Parent Newsletter
03/22/22
Dear Highland Park Parents,
We know you have patiently waited for the opportunity to visit our campus, and we are excited to be able to welcome you back!
Our campus will resume our pre-COVID standard operating procedures for campus visitors, where all parents and visitors must check in at the front office with their government-issued ID. Please take a minute to review the procedures below.
HPES has the following procedures in place for campus visitors:
Morning Arrival: Parents may walk their child down the main hallway only. We do not allow any visitors into the hallway wings. If a parent would like to walk their child to class, they will need to sign in the front office where they will receive a visitors pass. This pass/sticker must be worn on the front of your shirt where it is easily visible by staff. If you do not have the visitor pass, you will not be allowed to walk down to the classroom and only be allowed down the main hallway.Please keep in mind that classes begin at 7:35.
Morning Breakfast: Parents are welcome to eat breakfast with their children. Breakfast is served from 7:15-7:35 in the cafeteria. Parents will need to sit with their students at the stage tables or the two round tables in the foyer. Please only invite your child to eat with you. Inviting your child's friends is not allowed. With close to 750 students, we are limited in space and kindly ask that you save this treat for special occasions.
Lunch: Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their children. Please check with your child's teacher for specific class time lunch. Parents will need to sit with their students at the stage tables or the round tables in the foyer. Please only invite your child to eat with you. Inviting your child's friends is not allowed. With close to 750 students, we are limited in space and kindly ask that you save this treat for special occasions.
Dismissal: We will continue following the dismissal procedures that we currently have in place. Visitors will not be allowed in the foyer during dismissal time. This is to ensure the safety of all students.
Additional Information: Parents and guardians can resume chaperoning, volunteering, attending performances, lunches, awards banquets, field days, field trips, etc. Parents must complete the volunteer application to chaperone on field trips and any other volunteer opportunities. (www.pfisd.net/volunteers)
We encourage you to exercise proven preventive measures to minimize personal risk if you visit our campuses by wearing a mask, social distancing, and practicing effective hand hygiene.
We can’t wait to see you on campus and at events. Welcome back!
Highland Park Bulldogs Woof!
With Thanks,
Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal
Highland Park Elementary
HPES Disney Field Day
3rd - 5th Grade Morning Tutoring begins 03/22/22!
The staff of Highland Park Elementary is striving to support our students in multiple ways including campus-wide tutoring. To help students who need extra instruction, practice on specific skills, or instruction on advanced level performance we will be providing tutoring/enrichment for your child.
To ensure that students are getting instruction targeted for their specific needs, we have created targeted instructional groups. This means that for this portion of the day your child may be getting their instruction from a staff member other than their classroom teacher.
Tutoring will be on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday beginning at 7:30 and will be incorporated into our instructional day that will last until 8:15. Reading and/or Math tutoring will begin Tuesday, March 22nd. This instruction is extremely important to support student success.
For tutoring to be effective, it is very important that students attend tutoring for the entirety of the tutoring time. We ask for parents to have their child arrive at school before 7:25 so they can begin morning tutoring by 7:30 AM.
3rd- 5th-grade teachers will share class-specific information.
Thank you for your support as we help our students grow.
HPES Oratorical 21-22
We would like to continue the tradition of presenting our Black History Oratorical Showcase at HPES.
In February, each student (Grades K-5) can choose an oratorical selection to memorize and present.
Students will present their oratorical selection to their class during March 21-22, 2022. The top students from each class will advance to the next round and perform for an Oratorical Judge on March 24th. The top students will advance to the FINALS and perform on stage at HPES on April 1st.
Finalists will compete on stage in our Oratorical Showcase at HPES. Finals will be recorded and shared through the Principal’s Newsletter.
Important Dates:
February - Students will select an Oratorical piece and will practice throughout the month
March 21-22, 2022 - Students will present their selected piece to their class. Classroom teachers will select student(s) to move to the next round.
