Good morning,
This is a reminder that Open House is tomorrow. Hope to see you there.
This is a reminder that Open House is tomorrow. Hope to see you there.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - The countdown is on — just ONE month until the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 10. Take small steps now to get ready: Adjust sleep schedules a little each week, gather school supplies and organize backpacks, keep learning going with 20 minutes of reading or math each day, mark important school dates on your family calendar, and start practicing morning routines. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year!
Greetings, Hawk Families!
We hope you've been having a great weekend so far, and are ready for the adventure ahead. Stay up-to-date on the latest happenings at Highlands Estates Academy by checking out this week's Hawk Parent Newsletter right here: https://canva.link/rj2madio1i8edxi
Don't forget, in observation of Labor Day, school will be closed on Monday, September 7th. Find the time to rest up and recharge. We look forward to seeing your child back at school on Tuesday, September 8th.
Let's make it a great week!
Please join us for Open House on Thursday, September 10th.
Good afternoon, Highlands Estates Academy families,
We've had a great day of learning so far, but I wanted to make you aware of a security situation that we investigated today.
This morning, we received a report of a potential threat involving our school. The matter was immediately reported to law enforcement, and our staff worked closely with them to investigate. As part of that investigation, students were given opportunities to share information, and backpacks and belongings were searched as a precautionary measure.
Based on the information gathered, we were able to determine that the reported threat was unsubstantiated. While this incident did not involve a credible threat to our campus, please know that we take all reports of potential threats seriously and used this as an opportunity to remind students of the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns.
We also wanted to ensure that you were informed about this situation and reassured that we will always implement appropriate safety and security procedures whenever we become aware of a potential threat.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. We thank you for your support and partnership with us.
Best regards,
HEA Administration
We've had a great day of learning so far, but I wanted to make you aware of a security situation that we investigated today.
This morning, we received a report of a potential threat involving our school. The matter was immediately reported to law enforcement, and our staff worked closely with them to investigate. As part of that investigation, students were given opportunities to share information, and backpacks and belongings were searched as a precautionary measure.
Based on the information gathered, we were able to determine that the reported threat was unsubstantiated. While this incident did not involve a credible threat to our campus, please know that we take all reports of potential threats seriously and used this as an opportunity to remind students of the importance of immediately reporting any safety concerns.
We also wanted to ensure that you were informed about this situation and reassured that we will always implement appropriate safety and security procedures whenever we become aware of a potential threat.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. We thank you for your support and partnership with us.
Best regards,
HEA Administration
Highlands Hawks help us inform the community! What will voters see on the ballot this November?
The ballot language shows that funding will continue to support teacher and staff compensation, as well as arts and athletics.
We’re sharing the official language so our community can understand exactly what will appear on the November 3 ballot.
Learn more about the 1-mill referendum, including frequently asked questions and funding information, at www.duvalschools.org/vote.
For Teachers. For Students. For Duval. Our Progress Continues.
The ballot language shows that funding will continue to support teacher and staff compensation, as well as arts and athletics.
We’re sharing the official language so our community can understand exactly what will appear on the November 3 ballot.
Learn more about the 1-mill referendum, including frequently asked questions and funding information, at www.duvalschools.org/vote.
For Teachers. For Students. For Duval. Our Progress Continues.
Dear Hawk Parent/Guardians of students in grades 3-5,
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring system that is administered three
times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking
(B.E.S.T.) Standards. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in the first administration (PM1) of the Grade 3-5 Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) ELA Reading and
Mathematics assessments beginning on August 31st -September 4th.
✨Please carefully review the test administration letter here for more information regarding the test: https://canva.link/tdu0cjj49fpq2vr
If you have any questions related to this test administration, you may contact Ms. Matt or Dr. Brown at (904) 696-8754.
For more information about the Florida Statewide Assessments program, please visit the portal at
https://flfast.org/fsa.html.
We wish your child the very best on test day!
Thank you to our partners at RadiFi for a generous donation of school supplies.
Please join us for our first SAC meeting of the year on Thursday, August 27th at 5:00 p.m. in the Media Center.
Greetings, Hawk Families -- and welcome to week 3!
