The Scot's Scoop

Archived family newsletters for 2025-2026

April 6 -10: No School - Spring Break

Monday, April 13 (B day): start of quarter 4

Tuesday, April 14 (A day)

Wednesday, April 15 (B day)

Thursday, April 16 (A day)

Friday, April 17 (B day): Diversity Day

Monday, April 20 (A day):

• 6:00-7:00pm FCC meeting (virtual)

Tuesday, April 21 (B day):

• MCA Reading test

Wednesday, April 22 (A day):

• MCA Math test

Thursday, April 23 (B day)

Friday, April 24 (A day)

The Smore family newsletter, along with other school documents and notices, can be translated. For the newsletter, click on the button for translation and select the language preferred.

We want to give a special show of appreciation to our parent volunteers and supports at HPMS. Thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and commitment to our school community. You are truly a key ingredient of what makes Highland a special community. On behalf of our school community, thank you! Below are some cards from the kids! Many of you have been asking for ways to continue to support and more will come on that via our school-parent support team.

Amanda Hartman, Highland ELA Teacher was named Teacher Coach of the Year for Minnesota Urban Debate League 2026 City Championship! According to the league, "Some of the criteria used are team size, level of competitiveness, positive and prosocial team culture, and representation of the general school populace on the team. In all four categories Highland is absolutely exceptional - Coach Hartman is the engine that drives Highland Middle School’s extremely high quality of debate instruction for all of the team’s debaters." Highland Middle School debate students took on many awards in different categories, and we attribute it to the dedication and guidance of Ms. Hartman!

As we head into spring break, we want to ensure every student has access to nutritious meals. Our HPMS food pantry and HPMS Every Meal Program will not be available during the break. Please visit spps.org/ns for a list of community food resources available while school is not in session.

📢 Reminder: Strict Enforcement of Headphone Policy

The school is cracking down on the existing headphone/earbud rule. Even if they aren't being used, if staff see them, they will take them.

• The Rule: No personal headphones or earbuds visible at any time during the school day.

• The Risk: If seen on a student's neck, in their hand, or plugged into a phone, the device (and potentially the phone) will be confiscated.

• School Property: School-issued headphones must stay in class; taking them is considered theft.

Best bet: Have your student keep all personal tech zipped away in their locker or backpack from the first bell to the last.

HPMS Donation link: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/support-our-highland-park-middle-school-community/items

Food pantry request: https://forms.gle/ZKR7TBNsugFZEKjd7

Enlace para donaciones a HPMS:

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/support-our-highland-park-middle-school-community/items

Solicitud de despensa de alimentos: https://forms.gle/ZKR7TBNsugFZEKjd7

NEW THIS YEAR - students should use headphones to access more support tools on the Reading and Math tests. If your student has USB-C compatible headphones to use with their student iPad, please have your student bring them on testing days.

We will be conducting MCA testing at Highland Park on April 21st (Reading), April 22nd (Math) for grades 6-8. On these days there will be a dedicated testing block in the morning, from 8:30am - 11:00am. Students will follow an adjusted schedule after testing.

8th graders will also complete the Science MCA test in their Science classrooms April 28th - May 1st.

Linked below you will find information from SPPS about the MCA test, as well as the Parent Refusal form. Completed Parent Refusal forms should be returned to the main office, or scanned and emailed to Caitlin Bailey (School Assessment Coordinator), caitlin.bailey@spps.org, by Friday, April 3rd, 2026.

Thank you,

MCA Family Announcement - English ; Parent/Guardian Refusal - English

MCA Family Announcement - Espanol ; Parent/Guardian Refusal - Espanol

MCA Family Announcement - Soomaali ; Parent/Guardian Refusal - Soomaali

MCA Family Announcement - Hmoob ; Parent/Guardian Refusal - Hmoob

MCA Family Announcement - Karen ; Parent/Guardian Refusal - Karen

WEB applications are now available for 7th graders!

Seventh graders can apply to be a WEB leader for the 26-27 school year. WEB is a middle school transition program that prepares 8th graders to be student leaders and mentors to the incoming sixth graders. We are looking for kind and caring seventh graders who are willing to help 6th graders with their transition to Highland Park Middle School and continue building those relationships throughout the year.

Seventh graders can get WEB applications from Ms. Seifert, 7th Grade Counselor, starting Monday, April 13th. Please complete the WEB application by Friday, April 17 in order to be considered.

WEB leaders must be available for in-person training dates in late August (dates are included on the application). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact jacy.dillahunty@spps.org or julie.elliott@spps.org.

Thank you for considering WEB!

Thank you to all our families, staff, and students. Flipside is built on belonging, and every one of you is an essential part of our community. Please remember that you can always reach out if you need anything. I may not have all the answers immediately, but I will work to find them, and I deeply appreciate your patience as we continue building a program where every student feels welcomed and included.

Thank you for being the heart of Flipside.

