Summer at Hickman

Dear Kewpie Community,

Happy summer! With a few weeks left of break, I hope you are enjoying your time and staying safe. As we prepare for the 2024-2025 school year, I wanted to share some important updates and goals to ensure we start positively and productively.

This year, students, families, and staff can anticipate several new initiatives in our building. We are introducing new safety and security systems, such as an EHallpass system for passes/hall traffic, a new cell phone process to limit distractions in class, and a new weapons detection system to add an extra layer of safety for our community.

You and your families can also look forward to our brilliant, funny, kind, and capable teachers ready to inspire, support, and educate.

Hickman High School is committed to functioning as a professional learning community, with multiple teams working together to ensure that all students are learning. This year, our staff will refocus and double down on these efforts, doing everything we can to reach each student.

One of our primary goals for the upcoming school year is to ensure every student attends school 90% of the time. Being present is crucial for taking advantage of the opportunities and instruction available in our classrooms. We also want to connect students to activities and athletic events, enriching Hickman culture through active participation from all students, staff, and community members.

We will diligently work on student achievement, focusing on progress towards graduation and post-secondary goals. Our efforts as a professional learning community will be centered around supporting each student's success.

Please take a moment to read the information below and celebrate the successes of years past as we look forward to another great year at Hickman High School.

Once a Kewpie. Always a Kewpie,

Mary M Grupe
Hickman High School's Principal & Proud 01' Alum

In the attached PDF, you will find the Student Packet which includes information and forms needed for the 24-25 school year.

All students need to be registered for the new school year.

Register online here:

https://infinitecampus.cpsk12.org/campus/OLRLogin/columbia?configGroupID=3

Registering for a bus is included in the online registration process. (link above)

Bus Assignment Information is cleared out annually, so you must sign up for a bus every year.

July 1 – CPS Annual Registration Portal Opens for Existing Families (Required)

August 1 – Deadline for Opt-in for School Bus to have bus routed first day of school

August 13 – Schedules Released via CPSFamilies Portal at 3:00 PM

August 13 – Open House at Hickman High School from 4:30 to 6:30 pm

August 19 – Jump Start Day for 9th grade students

August 20 – First Day of school

September 3 – Late Transportation Opt In Deadline

Dear Hickman Coaches and Community,

I am writing to share some bittersweet news with you all. After four wonderful years as the Athletic Director at Hickman High School, I am transitioning to a new role at the Columbia Public Schools central office in the Human Resources department. This move will allow me to spend more quality time with my family, which is something I am truly looking forward to.

Serving Hickman High School has been an absolute honor and joy. The relationships I’ve built with our students, staff, and coaches have made this journey unforgettable. While it’s difficult to say goodbye, I am also excited about continuing to serve Columbia Public Schools in a new capacity.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at Hickman. You have made this place feel like home. Working with you all, supporting our students, and witnessing their growth and achievements has been the best part of my role here.

Jen Caine will be stepping in as the interim Activities Director, pending board approval. Jen comes with extensive experience as an assistant principal and activities director, and she is ready to hit the ground running. She is a strong believer in education-based athletics and is committed to supporting our student participants and coaches with dedication and passion.

Though my role is changing, I will continue to see all of you around and wish you all the very best. Once a Kewpie, always a Kewpie.

Jack Rubenstein

Dear Hickman Coaches and Community,

As Jack mentioned, I am thrilled about this opportunity. My experience as Athletic Director at Oakland made me passionate about the potential sports and activities held for our students. I strongly believe in their role in fostering motivation and personal growth.

As AD, I aim to support our exceptional coaches and sponsors, advocating alongside them to ensure our Kewpies continue to achieve genuine success at the highest levels. I am honored and eager to begin in this role!

Jen Caine

Dear Hickman Coaches and Community,

We will work as a team to hire a interim Assistant Principal in the next few weeks and will ensure HHS is ready to roll on day one.

Mary M Grupe

If you have a laptop, charger, or books that need to be returned from last year, bring them to the West Office and turn them in. All laptops need updated for the new school year.

Please see attached document for further info:

Hickman online-only students and those participating in the MACC Early College Program may pick up their laptops for the 24-25 school year during Open House/Registration Assistance on Tuesday, 8/13, from 4:30-6:30 pm in the Hickman Library.

If families are unable to come that evening, please contact hickmanlmc@cpsk12.org to make alternate arrangements. It is best if the student is able to come for laptop pickup, as they will need to log into the device in order for it to work offsite.

