Howards Grove High School
Parent/Guardian Newsletter, September 2026
At Howards Grove High School We Believe:
In making students feel included, seen, and valued.
The best thing we can give our students is the belief they can.
That every student belongs and should be proud to be part of the tiger community.
In providing positive experiences and nurturing relationships.
Important Dates
September 21, School Board Meeting 6PM
September 22, Buff Ball
September 23, Powderpuff Football Game 7PM
September 25, Homecoming Parade 2PM, Homecoming Football Game 7PM
September 26, Homecoming Dance 7PM
September 28, Picture Retake Day
October 12, NO SCHOOL (PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY FOR STAFF)
October 13, 14, 15, Challenge Days, Camp Y-Koda, PreACT/ACT Testing, Community Service Day
October 21, Financial Aid Night in the Auditorium
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year
Dear High School Families,
It has been a wonderful start to the school year! Over the past several weeks, I have enjoyed seeing our students reconnect with friends, establish relationships with their teachers, settle into classroom routines, and become involved in the many opportunities our high school has to offer. I am grateful for the energy our students bring to the building each day and for the dedication of our staff in creating a welcoming environment where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow.
As we move beyond the first few weeks of school, our focus continues to be on both academic success and a strong sense of belonging. High school is about much more than earning credits and preparing for what comes next; it is also a time for students to discover their interests, build meaningful relationships, develop independence, and learn how to advocate for themselves. We encourage our students to get involved, ask for help when they need it, take positive risks in their learning, and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Thank you to our families for your continued partnership and support. The connection between home and school is incredibly important, and we appreciate the trust you place in us each day. I look forward to sharing the many accomplishments, experiences, and celebrations happening throughout our high school this year. We are off to a great start, and I am excited about what lies ahead for our students and our school community.
All the best,
Angie
JUNIORS: PSAT/NMSQT
Any interested junior student is invited to take the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Exam here at the high school. The exam will take place on Tuesday, October 27th. Registration instructions were sent via email to students/parents. Cost of the exam is $18. Deadline to register is September 28th.
Welcome to Alesia, Elvira, and Lea!
This year at HGHS, we are fortunate to have 3 international exchange students joining our student body. These students have traveled from around the world to experience life and education in the US and we are thrilled they have chosen Howards Grove to be a part of that journey. Hosting exchange students is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to learn about different cultures, traditions and perspectives while also sharing the warmth and spirit of our Tiger community.
Please join us in welcoming:
Alesia Stefanache - Alesia is joining us from Romania. She enjoys drawing, playing volleyball, going to the gym, listening to music, reading and spending time with friends. At HGHS she is already involved with the Dance team. This year, she is most looking forward to making new friends and forming lifelong connections to people in our community.
Elvira Petre - Elvira is joining us from Romania. She spends her free time silversmithing and creating. She likes making crafts, sewing, scrapbooking, and music. Elvira is a member of the HGHS Cross Country team and plans to do track in the spring. She is most looking forward to making friends and trying new activities and having new experiences. She is also very excited to celebrate Halloween!
Lea Niederer - Lea is joining us from Switzerland. She enjoys horsebacking riding, skiing, and mountain climbing. Lea has already become involved in our community as a member of the tennis team. She is most looking forward to Homecoming.
Guidance Office Updates
COLLEGE REP VISITS
Colleges will start to visit the HS during lunch and Advisement - Students of any age can sign up to learn more about any visiting program or institution.
SENIOR ACP SEMINARS
Throughout the school year, all seniors are required to meet with Mrs. Neave, HS Counselor, several times to make sure that students have the information, resources, and support needed for their senior year and beyond. The first of these meetings will occur with all seniors at the end of September. Various check points will happen during the winter and spring months as well.
INFORMATION FOR SENIOR STUDENTS & PARENTS
Please be on the lookout for regular emails from the HS Guidance Department with important details and resources pertaining to senior year. Regular information will be shared with parents throughout the year to assist with planning and preparation for life after HS. Please reach out to Mrs. Neave at any time with questions or if you are in need of additional support.
Howards Grove High School Athletics & Activities Registration is Still Open!
All documents will be completed online. All athletes will need a current physical form in the system. Before uploading a new physical form, please make sure it is completed, signed and dated by provider and parent to be valid. Physical Form
We encourage you to register for all sports you plan to participate in when you register. In doing so, you will not have to complete this process at the start of each season. Fees will be added to Skyward at the start of each season. You can pay this fee through eFunds or by bringing payment to the HGHS Office.
NEW THIS YEAR! We are asking for all clubs and activities to register as well. If you have previously registered through an Arbiter Registration account, please log into your existing account and go to the Activities Registration.
If you need assistance with your online registration, please reach out to Arbiter Registration Support at 800-311-4060 or registration@arbitersports.com
What Is Challenge Day?- October 13, 14, 15
Challenge Day is a powerful, interactive program designed to help students build stronger connections, increase empathy, and create a more positive and supportive school community. Throughout the day, students participate in engaging activities and guided conversations that encourage them to look beyond first impressions, recognize shared experiences, and better understand one another.
The program focuses on breaking down barriers that can separate students and replacing them with acceptance, respect, and positive peer support. Challenge Day also helps students develop tools to strengthen self-esteem, reduce teasing and exclusion, and build healthier relationships with their peers.
Ultimately, Challenge Day encourages students to “Be the Change” they want to see in their school and community. Our hope is that students leave the experience feeling more connected, supported, and empowered to help create a school environment where every student feels valued and belongs.
Thank you to the Howards Grove Education Foundation for funding this program this year!
More information coming to families/students soon.
High School Homecoming Dress Up Days!
High School Homecoming Activities!
Attendance Matters!
Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s success at the high school level. Each day provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful instruction, participate in class discussions, build relationships with teachers and peers, and stay connected to their learning. When students miss school, even occasionally, it can become difficult to make up not only assignments, but also the conversations, collaboration, and instruction that happen in the classroom.
We understand that illness and other circumstances may require students to be absent, but whenever possible, we encourage families to prioritize daily, on-time attendance. Thank you for partnering with us to help our students build strong habits, remain engaged, and make the most of every opportunity at school. Every day matters, and every student matters.
The School District of Howards Grove does not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected under State or Federal law including, but not limited to, race, color, age, sex, creed or religion, handicap or disability, marital status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, military service (as defined in 111.32, Wis. Stats.), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry.