Parent Newsletter

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YAY we made it through week 3 of on campus learning and week 8 of 2020-2021 school year! That being said the window to change instructional setting for the 2nd nine weeks closed on 09/30. Beginning October 13- December 18 we we will have 360 students on campus, we will be at about 50% capacity. On Friday we reviewed possible options/scenarios for each grade level with classroom teachers. If there are any changes in your child's schedule/teacher we will communicate those to you this week by Wednesday. We are looking to do what is in the best interest of all students academically while adhering to all safety protocols. We are still at a COPP level 3 and will continue to follow ALL social distancing measures we currently have in place.

Have a wonderful week, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Most sincerely,

Lizbeth Ruiz

Principal

Highland Park Elementary

Check our campus Facebook for morning announcements posted daily!

It’s important that we spend time with each of you. We know that families and schools working together is the best thing for students and learning. Each teacher will schedule time for a meeting or conference with you. Each teacher will have their own format and will discuss things such as what your child is doing well, the subjects in which they can continue working and data from the beginning of the year assessments. Please be prepared to share what you think is going well in school, what goes well at home, and any concerns you may have. Parent conferences will be held on or before October 9th, however, some teachers have already begun meeting with parents. All conferences will be held via zoom or via a phone call.

Every school year our CAAM committee works through a needs assessment and develops our annual campus improvement plan. This plan spans about 60-70 pages, is approved by the CAAC committee and then by our district board members. Each year we present an at a glance version to our parents and staff at the public meeting (usually during PTO) for our staff and parents. Please see below for that information shared last week during our CAAC live zoom meeting. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, comments, or concerns! HPES PUBLIC MEETING. You can access our full campus improvement plan on our main campus webpage.

It's Fall and we are seeing pumpkins everywhere! This year, students are invited to use a Google Form to submit a photo of their Storybook pumpkins! A Slide Show will be created to share.

Here is the info for families and link to the form.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xyIBW_0b7P-PB8lP88uNKbDZRjWdmp_pAYq6iEMB0Uc/edit?usp=sharing

If your child is struggling adjusting to virtual learning, on campus leaning, understanding COVID 19, or has any social emotional needs, please reach out to our counselor Anna Vazquez at anna.vazquez@pfisd.net or 512.594.6826. We are here to support our students not only academically but social emotionally as well.

We are excited to announce that our teachers have begun training on Canvas, our new platform for virtual and blended learning. Please take a moment to review this introductory video about our new learning management system, Canvas. Creating a Canvas account and signing up as an observer in Canvas is available now to parents and guardians. Observers can link their Canvas account to their student's accounts to see assignment due dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course. To observe a student, you must have a student pairing code. The linked guide and video will show you how to get a code, sign up for a parent or guardian account, and become an observer.

Starting on Oct. 13, Canvas will be the primary way students in 2nd grade through 12th grade receive instruction and turn in schoolwork while participating in virtual learning. Students participating in on-campus learning will continue to use Canvas 20-30% of the time, primarily to access assignments. Students in grade PreK through 1st will continue to use Seesaw as a learning management system. We will provide training for students on Canvas before Oct. 13 to access their new Canvas account. Again, as a parent or guardian, Canvas will allow you to observe your child's classwork, assignments, and grades. You can use these instructions (English), Instructions (Spanish), or this video to set up a Canvas account to observe your students.

If you have any questions or problems with setting up your Canvas account, please utilize our Let's Talk system and select Canvas.

We are lucky to have such a wonderful PTO at our school who helps us in so many ways! Please consider joining this wonderful group of parents and join HPES Team!

Join us for our next PTO meeting on Thursday, October 8th at 6:30 p.m. (Zoom invite coming soon)

Stay connected with the HPES PTO!

Website: https://hpespto.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandparkelementarypto/

Instagram: @hpes.pto

Text at @HPESPTO to 81010 to get event info via text!

