Mustang Newsletter

Highland Park Elementary receives additional funding through the state Learning Assistance Program and Federal Title 1. These programs are designed to provide supplemental support to eligible students who are identified as in need of additional assistance to meet the state's academic reading and math standards. Funds provide extended day classes and opportunities to include parents in the education of their children.

Happy New Year Highland Park Elementary families!

We were absolutely thrilled to welcome our students back after winter break. From the moment the doors opened, the hallways were full of energy, laughter, and smiles as students reunited with friends, greeted staff, and settled back into the rhythms of “what we do at Highland Park Elementary.” It has been wonderful to see our Mustangs return ready to learn, connect, and grow together.

January is a special time at HPE as we focus on helping students transition back into school routines. Teachers are intentionally creating space for students to reconnect with classmates, reflect on their break, and practice classroom expectations. Across grade levels, students are reviewing schedules, strengthening learning habits, and reestablishing the structures that help everyone feel safe, supported, and successful.

As we begin the new year, we are grounding our work in the Mustang Way—being Safe, Kind, Fair, and Problem Solvers.

• Safe: Students are reviewing hallway, playground, and classroom expectations to keep everyone protected.
• Kind: We are emphasizing welcoming language, inclusive play, and caring actions toward others.
• Fair: Students are practicing sharing space, materials, and taking turns.
• Problem Solvers: Teachers are modeling and reinforcing strategies for solving conflicts, asking for help, and persevering through challenges.
• You may hear your child talk about the Mustang Way at home—these shared values help create a positive, predictable learning environment for all.

With routines reestablished, classrooms are diving back into strong instruction in reading, writing, math, and inquiry-based learning. Teachers are using January to set goals with students, monitor progress, and support academic growth while continuing to nurture social-emotional development.

We are grateful for the continued partnership between home and school. Your support in reinforcing routines—such as regular on-time attendance, timely arrivals, and consistent bedtime schedules—makes a meaningful difference for students as they transition back into learning.

Thank you for being an essential part of our school community. We are excited for all that lies ahead in 2026 and look forward to a joyful, productive winter season together.

With appreciation,

Principal McDaniel

Highland Park Elementary 🐎

If a child is absent, please call our attendance office at 206-252-8242 or email HighlandPark.Attendance@seattleschools.org

Please try and make appointments and/or family vacations during days when school is not in session. All minutes missed add up over time.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

• 7:55 a.m. - 2:25 p.m.

Wednesday

• 7:55 a.m. - 1:10 p.m.

Please drop your student off on the back playground no earlier than 7:30 a.m. They may go to the cafeteria for breakfast - Highland Park is a free breakfast and lunch school.

Pick up at the end of the day is on the back playground. You may park on one of the streets around the school and go to the playground, or pull into the bus lane and we will bring your student to you.

YSA Corner write-up

Hello and welcome back to Highland Park! My name is Deron Woods and I am the YSA (youth services assistant) at Highland Park Elementary. This is my second year at the school, and I am looking forward to this school year. Last year we started student school announcements and students leading our school awards assemblies. This year we will be adding some more programs to increase student voice:

Student council:

Our student council is focusing on ways to enhance our school culture, and they contributed ideas for our spirit week in December. Look for more exciting projects in the new year.

SEL (social emotional Learning) lunch groups:

These groups will be per grade with a focus on leadership, following the Mustang Way, and being resilient. These groups started the week of 11/10 and in our first couple meetings we have focused on how we can make a positive impact in our school culture.

We are looking forward to helping to increase our student’s voices and building strong future leaders.

We will be having an MLK day assembly/march on January 16 from 1:35-2:25 p.m.

Counselor Corner

Lunch Bunches:

Due to updates in the counseling schedule, Lunch Bunches will now begin after Winter Break. Thank you for your patience.

I will be sending home Lunch Bunch notices before break beings to students who are invited to join Lunch Bunch. If you have questions or feedback, please e-mail me.

Lunch Bunch is an informal but structured space for students to enjoy lunch while learning and practicing conversational social skills through verbal games! I can hold about 6-8 students for lunch bunch at a time.

Mental Health Therapy:

At Highland Park, we have two mental health therapists (Seneca Agency and Neighborcare Agency) who can see students at school. If you are interested in therapy supports for your student, or would like to learn more about the difference between therapy and counseling, please contact Ms. Rykiel at rbeufeminian@seattleschools.org, or take a look at the Mental Health Info Board near the front office!

Please take a look at the board and take home any brochure copies that you need. If you’d like to provide feedback, please fill out this form:

Mental Health Matters Info. Board Survey for Families – Fill out form

Neighborcare Notes

Carroll W - Carter C - Charlotte R - Amen G - I'Lani F - Khiy'ZJhon B - Nav'i M - Enzo C - Sophie M -

Audrey M - Luanny F P - Bella E H - Alden C - Yordanos G - Noha K - Violeta R S - Aurora M E -

Keidy P P - Natalie D - Mia S - Sonia S

Hello,

I am Priscilla Kang-Rubesh (LSWAIC), a mental health therapist here at Highland Park through Seneca Family of Agencies. I meet with students during the school day to provide a safe, supportive space to build confidence, strengthen social-emotional skills, and work through challenges that may be affecting their learning and/or relationships. Because services happen right at school, students can easily access support without needing to leave campus. If you are interested in learning more or exploring services for your child, please contact me directly via phone or email.

Thank you!

Email: priscilla_kang@senecacenter.org

Phone: 253-993-6216