Warmly,
Ms. Nikol

Whether your student enjoys art, STEM, languages and culture, outdoor activities, or a little bit of everything, we have a wide variety of programs for students who are currently in grades K-8. Students in all programs will learn new and strengthen current academic skills and prepare for the upcoming school year through active, fun and hands-on activities.

• All programs are FREE!

• Breakfast and lunch are provided

• Transportation is available

• Programs are Monday through Friday, June 23-July 24 - unless otherwise noted

Registration Opens March 12

Select ONE of the following ways to register:

• Register online at spps.org/summer.

• Download, complete, and submit completed form by U.S. Mail to: Summer Registration, Student Placement Center, 2102 University Ave. West, Saint Paul, MN 55114.

• Download, complete, and email form to spc@spps.org.

Visit spps.org/summer to review program information and register. Registration closes June 1st.

Questions? Contact the Department of Alternative Education at 651-767-8020

Other Resources:

SLP 2026 Flyer (includes translations)

SLP K-4 Video

SLP 5-8 Video

Translations of this page:

HMong

Karen

Somali

Spanish

Looking for some activities for your middle schooler to keep them busy this summer? Check out these FREE summer activities, sponsored in partnership with the University of Minnesota.

Food, Agriculture and Learning (June 22-26)

Food and Plant Science Lab (June 15-18)

Ecosystems of STEM (multiple dates)

Each of the 6 teams at HPMS have a monthly newsletter for families. Teachers share what students are learning in their classes for the month, and other important information. You can view your child's team monthly newsletter by clicking on the team below:

6th grade:

Eagles

6th Grade Immersion

7th grade:

Jets

Lobos

8th grade:

Sharks

Tecolotes

OFICINA DE PARTICIPACIÓN FAMILIAR Y ASOCIACIONES COMUNITARIAS

PROGRAMA DEL DECRETO LATINO (LCD)

Hola Familias,

Les quiero compartir el boletín mensual dirigido a nuestras familias Latinas. En este boletín encontrarán actualizaciones e información relevante sobre asistencia y apoyo para las familias latinas de las Escuelas Públicas de Saint Paul.

Por favor, abran el siguiente enlace o encuentren el boletín adjunto a este correo.

Boletín Mesual LCD

Gracias,

At HPMS, we believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for student success. Join us for our monthly Family Community Connection meetings!

10/27/25 6:00pm - Slides presentation from 10/27/25 FCC meeting

11/24/25 8:00am - Slides presentation from 11/24/25 FCC meeting

1/12/26 8:00am - Slides presentation from 1/12/26 FCC meeting

2/9/26 8:00am - Slides presentation from 2/9/26 FCC meeting

3/23/26 8:00am - Slides presentation from 3/23/26 FCC meeting

4/20/26 6:00pm

5/18/26 6:00pm

Know your child's Grade Level Norms & Practices and review them together!

These slides can be found below. We kindly ask that you take a few moments to review them with your student. This will help reinforce what was discussed at school and ensure we are all on the same page as we move forward together.

6th grade Slides

7th Grade slides

8th Grade slides

Outside food or drinks from establishments/restaurants are NOT permitted in Highland Park Middle School. In addition, food and drinks from, or brought to students, from establishments and food services (e.g. restaurants, DoorDash) are NOT permitted. Students may bring a beverage bottle, such as a water bottle, and bag lunch from home. Sodas are not permitted at school.

Families are encouraged to monitor their student’s clothing selections to make sure they are appropriately dressed for cold weather. Students who do not have the appropriate winter clothing will not be able to participate in outdoor recess.

Per the district clothing guidelines for winter weather, below you will find the "feels like" temperature and clothing appropriate for it:

Under 15 degrees to 30 degrees: Dress in layers

All SPPS students in grades K-12 use an iPad app called Xello to create their Personal Learning Plans (PLP). The app helps students identify their strengths and interests, plan for the future, and explore different careers.

Parents can view the activities and plans their students are working on in class and with counselors though Xello Family. Parents and guardians should have received an email from Xello to activate your Xello Family account on Friday, January 9.

Your Xello Family account will automatically connect you to your student’s Xello accounts when you log in. Visit https://www.spps.org/academics/college-and-career-readiness/xello-family for more information about the program.

If you did not receive an email from Xello to set up an account or need assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor:

Grade 6-Elisabeth Mulvaney 651-744-3399 elisabeth.mulvaney@spps.org

Grade 7-Danielle Seifert 651-744-7582 danielle.seifert@spps.org

Grade 8-Nou Katzmarek 651-744-3400 nou.katzmarek@spps.org

As winter weather sets in, bus routes may experience delays or changes.

Here’s how to quickly check if your student’s bus is running late.

Download the 'Versatrans My Stop' app to your mobile phone in the Apple Store or Google Play. My Stop login information is available in Campus Parent.