Parents are invited to attend a public meeting for the Campus Academic Advisory Committee to present the campus accountability ratings, academic performance, and CIP performance objectives - 3:15 p.m. on Zoom

Zoom meeting: https://pfisd-net.zoom.us/j/8496382030

10/08- 1st 9 Weeks Ends - Report Cards go home on 10/15

10/09- Parent COnference Day- Via Zoom or Phone Calls

10/12- Holiday- No classes

10/13- 2nd 9 Weeks Begins

10/16- Pink Out Day

10/23- Staff Development for Staff & No Classes for Students

11/19- Progress Reports go home to parents

11/23- 11/27- Thanksgiving Break

12/21-01/01- Winter Break

12/07-12/09- Parents may change instructional setting selection for 2nd 9 weeks (virtual or in person)

01/04 - Staff Development Day, No classes for students

01/05- Staff Planning & Prep Day, No classes for students

01/05- 2nd 9 Week Ends - Report cards go home on 01/13

01/06- Students first day back from Winter Break

Our Let's Talk platform is designed for parents to ask questions or submit comments. It is up running and the district has received more than 100 questions and comments from our staff, parents, and students. It has buttons on the following topics: Payroll, Food Services/Meals, Technology, HR/Benefits/Leaves, Online Learning, Google Classroom and General Coronavirus Questions. Additionally, there is buttons for each campus to direct any questions or comments directly to the principal and the senior administrative associate a the campus. Click here to learn more about the system.

• Send your child with at least 2 clean masks (they can wear one, and keep one in their backpack in case they lose it, or something happens to the one they are wearing) We will have extras but we know children feel more comfortable with their own.

• Send your child with a water bottle. Students cannot drink directly from the water fountains. They will be using the water filter system and water fountains to refill their water bottle as needed.

• Students may purchase a lunch from the cafeteria or bring their own lunch. Please make sure to send a lunch bag with them as parents will not be allowed to have lunch with their child or drop off a lunch. This will minimize the exposure to the students and staff.

  
  

• Students should bring their District or personal laptop or iPad. Teachers will continue to utilize the online learning platforms to turn in assignments. Please make sure the device is fully charged, but still send the charger cord
  

Please review the flyer below and make sure your child is wearing the allowable facemask when coming to school. If they are wearing a non allowable one, we will need to ask them to put it away in their backpack and we will provide them with a campus one. Thank-you!

All staff will be on duty to support students and assisting them in locating their classroom.

7:05 a.m Bus students arrive on campus

7:15 a.m Front Doors open for car riders, walkers, and bike riders

7:20 a.m. Teachers will welcome students into their classrooms

7:35 a.m. First Bell- Students dismissed from cafeteria if eating breakfast

7:40 a.m. Tardy Bell- Students arriving after this time report directly to the office

• Building will open at 7:05 a.m. for bus riders and 7:15 a.m. for car riders and walkers.

• Students will sanitize hands upon entering school.

• Parents/Guardians will not be allowed to walk students in.

• Bus riders will enter the building through the 100 and 300 hallway doors adjacent to the bus loop at 7:05 a.m. If they are eating breakfast they will go directly to the cafeteria, if they are not eating breakfast they will go to the gym and wait. The bus riders in the gym will be sent to class at 7:13.

• Car riders and walkers will enter the building through the front entrance at 7:15 a.m.

  
  

• Walkers and car riders that arrive early will wait outside (back up plan for weather) - socially distanced - we will have dots/tape outside marking 6 feet.

• Upon entering the building car riders, walkers and bike riders will go to the either the cafeteria or their classroom.

• Students eating breakfast will be screened at the entrance of the cafeteria.

• Students going directly to their classrooms will be screened for temperature at the foyer- 4 stations and will sanitize hands.

• Once cleared, they will be dismissed to class. All students and staff must wear masks in building.

Now that we have our dismissal systems in place, we are pushing down our dismissal time to begin at 2:45. All staff will be on duty to support students and ensure social distancing during dismissal. Please make sure to inform your child's teacher if there is a change in how your child will need to go home. Parents if you are parking and walking up to get your child, please make sure to wear a mask. It is a campus expectation that anyone on campus grounds needs wear a mask. This will help us with modeling safety protocols for our students. Thank-you!

