in a row, and the wrestling team finished second in the league. At the root of the recent successes, three HHS coaches were recently named league coaches of the year.
On the academic side, Highlands has added more AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) study preparation classes and more AP (Advanced Placement) classes. More Highlands students took and passed the AP this year and received early college credit. The budding Academic Decathlon team is continuing to collect wins at the county tournament, this year taking a bronze medal in the Super Quiz.
Creative new Career Pathway options round out the school's transformation. This year, a one-of-a-kind “Woodshop Rocks” class offers students the opportunity to learn about woodworking and entrepreneurial skills while building a guitar from scratch. Students in the Digital Arts pathway explore the software, creativity and planning involved in creating dynamic web sites and digital media.
Next year, Highlands will add two pathways in the areas of Engineering and Bio Medical Sciences. These project-based programs also build hands-on skills that prepare students for college, career or both.
Students with an interest in public service and educational fields will like Highlands' Careers with Children pathway and the Scots Royalty Club. The Careers with Children pathway includes preparation for careers or further study in the areas of child care, teaching and working with non-profit and social services agencies that serve children.
The Royalty Club, an innovative public service opportunity, allows students to learn new skills while helping neighborhood schools and organizations through volunteer projects. Their next project, a partnership with the Highlands High Alumni Association is closer to home - a May 1st clean-up day at Highlands High School. The public, especially former Scots, are invited to the event to transform the campus grounds. Details are listed on the Highlands High website (www.haad.twinriversusd.org).