Highland Park PTO

Pflugerville, Texas

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All About HPES

THE ABC’s of HPES

A

Absence – Two things must be done every time a child is absent: 1) call the school registrar on the day of absence by 8:15 am to document; and 2) you must turn in a parent or doctor note to the office the day the student returns to school. 

Academic Meet – Students get a chance to compete against other schools within the district in Academic competitions in Storytelling, Oral Reading, Number Sense, Spelling, and Writing.

Academic Night – Academic Night offers a chance for students and families to experience fun activities across all subjects.

Accelerated Reading (AR) – AR is a program that helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child reads a book at his/her own level and when finished, takes a short quiz on a computer. HPES offers students a variety of incentives to reach their goal each quarter.  Register at  AR Renaissance Home Connect to review your child’s progress and to sign up to receive notifications.

Amazon Smile – 0.5% back to Highland Park Elementary School PTO

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-4035200

AmazonSmile is operated by Amazon and allows customers to enjoy the same wide selection of products, same low prices, and shopping features as on Amazon.com with the added benefit of a percentage of eligible purchases being donated to the nonprofit of your choice.  Use the URL above to access AmazonSmile and it will direct you to the selection of the “Parent Booster USA Inc – Highland Park Elementary PTO” as your charity of choice. Just remember to start at AmazonSmile each time you shop at Amazon, and Highland Park PTO will benefit every time!

Art Club – Art Club offers students a chance to show their creative side and learn more about art. Art club is 1 hour, once a week, right after school dismissal.

B

Bad Weather – If the school is closed due to inclement weather, you can look to these resources for notifications.

1) All major television networks (Channels 7, 24, 36, 42 and news 8 Austin) will be notified of school closings.

2) The PISD’s Public Information line will be utilized to announce school closings and emergency information. The number is (512) 594-0001.

3) Pflugerville ISD will post school closings on the website at www.pfisd.net.

4) Also, all Clear channels receive this information, these include KVET, KASE, KKMJ and KLBJ.

Learn more about PISD process here.

Back to School Dance – Celebrate the new school year with a fun family dance in September. There will be music, dancing, glow sticks, food and more – you don’t want to miss it! Wear your Bulldog T-shirt to show your school spirit. T-shirts will be on sale at the Dance-get one for the whole family!  Remember – All children must be accompanied by an adult!

Ballet Folklorico – This dance group of 1st/2nd graders and 3rd/4th graders learns cultural Mexican dances, and performs throughout the community.

Basketball – Students in 4th and 5th grade can join an afterschool basketball team and have weekly games and practice with some of our great HPES teachers/coaches.

Bell Schedule – Make sure to know the official start and end times for HPES, and official lunch times too.  See the bell schedule.

Bilingual Education – Highland Park is a designated bilingual campus.  Bilingual Education Programs are designed to allow English language learners who share a common home language to access the State’s general curriculum and improve their proficiency of both English and their native language. Pflugerville Independent School District has implemented a Dual Language program model to address the instructional needs of English Language Learners.

Dual Language Programs can be implemented through One-Way and Two-Way models. One-way programs consist of native Spanish speakers only. They are all collectively learning English, one way: from Spanish to English.  Two-way programs consist of both native Spanish speakers and native English speakers.  Both groups are learning a second language, two ways: from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.

  • There are nine bilingual campuses in Pflugerville ISD with One-Way Dual Language Programs for English Language Learners in PK-5. The campuses are Parmer Lane, Copperfield, Caldwell, Highland Park, Delco Primary, Dessau Elementary, Spring Hill, River Oaks and Ruth Barron Elementary.
  • Two-Way Programs are provided at Caldwell, Highland Park and Ruth Barron Elementary.
  • The district also has a Spanish Immersion Program at Riojas Elementary. Immersion programs “immerse”native English speakers in Spanish beginning in kindergarten. Middle School Spanish Dual Language Program

Middle School Spanish Dual Language Program: Starting in 2015-16, PISD now offers a Spanish dual language course sequence at each middle school campus that will provide for students currently enrolled In elementary dual language programs.

Birthdays –  Invitations for parties outside of school hours can be distributed at school if  your child includes every student in the classroom.

Gifts and balloons are not allowed in the classroom as these may cause a distraction to classroom learning. We prefer that cupcakes be brought to share with the class. This year cupcakes need to be taken to the classroom teacher as these food items cannot be passed out in the cafeteria. The State of Texas does not allow Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) to be given to students during the lunch period.  Cupcakes can be served after our last lunch period has ended, which is at 1:20 p.m.  Please talk to your child’s teacher as to what time they plan on serving your child’s cupcakes.