Students will be dismissed in the following order:

• 2:45 - All Bus Students report to the bus area

• 2:47- Pre K /Pegasus

• 2:50- 100 Hallway

• 2:53- 200 Hallway

• 2:56- 300 Hallway

• 2:59- 400 Hallway

• First, they will exit the 100/300 hallway and follow the sidewalk to the flagpole and release Parent walk- ups to the grassy area.

• Next, they will release the bike riders and walkers.

• Then, they will walk towards the front of the school and send the EDP/Staff care to the cafeteria through the orange door at the front entrance of the school.

• Last, they will ask the car riders to sit down on the marked spots facing forward and car dismissal will begin.

Just a friendly reminder that when students are logged in to zoom live lessons, the class is able to see what is going on in the background. Please try to provide an area free of distractions for your child while they are on live zoom lessons. Many times, parents and families don't realize they are visible on their child's zoom camera. We want to protect your privacy and prevent class disruptions as well. Thank-you for understanding.

Parents we need your help, please remind the student that inappropriate behavior during a zoom class will be addressed by following our district’s code of conduct. This includes posting comments on Google Classroom Stream. Most of our teachers have disabled the options to chat on zoom or post comments on google stream, however there are times when it is necessary to allow kids to have discussions with each other. All discussions must be related to the instruction.

While we highly encourage students to log in during the live zoom times with their teacher, it is not mandatory. It is required that students complete their asynchronous assignments via seesaw or google classroom. Teachers also have office hours in which they are able to support students.

• What you Need to Know to Safely Return- Elementary Students
• Back to School for Students
• What is Covid and How to Stay Safe
• How to Teach Kids about Coronavirus
• Stay Safe By Wearing Masks
• How to Wash your Hands Properly
• How Coronavirus is Spread for Kids

Please make sure you fill out the free and reduced lunch application:

https://www.pfisd.net/Page/500

Every summer, there are staffing changes. Staff members move on to other opportunities, and new staff members join the campus. Before emailing a staff member from last school year, it would be wise to check with our front office staff. It is also a good idea to consider which staff member is your first point of contact for questions before you send your email. You may also call the front office at 512-594-6800 and ask for the person you need to speak with. I hope this information is helpful!

Senior Admin. Associate: Mima Oiesen – miroslava.oiesen@pfisd.net

General questions regarding scheduling, procedures, teacher information, leave requests, substitutes, purchase orders (for your classroom/students), monthly and bi-weekly payroll, supplemental pay, staff travel, events, field trips, website updates, FB page, maintenance orders, after-hours events, fundraisers (any collection of money), Picture days, etc.

Receptionist: Anita Moreno-anita.moreno@pfisd.net General questions regarding scheduling, procedures, teacher information and schedule information.

Registrar: Miriam Ruvalcaba – miriam.ruvalcaba@pfisd.net

Student records, registration, residency questions, attendance, transfers, withdrawal, cumulative records, and folders, grade-book, etc.

Student Support Clerical Support: Mariela Moya- mariela.moya@pfisd.net

Schedule LPAC and 504 meetings, and gather student grades, relevant classroom, and health data.

Nurse: Christine Henderson – christine.henderson@pfisd.net

Shot records, allergy information, distribution of medication, general student health, Section 504, and SpEd as related to health, etc.

Instructional Coach: Gina Lochner – regina.lochner@pfisd.net

General questions regarding master scheduling, campus procedures, curriculum, resources, SWAT, professional development, mentoring, lesson modeling, and virtually anything teachers need regarding curriculum and instruction.

Counselor: Anna Vazquez – anna.vazquez@pfisd.net

Student care and concerns, parent and student support, Credit by Exam, Gifted and Talented information, assessment, and Section 504

Assistant Principal: Jesus Olivas –jesus.olivas@pfisd.net

Primary contact regarding discipline, LPAC, and SpEd. Additionally, virtually everything you would contact Ms. Ruiz for. It is a good idea to copy Mr. Olivas on emails sent to Ms. Ruiz because both of them are able to respond to questions or concerns.

Principal: Lizbeth Ruiz – lizbeth.ruiz@pfisd.net

Any and all topics not covered by the staff members listed above.

