Highland Park Independent School District Update

Jan. 17, 2014 Lit Fest kicks off 18th annual festival with screening of Iron and Silk   The Highland Park Literary Festival Committee will present a screening of Iron and Silk at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at the Highland Park Village Theater. Mark Salzman, this year's featured Lit Fest author, wrote the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Iron and Silk based on his experiences as an English teacher in China in the 1980s. He co-wrote the screenplay adaptation of his memoir and starred in the movie as himself.    He will speak to students and the community at a free event Feb. 27 at Highland Park High School. The Lit Fest invites students, families and community members to enjoy the show and learn more about Salzman and his insights on Chinese culture and his other works. In celebration of Salzman's upcoming visit, as well as the upcoming Chinese New Year Jan. 31, a brief program including songs by HPHS sophomore and student of Mandarin, Meredith Whalen, and students of the Park Cities Chinese School will precede the movie. Michael Stallings of the Park Cities YMCA will lead a brief tai chi exercise in the theater. Lucky winners will receive free books. Admission is a $10 donation. Seats are limited, so contact the HP Literary Festival at info@hplitfest.com to purchase advance tickets. Plan to arrive at 6:30 p.m. to purchase refreshments before the program begins. The HP Literary Festival wishes to thank the Highland Park Village Theater for its generous support of this event. For further information this event and on the 2014 Literary Festival, visit www.hplitfest.com. Send a 'Special Delivery' message to HPISD trustees   January is School Board Recognition Month, our chance to take the time to thank our trustees, who devote countless hours to building bright futures for our staff, students and community. A "Special Delivery" mailbox has been set up at the receptionist's desk at the administration building to receive notes from staff, parents, students and community members. Emails may be sent to hponline@hpisd.org. Messages will be collected through the end of January and presented to the trustees at the February board meeting.      To read profiles of the HPISD trustees, click HERE. HP Arts celebrates teachers On Jan. 14, the HP Arts Foundation held a Teacher Appreciation Celebration to applaud teachers for their dedication to HPISD students and the arts. Tish and Marvin Key hosted the event, which featured student artwork and a string quartet. Centennial treasure hunt continues       The fall of 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary for HPISD, and many community members are donating or lending cherished items from their school days to be used in displays and celebrations. Pictured here is a collection of team photos of the 1956 Highland Park Junior High School football team. It was loaned to us for the celebration by Grier Raggio. Many thanks! We have received many other treasures in recent weeks that we will feature in future editions. HPISD is calling on all community members to search their attics and closets for memorabilia to be used in display cases at each campus. A team of historians will tag each item and ensure its return to you at the end of the 2014-15 school year. Items may be dropped off at the HPISD administration building, 7015 Westchester, 75205. Please be sure to include your name and phone number with your items. For more information on donating items, please contact HPISD Director of Communications Helen Williams at 214-780-3008. Photos and documents can also be emailed to the Communications Department through this link. 1st-year teacher spotlight: Randi Summer To welcome educators who are beginning their careers as teachers, HPISD is featuring a new teacher in each week's enews. Highland Park ISD Director of Personnel Chris Israelson visited with the teachers to learn about their favorite moments in HPISD so far. This week's featured teacher is Randi Summer, math and support teacher in grades 5-8 at MIS and HPMS. Before joining the HPISD family, Randi worked as a senior software engineer and holds a patent on a 3D software model that is used in the design and manufacturing of Lego, Tupperware, GM cars and the space station. She soon discovered a passion for working with young people and teaching them about robotics and other math applications. After earning her master's degree from SMU, Randi brought her skills and interests to the MIS/HPMS campus to inspire her students. She currently serves as the science camp counselor, math team coach and Destination Imagination manager in addition to her teaching duties. Her biggest surprise in her young teaching career came when more than 100 students joined her math team. She said she is looking forward to working with the many talented students and teachers at MIS/HPMS. Congratulations, Randi, and welcome to Highland Park ISD! The art of teacher recruitment One of the many important tasks school principals and assistant principals are responsible for is the annual hiring, training and retention of highly qualified professional and paraprofessional educators and support staff. It one of the most critical skills a principal must have - the ability to ascertain the ideal set of experience, teaching skills, values and beliefs of a teacher candidate. It is both a science and an art, and carries with it a long-term impact on