Highland Elementary School

Highland Elementary School, home of the Hounds, serves over 500 Pre-K through 6 students within District U-46, fostering a welcoming, bilingual learning environment. Under Principal Anissa Upshaw-Lanotte and Assistant Principal Lisa Harrison, students start each day with a positive greeting, supported by a nationally recognized PBIS initiative, “Highland High-5,”—one of only five exemplar programs in Illinois.As a dual language school, Highland delivers instruction in both English and Spanish, nurturing academic growth and cultural fluency.With a student-teacher ratio of about 16:1 and a high percentage of economically disadvantaged learners, the school emphasizes consistency (“Every Minute Matters”) and inclusive community partnerships to prepare students for middle school and beyond.

Highly recognized PBIS program: The Highland High-5 initiative has earned national acclaim as one of only five exemplar PBIS programs in Illinois. New leadership for 2024–25: Principal Anissa Upshaw-Lanotte and Assistant Principal Lisa Harrison welcome Highland families to a dynamic school year, emphasizing respectful behavior during arrival and dismissal. Attendance focus: The school actively promotes the U-46 campaign “Every Minute Matters,” highlighting the importance of daily attendance and punctuality for student success.

1. What is the “Highland High-5” PBIS program all about? It’s a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports system that rewards kindness, respect, and responsibility. Highland’s High-5 is one of only five PBIS programs in Illinois earning national exemplar status—a testament to its strength in promoting positive culture. 2. How does Highland support bilingual learners? Highland is a certified dual-language school offering instruction in both English and Spanish. This approach nurtures literacy, academic achievement, and cultural fluency for native speakers of both languages. 3. Who leads the school, and what’s their vision? Principal Anissa Upshaw-Lanotte and Assistant Principal Lisa Harrison bring thoughtful leadership, focusing on student well-being, community harmony, and preparing every child for the next academic step. 4. How can families help with arrival and dismissal routines? Parents are encouraged to communicate calmly, model respectful behavior, and handle disagreements privately. Highland reminds families that students watch and learn from these behaviors—there’s also a protocol for unresolved conflicts. 5. How does Highland motivate attendance? Highland participates in the district-wide “Every Minute Matters” campaign. By emphasizing daily presence, the school reinforces that attendance is foundational to academic success, social development, and future readiness.