Highland Park Family Bulldog News
March 17, 2024
Dear Highland Park Families,
Welcome Back! I hope you enjoyed Spring Break and that you spent some quality time with your loved ones.
Right before Spring Break, we hosted our Spring Book Fair and Reading Across America Celebration and it was a huge success! Thank you, Ms. Reyes, for always making it such a fun week for students! It is always exciting to see students with books in their hands!
On Wednesday March 6th, we had the opportunity to honor and celebrate our phenomenal educators at the PFISD Employee Banquet. Congratulations to the following educators on 10 Years of Service: Mr. Freddy Diaz, Ms. Emily Torres, Ms. Cynthia Sadler, Ms. Heather Kelley, Ms. Miriam Ruvalcaba and Ms. Margarita Garcia. Celebrating 25 years of Service: Ms. Shannon Robertson! Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to PfISD and Highland Park!
We also celebrated our "Of the year Recipients" for 2023-2024; Humanitarian of the Year- Ms. Shannon Robertson and Teacher of the Year-Ms. Veronica Jimenez! I am so proud to work alongside these phenomenal educators! Sending Love and Congratulations to both!
On Thursday, March 7th we hosted our 16th annual Black History Oratorical Showcase! The top performers in grades K-2 were celebrated and showcased on Thursday during the morning performance and grades 3-5 top performers were showcased in the afternoon competition. All students did a phenomenal job honoring Black History! I am so incredibly proud of our Bulldogs. Huge thank you to our Social Studies vertical team for organizing this extraordinary event! At Highland Park, Diversity is our strength!
We are excited to be back on campus tomorrow and look forward to seeing our Bulldogs. We have a busy 9 weeks up ahead with many events coming up. Please make sure to read through this newsletter and let us know if you have any questions.
Have a wonderful week! Highland Park Bulldogs Woof!
With Thanks,
Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal
Highland Park Elementary
Ramadan
HPES Field Day -Rescheduled to May 10th
Students Food Deliveries Reminder
Sharing food and lunches
Due to student safety studnets are not allowed to share lunch or snacks with their friends. Parents are welcome to come and eat with their children, however we ask that you only bring food for your child and not their friends. We have many students with allergies, and have to be very careful with not sharing food as it may cause an allergic reaction.
Library News
Seeking Career Day Presenters!
We are proud to host our Career Day this year at Highland Park Elementary! We are currently in need of Career Day participants in various occupations to volunteer 2 hours to speak with students about their careers. Career day will be Friday, May 17, 2024 from 8:30 - 10:30 am. Career Day is for students in grades PK - 5.
The goal of Career Day is to expose and educate students to a variety of careers within the community. Presenters will be assigned a range of grade levels (ex. PK-2 or Grades 3-5). Presenters will present to students in the classroom for 20 minutes each and students will rotate to the next presenter. Presenters could prepare to share the following information:
Education and Training
Typical work day
Job descriptions
Related school subjects
Salary range
Interesting things about your job
It is optional to bring items to give away to students
Allow a few minutes for questions and answers.
We look forward to your participation in this fun event. If you are interested in presenting, please complete the form below and return. We will contact you with further information about this exciting event.
Student Retention Process
At Highland Park we have a retention process that consists of sending three rounds of letters before making a final recommendation for grade level retention for any student. The letters are sent out to parents of students who are struggling academically or are not meeting the state required attendance. The first letter is sent in March, informing parents that their child is struggling academically, is performing below grade, or has attendance concerns, and there is a possibility he/she may be retained. If the student continues to struggle parents receive a second letter in April. and a third letter in May.
Any students who receive a round 1, round 2 and round 3 three letter will be reviewed/discussed during a retention committee meeting the last week of school. The committee consists of campus administrators, counselor, classroom teacher, and all intervention teachers. We review all academic data as well as student progress. In addition, we complete a Lights Retention Scale. This scale helps the committee determine whether or not a student would benefit from retention or not. The committee then reviews the student academic data, retention scale, and makes a final recommendation.
While I cannot guarantee that a student who receives the letters won’t be recommended for retention, I can share that many of the students who receive a letter, continue working hard, make progress and move up to the next grade level with an academic plan in place.
This week we will be sending out the round 1 letters. If you receive a letter, please reach out to your child's teacher to see how you can continue supporting from home. I am also available to help answer any questions or brainstorm ways to support. Again, I want to remind you this is a process, it is important to note that just because a student receives a "possible retention" letter, it does not mean they will automatically be retained. It gives the parents an opportunity to work with the students and campus before round two and round three letters go out. The goal is for us to work together to continue supporting the students.
Possible Retention Letter Schedule:
- First Round of Retention Letters for Academic and Attendance will go out on 03/18/24
- Second Round of Retention Letters for Academic and Attendance will go out on 04/12/24
- Third Round of Possible Retention Letters for Academic and Attendance will go out on 05/10/24
- Final Retention Letters will go out on 05/29/24.
Elementary Report Card Dates
- 3/25: 3rd 9 Weeks Report Card Available to Parents
Don't forget....