Birthday Book Club – Please join the Birthday Book Club and help bring new stories to our Bulldogs.  You can purchase a special, new book or with a donation of $5 you can choose one from the trolley of new books in the library.  The book you select will be inscribed with a personal dedication to your child and they will have their picture on the Birthday Book Club display for the whole year as well as be the first to check out their new book.

Book Club – Book Club is one of the possible after school clubs for 3rd & 4th graders held in the fall. It is a fun place where lovers of reading can explore books and do fun activities.

 

Book Fair – The Highland Park Book Fair takes place twice a year and raises funds to support our library. Thanks to the Book Fair our librarian is able to buy new books for students and teachers. It is usually a very big event and needs a lot volunteers to support it.

Box Tops – Clip, collect, and submit box tops to your student’s teacher throughout the year.  The class and teacher that submit the most box tops during the fall  and spring collection will receive a reward.

Breakfast – It’s the most important meal of the day, and it’s offered to all students for free at HPES from 7:15 am – 7:30 am.

Bulldog Backers –  Bulldog Backers, our new community partner program, was created as a way to better connect Highland Park Elementary School with our surrounding community businesses.  Proceeds from the Bulldog Backers program are used on activities that are in direct support of the school’s mission to educate students to their fullest potential in a safe and nurturing environment.  Each year, more than 75 programs are provided to enrich our children’s education, show appreciation for the wonderful 80+ faculty and staff, and create ways for families to engage with the school.  Learn more about this program here.

C

Fall Carnival –  The Fall Carnival is fun for the whole family! Typically, the Carnival is our major fundraiser for the school year and it raises money for Highland Park educational programs and activities through sponsorships and ticket sales. Each class participates by running a booth staffed with parent volunteers. This event is a highlight for the children, and the neighborhood community.

Choir – The Bulldog Honor Choir is one of the after school club options for 4th and 5th grade students who meet after school during the fall semester to practice for their Christmas concert.  Details and requirements will be sent home in the Tuesday folder.

Classroom Parent(s) – The Classroom Parent’s role is an important one which involves 5 main areas: communications, committee recruitment, teacher gifts, class parties, class liaison between the teacher and class parents. The Class Room parent will be relied upon to: build a class roster and communicate pertinent info to the classroom parents via e-mail on a somewhat regular basis, will collect and coordinate teacher gifts, will collect and coordinate class for school events, will aid in recruiting parents for various school/PTO functions throughout the year and needs to be someone who can be a voice for the teacher should the teacher need anything for the classroom.

Counseling Program – The school counseling program ensures students have a successful school experience by providing services such as, classroom counselor lessons, small counseling groups, individual counseling, mentoring programs, community referrals, and assessments.

D

Destination Imagination – Destination Imagination is a non-profit volunteer-led educational organization that gives students the chance to learn and experience the creative process from imagination to innovation.  Weekly practices are held after school and the teams compete in a tournament in the spring.  Parents volunteers are needed to coach each team at the weekly practices.

Dining at HP: Want a really fun way to visit your little Bulldog during the day?  Come enjoy lunch with your student in the foyer or on the stage in the cafeteria.  You can also pay for lunches online.  Be sure to check with your child’s teacher to find out their exact lunch time.

Diversity Night

Dual Language – Highland Park offers a Spanish 2-way Dual Language Enrichment (2-way DLE) program for incoming kindergarten students whose parents are interested in them becoming proficient in the Spanish language. Kindergarten students from anywhere within the PISD school district boundaries are eligible to apply to the lottery for the incoming Kindergarten class.

The goal of the 2-way DLE program is to produce students who are highly proficient in the reading, writing, listening, and speaking of both the English and Spanish languages. The PISD 2-way DLE program follows the same Language of Instruction Framework as the district’s 1-way DLE programs, in which kindergarten students spend approximately 85 percent of their school day in a Spanish instructional environment. In accordance with the District framework, students enrolled in the 2-way DLE program continue to spend the majority of their instructional time in Spanish through first and second grades with a gradual increase in the amount of instructional time allotted in English in grades three, four, and five. Upon this strong foundation in Spanish language and literacy, participants will build their English literacy skills to become truly bilingual and biliterate individuals.

In the 2-way DLE program, Spanish-dominant English language learners (ELLs) and English-dominant students share the same teacher and classroom. PISD is dedicated to serving Spanish-dominant English language learners (ELLs) in our elementary schools through both 1-way and 2-way DLE, a program model that educational research indicates yields the most promising results for ELL students.

