Highland Park Family Newsletter

This past week, we wrapped up our Science STAAR, and I want to share how proud we are of our 5th-grade students. They showed great focus and perseverance, and we are so proud of the effort they put into doing their very best.

We also had a wonderful week on campus. It was so nice to see many of you at Ballin’ with Bulldogs. Thank you for coming out and supporting our students. Our 2nd Grade Idiom Parade was also a highlight of the week. Our students and teachers did an amazing job, and it was such a fun event for everyone who attended.

This week, we move into our third week of STAAR testing with Math. At the same time, all grade levels are also participating in end-of-year assessments. We are proud of all of our students and look forward to seeing the growth they’ve made throughout the year.

Our goal is to create a calm and focused environment so students can feel confident and do their best. To help minimize disruptions, we will be limiting visitors to essential visits only and will not allow lunch visitors on testing days.

Testing Schedule:

• 04/28/2026 – 3rd and 5th Grade Math
• 04/29/2026 – 4th Grade Math
• 04/30/2026 – Math Makeup

Thank you for your continued support and for helping ensure your child is well-rested and ready each day. We appreciate your partnership and all you do to support our school community.

Highland Park Bulldogs… Woof! Wishing you all a wonderful week!

With thanks,

Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal

I want to take a moment to address something important regarding student safety during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. In one incident last week, a car nearly struck a student and their parent as it pulled out of a parking space, and in another, a staff member was almost hit by a vehicle at the crosswalk. This is not ok. These situations are very concerning and highlight how quickly things can become unsafe.

Please be mindful that you are in a school parking lot where children and families are present at all times. We ask that you drive slowly, stay attentive, follow all traffic patterns, and avoid distractions such as cell phones. A few extra seconds of caution can make a significant difference in keeping everyone safe.

Our students’ safety is always our top priority, and we need everyone’s help to ensure that our arrival and dismissal procedures remain safe for all.

Each week, our Sunshine Committee selects two staff members to park in our “Sunshine Spots” as a small token of appreciation. This committee works throughout the year to support our campus climate and create opportunities to celebrate and bring joy to our staff as well as support during times of need.

These reserved spaces are located at the front of the school parking lot and near the bus loop. If you see a sign marked “Sunshine Spot,” we kindly ask that you leave that space available so our selected staff members can enjoy it for the week.

Thank you for helping us recognize and celebrate our amazing team! 💙🧡

Please review the Progress Report and Report Card Dates below:

• 4/22- Progress Reports due
• 4/29- Progress Reports available to parents
• 5/21- 4th 9 weeks ends
• 5/22- Grades due
• 5/29- Final Report Cards available to parents.

As we approach the final months of the school year, we want to share information about our student retention review process.

Students who are experiencing ongoing academic and/or attendance concerns may receive a possible retention letter.

Please know:

• Receiving a letter does not mean a student will automatically be retained.

• Retention is a multi-step process that includes ongoing interventions and committee review.

• Families are notified early so we can partner together to support student growth before final decisions are made.

Notification Timeline:

• First Round: March 23, 2026

• Second Round: April 22, 2026

• Third Round: May 13, 2026

• Final Letters (if applicable): May 21, 2026

After the third round, a campus committee will carefully review academic data, attendance, intervention history, and the district-required retention scale before making final recommendations.

If you receive a notification letter, we encourage you to connect with your child’s teacher or campus administration so we can work together to support your child’s success.

As always, our goal is to ensure every Bulldog is prepared and confident moving into the next grade level. 🐾💙

What does “Possible Retention” mean?

It means your child is currently experiencing academic and/or attendance concerns that may impact promotion to the next grade level. It is an early notification so families can partner with the school to support improvement.

Does receiving a first-round letter mean my child will be retained?

No. Receiving a first-round letter does not mean automatic retention. It is part of a structured process designed to provide time for intervention and growth.

What factors are reviewed?

The campus committee reviews:

• Academic performance data

• Attendance records

• Intervention supports provided

• Progress monitoring data

• The district-required Lights Retention Scale

• Student Attendance- Texas requires 90% attendance for promotion

When are letters sent?

