Parent Newsletter
03/04/22
Dear Highland Park Parents,
We had another fabulous week of learning and exciting campus events. Our Spring Book Fair was a huge success! It is always exciting to see students with books in their hands! Kinder and First Grade Rodeo was absolutely amazing. We were very excited to see so many parents on campus for this event!
We also had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate phenomenal educators. Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Rookie of the Year- Ms. Cassi Steedley, Humanitarian of the Year- Mr. Pablo Ildefonso, and teacher of the Year Freddy Diaz- Lopez!
Next week will be a short but busy week with Field Day taking place on Thursday and no school on Friday. Be sure to read the rest of this newsletter for additional information.
Highland Park Bulldogs WOOF!
With Thanks,
Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal
Highland Park Elementary
TEACHER OF THE YEAR, MR. FREDDY DIAZ-LOPEZ!
Mr. Diaz - Lopez is a phenomenal teacher. Freddy is kind, patient, loves all students, and is always willing to step in and support in any way! He is a huge advocate for bilingual education, developing students' biliteracy, and campus diversity as a whole. HPES is proud to honor Mr. Freddy Diaz - Lopez!
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR, MR. PABLO ILDEFONSO!
Mr. Ildefonso has the mindset of a true humanitarian. He is always looking for ways to support the students and staff. Pablo is the ray of sunshine on our campus. No matter what the request is, he is always there to lend a helping hand. We are excited to celebrate Mr. Pablo Ildefonso!
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, MS. CASSI STEEDLEY!
Ms. Steedley has rocked her first year teaching! Being a first-year teacher during these changing times is not an easy task. Cassi pours her heart into working and building relationships with her students! Ms. Steedley is eager to learn and we are excited to see her continued success!
Field Day - March 10!
Field day is 4 school days away! I can’t believe it is so close 😊 We are super excited about the “Most Magical Campus on Earth” day! We have received the shirts and I will be giving those out either this week or next. Teachers will be keeping these in class until Field Day. Also, I will be meeting with each team in the next two weeks to talk to you about all the fun! We hope you are able to join us!
Field Day Reminders
- Field Day shirts will be provided for students on Friday morning.
- Most activities will be outdoors. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing for the occasion. (Sneakers must be worn, and shorts must be at an appropriate length.)
- PLEASE also bring a plastic bag to store any dirty or muddy clothes. Students may also wish to bring an extra pair of flip-flops in case sneakers get dirty outside.
- Students may want/need to apply sunscreen before Field Day. If you have sunscreen that you would like applied on your child before the start of Field Day, please send the bottle (NO AEROSOL SPRAYS as aerosols can exacerbate symptoms of Asthma) with written consent that we can assist them with the application. Please know that sunscreen is similar to “medication”, therefore children may not “administer” it to/on themselves while at school. We are happy to give them the appropriate amount and then have them rub it in themselves.
- Additionally, students may NOT share sunscreen with other students due to personal skin conditions.
- Students may bring a hat, sunglasses, and a small towel to keep cool in the heat if they’d like. Keep in mind, students will be responsible for carrying their personal items to and from each rotation.
- If you are able to donate a case of water to your teachers class that would be FANTASTIC!
- Parents are welcome to join and cheer on our HP kids! However, for the safety of students and children, younger siblings and parents will not be able to participate in student activities and challenges.
- To ensure the safety of our students, please remember to sign in at the fenced area - right behind the gym. ALL VISITOR IDENTIFICATION STICKERS MUST BE VISIBLE ON SHIRTS, NOT PANTS.
- Visitors without stickers will kindly be asked to stop in the office.
- Note: Our School building is still closed to visitors- only students will be permitted inside the building.
Staff Appreciation - Submitted by PTO
Mystery bags for teachers
Spring break is about to begin, so let’s send our teachers off with a mystery bag.
How can you help? Send us a gift card from anywhere and any amount you choose.
Please send gift cards in a sealed envelope labeled PTO.
Or
You can send school supplies (post-it notes, Dry Eraser pens, Pens, Pencils, Glue Sticks etc) Please give these to the front office labeled for PTO
Please turn these in no later than Monday, March 7th.
Please visit our google form to sign up.
English - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0Irc3dXmO35ghep56m-gJC9qB4Mc2Y-CtTvafvwfjLU9OmQ/viewform
Spanish - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNliHILWShHLpwhBAEWKHOLt-EQpQAZER2bHyEpgRUHvWPZA/viewform
Thank You from the PTO
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.
FEBRUARY 24 - MISSED INSTRUCTION
We have closely reviewed our district calendar and the instructional minutes lost during the inclement weather on February 24. At this time, PfISD students will NOT have to make up the day. When creating the 2021-2022 calendar, district officials built-in minutes to be used for any lost instruction.
District officials are bringing a resolution before the Board of Trustees on March 31 to approve wages for all PfISD employees (both hourly and salary employees) which would otherwise be lost due to the closure.
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.
New Hires
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 ...
- Thursday, 03/10/22- Field Day!
- Friday, 03/11/22- No Classes for kids
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:
- Mrs. Reyes: Kudos on organizing a fabulous and super successful Spring Book Fair! Thank you for providing our students with these opportunities!
- Ms. Sophie Hynes, Specials Team, and Kinder/First Grade Teachers: Thank you for planning, organizing, and practicing with our Kinder & First Grade Students! Both performances were absolutely incredible!
- Mr. T: Kudos on the exquisite chalk art for the Kinder?First Grade Rodeo1 Wow, what a background!
- Front Office: Thank you for your patience and support with signing out so many students after the performances. We know your hands were full and we appreciate you!
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!
Kinder Texas Rodeo
First Grade Texas Rodeo
Upcoming Events
Mar. 3- Mar. 25- 3rd Nine Weeks District Assessments for 3rd - 5th Grade
Mar. 9- Fieldtrip- PK -All Abilities Park
Mar. 10- Field Day
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