We hope you've had a great weekend and are recharged for the mission that awaits us. Check out this week's Hawk Parent Update Newsletter right here: https://canva.link/uepx106rz0vstdn
Let's make this week incredible! ✨
#MissionPossible
Dear Parent/Guardians of students in grades K-2nd,
Your Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 2nd Grade students will take the computer-based Florida Assessment of Student Thinking Assessment (FAST) PM1 beginning Monday, August 24th through Friday, August 28th. You will be provided information about how to see your students’ results after testing is completed.
Testing is an important opportunity for our scholars to demonstrate their progress, and your support at home makes a significant difference in their performance. To ensure your child is set up for success, please support them with the following:
Get a good night’s sleep – Aim for an early bedtime so they are well-rested and focused.
Eat a healthy breakfast – A nutritious meal helps with energy, concentration, and stamina during testing.
Arrive to school on time – Being punctual helps scholars begin the day calm and prepared.
The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) is a progress monitoring system that is administered three times per year to track your student’s progress in learning the Benchmarks of Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that your student will participate in the first administration of Star Early Literacy, Star Reading, and/or Star Math assessment. FAST assessments are computer-adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. The questions get less or more difficult depending on how your student responds, and each student will see different questions from a common item bank. The Star Early Literacy assessment typically takes less than 15 minutes to complete. The Star Reading assessment is usually completed in less than 20 minutes, and the Star Math assessment typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Your student’s results from PM1 are for informational purposes only, and you will be provided with information about how to see the results after testing is completed.
You or your student can interact with the online testing platform and review computer-based sample test items and certain released tests at home at https://flfast.org/families.html. For more information about the Florida Statewide Assessments program, please visit the portal at https://flfast.org/fsa.html.
If you have any questions related to this test administration, you may contact Assistant Principals, Ms. Matt or Dr. Brown at (904) 696-8754.
Thank you for partnering with us to help every Hawk succeed!
Sincerely,
Principal Natalya Richie-Graham
Greetings, Hawk Families -- and welcome to week 2!
We hope you've had a great weekend and are recharged for the mission that awaits us. Check out this week's Hawk Parent Update Newsletter right here: https://canva.link/uepx106rz0vstdn
Let's make this week incredible! ✨
#MissionPossible
Greetings, Hawk Families!
We are excited to officially kick off the 2026–2027 school year with you and your child tomorrow, Monday, August 10! The start of a new school year brings lots of excitement — and lots of important information to help everyone start strong. Please take a few moments this evening to carefully review our Week 1 Hawk Family Update for important reminders, updates, and information you’ll need for a successful first week.
View the Hawk Family Update here: https://canva.link/h5p4tuepoffyypz
We can’t wait to welcome our Hawks back to campus bright and early tomorrow morning! Thank you for your partnership, and have a wonderful evening.
Mission Possible begins tomorrow!
Greetings, Hawk Families!
We are just one week away from the first day of school, and we are so excited for all that the new school year will bring! Stay informed about the latest news, reminders, and upcoming events at Highlands Estates Academy by reading this week’s Hawk Parent Update:
View the newsletter here: https://canva.link/40mr8dtl53notfo
Rest, recharge, and get ready for an unforgettable school year. 🙂We look forward to welcoming you and your child back on Monday, August 10th!
Greetings, Hawk Families! 👋
We hope you’re enjoying a restful summer break and feeling recharged for an exciting new school year! The first day of school is Monday, August 10, and we can’t wait to welcome our scholars back to Highlands Estates Academy in just a few weeks.
As you prepare for the year ahead, please take a moment to review our Hawk Parent Update for important information, upcoming dates, programs, and everything you need to help your child start the year strong.
📰 Read the Hawk Parent Update here: https://canva.link/8kg0bto13bbo85h
Have an amazing week! 😊
🌍📚 ONE FINAL MISSION. ONE LAST OPPORTUNITY. 💙💛
HEA Families,
It’s hard to believe, but we’ve reached Week 7—our FINAL Saturday Storytime Mission before we welcome our Hawks back to school on August 10!
Over the past seven weeks, we’ve watched something incredible happen. Families made reading a priority. Children discovered new authors, explored new places through books, earned badges, enjoyed pizza, visited libraries, completed book response sheets, and built memories that will last long after summer ends.
Now, we have one final mission together.
This week’s theme, Reading Around the World, reminds us that a book can take us anywhere. Every page introduces a new culture, a new perspective, and a new opportunity to grow. While our summer mission is coming to an end, our love for reading is just getting started.
🌟 Final Mission Challenge 🌟
Before school begins, create one more unforgettable family reading memory.
