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It is with great honor and excitement for Highland to announce that HHS/HMS Music Teacher John Straehle was nominated and selected for induction into the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) Hall of Fame for the class of 2026. The WMEA Hall of Fame is a public recognition honoring and celebrating those individuals who stand out for their years of service to the profession. These qualities include excellence in teaching, acts of service and mentorship in their region and across the state of Washington, excellence in leadership, service to WMEA, and of course their profound contributions to music education and the student musicians in their community. John will be honored at an induction ceremony in February 2026 at the Yakima Convention Center.

John has dedicated 36 year to music education in Washington State. He earned his B.A. in Music Education from Washington State University and his M.A. in Computer and Instructional Technology from Lesley University.

John began his career in 1990 teaching K–12 music in the Washtucna School District, where the Washtucna-Kahlotus 7–12 Wind Ensemble performed at the 1996 WMEA State Conference in Tacoma. From 1996–2002, he served as the WMEA Curriculum Officer for Small Schools and later became the first elected WMEA Small Schools Officer (2002–2006). He helped establish the WMEA Small Schools Wind Ensemble, creating more performance opportunities for students from smaller districts.

Since joining the Highland School District in 1999, John has built one of the region’s most respected programs. What began with eight high school and eleven middle school band students has now grown to 69 high school and 45 middle school musicians, plus a thriving HS choir of 40 students. His ensembles consistently earn top honors, including the Highland HS Wind Ensemble’s 2006 WMEA performance and the Highland HS Concert Choir’s upcoming appearance at the 2026 WMEA Conference.

A leader beyond the classroom, John serves as the Yakima Valley Music Educators Festival Coordinator and co-founded the Pacific Northwest Drum Major & Leadership Camp. He shares his life with his wife, Le Ann and their sons, Trenton and Dru.

 

Highland Middle School Orientation Night is Thursday, August 21 from 6:00pm-7:30pm. 

Parents and students will start in the HHS gym at 6pm for a presentation from the HMS principal Don Strother and HHS principal Jeremy Gillespie about this school year and school safety. Students will then have grade level meetings for students and parents to learn about important school success tips. Then students will meet their advisors, receive their class schedule, and meet their teachers while touring the school. Please contact the HMS office if you have questions - 509-678-8870

3rd grade supply list

4th grade supply list

5th grade supply list

2-Hour Delay

All Highland Schools will be on a 2-hour delay today, March 10. There will be no morning Preschool. Breakfast will not be served.

All Highland Schools will be on a 3-hour delay today, March 6. There will be no morning Preschool. Breakfast will not be served.

Todas las escuelas de Highland tendrán un retraso de 3 horas hoy, 6 de marzo. No habrá preescolar matutino. No se servirá desayuno.