The Scots' Scoop
Highland Park Middle School's Weekly Newsletter
January 9, 2022
Translations
All translations are computer generated. We apologize in advance for any unintended errors.
Upcoming Important Dates
Tuesday, January 11: HPMS Hosting Knowledge Bowl, 4:00 p.m.
Monday, January 17: No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Wed., Jan. 26 & Thu., Jan. 27: HPMS Virtual Zoo Engineering Exhibition - during day
- Thursday, January 27: Spelling Bee, 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, January 27: Last Day of Quarter 2
Friday, January 28: No School
Monday, January 31: Quarter 3 Begins
Friday, February 4: Team Day
Monday, February 14: National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID)
Monday, February 21: No School - Presidents' Day
Important Message from SPPS
This message from Saint Paul Public Schools was originally emailed to families on January 5, 2022.
Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Families,
COVID-19 case rates continue to be high across Minnesota and in SPPS and seasonal flu symptoms are also becoming more prevalent. Please help your students take care of themselves and others by having them stay home when they are sick.
Please review this updated illness guidance for what to do if your child gets sick or tests positive for COVID-19. Our SPPS COVID-19 Team continues to provide information to families who report positive cases to the SPPS COVID-19 Reporting System. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please notify your child's school and activities with absences and return dates that are determined when making a report or by the COVID-19 Team.
Thank you for staying safe and helping those around you do the same.
SPPS Survey Considering School Year Changes
This message from Saint Paul Public Schools was originally emailed to families on January 6, 2022.
Dear SPPS Community,
To acknowledge the stress and challenges both families and staff are facing due to the pandemic, Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is considering a change to the SPPS calendar for the current school year. This change would involve turning a set number of regular school days into Digital Learning Days* (defined as pre-scheduled days of virtual instruction). Details include:
- Up to 5 days would be designated as digital learning days*
- These days would occur between February 1 and May 31, 2022, on either a Monday or Friday
- These days would not be attached to an existing holiday or break
Please take a few minutes to provide your perspective on a calendar change. Complete one survey per family.
Contact Stacey Gray Akyea at stacey.gray-akyea@spps.org with questions. This survey will be open through Friday, January 14, 2022.
Thank you.
COVID Vaccines Available Ages 5 - 17
Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms?
Common COVID-19 symptoms include: fever greater than or equal to 100.4° F, new onset and/or worsening cough, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell OR at least 2 of the following: sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle pain, excessive fatigue, new onset of severe headache, new onset of nasal congestion or runny nose.
If you or your child are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please do the following:
Go to the SPPS COVID-19 Reporting System Website: https://commedspps.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9G0WvcJlWfuqwlL & follow the instructions there, then
Call the HPMS Attendance Line at (651) 744-3393, or email highlandmsattendance@spps.org to notify the school if you will be keeping your child home from school.
Athletic Events Safety Practices
SPPS athletic events are governed by the Minnesota State High School League. SPPS student conduct at school and district events is governed by the SPPS Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
Event Policies
• Middle School Students
- Middle school students and younger must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times - this includes at both High School AND Middle School sporting events.
• IDs
- Students from the hosting school and visiting school are welcome with student ID. No student ID, no entry.
- Students from any other schools/non-participating schools must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
• Re-entry Policy
- Fans will not be allowed re-entry once they have exited the building/venue.
- Exception will only apply in which restrooms or concessions are not within the venue.
• Home/Visitor seating
- Fans are expected to be in their designated school’s section.
• Backpacks
- Backpacks are not allowed.
• No outside food or drink allowed if concessions are sold on site.
• SPPS Prohibits the following at School Events:
- Weapons
- Alcoholic Beverages
- E Cigarettes / Vaping
- Tobacco
- Controlled Substances
**Those suspected of being under the influence will not be admitted and are subject to removal from the event.
• In addition...- Spectators are prohibited from bringing balls into an event.
- Only hand-held signs are allowed. Signs must be positive, appropriate, promote the participants, and not be distracting or block the view of others.
- Artificial noise makers are prohibited.
- Only authorized personnel will be admitted onto the playing surface.
- Animals, other than service animals, are not permitted in the event.
Persons who violate these rules may be ejected without refund.
Follow the rules, regulations, or directions from school staff, stadium personnel, police, or security staff. Inability to do so may result in removal from the event.
SPPS athletic events are governed by the Minnesota State High School League.
6th Grade Breakthrough Twin Cities Application Now Open
Breakthrough Twin Cities is a six-year, free academic enrichment and college preparatory program that helps under-resourced students prepare for college success. Students (and their families) enrolling in Breakthrough Twin Cities make a six-year commitment. While it does not cost anything to participate, students and families “pay” for the experience with their hard work and commitment.
Both transportation and breakfast/lunch meals are provided for students that live in Saint Paul during our summer and in school programs. We are currently in the process of recruiting 6th graders across Saint Paul. Our Application Deadline is FEBRUARY 10TH, 2022. Our summer program then begins on Wednesday, June 29th and ends on August 5th, 2022!
Please visit our website for more information at breakthroughtwincities.org. Click on the video link to watch the Breakthrough Twin Cities video about the program.
To apply, please visit our online application here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4869088.
If you need assistance with completing the application or need a paper copy please contact Danielle Seifert, 6th Grade Counselor at Highland Park Middle School at 651-744-7582 or email at danielle.seifert@spps.org.
Homework Help at Highland Park Public Library
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 4 - 7 p.m., the Highland Park Public Library has a homework help center! The library has volunteers available to help with homework assigned to anyone from kindergarteners to college students. They also have school supplies and internet access.
The Highland Park Public Library is located at 1974 Ford Parkway. For more information, you may call the library at (651) 695-3700, or visit the Saint Paul Public Library calendar of events online at www.sppl.org/calendar. Please have your student take advantage of this free service!
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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