📚 Read together.
📸 Take one final family reading photo.
📝 Complete your Storytime response sheet.
📖 Visit your local library one last time—or revisit your favorite book from this summer.
❤️ Then tell us…
“What was your family’s favorite Saturday Storytime memory?”
We would love to celebrate your journey and reflect on the moments that made this summer so special.
🍕 Don’t forget to submit your completed response sheet for your chance to enjoy FREE pizza from me!
💳 Every completed submission will also be entered into our $25 Visa Gift Card drawing.
As we prepare to welcome everyone back on August 10, I want to thank every family who accepted this mission with us. You didn’t just help your child become a stronger reader—you showed them that reading is something families do together.
Thank you for helping us keep literacy alive this summer.
The mission may be ending…
…but the adventure of reading is just beginning.
I can’t wait to see our Hawks soar into a brand-new school year!
With gratitude and Hawk Pride,
Principal Natalya Richie-Graham 💙💛
Mission Possible: No Limits. No Excuses.
Read. Imagine. Soar.
#SaturdayStorytime #FinalMission #KeepLiteracyAlive #MissionPossible #ReadersAreLeaders #HEAReads #HawksReadToLead #BackToSchool #ReadImagineSoar
HEA Families,
It’s hard to believe, but we’ve reached Week 7—our FINAL Saturday Storytime Mission before we welcome our Hawks back to school on August 10!
Over the past seven weeks, we’ve watched something incredible happen. Families made reading a priority. Children discovered new authors, explored new places through books, earned badges, enjoyed pizza, visited libraries, completed book response sheets, and built memories that will last long after summer ends.
Now, we have one final mission together.
This week’s theme, Reading Around the World, reminds us that a book can take us anywhere. Every page introduces a new culture, a new perspective, and a new opportunity to grow. While our summer mission is coming to an end, our love for reading is just getting started.
🌟 Final Mission Challenge 🌟
Before school begins, create one more unforgettable family reading memory.
📚 Read together.
📸 Take one final family reading photo.
📝 Complete your Storytime response sheet.
📖 Visit your local library one last time—or revisit your favorite book from this summer.
❤️ Then tell us…
“What was your family’s favorite Saturday Storytime memory?”
We would love to celebrate your journey and reflect on the moments that made this summer so special.
🍕 Don’t forget to submit your completed response sheet for your chance to enjoy FREE pizza from me!
💳 Every completed submission will also be entered into our $25 Visa Gift Card drawing.
As we prepare to welcome everyone back on August 10, I want to thank every family who accepted this mission with us. You didn’t just help your child become a stronger reader—you showed them that reading is something families do together.
Thank you for helping us keep literacy alive this summer.
The mission may be ending…
…but the adventure of reading is just beginning.
I can’t wait to see our Hawks soar into a brand-new school year!
With gratitude and Hawk Pride,
Principal Natalya Richie-Graham 💙💛
Mission Possible: No Limits. No Excuses.
Read. Imagine. Soar.
#SaturdayStorytime #FinalMission #KeepLiteracyAlive #MissionPossible #ReadersAreLeaders #HEAReads #HawksReadToLead #BackToSchool #ReadImagineSoar
✨🚀 Every Great Dream Begins With a Story… 📚
HEA Families,
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children isn’t something we can wrap in a box—it’s the belief that their future has no limits.
This week’s Saturday Storytime Mission is all about Dreaming Big!
The books we’ve selected this week remind our Hawks that setbacks don’t define them, mistakes help us grow, and every successful person began with a dream and the courage to keep going.
As you read together this weekend, I encourage you to go beyond the pages of the book.
Ask your child:
💭 What do you dream of becoming?
💭 What problem would you like to solve one day?
💭 How can reading help you get there?
Those conversations have the power to shape confidence, inspire purpose, and remind our children that they are capable of extraordinary things.
🌟 This Week’s Family Mission
After reading together, create a “Dream Big” family vision page.
Have each family member write or draw one dream they’re working toward. Hang it somewhere in your home as a reminder that every dream begins with believing it’s possible—and every great reader is preparing for a great future.
📚 Read together.
📝 Complete your Storytime response sheet.
📸 Share a photo of your family reading or your Dream Big vision page.
🍕 Complete this week’s mission for a chance to enjoy FREE pizza from me!
💳 Every completed response sheet will also be entered into our $25 Visa Gift Card drawing.
