Mustang Newsletter

Highland Park Elementary receives additional funding through the state Learning Assistance Program and Federal Title 1. These programs are designed to provide supplemental support to eligible students who are identified as in need of additional assistance to meet the state's academic reading and math standards. Funds provide extended day classes and opportunities to include parents in the education of their children.

Dear HPE Parents and Families,

We are excited to welcome students and families to Curriculum Night, October 8, at Highland Park Elementary! This special evening gives families an inside look at what learning looks like in each classroom and how we work together to support every student’s success. During this event, teachers will share handouts of grade-level goals, classroom expectations, and key instructional strategies designed to help students grow academically and socially throughout the year.

Curriculum Night is also about connection—it’s an opportunity for families to meet teachers, ask questions, and learn how to stay involved in their child’s learning journey. When home and school work hand in hand, students thrive. Together, we can create the strong partnerships that make Highland Park a place where every student feels supported and inspired to learn.

Dinner: 5:30–6 p.m. in the cafeteria (Pizza/Salad)

Curriculum Night/Scavenger Hunt: 6–7 p.m.

Be sure the visit the Gym, Art Room and Library

What to Expect from the Evening

Many teachers will provide handouts or presentations outlining important classroom routines, curriculum highlights, and ways families can reinforce learning at home. Teachers will also be available to answer questions and discuss how families can stay informed about student progress. These personal conversations strengthen our home–school relationships and help build a shared understanding of how to best support each child.

Scavenger Hunt and Classroom Sessions

Our annual Scavenger Hunt has become a favorite part of Curriculum Night! Students are always eager to guide their families around the building—showing off their classrooms, work areas, and favorite learning spaces. This tradition helps students take pride in their school and gives families a fun, interactive way to see learning in action. (Pick up your scavenger hunt sheet at check sign in with Mrs. Patti and Mrs. Laura)

As we look forward to Curriculum Night, I want to thank our staff and families for the strong partnerships that make Highland Park such a special community. This evening is more than an event—it’s a reflection of our shared commitment to student growth, engagement, and belonging. By coming together, listening, and learning from one another, we continue to build a school where every child feels supported, challenged, and celebrated. I can’t wait to see our students proudly guide their families through the halls and classrooms that represent their hard work and joy for learning.

We can’t wait to see you all tomorrow – entrance at the gym.

Principal McDaniel

If a child is absent, please call our attendance office at 206-252-8242 or email HighlandPark.Attendance@seattleschools.org

Please try and make appointments and/or family vacations during days when school is not in session. All minutes missed add up over time.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

• 7:55 a.m.-2:25 p.m.

Wednesday

• 7:55 a.m. - 1:10 p.m.

Please drop your student off on the back playground no earlier than 7:30 a.m. They may go to the cafeteria for breakfast - Highland Park is a free breakfast and lunch school.

Pick up at the end of the day is on the back playground. You may park on one of the streets around the school, or pull into the bus lane and we will bring your student to you.

Hello and welcome back to Highland Park! My name is Deron Woods and I am the YSA (youth services assistant) at Highland Park Elementary. This is my second year at the school and I am looking forward to this school year. Last year we started student school announcements and students leading our school awards assemblies. This year we will be adding some more programs to increase student voice.

• Student Council: These students will work with school staff to enhance our school expectations, be the voice of the other students in our school, and help out with school events, theme weeks, etc.
• SEL (Social Emotional Learning) lunch groups: These groups will be per grade with a focus on leadership, following the Mustang Way, and being resilient.

We are looking forward to helping to increase our student's voices and building strong future leaders.

Thank you,

Deron

This year, we have 20 new nominees for Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award that Mr. Robert will read to the PreK-3rd grade students, and 10 new nonfiction nominees for the Towner Award that he’ll read to the 4th and 5th graders.

Each classroom has a weekly visit to the library. Here is the schedule:

• Monday – classes of Ms. Nguon and Ms. Soto
• Tuesday – classes of Ms. Wulchin and Ms. Hardebeck; Mr. Robert visits Ms. Jenny’s class
• Wednesday – classes of Ms. Gordon, Ms. Gilioli, Ms. Bryn, and Ms. Jackson
• Thursday – classes of Ms. Romero, Mrs. Price, and Teacher Ash
• Friday – classes of Ms. Luster, Ms. Vanessa, and Ms. Nave

Dear Highland Park Families,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all for the 2025-26 school year! My name is Julie Masonsmith and I am the School Nurse. It is my 2nd year at Highland Park and I am excited to be a part of a vibrant, supportive community that welcomes and values all members. A little bit about me – I am a Mom to 3 wonderful young adults that attended Seattle Public Schools. In my free time, I enjoy painting, hiking and playing viola in the community orchestra.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!! This is a time to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Hispanic medical professionals. I encourage you to check out the book “El Doctoricito”.

In this book, a young Salvadoran boy dreams of becoming a doctor who speaks both English and Spanish so that patients like his beloved grandmother aren’t afraid to visit the doctor. This book will encourage children to think about their own futures as well as the role their culture can play in helping the community.

When your student should stay home due to illness: Please keep your student home from school when they are sick. This allows them to rest until they are ready to learn and helps prevent the spread of illness to other students and staff.

Students with fevers must be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
Please see the attached guide, “Is My Child Too Sick to Go to School?” for more information, and let me know if you have questions.

Vaccine Clinic Information: Seattle Public Schools is partnering with Seattle Visiting Nurse Association (SVNA) to provide vaccine clinics to the public. SVNA is offering flu vaccine to anyone age four and up and covid vaccine to anyone age five and up. SVNA clinics require insurance (most plans accepted) or payment. Find the vaccination clinic school locations, dates, times, and registration.

Additional vaccine resources for children and uninsured adults are available.

The Neighborcare Clinic is located in the front office at Highland Park Elementary and we can serve all students who register! Our clinic allows students to get healthcare during the school year without missing school!

• The Nurse Practitioner is here at school in the Neighborcare Clinic on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment for your student.
• We will have flu and Covid shots soon, please reach out if you would like to sign your student up to get an immunization at school.
• The Mental Health Therapist is here on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you would like to refer your student for therapy, please contact us.

Clinic Text Line: 206-590-2522

Phone: 206-548-5995

Email: sbhchighlandpark@neighborcare.org

Carolyn March | School-Based Health Center Coordinator

Pronouns: she/her

Neighborcare Health at Highland Park Elementary | 1012 SW Trenton St, Seattle, WA 98106

Work: 206-548-5995 | Fax: 206-973-8668

carolyn.march@neighborcare.org | NeighborCare

Hello, I am Priscilla Kang-Rubesh (LSWAIC), a mental health therapist here at Highland Park through Seneca Family of Agencies. I meet with students during the school day to provide a safe, supportive space to build confidence, strengthen social-emotional skills, and work through challenges that may be affecting their learning and/or relationships. Because services happen right at school, students can easily access support without needing to leave campus. If you are interested in learning more or exploring services for your child, please contact me directly via phone or email. Thank you!

Email: priscilla_kang@senecacenter.org

Phone: 253-993-6216

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Dominic J - Darrel S - Zubeda H - Kalah SB - Marie M - Maria AT - Celeste H - Ember F - Ruby S -

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