PTO Meeting on Tuesday at 6:00
2nd Grade Fieldtrip to Rodeo Austin on Friday
- Guest Principal for a Day on Friday- Twice a year we invite a community member to serve as a campus principal for a day. This gives them an inside view of what takes place during the campus day to day operations. They get to shadow me, visit classrooms and learn about the campus celebrations as well as areas of need. They are then able to advocate for our campus, students, and staff. We are excited to welcome our guest principal this Friday.
PTO
Join us on Tuesday, March 19th at 6:00
- Website (www.hpespto.org) designed to be an information hub and a quick way to get some Bulldog Swag. There is a list of events we are hosting like Movie Nights, School Dance, and more. We're building ways to support our teachers. There is info about themselves and their "Amazon Wish-lists" so dive in
- Volunteers - Want to help but don't know how? After checking out our website, reach us at volunteers@hpespto.org. We can find a place where you'll fit right in. You can get a head start by applying in the district as an official volunteer. It only takes about 5 minutes.
- Join the PTO Facebook - Where Bulldogs WOOF! https://www.facebook.com/highlandparkelementarypto
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! If you have any kudos you’d like to share, you can submit kudos here: HPES Bulldog Weekly News Kudos or the Superintendents Kudos
Campus Kudos:
- Tracey Davila: Tracey is such a positive, supportive member of our team and an absolute joy for her students. Tracey always has compassion and understanding and a positive classroom culture. Every child in her room feels valued and loved. She is loved by students and our 2nd grade team.
- Leslie Bates: We have a program called Girls That Code, and she has stepped up as our lead, and she has rocked it. Thanks for leading our next generation of Engineers.
- 2nd Grade (from SpEd team) You guys went above and beyond. This breakfast was the perfect start for our week. Your creativity and culinary expertise were noticed. Thank you for this incredible breakfast and for preparing everything for us before we came in. Sped Team.
- Pre-K - Kinder and Intervention (from SpEd) Thank you for treating us to delicious and refreshing drinks and bringing a smile to our faces with a tasty breakfast. We are feeling very appreciated.
- Social Studies Committee: Thank you for organizing a phenomenal Black History Oratorical Showcase. Huge thank you for providing enriching and diverse learning experiences for our bulldogs.
District Newsletter Kudos:
Mrs. Ruiz, Mrs. Vazquez, Mrs. Muñoz, Mrs. Hohle of Highland Park Elementary (via: Vega)
Our first 504 meeting was recently and after reading other parents’ experience I was a bit apprehensive about it, though I should have known the experience at HPE would be a positive one because that campus is a gem in the district. These ladies brainstormed with us and our daughter to figure out what would be good to start with, they made her feel valued (us too), were prepared, knew accommodations to recommend, emphasized we can change it as needed, and knew our daughter so well. Thank you for not only doing your job well but for showing how much you care about your students as well.
Remember, one small positive thought or compliment can change a person's entire day. :)
Upcoming Events
2023-2024 School Year Calendar with grading periods, student holidays, etc.
Mar. 19- PTO Meeting at 6:00
Mar. 22- 2nd Grade Fieldtrip to Rodeo Austin
Mar. 22- Guest Principal for a Day
Mar. 26- Mar. 28- Math Language Arts Interim 3rd - 5th Grade
Mar. 27- 4th Grade Awards at 9:15 & 3rd Grade Awards at 2:00
Mar. 28- 2nd Grade Awards at 9:15 & 5th Grade Awards at 2:00
Mar. 28- Kinder Egg Drop
Mar. 29- Student/Staff Holiday
Apr. 1- Student/Staff Holiday
Apr. 2- End of the Year Testing begins
Apr. 5- Pegasus Fieldtrip to Dinosaur Park
Apr. 10- Reading STAAR Grade 5
Apr. 11- Reading STAAR Grades 3 & 4
Apr. 11- Kinder Fieldtrip to Austin and Nature Science Center
Apr. 11- First Grade Fieldtrip to Texas State Capitol
Apr. 17- Science STAAR- Grade 5
Apr. 25- 2nd Grade Idiom Parade at 8:00
Apr. 26- 1st Grade Music Performance at 8:30
Apr. 26- Noah Rodriguez Slime your Teacher Fundraiser at 1:30
Apr. 30- Math STAAR Grades 3 & 4
May 1- Math STAAR Grade 5
May 10- Field Day
May 10- Library- Texas 2 x 2 Deadline
May 14- 4th 9 Weeks AR deadline
May 15- All Library books due
May 17- Career Day
May 17- Library- Bluebonnet Breakfast & Trivia:
May 17- Million Word Club Celebration
May 17- 5th Grade Dance
May 20- AR End of Year Celebration
May 21- 2nd Grade Awards: 1:30 Cafeteria
May 22-4th Grade Awards: 8:30 a.m. Cafeteria
May 22- 3rd Grade Awards: 1:30 Cafeteria
May 23- KG Graduation: 8:30 Back Patio
May 23- 1st Grade Awards: 1:30 Cafeteria
May 24- 5th Grade Graduation: 8:30 Back Patio
May 27- Student/Staff Holiday
May 28- End of Year Classroom Parties
May 29- Last Day of School, Senior & 5th Grade Walk ,Early Release at 12:00
May 30- Planning/Prep/Check Out
Back to School Procedures
Visitors
Arrival
HPES doors will open at 7:05 a.m. for bus riders and 7:10 a.m. for car riders and walkers.