Thank you for continuing this journey with me. Every Saturday, you’re doing more than completing a reading challenge—you’re investing in your child’s confidence, imagination, and future.
Because at Highlands Estates Academy, we believe…
Today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders.
With Hawk Pride,
Principal Natalya Richie-Graham 💙💛
Mission Possible: No Limits. No Excuses.
Read. Dream. Believe. Achieve.
#SaturdayStorytime #DreamBig #MissionPossible #ReadersBecomeLeaders #KeepLiteracyAlive #HEAReads #NoLimitsNoExcuses
HEA Families,
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children isn’t something we can wrap in a box—it’s the belief that their future has no limits.
This week’s Saturday Storytime Mission is all about Dreaming Big!
The books we’ve selected this week remind our Hawks that setbacks don’t define them, mistakes help us grow, and every successful person began with a dream and the courage to keep going.
As you read together this weekend, I encourage you to go beyond the pages of the book.
Ask your child:
💭 What do you dream of becoming?
💭 What problem would you like to solve one day?
💭 How can reading help you get there?
Those conversations have the power to shape confidence, inspire purpose, and remind our children that they are capable of extraordinary things.
🌟 This Week’s Family Mission
After reading together, create a “Dream Big” family vision page.
Have each family member write or draw one dream they’re working toward. Hang it somewhere in your home as a reminder that every dream begins with believing it’s possible—and every great reader is preparing for a great future.
📚 Read together.
📝 Complete your Storytime response sheet.
📸 Share a photo of your family reading or your Dream Big vision page.
🍕 Complete this week’s mission for a chance to enjoy FREE pizza from me!
💳 Every completed response sheet will also be entered into our $25 Visa Gift Card drawing.
Thank you for continuing this journey with me. Every Saturday, you’re doing more than completing a reading challenge—you’re investing in your child’s confidence, imagination, and future.
Because at Highlands Estates Academy, we believe…
Today’s readers become tomorrow’s leaders.
With Hawk Pride,
Principal Natalya Richie-Graham 💙💛
Mission Possible: No Limits. No Excuses.
Read. Dream. Believe. Achieve.
#SaturdayStorytime #DreamBig #MissionPossible #ReadersBecomeLeaders #KeepLiteracyAlive #HEAReads #NoLimitsNoExcuses
Hello Hawk Families,
I hope this message finds you well! The 2026–2027 school year is quickly approaching, and bus registration is officially open for the 2026–2027 school year. 🚌 If you would like your child to ride the bus, you must register your student for bus transportation. We also want to remind families of students receiving ESE services that bus registration is required in order for your child to receive a bus route. Without bus registration, bus transportation will not be provided.
Please review important bus transportation information right here here: https://www.duvalschools.org/page/transportation. On this page, you will be able to review bus eligibility, register for transportation, learn more about bus routes, and access other helpful transportation details. Bus transportation is a privilege, and we encourage all parents/guardians to carefully review bus safety expectations with your child once registration is complete.
Thank you, and have a great day!
Hello Hawk Families,
I hope this message finds you well! The 2026–2027 school year is quickly approaching, and bus registration is officially open for the 2026–2027 school year. 🚌 If you would like your child to ride the bus, you must register your student for bus transportation. We also want to remind families of students receiving ESE services that bus registration is required in order for your child to receive a bus route. Without bus registration, bus transportation will not be provided.
Please review important bus transportation information right here here: https://www.duvalschools.org/page/transportation. On this page, you will be able to review bus eligibility, register for transportation, learn more about bus routes, and access other helpful transportation details. Bus transportation is a privilege, and we encourage all parents/guardians to carefully review bus safety expectations with your child once registration is complete.
Thank you, and have a great day!
Hello Hawk Families,
I hope this message finds you well! The 2026–2027 school year is quickly approaching, and bus registration is officially open for the 2026–2027 school year. 🚌 If you would like your child to ride the bus, you must register your student for bus transportation. We also want to remind families of students receiving ESE services that bus registration is required in order for your child to receive a bus route. Without bus registration, bus transportation will not be provided.
Please review important bus transportation information right here here: https://www.duvalschools.org/page/transportation. On this page, you will be able to review bus eligibility, register for transportation, learn more about bus routes, and access other helpful transportation details. Bus transportation is a privilege, and we encourage all parents/guardians to carefully review bus safety expectations with your child once registration is complete.
Thank you, and have a great day!
