| Once upon a time... |
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Concerns |
Then as plans began to unfold, concerns began to arise. Highland Lakes Elementary School has 18 acres of land, but only a little over half are usable, the rest being wetlands or swamps that can not be developed. So, the challenge was to build an elementary school on an odd-shaped lot that was really only half the amount of land needed for a school site.
Mr. Maglietta remembers when he was appointed principal of Highland Lakes Elementary, he was unaware of all the problems, challenges, and excitement the job would bring. The school itself cost approximately six million dollars and was designed similar to Garrison Jones Elementary. Mr. Bob Spencer, the head plant operator, was an enormous help to Mr. Maglietta that first year. Mr. Spencer used his previous career knowledge in construction to make sure everything was done correctly. Mr. Maglietta credits Mr. Spencer with being on top of everything and ready to do anything for the school. |
Overcrowding |
| Overcrowding at Lake St. George and Cypress Woods Elementaries resulted in some teachers and students from the two schools joining together to form one school with everything new including the school colors, mascot, rules, and leaders. |
Opens officially January 22, 1992 |
| Highland Lakes Elementary School opened its doors on January 22, 1992. The school was originally scheduled for an earlier opening, but due to delays caused by construction and the weather, Highland Lakes Elementary actually began in August 1991, in the old Oldsmar Elementary School. Mr. Spencer recalls "the biggest challenge of the Oldsmar experience was getting the old school clean enough that the parents would let their children go to school there. With the help of a great crew, we accomplished the task in eight weeks." He also remembers that working with the contractor getting the new school ready was a challenge, "with a lot of hard work we ended up with a beautiful campus" where the new staff was one, big, happy family. |
OUR MISSION |
The mission of Highland Lakes Elementary School is to create a safe and respectful learning environment which fosters self-directed learners. We will do this by accomplishing our School Improvement Plan goals and providing quality educational experiences so that we will build a community of successful, life-long learners.
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