Weekly Update 10/18/26
🌎 Hello International School at Harris Park Families!
Happy Sunday! 🍂
We have an exciting week ahead! Tomorrow, students will take a virtual trip to Taiwan to explore its night markets as part of our learning about Food and Traditions Around the World. We also hope to see your family at Showcase on Monday evening and student-led conferences on Tuesday!
📌 This Week at a Glance
Monday, October 19: Whole-school virtual field trip to Taiwan’s night markets, beginning at 7:40 a.m.
Monday, October 19: Showcase at Westminster High School, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 20: Student-Led Parent-Teacher Conferences and the Scholastic Book Fair, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
🌏 A Virtual Visit to Taiwan’s Night Markets
Tomorrow morning, our students will explore Taiwan’s night markets through a whole-school virtual field trip! This experience connects to our October learning about how food and traditions reflect a community’s culture and way of life.
Our trip begins first thing in the morning, so please help your child arrive at school on time, ready to participate. This field trip takes place virtually at school.
Thank you to Mrs. Tracy for organizing this opportunity and to our amazing PTA for funding it!
After school, ask your child: “What did you notice about Taiwan’s night markets? What would you like to try or learn more about?”
🏫 Annual District Showcase: Monday, October 19
Join us tomorrow, Monday, October 19, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Westminster High School, 6933 Raleigh Street, for the annual Westminster Public Schools Showcase!
Visit with our school team, celebrate student learning, and explore what makes each WPS school special. Families can also learn about Westy Futures winter sports for elementary and middle school students and explore programs at Westminster High School and Ranum Innovation Campus.
There will be a costume contest and refreshments provided by WPS Culinary Services!
See the flyer below for more details. We hope to see your family there!
🗣️ Student-Led Conferences: Tuesday, October 20
Our second evening of student-led conferences is this Tuesday, October 20, from 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Students will share their learning, accomplishments, growth, and goals. Please bring your child with you so they can participate and show you what they have been working on!
If you have not scheduled a conference, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a time. Your teacher will confirm your appointment.
Thank you to the families who joined us last Thursday. We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate your children and hear your hopes, questions, and ideas.
📚 Visit the Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair will be open in the library on Tuesday, October 20, from 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Stop by before or after your conference to explore books together and find something your child will be excited to read!
🎃 Trick-or-Treat Street: Classroom Donation Contest!
Our Trick-or-Treat Street is Thursday, October 29, from 4:00–5:00 p.m., and we need your help filling our hallway with treats!
Our classroom donation contest continues through Tuesday, October 27. Donations may include:
Allergy-friendly candy
Individually packaged healthy snacks
Pencils, stickers, or other small non-food treats
Food donations must be individually wrapped and factory-sealed. Please send donations directly to your child’s homeroom teacher.
The classroom that collects the most items will win a class party and a second trip through Trick-or-Treat Street!
Thank you for contributing as you are able. Every donation helps make this event special for our students.
This event is for students currently enrolled at International School at Harris Park. Students may wear school-appropriate, family-friendly costumes and must remain identifiable, with no masks or full-face paint.
👻 Costumes at School: Friday, October 30
Students may wear costumes to school on Friday, October 30. We will follow our regular learning schedule, with no daytime Halloween activities, classroom treat exchanges, or costume parade. Students will receive a bag of Halloween goodies from the school during Passport Pals.
Costumes must be appropriate for children ages three to eleven and allow students to learn comfortably throughout the day. Students must be able to use the restroom independently, sit at their desk, and participate in learning.
Please keep these items at home:
Masks, face paint, fake blood, or fangs
Weapons or toy weapons
Inflatable costumes
Any costume that prevents independent restroom use or participation in learning
🍽️ October Learning: Food and Traditions Around the World
Continue sharing your family’s favorite foods and traditions with your child. Talk about where they come from, who taught you about them, and why they matter to your family.
These conversations help children take pride in their own identities while building curiosity and respect for others.
💙 Practicing Emotional Regulation and Problem Solving
At school, students are practicing recognizing emotions, calming their bodies, and working through challenges. You can support this learning at home with a few simple questions:
What are you feeling right now?
What might help you feel calm?
What could you try next?
Do you need help, or would you like to try first?
🗓️ Looking Ahead
Monday, October 26: No school
Tuesday, October 27: Classroom donation contest deadline
Thursday, October 29: Trick-or-Treat Street, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Friday, October 30: Students may wear school-appropriate costumes to school
💙 Thank You, Families!
Thank you for partnering with us and encouraging your children each day. We look forward to a week of exploring, sharing, and celebrating their learning together!
With love,
Mrs. Mills (Richey)
Every Monday is Early Release
- 7:25 AM–1:30 PM Hours for ALL students PK-6
- Every Monday will be early release—great for afternoon appointments!
Tuesday, October 20
- 3:30-6:30 PM Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences
- 3:30-6:30 PM Scholastic Book Fair
Monday, October 26
- No School
Thursday, October 29
- 4:00-5:00 PM Trick or Treat Street (Hallway)
Monday, November 9
- No School, Holiday
Wednesday, November 11
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27
- No School, Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday through Thursday, December 1, 2, and 3
- 3:00-5:30 PM Holiday Store, Library
Tuesday, December 8
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
December 21 - January 5
- No School, Winter Break
Wednesday, January 6
- First Day Back After Break
Wednesday, January 13
- 4:00-4:45 PM Parent Leadership Meeting in the Library
Moved? New Phone Number? Keep the IS@HP Team Updated!
📢 Staying Connected
Maintaining current contact information is one of the most important ways you can help us support your child. Throughout the school year, we use several communication tools to share important updates, celebrate student success, and keep families informed.
Here's how you can expect to hear from us:
📞 Sunday Calls and Emails – Our primary source of schoolwide information, reminders, and upcoming events.
📰 Monthly Family Newsletter – Delivered by email and filled with important dates, celebrations, and school news.
🏫 Teachers – Communicate through ClassDojo, email, and phone calls.
☎️ School Office – Primarily communicates by phone regarding attendance, health concerns, transportation, and other important matters.
To ensure you receive all school communications, please verify that your phone numbers, email addresses, emergency contacts, and mailing address are current.
The easiest way to update your information is through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you need assistance accessing your account, please call our office at 303-428-1721. We are happy to provide your username and help reset your password.
Thank you for partnering with us to stay informed and connected throughout the school year!
