RIVERSIDE

A summer program that is proposed for Highland Elementary School in June and July 2026 would replace the Camp Highland YMCA program that was previously run at the elementary school.

Courtney Dietze, a fifth-grade teacher at Highland Elementary, made the proposal to the Highland School Board at its regularly scheduled meeting Monday and received positive feedback from board members.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Board President Nate Robinson said.

“I think it’s awesome,” Board member Aaron Friederich said.

The program would run from June 1 to July 31, 2026, at Highland Elementary. Proposed hours are 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program would be open to students in pre-K through the fifth grade, and include academic and project-based learning in the mornings, and art, music, science and physical/sports activities in the afternoons.

Program staff still needs to be hired, but Dietze hopes Highland High School students will help in a variety of roles.

“We want the students there,” she said.

Dietze hopes to eventually tie the summer program into the district’s before and after school programs.

The cost is expected to be about $150 per week.

Sports Talk

Highland School officials are discussing possible athletics partnerships with the Lone Tree Community Schools district.

Lone Tree officials approached Highland about sharing teams in some sports due to low participation numbers. The number of sports aren’t yet specifically known, but spring sports, along with football, are tentatively being targeted.

Highland Board members agreed that more details are needed before making any decisions, and an in-person meeting should be scheduled instead of communication through email. Scheduled to represent the Highland district are Superintendent Spencer Lueders, Board members Nate Robinson and Dan Ruth, and Athletics Director Jody Fink.

Both districts canceled varsity football schedules last fall and opted for junior varsity schedules due to low participation numbers. Highland is searching for a new head football coach.

Board Action

The Board approved a Spirit Rock fundraiser for school field trips and activities.

The Board approved State Board supplemental funding applications for increased enrollment, open enrollment and English Learners Instruction.

Next Meeting

The Board will hold its next formal meeting at 5 p.m. January 12.