The Scots' Scoop
Highland Park Middle School's Weekly Family Newsletter
May 21, 2023
All translations are computer generated.
We apologize in advance for any unintended errors.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
“Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.”
― Chinese Proverb
Important Upcoming Dates
- Monday, May 22: FCC Meeting • 6 - 7 p.m. • Rm 1314 (See more information below)
- Wednesday, May 24: Informational Meeting for HPSHS Cross Country Team • 3:05 p.m. • Rm 3303 in High School (See more information below)
- Thursday, May 25: Band/Orchestra Spring Concert ― Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, & all Orchestras • 6 - 7:15 p.m. • Auditorium
- Friday, May 26: Spirit Day • Fancy Day
- Sat., May 27 - Sun., June 4: Red Balloon Book Fair (See more information below)
- Monday, May 29: No School • Memorial Day Holiday
- Thursday, June 1: Arts Showcase • 5 - 7 p.m. • 1st Floor Lobby, Hallways, & Library
- Thursday, June 1: Jazz Band Concert • 4:45 p.m. • Lobby/Atrium
- Thursday, June 1: Choir, Advanced Band, & Jazz Concert • 6 -7 p.m. • Lobby/Atrium
- Friday, June 2: Spirit Day • Jersey Day
- Wednesday, June 7: Musical Princess Whatshername • 1:30 p.m. • Auditorium
- Friday, June 9: Spirit Day • Color Day
- Friday, June 9: Team Day • various trips/events • (more information in upcoming Scots' Scoops)
- Monday, June 12: 8th Grade Sharks Recognition • 2 - 3 p.m. • Auditorium
- Tuesday, June 13: 8th Grade Tecolotes Recognition • 2 - 3 p.m. • Auditorium
- Wednesday, June 14: Last Day of School / End of Quarter 4
Thank You, Families & Friends
A heartfelt "thank you" to all of those who contributed to provide a meal for Teacher Appreciation Week. Not only did you contribute enough money to buy a pizza meal for staff, but also treats to support them throughout the week! Thank you, again, for your generosity!!
FCC Meeting •Mon., May 21 •6-7 pm •Rm 1314
HPMS FCC Meeitng
Introductions / Introducciones
SCIP Update
Budget Update
End of Year
Ideas for next school year
Questions / Preguntas
Monday, May 22, 2023, 06:00 PM
HIghland Park Middle School, Room 1314
Save the Date: The Red Balloon Book Fair is Coming to HPMS
Hello, HPMS families. We will be hosting a Red Balloon Book Fair in the library from May 27 – June 4, with in-person and online purchasing opportunities. The book fair will be open to students during the day on both May 31 and June 1, and it will be open to students and families on the evening of June 1, from 5 - 7 p.m., during the HPMS Arts Showcase.
During the in-person events, students and families will be able to browse and purchase a variety of books, from old favorites to titles that are hot off the presses. Additionally, purchases may be made online on the HPMS page, soon to be posted at the Red Balloon’s website, at any time during the sale dates.
All proceeds from the sale will go towards the purchase of new books for the HPMS library. This will be a great time to stock up for summer reading! Please send any questions to Adayle.Andrews@spps.org.
Tardies, Skipping, or Behavior may Result in Missing End of Year Team Field Trip
Since May 15, if your student has 8 or more total tardies between May 15 - June 8, they may not be able to go on their end-of-the year field trip on Team Day, June 9, with their team.
Furthermore, if your student skips a class, or has been dismissed or suspended since May 15, they may not be eligible to go on their end-of-the year field trip on Team Day, June 9.
Please speak to your student about the importance of getting to class on time & behaving appropriately, & thank you for your support!
Mental Health Awareness: ADHD
May is Mental Health Awareness month! By acknowledging and bringing awareness to mental health, we fight stigma and provide support for the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.
ADHD affects many families. Mental Health awareness includes being aware of brain differences of people with ADHD. See this important link for more information regarding ADHD.
More information about Mental Health Awareness month can be found here.
HPSHS Cross Country Fall 2023
Hello HPMS parents and students! The Cross Country season starts on August 14th, 2023. There is an informational meeting for runners this Wednesday, May 24 at 3:05 in room 3303 in the high school.
Cross country is open to all students grades 7-12. We have a fun team atmosphere and welcome all runners, regardless of ability. Information about the season and links for registration can be found on the team website: https://sites.google.com/view/highland-park-cross-country
Last fall we had about 30 middle school runners. Email Coach brad.moening@spps.org if you have questions.
Spirit Day • Each Friday
HPMS Student Council is sponsoring Spirit Day each Friday through June 9. We are asking that students dress up in the following themes on these days:
- May 26 • Fancy Day • Dress up in your best clothes.
- June 2 • Jersey Day • Dress up representing your favorite team.
- June 9 • Color Day
- 8th Grade: White
- 7th Grade: Blue
- 6th Grade: Red
Let's do our best to have great HPMS Spirit, and please dress with respect!
Every Meal Update
While the Every Meal Program does not provide food over the summer, their website has lots of information on how to access food resources. Please feel free to check out their website here. If you need additional information, please feel free to reach out to our general education social worker at (651) 744-4616 or kathryn.monroe@spps.org. Thanks!
Summer Spark
Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) Summer Spark runs between June and August each year. The goal of this program is to encourage young people to have fun, stay active, and keep learning all summer long. Families visit neighborhood libraries for giveaway books. Libraries host a variety of drop in performers and ongoing programs.
Additionally, librarians provide specific literacy-based resources like recommended booklists and interactive story strolls to promote summer reading. Students complete a combination of reading and activities to earn prizes. Find details at sppl.org/summer.
No Food Deliveries at Highland Park Middle School
We have recently seen an increase in fast food either being dropped off for students for lunch, or in some cases, being delivered by a food delivery service such as DoorDash, GrubHub, etc.
Fast food lunches, coffee drinks, etc., delivered to students by family or by any delivery service is NOT ALLOWED.
The reasons for this include the fact that fast foods are not healthy for students. As importantly, however, is that we are always attempting to reduce the amount of traffic entering our secured doors, as safety is a priority at HPMS. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Highland Park MS Girls Soccer Camp this Summer
The Highland Park Girls Soccer team is running a soccer camp for girls going into 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. The camp is run by head coach Chris Steenberg and members of the girls varsity team. Please use this link for more details and learn how to register for the camp.
Contact Chris Steenberg if you have any questions at chris.steenberg@spps.org.
Students Selling Treats/Other Items is Prohibited
Students are not allowed to sell any items on school grounds. If found doing so, the items will be confiscated and a parent will be asked to pick the items up from school.
Please Leave These Items at Home
Please read more about what to leave at home here.
Reminders about Snack
We have seen an increase in students eating candy, chips, and pop throughout the day & in the hallways. However, snacks are to be eaten only during Foundations (11:16 - 11:41). Furthermore, pop and other sweetened drinks are not allowed during the school day outside of the cafeteria. Water is allowed throughout the school day.
TutorMe Free Online Homework Help
Please go to this link for information regarding TutorMe tutoring.
St. Paul Public Library Homework Centers
Please go to this link for information regarding free homework help for students.
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