The Scots' Scoop
Highland Park Middle School's Weekly Family Newsletter
November 13, 2022
All translations are computer generated.
We apologize in advance for any unintended errors.
November is Native American Heritage Month
— Sherman Alexie, a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-Native American novelist, short story writer, poet, screenwriter, and filmmaker.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Monday, November 14: First Day of Quarter 2
- Tuesday, November 15: Picture Re-take Day (see article below for more information)
- Tuesday, November 15: Knowledge Bowl, 4 - 8 p.m.
- Thursday, November 17: HPMS Give to the Max Day! (see article below for more information)
- Friday, November 18: No School — Staff Professional Development Day
- Thu., Nov. 24 — Fri., Nov. 25: No School — Thanksgiving Day Holiday
- Monday, November 28: FCC Meeting, In-Person, 6 - 7 p.m, Room 1314
Picture Re-Take Day is Tuesday, November 15
Important note:
Students who had their picture taken last month and would like a retake must bring their original portrait packet to the camera and return it to the photographer on November 15.
Give to the Max HPMS!
It is that time of year again to Give to the Max - Highland Park Middle School! Even though Give To The Max Day is officially Thursday, November 17, you can donate early beginning today! Click here: https://www.givemn.org/organization/Highland-Park-Middle to do so.
This year, our goal is to raise $7,000 in order to put toward following items:
Access to digital books
Technology based apps and programs
Purchase age appropriate graphic novels
Online subscriptions to comic books
Student interest based books
Student leadership retreats
Resources designed to build community within our school
Building a culture and climate of excellence
Donations of any size are welcome. Thank you for all you do to support the HPMS community!
College Access Opportunity!
6th Grade Breakthrough Twin Cities Application Now Open
Breakthrough Twin Cities (BTC) is a six-year, free academic enrichment and college preparatory program that helps under-resourced students prepare for college success. Students (and their families) enrolling in Breakthrough Twin Cities make a six-year commitment. While it does not cost anything to participate, students and families “pay” for the experience with their hard work and commitment.
BTC is currently in the process of recruiting 6th graders across Saint Paul and is presenting in classes to 6th grade Pumas and Eagles on Monday and Tuesday (November 14 and 15). The Application Deadline is FEBRUARY 28TH, 2023.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.breakthroughtwincities.org/student-application/. Click on this video link to watch the Breakthrough Twin Cities video about the program.
To apply, please visit our online application here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4869088
If you have questions, please contact Elisabeth Mulvaney, HPMS 6th grade counselor at 651-744-3399 or email at elisabeth.mulvaney@spps.org.
Help Restock Our Nurse's Office Closet
You may be surprised to learn that every year, our nurse, Ms Lux, hands out several pairs of leggings, sweatpants, underwear, and socks. Why? Accidents happen! From puddles to spilled lunches to learning how to manage a menstrual cycle, these emergency clothing items help keep kids salvage the day and get back to learning.
Our backstock is running low, and we could use your help restocking. If you are able to contribute, then you can send new socks, new XL-3XL women's black leggings, all adult sizes of new black sweatpants with your student or you can click on the link below to order items from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3W40Z0MXOL8K2?ref_=wl_share. All items ordered from Amazon will be shipped directly to the school.
If you have any questions, then please contact mandi.jung@spps.org.
Transitional Life Skills Class Needs
This year, the special education transitional life skills class is taking community outings to Aldi's in order to learn cooking and social skills. Thanks to many wonderful families, we are no longer in need of reusable grocery bags (thank you all!).
We are still in need of:
- $5 or $10 gift cards to Aldi's, Target, Lunds, and McDonalds.
There are two ways to contribute:
- Drop off gift cards at the main office, or
- Make a monetary donation at this website: https://tinyurl.com/HPMSLifeSkills
Thank you for your support!
Application for Educational Benefits/Free or Reduced Price Meals
St. Paul Public Library Homework Centers
Homework Centers are comfortable spaces at St. Paul Public Library locations where students of all ages can drop in and work on their homework independently or with the help of volunteer tutors. The centers are equipped with computers, printers, reference books, and school supplies for student use.
Locations and Hours
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Homework Centers will be open through the week of May 15, 2023. Homework Centers are closed on holidays and other library closed dates.
Online Homework Help
Online homework help is available from HelpNow.
Use your library card number and password to log in. Live Tutoring is available every day, 1:00 - 11:00 p.m. Available in English and Spanish.
Attendance Notes
REPORT STUDENT ABSENCES
Please call (651) 744-3393, the HPMS Attendance Line, or send an email to highlandmsattendance@spps.org, when your child is unable to come to school.
PICK UP STUDENTS EARLY
Please send a note with your students on the morning of the planned absence. The note should state the date, time and reason for the early dismissal. The student should bring the note to the office first thing in the morning. Office staff will give the student a pass to leave early and record their absence in the Campus system. At the time indicated on the pass, the student can leave and meet their ride at Door #20 (parking lot).
LATE ARRIVALS
No need to call the office if your student arrives to school late. Please send a note with your child. Have them check into the main office.and we will adjust the attendance.
About HPMS
At Highland Park Middle School, it our mission is to:
- Provide our students with a sense of community and global perception in a nurturing and caring learning environment,
- Help students acquire the skills necessary to value themselves, and take pride in their accomplishments, and
- Develop respect and understanding of other people and their cultures.
Website: https://www.spps.org/highlandms
Location: 975 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 293-8950