Highland Park Family Newsletter
October 4, 2024
Highland Park Parents,
Next week will be quick and short. Students will be off on Friday, October 11th as it is designated as Parent Conferenec Day. Students will also be off the following Monday on October 14th as is desigated as a 1/2 day professional learning at HPES and 1/2 day planning/prep day in the afternoon.
The rest of the month is filled with events such as fieldtrips, picture day, ballet folklorico presentation, parent conference day, 1st 9 weeks report cards/awards, Pajama Reading Night, Book Fair, Trunk or Treat, and Red Ribbon Week! It will be a month full of learning, but also very fun and exciting.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything I can assist you with.
Highland Park Bulldogs WOOF!
Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal
Highland Park Elementary
Morning Arrival Safety Reminders
We kindly ask that when you park and drop off your child in the morning, please ensure that you walk them across the crosswalk. We have noticed an increase in students being dropped off in the parking lot without being accompanied across the street, which raises safety concerns due to heavy traffic during morning arrival. Alternatively, you may consider dropping off your child at the front of the school or at the bus loop after the buses have been dismissed.
On a related note, the tardy bell rings at 7:35 AM, and the front doors will close at that time. If your child arrives late, we ask that you escort them to the office and sign them in. We have noticed an increase in the number of students being dropped off after the tardy bell and left unattended outside. The front doors are quite heavy, and at times, students may struggle to open them. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our students. Thank you.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!
Click on the PDF below to access all the links.
PfISD Hispanic - Latino Pfair - October 10th from 6:00-9:00 at Calvary
I am excited and honored to be a part of the committee organizing this event, and I invite you to join us in celebrating the first-ever Pfisd Hispanic Latino Pfair.
Campuses will be hosting 1-2 cultural tables. Our campus will host cultural tables showcasing Mexico and Puerto Rico. Furthermore our Highland Park Ballet Folklorico will be performing for our community. If you are interested in helping with either the Mexico or Puerto Rico tables please reach out to me.
We hope to see you there!
We need your help with the Free & Reduced Lunch Applications
We have three weeks before the window closes for TEA on Free & Reduced Lunch Accountability. .
Even if the students don't qualify for free lunch, having them submit the application helps us with TEA Accountability. Depending on their eligibility we get placed in comparison groups across the state. In addition, if 40% or more of our students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch, as a campus we qualify for Title 1 funding. This is additional funding that we can use for resources, fieldtrips, staff development, and much more!
Please encourage your students families to complete the application even if they think they will not qualify. They can complete the application at any time during the school year, but the TEA accountability window closes on October 27th!. They can access the application below:
- English: Apply Now
- Español: Aplique Hoy
Picture Day - October 10th
Picture Day order forms will go home next week in kids Tuesday folders. To order pictures you can either return the order form completed or you can order online by logging in to online.phototexasphotography.com and enter the preorder code: PTPUC. You can also search for our campus once you log in to their website. Don't forget to remind your kiddos to smile!
Candy Monster
Please help us by donating candy for our Trunk or Treat coming up! The Candy monster is located at our front office entrance. Or you can send it with your child. We are excited and looking forward to Trunk or treat on October 26th!
Gifted & Talented Elementary Parent Information
Gifted and Talented Nomination Window
October 1-October 31
Click below to view the PfISD Gifted and Talented Parent Information video.
DL Academic Meet (submitted by Mr. Diaz)
The UIL/DLE season is here, and it is time to look for teachers who will serve as coaches this year. The UIL/DLE Academic Meet will be on Saturday, January 25th from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Windemere ES
Dual Language Spelling Bee (Submitted by Mr. Diaz)
Does your child enjoy spelling in Spanish? They can show off their skills at our Spanish Spelling Bee as they represent Highland Park this year! See more information on how to register them on the flyer below. You may also email Mr. Diaz if you have any questions at Freddy.Diazlopez@pfisd.net
Destination Imagination ( Submitted by Ms.Brightley)
Specials Calendar
Ballin' with Bulldogs
Red Ribbon Week
Assessments
2nd Grade CogAT Testing and 3rd Grade ASCEND Testing
October 15-October 30, 2024
Computer Lab will be closed for testing 10/15-18/2024
Report Card Dates
Please review the Progress Report and Report Card Dates below.
- 10/18/24- 1st Nine Weeks ends
- 10/23/24- 1st 9 Weeks Grades due to campus at 12:00 noon, due to district by 4:30
- 10/25/24- Report Cards Available to parents
Don't Forget...
- Mondays in October are for Dyslexia shirts
- Wednesdays are for College Shirts
- Fridays are for School Spirit Shirts
- Cheerleading sale afterschool on thursday, October 10th
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 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
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 Click here to submit your Pfamily Kuddos for the google form.
Campus Kudos:
- Intervention Team: Thank you for helping in classrooms this week for testing. We couldn't have met our deadlines without you! We appreciate you!
Upcoming Events
2024-2025 School Year Calendar with grading periods, student holidays, etc.
Oct. 4- Pink Out Day
Oct. 4- Ballet Folklorico Bake Sale afterschool
Oct. 10- Picture Day
Oct. 10- Cheerleading Bake Sale afterschool
Oct. 11 - Student Holiday/ Staff/Parent Conference Day
Oct. 14- Student Holiday/Staff Professional Development and Planning Day
Oct. 24- Pajama Reading Night/ Pop into Reading 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Oct. 28-Oct. 31- Red Ribbon Week & Fall Book Fair
Oct. 26- PTO Trunk or Treat 5:00-7:00
Oct. 28- 4th Grade 1st 9 Weeks Awards at 2:00
Oct. 29- 2nd Grade 1st 9 Weeks Awards at 2:00
Oct. 30- 5th Grade 1st 9 Weeks Awards at 8:30
Oct. 30- 3rd Grade 1st 9 Weeks Awards at 2:00
Oct. 31- Early Release at 12:00 p.m.
Regular Back to School Procedures
Visitors
Hugs & Kisses Zone for Student Arrival
- Our Hugs & Kisses Zone is located in the foyer area:
- 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Dismissal
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.
Birthday Celebrations/Campus Celebrations
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.
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.
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