Bus riders will enter the building through the 100 hallway doors adjacent to the bus loop at 7:05 a.m. Upon entering the building they will make their way to the gym where they will wait to be dismissed to class.
Car riders and walkers will enter the building through the front entrance at 7:10 a.m.
Walkers and car riders that arrive early will wait outside (back up plan for weather)
Upon entering the building car riders, walkers, and bike riders will go to either the cafeteria or the main hallway.
Students eating breakfast will be asked to go to the cafeteria
Parents/Guardians will be allowed to walk students into their classroom on the first day of school without a Raptor sticker. Beginning August 15, ( Day 2) parents wanting to walk their child to class will need to check in the front office by signing into our Raptor security system.
Breakfast/Lunch
Breakfast: Parents are welcome to eat breakfast with their children. Breakfast is served from 7:10-7:35 in the cafeteria. Parents will need to sit with their students at the stage tables or the three 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. Parents will need to sign in the raptor system in the front office.
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. Parents will need to sign in the raptor system in the front office.
Dismissal
All staff will follow general dismissal procedures. All teachers and EAs will work together until 3:10 to ensure students have safely departed.
- Notify the office no later than 11:00 if you need assistance determining how a student gets home.
- Updated Bus #’s: Gen Ed-210, 287, 202, 223, SPED-425
- Updated Daycare: EDP, Children’s Courtyard, Capital Gymnastics, Emmanuel Lutheran, Little Angel’s, Rise Martial Arts, Best Kids and IQ Viet My Daycare
- Each teacher will be responsible for dismissing their students on time. Teachers will be responsible for walking bus riders, walkers, daycare, parent walk-up, and car riders to their dismissal destination. Please wait to exit until your hallway is called: 100 hallway, 200 hallway, 300 hallway, and 400 hallway. Listen carefully for the announcement of when your hallway is dismissing. Please do not try and get a head start. This will cause congestion and chaos in the hallways.
- We will begin dismissal at 2:35 to allow additional time on the first day.. All non-classroom staff will move to the Kinder hallway to assist in getting all of the students out of their hallway. Once they are moving, as you come to your assigned duty area you may drop off to conduct your duty.
- There will be additional car riders the first few days. Please join in to assist when you become available.
- Be sure to communicate verbally with other staff members to ensure proper supervision in all areas.
- If you see any area of need, either assist or notify someone of the need.
- NO ONE SHOULD BE IN THEIR ROOMS OR THE WORKROOM WHILE DISMISSAL IS STILL ONGOING. THIS IS AN ALL-HANDS-ON-DECK SITUATION! (Of course, this does not apply to Pegasus staff, who will still have students.)
Birthday Celebrations/Campus Celebrations
Student birthdays will be announced and celebrated over morning announcements. Students will also sing Happy Birthday in the classroom.
Parents will have an opportunity to purchase a birthday announcement to be displayed on the school marquee through PTO.
Parents may bring cupcakes/treat to celebrate their child's birthday. However, notice must be given 24 hours in advance. Cupcakes/treats may only be passed out the last 30 minutes of class.
Student treats (i.e., store bought cupcakes) cannot be served in the cafeteria during lunch. Treats cannot be a full meal (i.e., pizza) Teachers must receive parent permission prior to students eating store bought cupcakes/treats due to student food allergies.
For classroom food activities such as party days or food-related learning activities, parents will need to complete an allergy permission form stating which foods their student is allowed to eat or handle. If this form is not returned prior to the event, the student will not be able to participate in the activity.
We appreciate the care and time that the teachers and allergy committee members have given to this very important matter. We are dedicated to keeping our kids safe here at HPES and believe that this will help achieve that for all our students.
Stay Informed
Here a few ways to stay informed. Follow us on Facebook @HighlandParkES and on Twitter @HighlandPark_ES. School communications will also be sent out through school messenger via email. On Tuesday’s an HPES folder will be sent home with flyers and information. Please be sure to look out for the folder on Tuesday’s. Additionally, please sign-up for our mailing list at You will receive a monthly campus newsletter through the mailing list. You can also find a copy of a newsletter like this one in our campus webpage under “Principal’s blog”.
Communication Guide
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, cumulative records, and folders, grade-book, etc.
Student Support Clerical Support: Yaira Torres- yaira.torres@pfisd.net
Schedule LPAC and 504 meetings, and gather student grades, relevant classroom, and health data.
Nurse: Lauren Hohle- lauren.hohle@pfisd.net
Shot records, allergy information, distribution of medication, general student health, Section 504, and SpEd as related to health, etc.
Instructional Coach: Brianna Thompson- brianna.thompson@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: Pamela LeDay–pamela.leday@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 Ms. LeDay 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