Highland Park Weekly Communication

Hello Highland Park Royal families!

We hope you are able to join us on Thursday, September 10th for our Back to School Night! This is an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, see the classroom, and learn about our curriculum.

Logistics & Parking:

• The large gate in the upper parking lot will be open for parking in the playground area.

• The Observatory field also has parking spots and is a short walk to the school.

• Do NOT park at Donohue Funeral Home.

• Do NOT park at St. Laurence.

To accommodate families with multiple children, we are offering three identical sessions. Please ensure you visit the Gym for one of these sessions to hear from the administration.

Time

6:30 - 6:50 PM

(Session 2)

7:00 - 7:20 PM

(Session 3)

Visit our Home & School and Community Information tables in the main lobby too!

We hope to see you on Thursday, September 10th, 2026

Sincerely,

Joanne M. DeVito

Principal

Highland Park Elementary School

Section: 200, Pupils

Adopted: August 10, 2010

Last Revised: March 14, 2023

Prior Revised Dates: February 9, 2016

Authority

The Board has the authority to impose limitations on students' dress in school. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices disrupt the educational program of the schools or constitute a health or safety hazard.[1][2]

The Board shall require students to wear standard dress, which may be required district-wide or by individual schools.[1][2]

Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, technical education, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.[2]

Delegation of Responsibility

The building principal or designee shall be responsible to monitor student dress and grooming, and to enforce Board policy and school rules governing student dress and grooming.

The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all rules implementing this policy impose only the minimum necessary restrictions on the exercise of the student's taste and individuality.[2]

Staff members shall be instructed to demonstrate, by example, positive attitudes toward neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance.[3]

Guidelines

All students shall be subject to this dress code. Students must report to school on a daily basis attired in compliance with the provisions of this policy.

Attire:

Acceptable dress must be appropriately sized and must conform to the following requirements:

1. We strongly encourage students to exhibit their school pride by wearing school colors and apparel.
   

2. Students are not permitted to wear apparel that belittles another, suggests sexual activity, or refers to violence, weapons, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, discrimination, gangs, or any illegal activity. Objectionable language or graphics are also not permitted on apparel or belongings.
   

3. All shirts and dresses must have sleeves and cover the entire torso, and shoulders. Tank tops, midriffs, tube tops, low cut shirts, strapless, spaghetti straps, see through shirts, halters, or bare back shirts are not permitted.
   

4. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must reach mid-thigh. We use the “fingertip” rule, which means when standing straight, fingertips are in line with the hem.
   

5. Pants must be worn above the hip bone. No undergarments are to be seen at any time. Tights worn as pants are not permitted.
   

6. See through clothing, undergarments worn as outer garments, and sleepwear are not permitted.
   

7. Clothing that are torn or ripped are not permitted.
   

8. Students are not permitted to wear any spiked collars, spiked bracelets, or wallet chains.
   

9. Shoes must cover the entire foot and have soles. Steel toe boots are not permitted.
   

10. Hats, hoods, bandannas, and sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
    

11. Administration will make final decisions about the appropriateness and acceptability of specific items of clothing.
    

12. Violations of the dress code will result in disciplinary consequences.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Home and School Association events. More information to follow:

• Ice Cream Social- 9/30/36
• McPrincipals Night at McDonald's- 10/19
• 1st, 2nd, & 3rd grade Dance- 10/22
• Poppin Popcorn Sale - 11/2 - 11/16
• 4th & 5th Grade Dance- 11/19
• Chipotle Night- 12/9
• Chuck E Cheese Night- 4/15

If your child completed the voluntary summer packet, please have them submit it to their homeroom teacher by September 11th.

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Your child attends a Title I school, which means it receives Federal funds to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. Throughout the school year, we will be providing you with important information about this law and your child’s education. This letter lets you know about your right to request information about the qualifications of the classroom staff working with your child.

We are very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for the coming school year and are prepared to give your child a high-quality education. As a Title I school, we must meet federal regulations related to teacher qualifications as defined in ESEA. These regulations allow you to learn more about your child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

• Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching,

• Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and

• What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December 2015 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes additional right to know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request:

• Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out, and

• Information on required assessments that include

• subject matter tested,

• purpose of the test,

• source of the requirement (if applicable),

• amount of time it takes st

• students to complete the test, and

• time and format of disseminating results

Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Pennsylvania state requirements.