March 24, 2022 - Top students will perform before an Oratorical Judge.
March 25, 2022-Finalists and parents will be notified.
April 1, 2022 - Finalists will perform on stage at HPES.
April 8, 2022 - Trophies and Medals will be announced on morning announcements.
Students will be judged by:
Voice pitch - strength of voice (volume).
Articulation - how clear the words are spoken.
Accuracy - memorized and recited words without error
Rhythm - the cadence and style
Additionally, students must introduce the title and author of their selection before beginning their speech.
Open Assessments -
TELPAS - Window 02/21-03/10
03/04 -03/25- 3rd Nine Weeks District Assessment - grades 3- 5, Reading, Math, Science
Current Vacancies
We are currently hiring for the Crossing Guard Position. If you know of anyone interested please direct them to apply on Frontline.
In addition, we are continuing to interview for the IBC Teacher and EA. These positions are also posted on Frontline.
2021-2022 Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Visit pfisd.nutrislice.com for interactive menus, nutritional information, and more!
Beginning Monday, November 2, 2020, all USDA Reimbursable Breakfast and Lunch meals are free! A la carte and seconds are not included. *This program has been extended during the 21-22 school year.
2022-2023 PRE-K/KINDERGARTEN STUDENT REGISTRATION
Tuesday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Pre-K only)
Wednesday, April 13 from 1-7 p.m. (both Pre-K and kinder)
Please click on the link below for more information.
GUEST EDUCATORS NEEDED
PfISD is currently in need of more substitutes and guest educators, and we strive to provide the best possible qualified substitutes to ensure the quality of educators our students have. If you enjoy working with kids and can work on an on-call basis, being a substitute teacher may be for you.
To qualify to serve as a substitute in PfISD, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma. If you hold a valid teaching certificate, are bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese or have extensive skills/background in a high-need area, your qualification consideration is accelerated.
Applicants must complete an application online here.
Remember ...
- Spring Break - 03/14/22-03/18/22
- 3-rd - 5th Grade morning tutoring begins
- 4th 9 weeks begins
KUDOS
Have a co-worker who really matters and whom you want to recognize? Let’s recognize our HPES Bulldogs, no kudos is too big or too small!
Campus Kudos:
- Coach Harvey, Coach Young, and Specials Team: Kudos on organizing a Magical Disney Themed Field Day! It was lovely to see our students and families smiling all day long! What an amazing way to kick off Spring Break!
Superintendent Kudos:
- Emily Lehning (District LSSPs and diagnosticians) “This year has been one of the hardest years for our profession. Due to the consequences of the pandemic and shutdowns, students are struggling more than ever with mental health and learning. We have had had more crises and referrals for testing this year than ever before. More recognition needs to be made across the district for our profession and what we do. I am very grateful for my team of assessment staff and our supervisor, Ashley Peay. I cannot imagine how I would make it through this year without them.”
Superintendents Kudos: Kudos submission form or HPES Bulldog Weekly News Kudos
Remember, one small positive thought or compliment can change a person's entire day. :)
HPES PTO
We are lucky to have such a wonderful PTO at our school who helps us in so many ways! Please consider joining this wonderful group of parents and join HPES Team!
Next PTO Meeting:
Date: Rescheduled
Time 6:30-7:30p.m.
Location: Via Zoom ( Zoom link will be shared by classroom teacher)
Stay connected with the HPES PTO!
Website: https://hpespto.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandparkelementarypto/
Instagram: @hpes.pto
Text at @HPESPTO to 81010 to get event info via text!
Great Things Happening At HPES!
DISNEY FIELD DAY!
Upcoming Events
Mar. 28- 3rd Nine Weeks Report Cards go home
Apr. 01- Field Trip - Pegasus- Dinosaur Park
Apr. 01- Field Trip 2nd Grade - Austin Nature Center
Apr.12- Apr. 14 PK & KG Registrations
May 17- Field Trip Kinder - Austin Nature Center
May 23- Fieldtrip - 3rd Grade - Meadows Center
ARRIVAL PROCESS
HPES staff will be on duty to support students during morning arrival.
