Highland Park Elementary
Week of April 14
No School Friday
Friday, April 18, is a professional development day for our teaching staff. We will not have school. Enjoy the long weekend!
MCAs Beginning This Week
Each spring, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) or the Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) are provided to students in mathematics (grades 3-8 and 11), and reading (grades 3-8 and 10). The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) or the Alternate MCA is provided to students in science (grades 5, 8 and in high school upon completing biology). Most students take the MCA; however, some students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements take the MTAS or Alternate MCA. These tests provide a snapshot of student learning of the Minnesota Academic Standards. The MCA and MTAS/Alt MCA are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements. The Minnesota Department of Education and SPPS can use results to look across student groups, schools and districts to evaluate equitable learning opportunities for all students.
Assessments are designed to provide information about student learning, but there is no single assessment that can provide the full perspective of what a student has learned. These assessments provide one data point that should be considered in the context of additional evidence of student learning.
Students will take the MCA or MTAS/Alt MCA between March 3 - May 9, 2025. If you have questions about your student’s participation in statewide assessments, reach out to your school’s principal.
For more information on the MCA and MTAS please go to:
SPPS MCA & MTAS/Alt MCA Family Testing Information website: https://www.spps.org/about/departments/research-evaluation-assessment/test-coordination/mca-family-information
MDE Family Testing Information website: education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/tests/
STEM Night
When: Tuesday, April 29, 5:30-7:30 PM
Where: Highland Park Elementary Gymnasium
Hands-On STEM Stations
Join us for an exciting evening of STEM exploration! The first hour will feature interactive, hands-on STEM stations where students and families can engage in fun and educational activities together.
Mystery Science Performance
In the second hour, be amazed by a captivating Mystery Science performer who will bring science to life with engaging experiments and demonstrations.
Food and Beverages
Enjoy a variety of food options from food trucks parked on W. Rome Ave. You can purchase meals and snacks to fuel your STEM adventure.
STEM T-Shirts
Show your STEM spirit by purchasing a STEM T-shirt from our online pop-up shop via Printful. Due to each shirt being made-to order, consider ordering now to ensure delivery in time for the event. Please note that prices are slightly higher due to made-to-order production, and any profits will support the PTA. Order your STEM T-shirt here: https://highland-park-elementary-spps.printful.me/.
Science Fair
Visit the cafeteria to explore the Science Fair, showcasing innovative projects from our talented students. Registration for the Science Fair is now closed. Registered students should receive their information packets this week, and parents will have received an email with details.
For any questions, please contact the STEM Night Coordinator at amanda.bartholf@spps.org
PTA Meeting
Hello Highland Park Elementary Families,
Please join us on Tuesday, April 15th at 6:30pm for our monthly PTA meeting, which will include a budget preview.
Our PTA (Parent Teacher Association) is a group of parents and school staff committed to building community and supporting our school throughout the year. We hope you will be able to join us to share your thoughts and ideas for how we can make this a great year. Everyone is welcome!
Join us online on Zoom at 6:30pm on Tuesday, April 15 by clicking the blue link below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86785363546?pwd=K8cYzj5c7bk6LNKOEKQK75bPUXS9Hg.1
Meeting ID: 867 8536 3546
Passcode: 067877
Meeting Agenda Items:
Welcome
Announcement of languages available for interpretation
Principal's Update and Budget Update
Family Liaison Updates
Treasurer Update / Presentation of proposed 2025-26 budget
School Year Planning:
Kindergarten funding request and vote
Book Fair recap
Conferences Potluck recap
Restaurant Nights recap
Scottie Fun Run
Openings on the PTA board for next year
- Sendoffs/Shoutouts
We look forward to seeing you online soon!
~Kate, Farhiya, Ren, Matt, Kasey, Suki
Highland Park Elementary PTA Board
Discovery Club Registration for 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 Discovery Club open registration begins on April 21st, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. Click the button below to learn more.
Summer Programming Registration
It is the time of the year to register for summer programming in SPPS. To learn more and to register, click the link below.