If you have any questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact me at any time.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Joanne M. DeVito

Principal

Highland Park Elementary School

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Upper Darby School District’s policy on Bullying/Cyberbullying addresses the nationwide problem of bullying. This policy ensures that each school in our district will operate under the same policy and procedures regarding bullying. The policy defines bullying as follows:

“Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student's education

2. Creation of a threatening environment

3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school

Bullying, as defined in this policy, includes cyber bullying.

School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.”

A copy of the entire policy (#249 Bullying/Cyberbullying) is posted on our website at www.upperdarbysd.org (hover over school board - click on policies) and copies are available at the school.

We will review the policy four times each year with all students and inform them on how to report a bullying incident.

At an upcoming Home and School meeting, we will review the policy and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Joanne M. DeVito

Principal Highland Park Elementary School

Principal

The Upper Darby School District appreciates the wish to recognize children’s birthdays and other celebrations by bringing in treats to share with the class, however, due to the increase of students with severe food allergies and the importance of minimizing disruption to the instructional day, the following guidelines have been established for Highland Park:

Your child's birthday will be recognized with their classmates during morning meeting.

No food or beverages are permitted to be brought in to Highland Park for birthday celebrations. Highland Park encourages families to use alternatives such as:

• Donating a book in the name of a child

• Non-food treats such as pencils, erasers, notebook.

We appreciate your cooperation!

Student Emergency Information Sheets will be sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year. These sheets need to be reviewed and verified each year. Please review the information and make any necessary changes. Phone number, and email information can also be updated in the Home Access Center (HAC). Change of Address must be updated at Central Registration. We must have the most up-to-date information so that you receive all home-school communication. Also, the nurse must be aware of any new medical information.

Consistent school attendance is not only crucial for academic achievement but also a legal requirement. Missing school can lead to significant learning gaps and impact your child’s overall progress.

Absence notes are required when your child is absent within 2 days of your child's return. Unexcused absences become truancies. Please send absent notes by email to HPES-attendance@upperdarbysd.org or you can send a written note to your child's teacher. Thank you!

ATTENDANCE and BEING ON TIME FOR SCHOOL IS IMPORTANT

• Too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.

• Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.

• Students can still fall behind if they miss just 1 or 2 days every few weeks.

• Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.

• Absences & tardiness affect the entire classroom .

Attending school regularly, and being on time each day helps children feel better about school—and themselves.

Families, we need your help during arrival and dismissal. Safety first, and respect for the neighborhood. Plan ahead knowing that arrival and dismissal takes about 15- 20 minutes. Please plan accordingly so students are here on time and picked up on time.

Arrival & Dismissal

• There is no parking on school grounds at arrival or dismissal.
• Do not park, drop off, or pick up on West Chester Pike or on Lynn Blvd.
• Students should be dressed appropriately for all weather conditions.
• Students may not play on the swings or playground equipment during arrival or dismissal times.
• If you are driving your child to school, or picking up by car, please enter the loop and stay to the left. Highland Park staff will direct you to the drop off area. Please have your children enter/exit on the right side of your vehicle.
• All cars must make a right onto Lynn Blvd. We appreciate your cooperation. Only school and daycare busses may turn left.

Daily Morning Arrival

• Students should arrive between 8:30 AM- 8:40 AM. It is important that all students are on time and in HR by 8:45 AM.
• Please do not arrive early, as there is no supervision prior to 8:30 AM.
• Student arrival procedures:

o Grade 1- Enter the building through the center doors on the St. Laurence side.

o Grade 2- Enter the building through the main doors and go directly to the cafeteria.

o Grade 3- Enter the building through the center doors on the St. Laurence side and line up

in the 3rd grade hallway outside their homerooms.

o Grade 4- Enter the building through the main doors and go directly to the gym.

o Grade 5- Enter the building through the main doors and go directly to the gym.