Parent meetings for incoming kindergartners are held in the Spring each year. Dual Language Parent Newsletters can be found here.

E

Employees – See the list of the wonderful HPES staff including their email, phone #s, lunch and conference times.  Please contact them with any questions you may have.

F

Facebook – Like both HPES and HPES PTO on Facebook to stay connected.

Field Day – Field Day is held in the spring each year and is a great way for students to be active and enjoy several indoor and outdoor stations of fun activities.  Parent volunteers are needed for each class.

Fine Arts Night-

Focus Parent Portal is a web-based tool for parents to monitor their student’s progress throughout the school year. The Focus Parent Portal provides parents with a number of features including the following:
* Student’s Class Schedule
* Student’s Attendance
* Student’s Grades & Classroom Assignments
* School Calendar
* Report Cards
* Electronic Alert Notifications

G

Gifted and Talented (GT) Program – The GT program’s mission is to identify academically gifted and talented students and provide them with opportunities that promote:

  • Academic rigor, depth, and breadth
  • Acceleration
  • College preparation
  • Independent Research
  • Social and emotional development to nurture full development of academic potential

Geography Bee – Geography Bee is like a Spelling Bee where all questions are centered around geographic facts. 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade students compete at the campus level. The top students will advance to the district level competition

H

Hospitality – The Hospitality Committees organizes staff luncheons, appreciation treats, gifts, donations of school supplies, etc.   They recognize teachers/staff during appropriate events and provide gifts and cards for staff on birthdays. Parent volunteers are needed to prepare goodies for staff luncheons, appreciation treats, gifts, donations of school supplies, etc.  Volunteer to serve, setup or cleanup at teacher luncheons.

I

Instagram – Follow HPES PTO here.

International Diversity Night – Highland Park’s Diversity Night is a unique way our school opens up the big, wide world to our children. You can take a tour around the world by visiting booths sponsored by families viewing displays of their heritage and sampling food from different countries.  Special performances and a fashion show are also included. You can help by sharing your heritage or interest in another country by helping with the bulletin boards, volunteering at a booth or bringing a dish to share with our international community!

J

Join the PTO! – The HPES PTO Membership provides opportunities to meet with other parents and teachers to discuss education, health and welfare of our children. Being part of the PTO connects families with the school resulting in a wider support group and making school involvement easier. Ultimately, PTO provides the opportunity to serve, volunteer and contribute to the welfare of all children at our school. Through the PTO you will be introduced to a variety of activities where you can share your special talents.

K

Kindergarten Rodeo – This is the big, spring event for HPES Kindergarteners. The Rodeo is tied to a study unit based on the history of Texas. The study unit shows how the jobs of cowboys, or vaqueros, shaped our state and country’s historical past. This culturally rich past will always be an important part of our cultural landscape. Student’s will learn songs and dances, make stick horses, and dress in western wear.

L

Library – Highland Park has a wonderful library! Your child will have opportunities to visit the library every week with his/her class and have the opportunity to check out books. The mission of the Highland Park Library is to nurture a life-long appreciation of reading and to provide students with opportunities for successful access, evaluation and use of information and literature.

Lunch – Parents are always welcome to eat lunch with their child. You can bring a lunch or eat a school lunch. (Please note: If you plan to eat a school lunch, please let the teacher and/or cafeteria know, so they can adjust the lunch count.) ALL visitors must sign in at the office and obtain a visitor pass. Parents must eat with the student at the provided tables in the hallway or on stage.

M

Marathon Kids – Marathon Kids  is a free six month school and community-based fitness program that builds endurance in running/walking, promotes nutrition and assists with a schoolyard gardening program for students and their families. Highland Park proudly participates in this program automatically by your child completing 24 miles of running/walking in this six month period during PE and recess at HPES.

 

Math Pentathlon – The Mathematics Pentathlon is a program of interactive problem-solving games for students in K-5 grade. Students will practice weekly after school to compete against other students in the spring.  Parents are needed to volunteer as the coach for each level (K-1, 2-3, 4-5) and as game monitors on the day of the competition.  Competitions are held in March (K-1), April (2-3) and May (4-5).

N

Newsletters – Highland Park Herald is a weekly newsletter email sent from the front office staff on behalf of the principal. The newsletter includes school news, PTO happenings, principal’s notes and important dates. Dual Language Parent Newsletters can be found here.