7:10 a.m Bus students arrive on campus
7:15 a.m Front Doors open for car riders, walkers, and bike riders
7:20 a.m. Teachers will welcome students into their classrooms
7:35 a.m. First Bell- Students dismissed from the cafeteria if eating breakfast
7:40 a.m. Tardy Bell- Students arriving after this time report directly to the office
The building will open at 7:10 a.m. for bus riders and 7:15 a.m. for car riders and walkers.
Parents/Guardians will not be allowed to walk students in.
Bus riders will enter the building through the 100 hallway doors adjacent to the bus loop at 7:10 a.m. If they are eating breakfast they will go directly to the cafeteria, if they are not eating breakfast they will go to the gym and wait. The bus riders in the gym will be sent to class at 7:15.
Car riders and walkers will enter the building through the front entrance at 7:15 a.m.
Walkers and car riders that arrive early will wait outside.
Upon entering the building car riders, walkers, and bike riders will go to either the cafeteria or their classroom.
We are asking all students to wear a face mask. We will have masks available and will offer these to students who forget one.
CAR DROP OFF REMINDERS
With over 720 students learning on campus we have noticed morning traffic is heavier than usual. Please remember the tardy bell rings at 7:35, instruction begins promptly, and every minute counts. We need your help with a few key things that we think will help with morning drop-off.
- When dropping off your child please make sure they have everything ready, backpack, lunch bag, water bottle, and face mask. Students should exit on the right side of the vehicle as the left side has passing vehicles.
- If you are needing to help your child out of the car or get their things ready, please pull into our parking lot and park. You will need to then walk your child across the crosswalk to the front door.
- Please do not park and send your child alone across the parking lot, there are many moving vehicles and this is very unsafe.
- When exiting the campus parking lot, please note that there is a "DO NOT TURN LEFT" sign below the stop sign. As you exit, please turn right towards Heatherwilde and not towards the neighborhood. Turning left holds up the drop-off line, may cause students to be late, upset parents behind you, and unnecessary stress to students getting dropped off.
- Finally please be kind to our staff on duty. These staff members are outside at 7:15 a.m. every day rain or shine to help get our students in the building. We understand at times stress is high, but we need to work together, provide each other grace, and support one another.
- Please know that our number one priority is student safety. We love our students and want to welcome everyone in a happy and safe environment.
We are hoping the key actions above will help everyone get to their destination safely and on time. As always, we thank you for your help and support!
DISMISSAL PROCESS AND REMINDERS
All staff will be on duty to support students and ensure social distancing during dismissal. Please make sure to inform your child's teacher how your child will need to go home.
Students will be dismissed in the following order:
Bus Riders/Daycare
Pre K /Pegasus
100 Hallway
200 Hallway
300 Hallway
400 Hallway
The first group to be dismissed: Bus riders will be called over the intercom. These students will go to the bus area and will line up in their bus line order. Once these students are in order, they will board their bus.
The second group to be dismissed PK & Pegasus, followed by 100, 200, 300, and 400 hallway students in order. Teachers will escort the students to their designated areas. See below:
Bike riders & walkers: Students will walk in line order and be dismissed by the flagpoles. We will have staff on duty that will walk them off school grounds.
Parent walk-up: Students whose parents park and walk-up will be dismissed at the grassy area to the right of the flagpoles. We will have marked locations for parents to maintain social distancing.
Car riders: students will sit at the front of the campus at the assigned grade level area. Students will be asked to sit and wait for their parents while maintaining social distance.
- Note: On rainy days, or weather/windchill below 32 degrees, we will follow an alternate dismissal. All students with the exception of bus riders will be dismissed from inside the school. PK-2nd grad will be in the cafeteria, and 3rd - 5th grade will be in the main hallway.