Daily Dismissal

· If you are picking up your child in the school yard, you must park your car off school grounds and walk to Highland Park. Please note that there is NO PARKING on school grounds and no parking at Donohue Funeral Home or St. Laurence.

o 1st grade students are dismissed to the driveway along St. Laurence in the lower playground.

o 2nd grade students are dismissed to the lower playground.

o 3rd grade students are dismissed in front of the main entrance.

o 4th grade students exit through back door facing the golf course.

o 5th grade students are dismissed to the upper playground.

· You can park at the Observatory Field on St. Laurence Road and either walk to Highland Park via Green Valley Road or Academy Lane or have your child walk to you (grades 2-5).

· If you are picking up your child with your vehicle:

o You must enter at the top of the lot, and stay to your left. Do not park, or leave your vehicle. Please have your child’s name, grade and HR printed clearly on 8 ½ x 11 paper so you can show it to a Highland Park staff member (this will help move the line quicker). You will be directed to the pick-up area.

o In order to keep the car line moving, all cars must make a right onto Lynn Blvd. We appreciate your cooperation. Only school and daycare busses may turn left.

· If your child is a walker (2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade only), please review safe walking routes with your child. You may also set up a meeting point with your child off school grounds.

· Please pick up your children on time. Also, please send in a note with your child’s dismissal plan on the first day of school for the homeroom teacher.

If there is a change in the regular dismissal procedure for your child, written notification must be sent in to the classroom teacher. We understand that there are emergencies that occur but a consistent dismissal plan for each child is helpful for your child and the homeroom teacher.

Students are not permitted to use cell phones during the school day, or on district busses, or district activities. Please have your students practice NOT using their cell phones for extended period of times during the day so they are prepared not to use them or have them out during the school day.

If you have moved out of the district, please email our secretary, PCasey@upperdarbysd.org or call (610-853-4530) about the withdrawal process. If you have moved and remain in the district, please go to Central Registration which is next to the Upper Darby High School Gymnasium entrance (601 N. Lansdowne Avenue), and update your information.

The district will continue to receive the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) this year. ALL district students are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at NO CHARGE beginning the 1st day of school. No paperwork is needed to take advantage of this worthwhile program. No outside food delivery is permitted during the school day. Highland Park Breakfast & Lunch Menus

A reminder that you may NOT have food delivered from vendors to your child during the school day. We are contracted with Aramark for free breakfast and lunch. If your child forgets their lunch, free lunch is available.

All school and district communication will be sent via Parent Link e-mail. Communication will be sent electronically, at minimum, each Wednesday evening in our electronic Wednesday folder. This communication will provide weekly happenings, upcoming events, and contain valuable information for both district and community events. Please be sure your email information is up to date to take advantage of this communication.

The Home Access Center (HAC), HAC Access Link , will have student homeroom assignments and teacher information available August 27th . Please make sure your email address and phone number are up to date in the Home Access Center. Address changes can only be processed through the Central Registration Office located next to the Upper Darby High School Gymnasium. It is critical that your information is correct because your email is used for school and district communication. Please review the Home Access Guide: https://app.smore.com/n/3geq8w

for more information about HAC.

The district and the schools do not have access to your HAC passwords, so you will need to reset your password if you have forgotten it.

If you are having trouble accessing HAC, please email parentportal@upperdarbysd.org if you need assistance. Include your name, your child(ren)'s name(s), and a phone number where you can be reached during regular business hours.

For security purposes, HAC account access and credentials can only be provided to a parent or guardian identified in the District's student information system.

Chromebooks for students will be issued in school from students’ homeroom teachers during the first week of school. Families will be billed for lost, stolen, and damaged chromebooks and chargers.

Chromebooks are for school work only.

The student chromebooks are school district property.

• Students must take their chromebooks home each day
• Chromebooks must be fully charged each night and brought to school each day
• Student chromebooks and student email accounts are for academic purposes and school communications only.
• Student email should not be used to create or access recreational accounts on other platforms, such as social media or gaming sites. Keeping the use of student email limited to school-related activities helps maintain a secure and focused learning environment.
• IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH YOUR CHILD's CHROMEBOOK, PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD BRING THE CHROMEBOOK AND CHARGER TO THEIR TEACHER.

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