

Highland Park Family Newsletter
September 8, 2023
Dear Highland Park Families,
Our students were excited to be back on campus this week. It was a short week, but packed with learning and activities. Grandparents Day was a huge success, we had over 150 grandparents join us for lunch today! Thank you to everyone who helped support with this event and huge thank you to all of our grandparents who were able to join us. It takes a village, and HPES is certainly one who always pitches in. Love that about our campus!
Monday: In the United States, Patriot Day is observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Patriot Day occurs on September 11 of each year. Please have your child wear Red, White and Blue in commemoration of this special day.
Thursday: Is our Parent Orientation on the 14th. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your students parents, as well as share your classroom expectations. Linked here is an example of a Parent Orientation Presentation you can use as a guide. Parent Orientation 23-24 . Most teams create their own, but please check this presentation for information you need to share. STAAR Interim Dates and Assessment Dates are tentative as we still need to vote as a campus for Interim. Please let us know how we can support.
Friday: Don't forget International Dot day is on Friday, September 15th, can't wait to see our Bulldogs wearing dots!
I hope you have a restful weekend! Highland Park Bulldogs Woof!
With Thanks,
Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal
Highland Park Elementary
Patriot Day
Parent Orientation
Parent Orientation is set for Thursday, September 14th. 3rd - 5th from 5:30-6:15 and PK - 2nd will be from 6:15- 7:00. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn our campus, grade level, and classroom goals and expectations.
International Dot Day!
On September 15th we will celebrate International Dot Day at HPES by wearing dots to school. Students will also participate in some fun activities in the library and classrooms. Click to learn more about International Dot Day!
PTO Soda Drive
HPES Homecoming Day
Homecoming is fast approaching! This year our HPES Homecoming will be September 22nd which is the same day as our Back to School Dance. We are so excited that our students will get the full Homecoming experience (minus the football game!) More information coming soon on the dance!
Back to School Homecoming Dance
BOY Assessments
Elementary Report Card Dates
Please review the Progress Report and Report Card Dates below. First one coming up is;
- 09/15/23:- Progress Report: due to campus at 12:00 noon, due to district by 4:30
- 09/22/23- Progress Reports available to parents:
- 10/20/23- 1st Nine Weeks ends
- 10/25/23- 1st 9 Weeks Grades due to campus at 12:00 noon, due to district by 4:30
- 10/27/22- Report Cards Available to parents
*** 2nd - 5th Grade Award Assembly Dates coming soon!
Free & Reduced Lunch Application
Please complete your child's free and reduced lunch application. Even if you think you wont qualify, it helps the campus TEA Campus Comparison Accountability Groups.
Click Here For Application Instructions
- English: Apply Now
- Español: Aplique Hoy
Don't forget....
- Students are encouraged to wear a college shirt on Wednesdays and a Highland Park spirit shirt on Fridays!
- Parent Orientation on Thursday, September 14th
- International Dot Day on Friday, September 15th
PTO
- 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:
- Veronica Jimenez- She SERIOUSLY goes above and beyond with everything she does for Highland Park. Her dedication to the school is very inspiring and motivational! Such an essential part of our Bulldog family.
- Daniela Geng- It's SO nice to have Ms. Geng on our campus! She's such a ray of sunshine and so sweet! Her positivity is an awesome addition to our campus!
- Veronica Jimenez, Shannon Robertson, Anita Moreno: Thank you for getting everything organized for Grandparents Day! It was a huge success thanks to you!
- Front office & Supporting Staff: Thank you for supporting during Grandparents Day with checking in, greeting, monitoring, and taking pictures! We couldn't have done it without you!
- HPES A Team and Front Office- Thank you for taking care of all things while I was out sick. I appreciate you! I was told by Dr. Killian- you did fantastic!
- Marsha Munoz, Veronica Jimenez, and Anita Moreno: Thank you for organizing all the details for our first ballet folklorico performance for the year. You rocked it!
Superintendents Kudos:
- Lizbeth Ruiz of Principal at Highland Park ES (via: Anonymous) Mrs. Ruiz knows how to lead from the front. She is compassionate, always with a smile. This morning, she was leading traffic and helping kids getting out of their cars. Thank you for leading HPES with enthusiasm and care. We love our school!
- The two wonderful Ladies at the front desk of Highland Park Elementary (via: Sharon T.) The very front lady of the school is the kindest, most friendly, helpful, and terrific helper at all levels! She answered my questions and guided me to others who could help me! She is dependable, warm, and welcoming whenever I have to check out my student or bring said student back to school !! I cannot say enough good things about her!
Remember, one small positive thought or compliment can change a person's entire day. :)
Great Things Happening at HPES
Ballet Folklorico Performance at Samsung!
Grandparents Day was a success! We love our grandparents!
Upcoming Events
2023-2024 School Year Calendar with grading periods, student holidays, etc.
Sept. 14 -Parent Orientation-3rd- 5th- 5:30-6:15, PK-2nd 6:15-7:00
Sept. 15- Oct. 15- Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 15- HPES is awarded the Austin Mayor's Healthiest Schools Award
Sept. 15- International Dot Day!
Sept. 19- PTO Meeting at 6:00
Sept. 22- Progress Reports available to parents
Sept. 22- Back to School Homecoming Dance at 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 2- Ballet Folklorico 8:30 -9:30 & 1:30- 2:30 Performance (details coming soon)
Oct. 4- Student Pictures
Oct. 5- Student Holiday & Staff Work Day
Oct. 6- Student Holiday & Parent Conferences
Oct. 9- Student and Staff Holiday
Oct. 4 - Sonic Spirit Night
Oct. 16-27 - Penny Wars
Oct. 27- Ballet Folklorico Performance at Brookhollow at 2:00
Oct. 27- Report Cards Available to parents
Oct. 28- PTO Trunk or Treat 5:00-7:00
Oct. 30- Nov. 2- Red Ribbon Week
Nov. 1- 2nd Grade Awards at 1:30
Nov. 1- 3rd Grade Awards at 8:30
Nov. 2- 4th Grade Awards at 8:30
Nov. 2- 5th Grade Awards at 1:30
Nov. 3- Student Holiday and Staff Work Day
Nov. 9- Boosterthon Kickoff
Nov. 10 Veteran's Day Program - 4th Grade
Nov. 17- Boosterthon Event
Nov. 20- Nov. 24- Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 29- Picture Retakes
Dec. 1- Holiday Movie Night 6:00-8:00
Dec. 20- Winter Class Party
Dec. 21- Early Release at 12:00
Dec. 22- Jan. 5 - Winter Break
Back to School Procedures
Student Attendance
Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for school success. Attendance increases student achievement and improves the quality of their educational experience. It prepares them for college, good careers, and successful adulthood. Texas Compulsory Attendance Law requires students to attend school regularly, unless otherwise exempted by law. It is the responsibility of the parent and student to cooperate and communicate with the school on all attendance matters.
Documentation After an Absence:
A parent must provide an explanation for any absence upon the student’s arrival or return to school.
The student must submit a note signed by the parent or from an entity included in the exemptions under the compulsory attendance laws. The campus will require a written note. The campus will document in its attendance records whether the absence is excused or unexcused.
Note: The district is not required to excuse any absence, even if the parent provides a note explaining the absence, unless the absence is an exemption under compulsory attendance laws.
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