The Scots' Scoop
Highland Park Middle School's Weekly Family Newsletter
October 30, 2022
All translations are computer generated.
We apologize in advance for any unintended errors.
November is Native American Heritage Month
-Vine Deloria, Jr. was an author, theologian, historian, and activist for Native American rights
Important Upcoming Dates
- Monday, 10/31: School is in Session & in Person!
- Monday, 10/31: Spirit Day/Costume Day: (See more about costume guidelines in Message from the Principal below)
- Monday, 10:31: Flipside is Cancelled today--there is no Flipside today!
- Tuesday, 11/8: Digital Learning Day • No In-Building Classes (see Message from the Principal below for more information)
- Friday, 11/11: Last Day of Quarter 1
- Friday, 11/11: Team Day
- Monday, 11/14: First Day of Quarter 2
- Tuesday, 11/15: Picture Re-take Day
- Friday, 11/18: No School — Staff Professional Development Day
- Thu. 11/24 — Fri. 11/25: No School — Thanksgiving Day Holiday
Message from the Principal
As we approach the final two weeks of Quarter 1, please keep in mind the following:
There is School Tomorrow, October 31:
There has been some misunderstanding about school tomorrow, October 31. Elementary schools have no school tomorrow, but middle schools and high schools do have school. So yes, we are in session and in person tomorrow, October 31!
Costume Day Tomorrow, October 31:
Tomorrow is the official last day of Spirit Week, that began last week. There are some general rules and guidelines about Costume Day that we would like you to support for tomorrow:
- No full face masks. We need to see students' faces.
- No full face paint. Again, we need to see students' faces.
- No sun glasses or other coverings over the eyes. It is important for staff to see students' eyes.
- Limit the amount of fake blood. Some students and staff have a certain queasiness to blood and fake blood. So, we want students to be respectful of that.
- No costumes are allowed that could be offensive to other cultures.
- Costumes cannot promote use of drugs, alcohol or weapons of any kind.
- Costumes may not be violent or suggestive.
- Costumes may not promote violence or have accessories or props that could be used as a weapon.
Flipside Cancelled for tomorrow, October 31
There are no Flipside classes tomorrow, October 31, therefore, if your student has Flipside on Mondays, they should leave for home immediately after school. All after school sports are scheduled as usual, but if your student relies on the Flipside bus to get home after practice, there will be no Flipside buses after school, so you will have to make arrangements for you or someone else to pick up your child after practice if they usually rely on the Flipside bus to get home.
Digital Learning Day, Tuesday, November 8:
Tuesday, November 8, is a Digital Learning Day, that is, school is in session, but it is NOT in person. The student schedule is changed a bit for Digital Learning Days, resulting in the following:
Schedule for Digital Learning Day, Tue., Nov. 8, 2022 (B-Day)
- 8:30 - 8:45: Foundations
- 8:50 - 9:10: Period 1B
- 9:15 - 9:35: Period 2B
- 9:40 - 10:00: Period 3B
- 10:05 - 10:25: Period 4B
- 10:30 - 12:00: Optional Office Hours for Students - teachers will be available to answer questions and consult with students virtually
- 12:00 - 12:30: Lunch
- 12:30 - 3:00: Asynchronous Learning for Students - Students use this time to complete their work. Students may email their teachers if they have any questions during this time.
The above schedule will also used for any future district declared Digital Leaning Snow Days and District Learning Cold Days. More specific information regarding how to sign into classrooms during Digital Learning Day on November 8 will be forthcoming.
Here's to a great final two weeks of Quarter 1!
John Andrastek, Principal
2021-22 H.S. Wrestling Team Picture
H.S. Wrestling Team Website
High School Wrestling Team Kick-off Meeting Nov. 9
Middle schoolers and their families who are interested in joining the H.S. wrestling team are invited to attend the Highland Park Senior High School Wrestling Team Kick-off Meeting on Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
When: Wed, Nov 9 @ 6:00 pm
Where: High School Cafeteria
Spaghetti dinner provided
Learn about joining the team, the season plans, meet the coaches, other wrestlers and start of the season need-to-know information!
Help Restock Our Nurse's Office Closet
You may be surprised to learn that every year, our nurse, Ms Lux, hands out several pairs of leggings, sweatpants, underwear, and socks. Why? Accidents happen! From puddles to spilled lunches to learning how to manage a menstrual cycle, these emergency clothing items help keep kids salvage the day and get back to learning.
Our backstock is running low, and we could use your help restocking. If you are able to contribute, then you can send new socks, new XL-3XL women's black leggings, all adult sizes of new black sweatpants with your student or you can click on the link below to order items from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3W40Z0MXOL8K2?ref_=wl_share. All items ordered from Amazon will be shipped directly to the school.
If you have any questions, then please contact mandi.jung@spps.org.
Transitional Life Skills Class Needs
This year, the special education transitional life skills class is taking community outings to Aldi's in order to learn cooking and social skills. We are in need of:
- Reusable shopping bags and,
- $5 or $10 gift cards to Aldis, Lunds and McDonalds.
There are two ways to contribute:
- Drop off gift cards at the main office, or
- Make a monetary donation at this website: https://tinyurl.com/HPMSLifeSkills
Thank you for your support!
Application for Educational Benefits/Free or Reduced Price Meals
St. Paul Public Library Homework Centers
Homework Centers are comfortable spaces at St. Paul Public Library locations where students of all ages can drop in and work on their homework independently or with the help of volunteer tutors. The centers are equipped with computers, printers, reference books, and school supplies for student use.
Locations and Hours
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Monday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m
- Tuesday: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Homework Centers will be open through the week of May 15, 2023. Homework Centers are closed on holidays and other library closed dates.
Online Homework Help
Online homework help is available from HelpNow.
Use your library card number and password to log in. Live Tutoring is available every day, 1:00 - 11:00 p.m. Available in English and Spanish.
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