The Scots' Scoop
Highland Park Middle School's Weekly Family Newsletter
December 18, 2022
All translations are computer generated.
We apologize in advance for any unintended errors.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Mon., Dec. 19 — Mon., Jan. 2, 2023: No School • Winter Break
- Monday, December 19: Mid-Quarter 2 grades available on OneStop
- Tuesday, January 3: First Day back after Winter Break
- Monday, January 9: FCC Meeting @ Riverview Public Library, 6-7 p.m. (more information in article below)
- Monday, January 16: No School • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday
- Monday, January 23: Winter Sports Session 2 Tryouts — M.S. Boys' Basketball
- Thursday, January 26: Last Day of Quarter 2
- Friday, January 27: No School • Teacher Grading Day
- Monday, January 30: First Day of Quarter 3
Message from the Principal
It is good to be at Winter Break! From the week following Thanksgiving Break — facing a snow storm and tracking late school buses on November 29 -- right up to celebrating A and B Honor Rolls for 7th and 8th graders the last two days before Winter Break — not to mention numerous school events, concerts, and field trips in between -- it was a busy stretch!
To add to the challenges and excitement of that busy stretch, I became unexpectedly and undeniably sidelined this past Monday the 12th with my first bout of COVID. Call up retired HPMS principal, Charlene Hoff, who stepped in, without missing a beat, to sub for me this past week. Ms. Hoff came in around noon on Tuesday the 13th and assisted us through the final bell on Friday the 16th. Her expertise, familiarity with HPMS (she was principal here for 15 years (!) prior to her retirement this summer), and contagious chuckle, provided students and staff with the assurance that all were in good hands. Thank you, Principal Hoff! I am/we are grateful for you!
A couple of things to note to as we look forward to 2023:
- Our first FCC meeting of the new year will take place off-site at the Riverview Library on Monday, January 9 (see more information below). It's our first attempt to take our "Show on the Road." In all seriousness, it is important for us to meet with each other out in our community from time to time.
- Quarter 2 is halfway over. The quarter ends on January 26, as does Semester 1. With that, some schedule changes may occur for your student as we embark upon the new semester and Quarter 3. If you have any questions about schedules, please feel free to contact your student's school counselor.
Finally, there will be no Scots' Scoop next weekend; the next Scots' Scoop will be emailed and texted on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Until then, please take time this Winter Break to reflect, regenerate, and enjoy time with your student(s), while carving out some quiet time for yourselves.
Respectfully,
John Andrastek, Principal
January FCC Meeting
Introductions / Introducciones
Principal’s Update
Flipside
Ramsey County Public Nurse -
Schoology
Questions / Preguntas
Monday, Jan 9, 2023, 06:00 PM
Riverview Library, 1 George St E, St Paul, MN 55107
WEB Fundraiser Update
Our sixth-grade student-initiated fundraiser was an overwhelming success, with over $700 raised. We want to thank our Highland families for your generosity and for coming together to support our community! As we often say, our students and families are amazing, and this was just one more example of your extreme kindness!!
Project Reach Toy and Coat Drive
Project REACH is a Saint Paul Public Schools shelter and street-based program that promotes school stability and academic success of homeless children and youth. This winter they are doing a toy and coat drive, hoping to provide our families with some resources for holiday gift giving. Click here for Project REACH's wish list and consider making a purchase if possible. Thank you for supporting our HPMS and SPPS community!
Resources for Families in Need
Know of anyone who needs extra resources for the upcoming holiday season? Below are links to two organizations that can assist with food and/or gifts:
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.
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.
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