These last two weeks have flown by and have generally felt quite smooth. Our campus systems are functioning well, and things seem to be falling into place and settling into a routine! It has certainly been a busy week, but one rich with learning as well. While walking the hallways of our campus, I was reminded of how grateful I am to work with the Highland Park team and to have the opportunity to engage with your children!

If your child is a car rider after school, you may have noticed that our campus has implemented a new dismissal system this school year. While the system experienced a few technological glitches that resulted in some delays, we were pleased to see it operating smoothly by midweek, allowing us to complete dismissal by 3:00-3:05. With continued practice, we are optimistic that the process will become even quicker, all while ensuring the safety of our bulldogs. We sincerely appreciate your patience and ongoing support as we work to refine the system. Thank you!

We had a wonderful turnout during Ballin' with Bulldogs this week, and we sincerely appreciate your participation. If you couldn't make it, don’t worry—this event takes place once a month. Next Friday, August 30th, our campus will be celebrating Homecoming Day, and we will also be hosting our Back to School Dance. Please take a moment to check out the flyers in this newsletter. We look forward to seeing you there!

Have a wonderful weekend and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Highland Park Bulldogs Woof!

With Thanks,

Lizbeth Ruiz

Principal

Highland Park Elementary

Parent Orientation is set for Thursday, September 12th. Pk-2nd from 5:30-6:15 and 3rd - 5th 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.

Our district beginning of the year assessment window opens next week. Classroom teachers will be sharing additional information and student results with you as they complete testing. The data from these assessments are used to guide our classroom instructional and small group teaching.

Showing up for the educational day has a big impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play an important role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life. We understand some absences can be unavoidable due to health issues or extenuating circumstances. We also know that when students miss too much school, regardless of the reason, it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 15 or more days over the course of an entire school year.

Research shows:

• Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

• By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.

• By 9th grade good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

1. Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.

2. Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

3. Ensure your students go to school every day unless they are truly sick Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.

4. Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.

5. Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.

• Students are encouraged to wear a college shirt on Wednesdays and a Highland Park spirit shirt on Fridays!
• Friday 08/30 is our Homecoming Day and back to School Dance

• 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 popsicles at the park, bingo night, trunk or treat 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

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 Click here to submit your Pfamily Kuddos for the google form.

• A big shout out to our amazing classroom teachers and support staff! Your hard work in establishing routines is really paying off. It’s wonderful to see our students smiling, engaged, and learning, all thanks to you! YAY!
  
• A big thank you to all the staff who help out with duties before school, lunchtime, and after school! We truly appreciate you!
• Intervention team & Sped- Thank you so much for your help in supporting ALL students. Your support means the world to us, and we truly couldn't do it without you!
• Coach Blair & Coach Smulski- Congrats on a super successful Ballin' with Bulldogs event! Great job team!

2024-2025 School Year Calendar with grading periods, student holidays, etc.

Aug. 30- Homecoming Day

Aug. 30- Homecoming/Back to School Dance 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sept. 2- Student & Staff Holiday

Sept. 06- Grandparents Luncheon ( during students lunches)

Sept. 9- 13- PTO Snack & Soda Drive (all week)

Sept. 12 Parent Orientation-Pk- 2nd - 5:30-6:15 & 3rd - 5th- 6:15-7:00

Sept. 17- PTO Meeting at 5:30-6:30 p.m

Sept. 21- Parents Night Out (more info coming soon)

Sept. 27- Hispanic Heritage Loteria Night 6:00-8:00

Oct. 4- Pink Out Day

Oct. 11 - Student Holiday/ Staff/Parent Conference Day

Oct. 14- Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development and Planning Day

Oct. 21-25- Red Ribbon Week & Fall Book Fair

Oct. 24- Pajama Reading Night/ Pop into Reading 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26- PTO Trunk or Treat 5:00-7:00

Oct. 31- Early Release at 12:00 p.m.

In preparation for the 2024-2025 school year, we have provided some important “need to know” information in this newsletter. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

For parents dropping off their children in the morning:

- Enter through the main student entrance doors.

- Only enter the designated hugs and kisses zone locate in our foyer

- Students will proceed independently to their classroom.

- Parents will exit through the main student entrance.

For parents coming to have breakfast or lunch with their child:

- Enter through the main vestibule doors.

- Use the button next to the safety window to alert the front office.

- Let the front office know you are joining your child for breakfast or lunch.

- You will then be directed to sign in and receive a raptor sticker before entering the cafeteria area.

For parents dropping off items for their child:

- Notify classroom teacher that you are dropping off an item via class dojo or email.

- Enter through the main vestibule doors.

- Use the button next to the safety window to notify the front office.

- Inform the front office that you are dropping off an item for your child.

- There will be a table in the vestibule for drop-offs and post its to include your child’s and teacher name.

For parents attending conferences or meetings:

- Enter through the main vestibule doors.

- Use the button next to the safety window to alert the front office.

- Inform the front office of your scheduled meeting.

- After verification, you will be allowed to sign in and receive a raptor sticker before entering the building.

• 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 gym.

• 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. Beginning August 14, (Day 2) parents will be asked to drop their child off at the hugs and kisses zone in the foyer. Parents will not be allowed to walk down the main hallway.

- Parents should enter through the student main entrance with their children.

- Quick hugs and kisses are encouraged.

- Students will walk independently to their classroom, with staff available to assist if needed.

- Parents will exit through the main student entrance.

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.

With over 700 students morning traffic is heavy. 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, and water bottle. 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 getting 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 7:05 a.m. every day 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!

The safety of all students at Highland Park Elementary School is our number one priority. In order to maintain a high degree of awareness and safety during our afternoon dismissal process, we are requiring that all parents and/or guardians adhere to the following procedures. Your cooperation and support are crucial in maintaining the security, success, and positive climate of our school. If you have any questions or concerns about these protocols, please feel free to reach out to us. We are always happy to answer any questions.

Dismissal Tags:

Each student (family) has been issued a numbered dismissal tag for parents and one for student backpack. Students will not be released in without this tag. The parent tag must match the tag on the students backpack.

Car Rider Pick-up

Parents/guardians MUST display their child’s tag on their windshield or front passenger window. If you do not have your tag, you MUST park and go to the office. Unfortunately, we cannot allow exceptions, as we are trying to increase our safety and efficiency. If you need an extra tag for another caretaker’s car, please let your child’s teacher know.

Parent Walk-Up

Parents/guardians will walk up to the flagpole to pick up their child. You MUST display your child’s tag when walking up to pick them up. If you do not have your tag, you MUST go to the office. Unfortunately, we cannot allow exceptions, as we are trying to increase our safety and efficiency. If you need an extra tag for another caretaker, please let your child’s teacher know.

Walkers/Bikers

Walkers and bikers will be released from the flagpole/bike rack area.

Rainy Day Dismissal

If it is raining or we have increment weather, all students will be required to follow car rider procedures. We will have no parent walk - up on these days. For walkers and bike riders we will ask parents to communicate any changes to their students' teacher.

• Student birthdays will be announced and celebrated over morning announcements. Students will also sing Happy Birthday in the classroom.

• 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.

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”.

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.

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!

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