Please feel free to email or call us if you are needing support. We look forward to passionately serving the families of Highland Park Elementary!

Please let your child's teacher know if you haven't been getting the emails from HPES messenger or PfISD Communications. Our office staff will be happy to check your email and update any new emails for you in Skyward.

Below is a list of ways to reach out and stay informed with up-to-date information:

• HPES Website: https://www.pfisd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=37

• HPES Principal Blog: https://www.pfisd.net/Page/7831

• HPES Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkES/

• HPES Twitter: @HighlandPark_ES

• HPES PTO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandparkelementarypto/
  
  

• School Messenger: As part of Pflugerville ISD’s effort to enhance its communication capabilities, the district has implemented a parent notification system called SchoolMessenger. This powerful tool will increase the district’s ability to communicate important information to parents in a timely manner, through email, voice messages, and text messages. In addition to providing relevant information about emergencies, school closures, events and activities, the system will also be used to communicate student absences. If you are a parent or guardian of a student in Pflugerville ISD, you do NOT need to subscribe to this list. Your information is already in the system when you initially registered and subscribing to this list could sign you up to receive multiple emails. If you need to update use the “School Messenger” link above to change your contact information.

• Grades & Attendance: access to your child(ren)’s grades and attendance through the Skyward district software student information system. Parents - Family Access Instructions (download PDF) If you do not have acess to it please send a email to: parentportal@pfisd.net , Subject Line = Skyward Family Access Account

• Language Line- This is an over-the-phone interpretation on demand service with 150 languages available for families of English learners. See Master Language Line Instructions below.

Highland Park Elementary English

Highland Park Elementary (Spanish)

PfISD will provide food services to the greatest extent possible and allowable for PFISD ENROLLED students participating in virtual learning. District transportation will not be provided to curbside meal pick up locations.

Curbside meals will be provided at standard prices, reduced prices, or free depending on the student’s eligibility. Parents/guardians interested in applying for free or reduced meals must complete the USDA Income verification form online or access through this QR code .

PfISD will continue to offer curbside meal pick up for ENROLLED PfISD students at the locations listed below. Students can pick up meals at any location regardless of their home campus location.

• Copperfield ES, 12135 Thompkins Drive, Austin, TX 78753
• Northwest ES, 14014 Thermal Drive. Austin, TX 78728
• Pflugerville ES, 701 Immanuel Road, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• Timmerman ES, 412 Swenson Farms BLVD, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• Wieland ES, 900 Tudor House Road, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• Windermere ES, 429 Grand Avenue PKWY, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• Dessau MS, 12900 Dessau Road, Austin, TX 78754
• Kelly Lane MS, 18900 Falcon Pointe BLVD, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• Park Crest MS, 1500 North Railroad, Pflugerville, TX 78660
• Westview MS, 1805 Scofield Lane, Austin, TX 78727

Universal Free Breakfast Meals
All students, regardless of the campus they attend, will receive free breakfast.

Free and Reduced Application Meal:

You can now apply online for free and reduced-price meals for your children for the 2020-21 school year. Students who have been accepted to the program in the past must reapply each school year to keep receiving the benefits. To apply, click here

Meal Pick Up
Regardless of whether the student qualifies for free or reduced meals, each student/parent/guardian must provide the following information during each daily meal pick up:

• Student Name
• Campus Name
• ID Number
• Grade

Students can go by themselves to pick up meals and/or a parent /guardian can come without the student to pick up meals. Students can pick up both breakfast and lunch at the same time. However, we are no longer able to provide weekend meals.

Meal Pick Up Times

• Breakfast- 7:00AM-9:00AM, Monday-Friday
• Lunch- 11:00AM-12:00PM, Monday -Friday

Link to the 2020-2021 School Year Calendar https://www.pfisd.net/Page/7591

For questions, please click on the "Let's Talk" link: https://www.pfisd.net/Page/7772 or reply to this newsletter on the upper right hand corner.

Website: https://www.pfisd.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=37
Location: 428 Kingston Lacy Blvd, Pflugerville, TX, USA
Phone: 512.594.6800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighlandParkES/
Twitter: @HighlandPark_ES