HPE Weekly Update 9/15/2024
Harris Park's Shared Mission and Vision
Happy lifelong learners. Passionate and positive in every way!
A Message from Mrs. Mills (Richey)
Happy Sunday, Harris Park Families!
Tomorrow, September 16, is an early release day. School will end at 1:40. Students who are enrolled in Scholars Unlimited are the only students with after school programming. All other students must be picked up by no later than 1:50. Our next early release dates are October 21st and November 4th and 18th.
As we enter the 6th week of the school year, I want to take a moment to emphasize the vital role that sleep plays in your child’s health and academic success. Quality sleep supports their physical growth, emotional well-being, and cognitive function.
Children aged 4-12 typically need between 9 and 12 hours of sleep each night. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and ensuring a restful sleep environment can significantly enhance their focus, behavior, and overall performance at school.
For valuable insights and practical tips on sleep for children in this age group, please refer to the articles (linked below): “What Sleep Is, and Why All Kids Need It” reviewed by Mary Gavin, MD and "How Much Sleep Do Babies and Kids Need?" by Eric Suni and Dr. Nilong Vyas. Additionally, there's a fun, educational video linked below that you can watch with your children: Why Do We Sleep? The Dr. Binocs Show.
Thank you for your continued support in prioritizing your child’s sleep and contributing to their success!
Love,
Mrs. Mills (Richey)
Destination WPS
Please visit destinationwps.org to learn about our district's needs that may be presented to voters this fall. We encourage you to take part in our Quick Poll and explore the Funding Priorities photo/link below the survey to view current poll results.
Additionally, you can engage with our team in the interactive Q&A section under Community Discussion. We welcome your questions and feedback.
Attendance
Last week's average daily attendance was
Important Upcoming Dates - Mark Your Calendars
Monday, September 16
- 7:35-1:40 Early Release Day, student pick up at 1:40 PM
Tuesday, October 1
- 1:00-2:15 Fall Festival, mini Field Day, Families may join us on the field
Monday, September 30 through Friday, October 4
- Spirit Week!
- Monday - Fall Colors - wear your favorite fall colors (red, orange, brown, yellow)
- Tuesday - Tourist Day - dress like a tourist, Fall Festival, mini Field Day
- Wednesday - Super Hero Day - dress like your favorite super hero
- Thursday - Career Day - dress for the career of your dreams
- Friday - Pajama Day - wear school appropriate PJs
Monday, October 7
- No school for students
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 8, 9, and 10
- 3:15-5:15 Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences
- 3:15-5:15 Book Fair in the Library
Friday, October 11
- Picture Retake Day
Monday, October 21
- 7:35-1:40 Early Release Day, student pick up at 1:40 PM
Tuesday, October 22
- WPS District Showcase @ WHS
Tuesday, October 29
- 2:15 Halloween Parade (K-5) around the field loop (students may wear school appropriate costumes)
Wednesday, October 30
- Whole School Field Trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (no costumes please)
Thursday and Friday, October 31 and November 1
- No school
Monday, November 4
- 7:35-1:40 Early Release Day, student pick up at 1:40 PM
Wednesday, November 6
- 4:00-6:00 Skate City Community Event
Monday, November 11
- No School, Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 12
- 4:00-4:45 PTA Meeting in our Harris Park Library, email lperila@wps.org for information
Monday, November 18
- 7:35-1:40 Early Release Day, student pick up at 1:40 PM
Monday - Friday, November 25-29
- No School, Thanksgiving Break
Monday, December 2
- 7:35-1:40 Early Release Day, student pick up at 1:40 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, December 3, 4, & 5
- 3:00-5:15 Holiday Gift Shop in the library
Tuesday, December 10
- 4:00-4:45 PTA Meeting in our Harris Park Library, email lperila@wps.org for information
Monday, December 16
- 7:35-1:40 Early Release Day, student pick up at 1:40 PM
Monday through Friday, December 16-20
- Spirit Days!
- Monday - Mittens Monday - wear winter hats, scarves, and gloves...or mittens
- Tuesday - Twinkle Tuesday - bright colors, holiday lights, garland, festive jewelry, etc.
- Wednesday - Wacky Sweater Wednesday - wear fun, silly, unique, festive, etc. sweaters
- Thursday - Thermal Thursday - wear your favorite flannel
- Friday - Snug As a Bug In a Rug Friday - wear school appropriate PJs and bring a blanket
Monday, December 23 through Monday, January 6
- No School, Winter Holiday
Tuesday, January 7
- Students return from Winter Holiday
Scholars Unlimited
Registration will be available in August at this link.
Scholars After School is a 30 week after school program that runs from mid September to mid May on school days from 2:50-4:50. This fun program includes snacks, literacy support, enrichment activities, and time for scholars to explore and use their voice and choice to guide how they would like to engage.
Scholars Unlimited is proud to offer our programs at no cost to students or their families. We accept all students of all races, ethnicities, genders, orientations, national origins, and immigration statuses.
Available for K-5 students
What makes this program so successful?
We start with a brief assessment to determine each student’s individual literacy learning needs. Then, students are grouped according to those needs for small-group instruction. Our teacher-to-student ratio of 1:6 ensures that each child receives personalized support.
Students also participate in self-paced computer learning, which is proven to help students master fundamental skills that are essential for reading fluency.
This combination of teacher-led intervention and computer-based tutoring is referred to as “blended learning” — and for our scholars, it’s a recipe for success.
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver
The Westminster Boys & Girls Club provides after-school and summer programs to kids ages 6-18 at Hidden Lake High School in Westminster, Colorado. Club members can choose from a variety of programs, build relationships with caring adults, and learn important life skills. Members can join for an annual fee of $2 – which includes daily meals and snacks, sports, STEAM activities, and more.
SCHOOL YEAR HOURS
Monday – Friday
2:30pm – 6:00pm
Westminster Public Schools Athletic Opportunities for Elementary Students
For more information click here.
WPS is excited to offer opportunities in athletics to students in elementary school. Each activity will cost $50 per student-athlete. Each activity will offer practices and games. Student-athletes will receive a uniform they keep. Transportation will not be provided to or from games. Games begin in September for elementary-based sports (Westy Juniors).
Westy Juniors (K-5) – approximate ages; levels are grade based
Grades K-1 (5-7 years old)
Grades 2-3 (7-8 years old)
Grades 4-5 (9-11 years old)
2024-2025 Westminster Public Schools Calendar
Family, Community, School Connection & Resources
Moved? New Phone Number? Keep the Harris Park Team Updated!
Please be sure that we have current phone numbers and email addresses for you. The best way to update your contact information is through the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus. If you need assistance with your Parent Portal, please call 303-428-1721. We can provide you with your user name and reset your password for you.
For the most up-to-date information about everything that is going on at the Dan Vallez center, please visit their website here.
Journey to Wellness Information
Empower Learning System
Helpful Links
We celebrate STAR* behaviors!
Safety: Personal safety and safety for others.
Teamwork: Leadership of self, in small groups, & with peers.
Attitude: Positive scholastic and can-do-it attitudes.
Respect: Of your space, classroom, school, yourself & others.
★Responsibility: Personal, academic, and for the school.
Where You Can Find Us
Email: nmills@wps.org
Website: https://harrispark.wps.org/
Location: 4300 West 75th Ave, Westminster, CO 80030
Phone: 303-428-1721
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarrisParkElm/
Twitter: @WPSNewsNow
Harris Park's Shared Vision
Happy lifelong learners. Passionate and positive in every way!