The Weekly Whinny

Dear Highland Park Elementary Community,

Welcome to the 2026-27 school year!

In this Weekly Whinny, learn more about:

• Welcome to families new to HPE!
• Join the PTA
• Connect on WhatsApp
• Become a Room Parent
• Upcoming Events and Activities

Welcome to families new to HPE!

A special welcome to families new to HPE! The Highland Park Elementary Mustangs are a special community, and we are happy to have you joining us. ☺️

This Weekly Whinny email (Mustangs whinny, get it?!) will be sent out weekly (or so) by the wonderful Patti Bunting on behalf of the Highland Park Elementary PTA. (Thanks, as always, Patti!)

Join The PTA

We encourage ALL families to join the PTA, regardless of your ability to pay the membership dues. We have scholarship funds to cover the cost for any families who would prefer not to pay for any reason.

Being a member of the PTA allows you to vote on how we spend our resources and to have a voice in making decisions about the activities and events we work on during the year.

Connect on WhatsApp

The PTA and school community uses WhatsApp extensively to share information and communicate amongst ourselves.

Please join the HPE Volunteer WhatsApp Group to learn about volunteer opportunities and to stay connected with the school community about all sorts of things.

NOTE: You are not required to volunteer if you join this WhatsApp group.

Become a Room Parent, a point person for teachers and the PTA

Want to support your student's teacher?

Room Parents act as a point person for the teachers and the PTA to pass information and resources.

We're looking for one parent for each of the following classrooms to become a Room Parent. If your student is in one of the following classes and you are interested, please email PTA Vice President Lana Bear (hpemustangvp@gmail.com):

• Won (1st grade)
• Ash (3rd grade)
• Drake/Nave (3rd grade)
• Sydenstricker (4th grade)
• Gilioli (4th grade)
• Bryn (5th grade)

Upcoming Events and Activities

September

• Sept 2: First Day of School (1st-5th); No Early Release
• Sept 8: First day of school for preschool and kindergarten students
• Sept 18: Movie Night Doors at 5:30 p.m.; Movie at 6pm - More details about Movie Night
• Sept 26: Rummage Sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Black Top - More details about the Rummage Sale
• Sept 29: HYBRID PTA Meeting 5:30 p.m. Pizza; 6pm meeting start. Families/children welcome! - Details to come
• Every Wednesday: Wonderful Wednesdays (Bring snacks and treats for Staff)

October

• Oct 1: Readathon Month of October - Details to come
• Oct 2: Individual Student Picture Day
• Oct 2: Popcorn Friday (First Friday of the Month)
• Oct 8: Curriculum Night 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Oct 9: No School for students; State In-service Day
• Oct 30: Book Character Day - Details to come
• Every Wednesday: Wonderful Wednesdays (Bring snacks and treats for Staff)