Log in to Campus Parent and click on the student’s name you would like to look up. Then click “More” in the left-hand menu and then click “Transportation” to see all of your student bus information, including your My Stop login information. Watch the Transportation Video Tutorial to learn how to look up your student's transportation/bus information, including how parents and guardians can find their My Stop account username and password in Campus Parent.

Dear Highland Families,

At Highland, it is essential that learning expectations for students are clear and achievable. While we shared this information during opening week and FCC meetings, we would like to reshare the changes to the way we evaluate students’ academic progress this school year, as we close out the quarter. Our school is implementing a research-based grading strategy called Standards-Based Learning and Grading. Highland was selected as a pilot site this school year, in preparation for district-wide implementation for all 6-8 schools starting in the fall of 26-27.

This means we are moving towards consistent grading practices across SPPS middle schools, making it easier for students and families to understand student learning and progress. As an MYP school, this isn’t a huge move for us. However, there are a few changes to consider.

Standards-Based Learning and Grading uses a grading scale of 0-4. As MYP, students are graded on an 8-point scale. We’ve created an adjustment that ensures both metrics are honored. The number corresponds with a description of how well a student understands specific content, ranging from “0 - Insufficient Evidence of Proficiency” to “4 - Extending Proficiency”. Please review the Middle School Standards-Based Grading scale we will be using below.

Things to look for:

• All classes at Highland will use the same rubric template to communicate what students have learned.

• Teachers will use improved criteria to clearly identify the skills and knowledge students are expected to learn in each content area.

• Students will have a better understanding of what content they know and areas where they need additional support.

• Students will have multiple opportunities to improve and demonstrate their learning by retaking assessments. Our goal is to help students recognize their growth.

• Students' grades will be based on 20% formative (homework, classroom practice, etc) and 80% summative (final projects, examination, etc). * See the PowerPoint linked below for more details.

During our FCC Meeting on October 27, Andrew Bacskai, the MYP coordinator, went over this with families. Please see this PowerPoint from the last FCC meeting for more details, or set up a meeting with our MYP coordinator, Mr. Bacskai, at Andrew.Bacskai@spps.org or email individual teachers if you have questions about specific rubrics.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to your students’ learning throughout this school year.

Sincerely,

Hibaq Mohamed, Principal

Registration is now open for the 2027 Washington, D.C. trip!
Seventh-grade families can now sign up their students for this unforgettable educational experience—exploring our nation’s history, visiting iconic landmarks, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Don’t miss out! Learn more and register today at highlandms.spps.org/activities/washington-dc-field-trip.

Breakthrough Twin Cities (BTC) is a six-year, tuition-free academic enrichment and college preparatory program that helps students prepare for college success. Breakthrough supports 6th graders on their journey to college with an awesome summer program, school year advisor support and college counseling.

To apply, please visit the online application here. Early Action Applications are due January 2, 2026. Regular decision deadline is March 20th, 2026.

Have more questions- please contact BTC Program Manager, Simon Lee, at slee@breakthroughtwincities.org.

To have your student attend, please reach out to please contact Elisabeth Mulvaney, HPMS 6th grade counselor at 651-744-3399 or email at elisabeth.mulvaney@spps.org.

Healthy eating is so important for children. At HPMS, we work hard to ensure students receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each day to support their developing brains and bodies. Research shows that children who eat regular, nutritious meals are more likely to attend school and be engaged in learning.

We are excited to partner with Every Meal again to offer a free weekend meal program to all our students.

Every Meal is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to fight child hunger through community and school partnerships. They strive to make a difference in children’s lives by focusing on food gaps like weekends, school breaks, and summer when they can’t receive food in school.

• Free for all families
• No qualifications required
• Students enrolled in the program will receive a 4-5 pound bag of nutritious, nonperishable food each week
• Every Meal does not collect information from families; privacy is protected
• Families may choose to participate in the program anytime throughout the school year
• Families may choose from a variety of different weekend foodbag options

If you wish to participate, please fill out our enrollment form which can be found here. Or feel free to reach out to Katie Monroe, one of our social workers, at kathryn.monroe@spps.org or 651.744.4616.

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teachers and paraprofessionals. Parents who would like to receive this information should write to the Human Resource Department, Attn: ESSA Teacher Qualifications, Saint Paul Public Schools, 360 Colborne Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102-3299. You have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teacher(s).

• Information about whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction;
• Information about whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;
• Information about whether the teacher is teaching (subjects or content) in which proper certification is held by the teacher.
• Information about whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

At Highland Park Middle School, our mission is to:

• Provide our students with a sense of community and global perception in a nurturing and caring learning environment,
• Help students acquire the skills necessary to value themselves, and take pride in their accomplishments, and
• Develop respect and understanding of other people and their cultures.

Website: https://www.spps.org/highlandms
Location: 975 Snelling Ave S, Saint Paul, MN, USA
Phone: (651) 293-8950