Nurse – If your student becomes sick or injured during the day, they can visit the school nurse, who will take care of them until you arrive to pick them up.  You will also work closely with the nurse if your student has any ongoing medical issues.  The nurse has a supply of clothes, in case they are needed, and parents are encouraged to donate clothes they no longer need – especially the smaller sizes.

O

Office Depot/Office Max Give Back to Schools Program – This is one of our preferred retail rebate programs. Simply make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide Highland Park  Elementary School ID (70211228) at checkout and we’ll receive 5% back in credits for FREE supplies!

Oratorical – 3rd-5th graders will have a chance to participate in a yearly oratorical competition where they will recite excerpts from well-known African American figures.

P

P.E. (Physical Education) – Students at HPES need to have closed-toe shoes for participation in our P.E. program (ex: athletic, tennis shoe, or sneaker). Students are very active during this time and need sturdy shoes to protect their feet. This requirement is now a part of the PISD Dress Code.

Pajama Storytime – What’s better than having a favorite book read to you by your favorite teachers while wearing your favorite PJs?  Come to Pajama Story time and find out!  This fun event is typically scheduled one evening during the spring book fair and is scheduled as a PJ day at school so there is no need to rush home to have the kids change!

Come to the library and get a list of stories & teachers that your kids can hear.  The kids will get an opportunity to hear 6 stories in 6 different classrooms from 6 different teachers of their choosing.  Siblings are welcome too!

Pick Up Procedures –

  • Please wait outside for your child. School is dismissed at 2:45pm.
  • All classes are walked out by the teachers from the south hall entrances.
  • Students are dismissed in the following order: Bus riders will load the buses first, walkers will be dismissed at the flagpole, after-school care students will be walked to the front doors and then car riders will be grouped in designated areas by grade near the curb in front of the school.
  • Each car rider will assigned a numbered/color coded dismissal sign based on grade.
  • Parents must display the matching car tag in their car window or bring the student number with them when they walk up to pick up their child from their teacher. See additional information at the HPES website.
  • Grades are dismissed in the following order: Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 3rd.  Please do not line up in queue until your student’s grade is dismissed so that the traffic flow will be efficient.  See the exact dismissal time per grade
  • It is Ok to move out of queue to depart once kids have been curb- loaded.
  • Only cross the driveway at designated crosswalks.

DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO ENTER THE STREET TO GET TO YOUR CAR. LOADING IS CURBSIDE ONLY!!! (Dangerous as it some will try this.) IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT AT THE PICK-UP SPOT EITHER PARK IN THE PARKING LOT OR CIRCLE THE LOT SO THAT OTHERS MAY PULL UP TO PICK-UP THEIR KIDS.

Pride Pass

PTO Meetings – Membership meetings are generally held in the school library or cafeteria of each month from September – November and January – May. Please refer to the Events Calendar for the exact time and date, as dates are subject to change.  Learn what’s happening at the school, help plan our activities, visit with HPES Staff and hear from our principal!  **FREE CHILD CARE WILL BE PROVIDED**

PTO Pass – A “PTO Pass” will be given to every parent that attends a PTO meeting, volunteers at an event, or donates supplies/food for an event. The PTO Pass may be turned in to your child’s teacher and traded for a trip to the treasure box, extra reading time, or a homework pass. Redemption policy is determined by each teacher.

Q

Questions –  If you ever have a question about anything related to HPES, there are many places to find an answer: your child’s teacher and/or homeroom parent are chock full of information, the entire front office staff is always happy to answer questions and your PTO Board is also available. Scroll to the PTO Board Member page or select the Contact Us link on the hpespto.org website to find the contact person you need.

R

Resources – Visit the Highland Park Elementary School’s website for more information about the school.

S

School Play – In the spring, there may be an opportunity for students to audition to participate in the school’s theatrical production.  There are cast and crew positions available and parent volunteers are needed.

Science Fair – Each spring, third through fifth graders are required to enter a project in the science fair. The top students advance to the Austin Regional Science Fair.

Spelling Bee – Students can compete in a campus spelling competition. The top students advance to the District Spelling Bee.

Spirit Night – The Fundraising Committee arranges Spirit Night fundraisers once a month with local businesses like Chick-fil-A, Kona Ice, Pump it Up, McDonalds, Austin Sports Arena, Gattiland, Jersey Mike’s, Panda Express, etc.  15-20% of the proceeds spent by HPES families and friends are donated back to the PTO.

Spirit Store – Twice a month the Spirit Store is open before school and students may buy their favorite spirit items like pencils, highlighters, key chains, water bottles, car decals.