Yearbooks will be available for pick-up at the WEST ENTRANCE

on Monday, August 5 between 8 am and 1 pm.

They will also be available during the second week of school (Aug 26-30) before and after school and during lunches.

We think that you’ll “Like What You See”!

Email hhsyearbook@cpsk12.org with any questions.

We want to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year with clear communication regarding Columbia Public Schools 24-25 High School Cell Phone & Smart Device procedures. Cell Phones, including Smart Devices, are prohibited in the classroom learning environment. Our goal is to provide a learning environment that is free from distractions and provides scholars the opportunity to engage in real-time collaboration with their teachers and peers. This communication allows all stakeholders to stay informed, and engaged, so we can partner together and provide a positive and productive school experience for all scholars within Columbia Public Schools. If you have any questions or need further clarification on any aspect of the cell phone procedures, please do not hesitate to contact your scholars school office.

This year, students will submit hard copies of their sports physicals and MSHSAA forms to their coaches.

Sports Physical & MSHSAA Forms

Click here to view the Coach Contact Page

eHallPass replaces antiquated methods of administering hall passes. The system enhances school security and helps to simplify classroom management. Teachers log into their system dashboard to monitor and approve passes, and access reporting. Students request passes through eHallPass on their laptops.

For more details watch this short video overview.

Stay turned for further info!

We will no longer be issuing purple/gold cards this upcoming school year. An alternative incentive program is in the works! Stay tuned for more info.

The safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our top priority. We have a new detection system in Columbia Public Schools, to increase safety and security at our high schools. This non-invasive system is designed to detect weapons either on a person or inside their bag or backpack without slowing the normal flow of foot traffic into our buildings. It will be in place inside the main entrances used by students each morning. All students entering our high schools will pass through the weapon detection system at the start of each school day. It will be monitored by administrators and our safety and security team who will help ensure the process moves smoothly and creates minimal disruptions. Weapons are not permitted on any Columbia Public School campus. Any student who violates that will be subject to discipline according to District Policy up to and including suspension from school.

Please see attached documents regarding the new Weapon Detection System we will be utilizing this upcoming school year:

For the 23-24 school year, Columbia Public Schools had 48 Early College students graduate with their high school diploma and Associates degree from MACC. Our current Early College students completed 3955 college credit hours throughout this school year saving students and families of the program over $450,000!

13 of the graduates are students from Hickman. In the 23-24 school year Hickman Early College students completed 1249 college credit hours through MACC. 59 Hickman students have been accepted into the Early College Program for the 24-25 school year.

We are currently undertaking enhancements to our teacher lounge to create a more comfortable and engaging space for our esteemed educators. Your support and generosity are crucial to the success of this project. Please consider purchasing an item from our wish list below. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated!

A group of passionate students is redefining the role of the library through their dedication to literacy and community service.

Follow this link to watch the video: https://cpsk12mo.org/HHSLibraryEB

Congratulations to Hickman Speech and Debate team for competing at the National Tournament in Des Moines in June and being recognized as a "School of Honor" in speech, finishing in the top 40 overall.

Saathvik Kannan finished 3rd in the nation in US Extemporaneous Speaking, and Avery Johnson placed 3rd in the nation in Extemporaneous Debate.

Additionally, Deejah Bailey advanced to the Double Octofinals of Prose speaking, and the World Schools Debate team of Rylee Goodrich, Tessa Johnson, Amelia Leon-Rudy, and Carlton Wexler finished in the top 64.

Head Coach, Danielle Johnson, was also recognized and was awarded the National District Leader Commendation Award. Way to go Coach Johnson!

Noah was the winner of the City Of Columbia's Office of Cultural Affairs PIE art Contest. Noah's artwork was also chosen to be on the cover of the publication:

https://www.como.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Final-PIE-2024-for-website.pdf

Email: mgrupe@cpsk12.org
Location: Hickman High School, North Providence Road, Columbia, MO, USA
Phone: 573 214 3000
Twitter: @LeadQPMaryGrupe

CPS BOARD OF EDUCATION EQUITY STATEMENT

Columbia Public Schools, through action and in partnership with families and the community will uphold the values, policies, and practices that promote cultural competence. We will accept, embrace, and empower students and staff in their individual identities to establish and sustain human dignity, justice, equitable treatment, and inclusiveness in the classroom and workplace.