Highland Park Elementary

Dear Saint Paul Public Schools Community,

As your interim superintendent, I want to thank you for your contributions and dedication to Saint Paul Public Schools. Whether you are a student, family member or member of our staff, you have chosen to be part of the SPPS community. Thank you for being here.

As a member of this community, I want to assure you that SPPS respects, affirms and welcomes ALL students, staff and family members. As a public school district, our policies and practices around racial equity, gender inclusion and non-discrimination exist to ensure that ALL students are supported and have access to a high-quality education regardless of their race, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or disability. ALL students deserve to learn in respectful and inclusive environments where their identities are valued and contribute to their success in school and in life.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: "We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.” Our students—ALL of our students—are that future.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our Saint Paul Public Schools community.

The City of St. Paul has launched a parking pilot program that will affect Highland Park Elementary and the surrounding neighborhood beginning Monday, February 2, and ending Saturday, April 12. This adjusted parking protocol will be in effect for the entirety of the pilot programming, regardless of winter weather.

In short, the pilot areas will allow for parking on only one side of streets at any given time. Parking locations will change from odd sides of the street to even sides of the street every-other week.

You’re invited to celebrate National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) with us on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 7:30-8:30. Start your morning by enjoying a grab-and-go breakfast with your student and then spend meaningful time together in their classroom. We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the vital role families play in student success.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, February 10, 2025

Time: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

February is Black History Month. While the IB education we offer at our school prioritizes a global perspective year round, this month will highlight the identities, contributions, and importance of Black and African American people in our nation's and world's history.

Beginning Monday, all families visiting the building for Discovery Club will access the building through door 12 for both pick-up and drop-off. Door 12 is on the east side of our building, adjacent to the staff parking lot. We will have two spaces reserved for families.

Is your student feeling the Winter Blues? Now is a great time for them to join the HPE Extended Day Learning (EDL) afterschool program. Students are invited to stay afterschool on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00-3:45pm. Each day your child will receive a snack and participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and/or Math) related activities.

Transportation is NOT provided, so families must pick-up promptly at 3:45pm. Students enrolled at Discovery Club are also welcome to attend EDL; students will be dismissed to DC at the end of EDL each day.

Who: 1st - 5th grade students

What: Afterschool EDL

When: Mondays & Wednesdays

Time: 2:00 - 3:45 pm

Students must be picked up by family promptly at 3:45pm, go to Discovery Club, or walk home each day!

To register visit: https://forms.gle/WHD7rtL8iPVoNbjJ7

If a paper registration is required, please have your child stop by the office to pick one up.

Read a Thon 2025 is coming soon - It is our biggest annual fundraiser at HPE! Watch for the packet to come home in early February. Read a Thon will run from February 14-28. We hope all HPE families are able to participate!

Do you have gently used books (especially graphic novels!) to donate for other kids to have for incentives? Please send them to school with your child or bring them to the Main Office, there is a tub for them under the sign-in table. We will be collecting books through March 9. Thank you

Save the Date!

What: This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make up our school community of our families at HPE, and an opportunity to be together in community.

When: Friday, February 21, 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Highland Park Elementary (1700 Saunders Ave St. Paul, MN 55116)

Who: HPE students, parents, families and friends

Do you have a story, music, game, or other cultural artifacts that represent your family tradition, culture and/or childhood that you would like to share? If so, consider signing up to participate by completing this form.

Want to donate money to help provide food and entertainment? Please use this link or send money to the school office. https://square.link/u/tDBqUt2N

Want to show your school spirit? The HPE PTA is selling hoodies to raise money for our school. Funds will go to pay for enrichment programs like our COMPAS artist residencies, teacher supplies, field trips and more! Each hoodie costs $30. You can select your size (both child and adult sizes available), pay online, and the hoodie will be delivered to your home or to school for pick up on Feb. 21 (5:30-7:30pm). The deadline to order is Feb. 2. Thank you for your support! https://www.customink.com/fundraising/hpe-gear-sale?utm_campaign=desktop-campaign-page-share-v3&utm_content=hpe-gear-sale&utm_medium=social&utm_source=copy-link