Home
Highland Elementary School
News & Events
Take a look at all the great things happening around HES!
Every day in school is critical.
As a four-day school week, if a Garfield Re-2 student misses just two days a month, that is about 30 hours of math instruction and 60 hours of English Language Arts instruction that they are missing.
“We know that the best indicator of student success is having a great teacher in front of students. We want all of our students in class if they are healthy,” said Assistant Superintendent Lisa Pierce, who facilitated the concerted effort by the District to support improved attendance.
The Garfield Re-2 School District will host the first Community Connected Fair on July 31, 2024 at Coal Ridge High School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Garfield Re-2 is bringing over 20 community organizations together under one roof for families to learn about, and sign up for educational and athletic programs. Organizations include local city recreation programs, youth football, youth wrestling, One Door, Boy Scouts, youth cheerleading, R.I.D.E and many more. Families can go to the Garfield Re-2 website (https://www.garfieldre2.net/departments/communications/community-connected-fair) for a complete list of organizations.
The Garfield Re-2 Board of Education approved the academic calendar for the 2024-25 school year during its March 13, 2024 meeting. The two-year adoption is similar to the current calendar.
School will begin for students in Garfield Re-2 schools—serving Rifle, Silt, and New Castle—on August 12. All staff will return on August 5, and new staff will report on July 29. Winter break will begin on December 23 and last until January 6, 2025.
Garfield Re-2 School District student enrollment continues to increase, despite the State seeing the lowest overall PK-12 enrollment levels since 2013.
The District added 124 students or 2.66% over last year, continuing a steady increase in students following the 2020-21 low of 4,526 as the nation emerged from COVID restrictions and online learning. According to the Colorado Department of Education, Garfield Re-2 is one of 65 Districts reporting flat or increased student enrollment.
Spaghetti holds a special place in the heart of Colton Niederwerder, a fifth-grader at Highland Elementary - it’s one of his favorite meals. His excitement to share his love of spaghetti with those less fortunate than himself is palpable.
Colton is a member of the Highland Elementary Student Council, a group of third, fourth and fifth graders who make a difference in their community. About once a month, the Highland student council members come together to prepare a meal at Lift-UP's Extended Table, hosted at the United Methodist Presbyterian Church.
See what our families have to say about Highland Elementary
Parent Survey Comment
"My kiddo has loved HES! We have loved the teachers, the high expectations, and the encouragement
they receive to be their best."
Parent Survey Comment
"HES is an amazing school. The culture and climate is phenomenal."
Parent Survey Comment
"Wonderful communication, friendly from the moment you walk in."
Parent Survey Comment
"Excellent Professionals who go the extra mile for the kids they serve. Hardest working staff I know. They care about the academic needs AND the social/emotional needs of their students."