Good morning, High Mount Families!

We are relieved and thankful to share that Prince has been located and is safe!

We want to thank our first responders, staff, families, and community members for their tremendous support throughout the search.

Our support staff will be available today for any students who may need someone to talk to.

Thank you for being such a caring and supportive school community! 💙💛

April Becherer

HMS Superintendent

5 days ago, Dave Chevess

UPDATE ON on Missing Student - Swansea Police Department

We are happy to report that Prince has been located relatively close to his home and in good shape. EMS personnel are evaluating him as a precaution. There is no indication of foul play in this case.

The Swansea Police Department would like to thank all of the community members, assisting agencies, and organizations for their tremendous support in this effort!

🚨 URGENT – PLEASE SHARE! MISSING STUDENT 🚨
High Mount School is asking for the community's help in locating Prince Carter, a 5th-grade student at High Mount School.
Prince got off his school bus this afternoon but did not arrive home. We are asking everyone to please keep an eye out for him. Pictures of Prince are included with this post.
If you have seen Prince or have any information about his whereabouts, please contact High Mount School immediately at 618-233-1054 or call 911.
Please share this post to help us get the word out and bring Prince home safely.
Thank you for your help and support!

URGENT Facebook Post - Missing Student

REPOST from Swansea Police Department. This is an emergency message from the Swansea Police Department. Be on the lookout for a missing juvenile approximately 10 years old, goes by the name of Prince. Black male, approximately 4'10, 80 lbs., short afro style hair, wears black rimmed glasses.
Last seen wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and carrying a backpack in the area of Pawnee and N 2nd St around 2pm.
If you see him, or have information please call the Swansea Police Department at 618-233-8114

6 days ago, Dave Chevess
Just a reminder, tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28 is a half day with dismissal at 11:30 am. Breakfast will be served but there will be no lunch. This is also a non-attendance day for Pre-K students. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held between the hours of 3pm-7pm.
14 days ago, April Becherer

BOARD OF EDUCATION VACANCY

High Mount School District #116 is seeking qualified District residents interested in filling a vacancy on the Board of Education.

The individual appointed will serve the remainder of the current term, which expires in 2027. An individual wishing to continue serving beyond the current term must seek election to the Board in the April 2027 election.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a registered voter, and a resident of Illinois and High Mount School District #116 for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment. Applicants must also meet all other eligibility requirements under Illinois law.

Interested individuals should contact:

April Becherer, Superintendent
abecherer@highmountschool.net
High Mount School District #116
1721 Boul Ave, Swansea, IL 62226
(618) 233-1054 Office Phone

Deadline: October 9, 2026

Applicants may be invited to interview with the Board of Education. The Board will fill the vacancy by public vote at an open meeting.

about 2 months ago, Dave Chevess
Good morning,
The transportation department has made us aware they are short on drivers this morning. They have pulled people in to help but there will likely be some late buses. We will not count tardies today. If you are able to drop off your student, this may be the best option for today.
3 months ago, April Becherer

Online Registration NOW OPEN!

Online registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open and must be completed for every student attending High Mount School.

Log into your TeacherEase account and complete registration online.
Registration must be completed using a web browser (not the TeacherEase app).
A current June or July 2026 utility bill showing your address within the district is required for all students.
Families may upload a photo or scanned copy of their utility bill directly in TeacherEase during the online registration process.

www.teacherease.com

4 months ago, April Becherer
Tomorrow, May 7th, is our HMS Field Day! We will be grilling hotdogs for all students to enjoy over at the park along with a couple sides and their milk. This will be the only lunch option so please pack your child a lunch if they wish to eat a different lunch.

Please see the attached flyer for all Field Day needs!
6 months ago, April Becherer
Field Day
The home soccer game verse Grant today has been cancelled due to the weather. We are hoping to reschedule for a later date.
7 months ago, April Becherer
We are NOT dismissing early today, but families may pick up students if they choose (this will not go against any student attendance). All after-school activities are canceled due to the predicted weather. Stay safe!
7 months ago, April Becherer
Weather Update

8th Grade Important Date:
Dear 8th Grade Families,
As we approach the end of the school year, we are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students and all of their accomplishments. Below is a list of important upcoming events and details to help your family plan.
LINK : Open this link to 8th Grade Important Dates

7 months ago, Dave Chevess
8th Grade Important Dates
Due to delivery issues we will not have cheese ravioli, sauce and bread stick as our choice A today. Instead we will have mozzarella sticks and dipping sauce.
8 months ago, April Becherer

Illinois 5Essentials Survey for parents, students and teachers will be Feb 9th - Mar10th.  All teachers and 4th through 8th grade students will respond to this survey during school.  High Mount School also invites parents/guardians to take the survey and share your thoughts on the important indicators of school effectiveness To take the parent survey please visit 5Essentials Parent Survey

9 months ago, Dave Chevess
5Essential Parent Survey Square Tile Graphic

Just a reminder, no school for students, tomorrow, February 9, 2026. Parent/Teacher Conferences from 1pm-7pm!

9 months ago, April Becherer
No school tomorrow!
10 months ago, April Becherer
No school Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

No School tomorrow, January 26, 2026.

10 months ago, April Becherer
No School Monday, January 26, 2026
High Mount Summer Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 9:30am-2:00pm. Office is closed on Fridays. Please call ahead of time to schedule any appointments needed for registration.
over 2 years ago, April Becherer
Hello HMS Families! We have had a great start to the 2023-2024 school year. The students, for the most part, have settled into a routine and we are carrying out The Blue and Gold Way! That said, I am sending this email to reiterate our cell phone policy at HMS. Cell phones have been, and continue, to be a large distraction for us. Issues have developed with social media, classroom distractions, academic distractions, and misuse in the hallways and bathrooms. Therefore, we continue to use our cell phone "parking lots" that are hanging in the classrooms in a secure area of the room. We continue with the following procedures as well. 1. Phones must be turned off during the school day. 2. Parking Lot - Students will place her/his phone in a numbered pocket that corresponds with a number assigned to each student. Student phones will be in sight at all times while they are in the classroom. 3. Students will remove their phone from the pocket at the end of the hour. This procedure is followed in each class, including Specials. 4. If cell phones are being used throughout the day, they are turned into the office. Parents if you need to reach your child(ren) during the day, or leave a message, please call Ms. Emmons at 618-233-1054 Ext. 501. We will ensure communication is made with your child. Please talk with your child(ren) about our procedures. As you can imagine, cell phones and social media have taken too much time away from student learning. Unfortunately, phones have already caused multiple negative issues this school year. We need your support to help with this distraction. Thank you! Sincerely, Dr. Beth A. Horner
about 3 years ago, Beth Horner
Now Hiring a Paraprofessional!
about 3 years ago, April Becherer
hiring
The Main Office is closed the week of June 19 - 23. Regular summer office hours, Monday - Thursday 9AM to 2 PM, or by appointment, will resume the week of June 26th. Thank you!
over 3 years ago, Beth Horner
High Mount Board of Education Vacancy Please send a letter of interest to Susan Ackerman at sackerman@highmountschool.net prior to 9:00 AM on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
over 3 years ago, Beth Horner