DISMISSAL MAP
Please make sure to review our dismissal updates and map below.
Beginning August 23, the bus loop will be used for BUSSES & DAYCARE ONLY. We are asking parents to please not drive or park in the bus loop area.
- The only exception is if you have a handicap tag and are handicapped parking is available in this area.
- If you are needing to park and pick up your child, you may park at the front of the school parking area, or on Kingston Lacy.
- If you are parked at the bus loop, one of our staff members will be asking you to move your vehicle.
- If you are driving through the bus loop, one of our staff members will be asking you to turn around and exit the bus loop.
- This is to ensure the safety of students as they are dismissed through the 100 & 300 hallways.
VISITORS
Only visitors with essential official school business will be allowed on campus. These visitors should seek prior approval before coming to campus.
All campus meetings will be done virtually. If a parent is needing to meet in person, this will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Parents and family members will not be allowed to enter the building, walk down the hallways, etc.
Stay Informed
LET'S TALK PLATFORM FOR PARENT QUESTIONS
Our Let's Talk platform is designed for parents to ask questions or submit comments. It has a submission for questions on the following topics: Payroll, Food Services/Meals, Technology, HR/Benefits/Leaves, Online Learning, Google Classroom, and General Coronavirus Questions. Additionally, there is a section for each campus to direct any questions or comments directly to the principal and the senior administrative associate a the campus. Click here to learn more about the system.
COMMUNICATION GUIDE
Every summer, there are staffing changes. Staff members move on to other opportunities, and new staff members join the campus. Before emailing a staff member from last school year, it would be wise to check with our front office staff. It is also a good idea to consider which staff member is your first point of contact for questions before you send your email. You may also call the front office at 512-594-6800 and ask for the person you need to speak with. I hope this information is helpful!
Senior Admin. Associate: Anita Moreno – anita.moreno@pfisd.net
General questions regarding scheduling, procedures, teacher information, leave requests, substitutes, purchase orders (for your classroom/students), monthly and bi-weekly payroll, supplemental pay, staff travel, events, field trips, website updates, FB page, maintenance orders, after-hours events, fundraisers (any collection of money), Picture days, etc.
Registrar: Miriam Ruvalcaba – miriam.ruvalcaba@pfisd.net
Student records, registration, residency questions, attendance, transfers, withdrawal, and student records.
Student Support Clerical Support: - Vacant
Schedule LPAC and 504 meetings, and gather student grades, relevant classroom, and health data.
Nurse: Christina Henderson – christina.henderson@pfisd.net
Shot records, allergy information, distribution of medication, general student health, Section 504, and SpEd as related to health, etc.
Instructional Coach: Gina Lochner – regina.lochner@pfisd.net
General questions regarding master scheduling, campus procedures, curriculum, resources, SWAT, professional development, mentoring, lesson modeling, and virtually anything teachers need regarding curriculum and instruction.
Counselor: Anna Vazquez – anna.vazquez@pfisd.net
Student care and concerns, parent and student support, Credit by Exam, Gifted and Talented information, assessment, and Section 504
Assistant Principal: Jesus Olivas –jesus.olivas@pfisd.net
Primary contact regarding discipline, LPAC, and SpEd. Additionally, virtually everything you would contact Ms. Ruiz for. It is a good idea to copy Mr. Olivas on emails sent to Ms. Ruiz because both of them are able to respond to questions or concerns.
Principal: Lizbeth Ruiz – lizbeth.ruiz@pfisd.net
Any and all topics not covered by the staff members listed above.
Please feel free to email or call us if you are needing support. We look forward to passionately serving the families of Highland Park Elementary!
Highland Park Elementary School
Website: https://www.pfisd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=37
Location: 428 Kingston Lacy Blvd, Pflugerville, TX, USA
Phone: 512.594.6800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkES/
Twitter: @HighlandPark_ES