• First Round: March 23, 2026

• Second Round: April 22, 2026

• Third Round: May 13, 2026

• Final Retention Letters (if applicable): May 21, 2026

Only students recommended for retention after committee review will receive a final letter on the last day of school along with report cards.

What can families do?

• Maintain communication with your child’s teacher

• Support consistent attendance

• Encourage completion of assignments

• Attend scheduled conferences or support meetings

How are final decisions made?

After the third round of letters, the campus committee carefully analyzes all data and determines final recommendations. Retention decisions are made thoughtfully and are never automatic. As of this school year, parents have the final decision on student retention.

HPES Knd-2nd Specials Color Group Schedule

HPES 3rd-5th Specials Color Group Schedule

• Math STAAR Testing on Tuesday & Wednesday
• STAAR Make Up on Thursday

Have a staff member who really matters and whom you want to recognize? Let’s recognize our HPES Bulldogs, no kudos is too big or too small! If you have any kudos you’d like to share, you can submit kudos here:

HPES Bulldog Weekly News Kudos

Click here to submit your kudos to the monthly PfISD Digital Magazine

Click here to submit your Pfamily Kudos

• A heartfelt thank you to our Yearbook Committee, our students, our PTO, and our incredible parent volunteer, Mr. Stephen Sanchez, for putting together such a beautiful 2025–2026 yearbook for our students to cherish. Creating a yearbook takes so much time, care, and attention to detail, and it truly shows in the final product. We are so grateful for the dedication and love that went into capturing these special memories for our Highland Park Bulldogs. Thank you for helping preserve moments our students will look back on for years to come! 💙🧡

Check Out Our New Website
Your go-to hub for all things HPES PTO!

Subscribe to Our Calendar
Stay in the loop by syncing:

• Google Calendar

• Apple Calendar

Support Our Teachers
Learn more about them & check out their Amazon Wish Lists!

️

Want to Help Out?
Not sure where to start? Just fill out our Volunteer form — we’ll find the perfect spot for you!

Follow Us on Facebook
Stay updated on events, news & more!
facebook.com/highlandparkelementarypto

2025-2026 Academic Calendar with grading periods, student holidays, etc.

• Student birthdays will be announced and celebrated over morning announcements. Students will also sing Happy Birthday in the classroom.

• Parents may bring cupcakes/treat to celebrate their child's birthday. However, notice must be given 24 hours in advance. Cupcakes/treats may only be passed out the last 30 minutes of class.
• Student treats (i.e., store bought cupcakes) cannot be served in the cafeteria during lunch. Treats cannot be a full meal (i.e., pizza) Teachers must receive parent permission prior to students eating store bought cupcakes/treats due to student food allergies.
• For classroom food activities such as party days or food-related learning activities, parents will need to complete an allergy permission form stating which foods their student is allowed to eat or handle. If this form is not returned prior to the event, the student will not be able to participate in the activity.
• We appreciate the care and time that the teachers and allergy committee members have given to this very important matter. We are dedicated to keeping our kids safe here at HPES and believe that this will help achieve that for all our students.

Here a few ways to stay informed. Follow us on Facebook @HighlandParkES. School communication will also be sent out through school messenger via email. On Tuesday’s an HPES folder will be sent home with flyers and information. Please be sure to look out for the folder on Tuesday’s. Additionally, please sign-up for our mailing list at You will receive a weekly campus newsletter through the mailing list. You can also find a copy of a newsletter like this one in our campus webpage under “Principal’s blog”.

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.

Senior Admin. Associate: Sabrina Smulski– sabrina.smulski@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.

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: Yvonne Morales yvonne.morales@pfisd.net

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

Receptionist: Anita Moreno anita.moreno@pfisd.net

General questions regarding school procedures, conference times, and lunch times.

Nurse: Christina Monfort- christina.monfort@pfisd.net

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

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: Pamela LeDay–pamela.leday@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 Ms. LeDay 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 covered by the staff members listed above.

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

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