Student Council – The purpose of the Highland Park Student Council is to foster pride, increase awareness of students’ rights and responsibilities, and encourage leadership skills. The Council also works to serve the community and to encourage the participation of the entire student body.

T

Tardy – A student is considered tardy if not in the classroom by 7:35 am. See the official bell schedule for details.

Talent Show – Come enjoy our talented students and staff as they sing, dance and perform for all.  Interested students sign up and attend rehearsal – all are welcome!

Text Messages – PISD now offers text messaging services to parents.  Learn more.  

Traffic Safety – The Highland Park Safety Patrol (selection process handled through PE) is a program designed to promote leadership development in fifth grade students while they earn community service hours. They develop self-confidence as they help encourage parents and students to follow our safety plan.

T-shirts – Show your school spirit by purchasing a Bulldog t-shirt for your student and your entire family.  T-shirts will be on sale during Meet the Teacher, first day of school and other events during the first months of school. 

U

Understanding the Pick-up Procedures!

  • Please wait outside for your child. School is dismissed at 2:45pm.
  • All classes are walked out by the teachers from the south hall entrances.
  • Students are dismissed in the following order: Bus riders will load the buses first, walkers will be dismissed at the flagpole, after-school care students will be walked to the front doors and then car riders will be grouped in designated areas by grade near the curb in front of the school.
  • Each car rider will assigned a numbered/color coded dismissal sign based on grade.
  • Parents must display the matching car tag in their car window or bring the student number with them when they walk up to pick up their child from their teacher. See additional information at the HPES website.
  • Grades are dismissed in the following order: Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 3rd.  Please do not line up in queue until your student’s grade is dismissed so that the traffic flow will be efficient.  See the exact dismissal time per grade
  • It is Ok to move out of queue to depart once kids have been curb- loaded.
  • Only cross the driveway at designated crosswalks.

DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO ENTER THE STREET TO GET TO YOUR CAR. LOADING IS CURBSIDE ONLY!!! (Dangerous as it some will try this.) IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT AT THE PICK-UP SPOT EITHER PARK IN THE PARKING LOT OR CIRCLE THE LOT SO THAT OTHERS MAY PULL UP TO PICK-UP THEIR KIDS.

V

Valentines – PTO sells fun valentine goodies as a way for you to celebrate with your child.  Items will be delivered to classrooms on Valentine’s Day and you may include a special message for your special student.

Volunteering – There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer at HPES and you may consider giving some of your time to help in the school’s Special Programs.

All volunteers on the Executive Board or Committees as well as volunteers at field trips or onsite during the school day must complete a Volunteer application with PfISD on an annual basis.  Please allow 2-4 weeks for your application to be processed.

 

W

Watch D.O.G.S. – Who are Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students)? Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities.  A kick-off event will occur each fall to provide more information about how Dads can get more involved.  Studies have shown that the more fathers are involved in the school, the better the students perform!

Workroom Volunteer – Assist in preparing instructional materials for teachers and staff in the workroom. Workroom volunteers may be asked to  copy, laminate, build paper copies of books, or make die cuts letters/pictures.

X

“X”cellence – Highland Park teachers and staff are professional, highly educated and committed to teaching excellence. Many of our teachers hold post-graduate degrees and all benefit from extensive, professional training. The low turnover rate at Highland Park reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff. Together they provide our students with a solid foundation for social growth, continued learning and academic excellence.

Y

YOU!! – As a parent, you are one of the most important influences in your child’s education. You are encouraged to take an active role at HPES by becoming familiar with the school, going through your child’s backpack each day to see what he/she has been doing at school, volunteering at a couple of field trips or school events, and  getting to know your child’s teacher. When your child sees that you have taken an interest in their school, it encourages them to take an interest in their own education.

Yearbook – Get this important keepsake to commemorate all the fun during the year and remember your student’s class and teacher.  All Highland Park students are invited to submit designs for the cover of the yearbook and 5th grade parents will now be able to purchase a small space to include special messages for their students.

Z

Zip In-Zip Out – Register with the PISD Raptor system which will allow you to get an HPES visitor badge quickly each time you visit the campus. PISD has a security system where all FIRST time visitors/parents must present an ID to be allowed in the school. The ID is scanned and a picture name tag is given to each visitor so be sure to bring your ID on your first visit. After showing your ID for the first time, you are considered “in the system” and will be able to log-in to a computer in the front office and retrieve your own picture name tag to wear while on school grounds during school hours.