HRHS Announcement
New Policy Letter to Parents
Falcon Parents and Guardians,
I am thrilled to begin my first year as principal of Highlands Ranch High School. It was wonderful to welcome so many students and families to campus during Check-In yesterday. The excitement throughout the building made the start of a new school year feel very real, and it reinforced how fortunate I am to be joining the Highlands Ranch High School community. I look forward to partnering with you as we help every Falcon learn, grow, and thrive this year.
I hope you have been receiving our weekly communications, which include dates for upcoming events, such as the Freshman and New Student First Day on August 12, and the first day of school for 10th-12th grade students on August 13. This message contains essential information regarding new district policies and school practices that will affect all students.
Friday Late Start for Teacher Collaboration
Beginning August 21, 2026, Highlands Ranch High School will implement a 45-minute late start every Friday to provide dedicated collaboration time for teachers to analyze student learning, improve instruction, and plan together so we can better meet the needs of every student. School will begin at 8:20 AM on Fridays. You can find more information about this initiative, including FAQs, at this link.
Communication Devices (CDs)
The district has adopted policies JICJA and JICJA-R regarding the use of communication devices (CDs) at school. These include, but are not limited to, cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, and smart glasses. Here is our plan for implementing these policies at Highlands Ranch High School:
Storage: At the beginning of each class, students will place their communication devices in a teacher-designated storage location. Devices will be returned at the end of class. This expectation also applies during Homeroom/Access. Teachers will explain their specific classroom procedures. Appropriate accommodations will be provided for students with a documented need for a communication device.
Passes: Students are not permitted to carry devices with them when using restroom or other hall passes.
Emergencies: Teachers will review established procedures for handling devices during emergencies, such as evacuations or lockdowns. Please be assured that student safety is our primary concern.
Availability: Students may use their devices before school, during passing periods, at lunch, and after school.
Students who violate these policies will face progressive consequences, beginning with a warning and redirection, followed by parent contact, internal suspension, and potentially the loss of on-campus communication device privileges.
We recognize that these new expectations represent a change for students and families. Our staff is committed to implementing them consistently while helping students adjust successfully during the first few weeks of school.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Because cell phones will not be available as instructional devices during class, we expect all students to bring a laptop, Chromebook, or tablet to school daily for teacher-directed online activities. If you are unable to provide a device for your student, the school will have Chromebooks available for checkout starting the week of August 17. As supplies are limited, please act soon if your student needs assistance.
At Highlands Ranch High School, our goal is simple: every student will be known, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. The expectations outlined above are designed to create classrooms where students can focus on learning, teachers can provide their very best instruction, and every Falcon has the opportunity to succeed.
Thank you for your time and partnership. I hope you'll join us for one or more of these upcoming opportunities to connect with our school community:
August 10 – Falcon Academic Boosters (FAB) at 6:00 PM, Library
August 24 – School Advisory Council (SAC) at 5:30 PM, Library
August 26 – Back to School Night at 6:00 PM
As we begin the year together, please know that I value open communication. Whether you have a question, a concern, or something worth celebrating, I encourage you to reach out via email to sfiske@dcsdk12.org. Building strong partnerships with our families is essential to our success, and I look forward to getting to know you throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Scott Fiske
Principal, Highlands Ranch High School