HPE Weekly Update 10/20/2024
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!
I hope you’re enjoying a restful weekend. Just a few reminders and updates for the upcoming week:
Tomorrow, Monday, October 21st, is an early release day. School will end at 1:40 PM, and there will be no after-school programming other than students already signed up for Scholars Unlimited. Please ensure all students are picked up by 1:50 PM. Our next early release days will be on November 4th and November 18th.
A huge thank you for your amazing support of our Book Fair! Thanks to your involvement and Ms. Perila's hard work, we can order a large selection of new books for our library. Our students will have many exciting options to check out soon!
We’ll be celebrating Halloween on Tuesday, October 29th. Students are welcome to bring 30 items to share with their classmates. All treats should be school-appropriate and individually factory-sealed (please avoid sending items like cookies or cupcakes). This will be similar to our Valentine’s Day treat exchange, and the students always enjoy this fun tradition!
Students may also wear costumes to school on October 29th. Costumes should be appropriate for young children (as young as 3 years old). Please note the following are not allowed:
- Masks
- Face paint
- Fake blood
- Fangs
- Weapons or toy weapons (e.g., swords, knives, ninja stars, or guns)
We will have a Costume Parade outdoors at 2:00 PM (weather permitting) around the field. Parents and guardians are invited to watch from the grassy area inside the loop.
I want to take this opportunity to briefly discuss the importance of limiting screen time, particularly before bed. Reducing screen time can improve sleep quality, attention, and overall mood. Here are a few best practices:
- Turn off screens at least 1 hour before bedtime to help children unwind.
- Encourage calming activities like reading or quiet play before sleep.
- Limit screen use during meals and family time to foster stronger connections.
- Monitor content to ensure students are viewing age-appropriate material.
I’ve included helpful resources from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Common Sense Media in this week’s newsletter. Please take a moment to review them.
Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.
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, 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
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.
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!