Highland Park Family Newsletter

We had a wonderful week of learning and fantastic events on campus.

Fine Arts Night was a huge success, our students truly shined on stage! Thank you to our Specials Team, Ms. Wuebben, Ms. Kalala, Ms. Lavinder, Coach Aranda, Coach Adams, and Ms. Reyes for creating such a meaningful experience for our students and families.

Second grade’s Famous Faces Showcase was also incredible. It was so special to see our students’ engagement, preparation, and pride as they shared their learning. We are so proud of them!

As we head into the final stretch, it’s hard to believe we have just eight weeks of learning left. Every day counts, and we will continue working together to support our students so they can finish the year strong.

This is also a reminder that next week will be a short week, with Friday off.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our campus. We truly appreciate our Bulldog families! 🐾 Highland Park Bulldogs WOOF! 💙

With appreciation,

Lizbeth Ruiz
Principal
Highland Park Elementary

Thank you to those who attended our recent Community Meetings before Spring Break. We appreciate your time, engagement, and thoughtful input.

If you were unable to attend, the district has posted presentation videos in multiple languages, along with additional information, on the District Optimization webpage: https://www.pfisd.net/about-us/district-optimization. You will also find an FAQ on the webpage that is regularly updated based on community questions and feedback.

Thank you to everyone who has already shared feedback on the scenarios. If you have not yet participated, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your thoughts on all scenarios—not just those that may directly impact your family: https://tejoin.com/participate/336499412.

Your feedback is essential as we work toward a district-wide solution to a district-wide challenge.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Please review the Progress Report and Report Card Dates below:

• 03/23- Grades due
• 03/30- 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 First-Round Possible Retention Letter on March 23, 2026.

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

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.

HPES Knd-2nd Specials Color Group Schedule

HPES 3rd-5th Specials Color Group Schedule

• No School on Friday!

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

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It is time to order HPES yearbooks!!

Order here- https://bit.ly/HPESyearbook

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