Dear Highland Middle School Community,

I am excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Highland Middle School. My journey with Highland began in 2021, when I joined HMS as the assistant principal. This past year, from November 2023 through June 2024, I had the opportunity to serve as the interim principal, a role that deepened my connection to this community. Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of working alongside our incredible staff, students, and families, and I am so happy to continue this work as the new building principal.

Prior to my time at Highland, I spent 11 years at Orange-Ulster BOCES as both a teacher and an administrator. This experience was instrumental in shaping my experience and dedication to supporting students and families facing barriers to learning. It provided me with a solid foundation that prepared me for the unique and rewarding challenges of Highland, setting the stage for my career as an educational leader.

As we look forward to a fresh start after last year’s disruption caused by the fire, our focus will be on settling back into our middle school home with renewed vigor and a clear emphasis on student learning, achievement, and positive behavior supports. Middle school is a pivotal time in the lives of young adults, shaping them academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated team at HMS is committed to providing robust support and engaging programming to prepare our students for bright futures beyond Highland Middle School.

I am genuinely enthusiastic and optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead for HMS, and I look forward to working together with all of you to create a nurturing, dynamic, and inspiring educational environment. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Sincerely,

Andrew Carnright
Principal