student achievement. This skill should not be taken for granted, and HPISD principals should be recognized for the expertise and diligence they bring to the process. HPISD has developed its profile of the Educator for the Future in conjunction with the profile of the Learner for the Future. No doubt, the strategic planning associated with these two initiatives will shape the process of hiring and training of new teachers in HPISD. FCA honors Randy Allen with lifetime achievement award HPHS football coach Randy Allen, who recently completed his 34th season as a head coach in Texas, has been named the recipient of the 2013 Grant Teaff Lifetime Achievement Award by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was presented the award Jan. 13 at an FCA event during the American Football Coaches Association convention in Indianapolis. Allen has posted a 327-80-6 career head coaching record, all as a high school coach in Texas. For the past 15 years, he has led the HP Scots to a 174-21 record. The Scots won the 2005 Class 4A Division 1 State Championship, and in 2013, the Scots had a 13-2 record and advanced to the state semifinals. Allen became the 10th head coach in Texas state history to record at least 300 wins. In addition to coaching, Allen is heavily involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a member of Dallas/Fort Worth FCA's Leadership Advisory Board. He is also involved with Highland Park High School's FCA Huddle. Allen is also the author of two books, Coaching by the Book and Coaching Character. His wife, Carolyn, is the author of The Coach's Wife. Named in honor of former Baylor coach, American Football Coaches Association executive director and member of FCA's Board of Trustees and Hall of Champions Grant Teaff, the Grant Teaff Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a coach that has committed his life to being a Christian influence on the lives of student-athletes. Previous winners include Dr. Homer Rice, Parker Dykes, Jimmy Keeling, Fisher DeBerry, Jerry Moore, Mel Tjeerdsma, Houston Nutt and Tony Dungy. PEC to host session on the 'Myth of Image'   The HPISD Parent Education Committee (PEC) is hosting a session titled "The Myth of Image: Embracing the Paradox" from 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, in the UP Elementary Auditorium. Angie Buja and Becky Page, both MA LPC-S certified, will address how perfectionism and performance affects boys and girls, including eating disorders. Click here for an event flier.  PEC is also hosting the following events this semester: 10 a.m., Feb. 13 (Grades pre-K through 4) Brain Development, Basic Impact of Stress and the Role of Hormones and Where They Fit Noon, Feb. 20: (Grades 5 through 12) Brain Development, Basic Impact of Stress and the Role of Hormones and Where They Fit 9:30 a.m., March 3: The Parents We Mean to Be Complete details regarding speakers, times and locations of these upcoming events are listed on the PEC webpage; be sure to check it out and make plans to attend. The PEC's mission is to provide speakers, educational programs and resources to HPISD families concerning topics relevant to raising our children to become healthy and responsible adults. Thank you for your continued support, both in attendance and monetary donations, to make quality programs like these accessible to our community.  Send us your news Click HERE to access the online form to submit items for publication in the HPISD e-newsletter. The e-news goes out to parents, staff, and the local media. The deadline for each Friday newsletter is 4 p.m. Tuesday. High School News                              Natalie Rathjen named Davey O'Brien Scholarship finalist HPHS senior Natalie Rathjen has been named a finalist for the 2013 Davey O'Brien High School Scholarship Award. The scholarship is presented each year to an exceptional senior student-athlete in the North Texas area. The recipient of the $30,000 scholarship will be announced Jan. 21 during the 7th Annual Davey O'Brien High School Scholarship Luncheon held at The Fort Worth Club. The Foundation will also award a $2,500 scholarship to each of the four remaining finalists.  Since 1986, the Foundation has provided more than $600,000 in scholarships to high school seniors. Recipients are chosen on the basis of scholastic achievements, community service, character, leadership and varsity sports participation. HPHS science team takes first place in UIL meet    The UIL Academic meet for math and science was held Jan. 11 at Flower Mound High School. The science team of William Lake, Khai-Leif Nguyen-Hille and Christine Ramjee took first place. Individual awards in science include: Lake took third overall Nguyen-Hille took fourth place overall and first place in 10th grade Ramjee came in fifth place overall, first in 11th grade and had the top score in biology Robert Luo took first place in 9th grade In computer application, Ramjee came in sixth place overall.  3 HPHS students named to All-State Choir HPHS choir students competed in the area round of the Texas Music Educators Association All-State choir auditions Jan. 11. Three students were selected to perform with All-State ensembles: Rodman Steele - eighth chair, Texas All-State Men's Choir Lizzy Seay - fifth chair, Texas All-State Women's Choir Kathryn Davidson - third chair, Texas All-State Mixed Choir Students began their preparation during June and July by attending choir camps, working with voice teachers, and practicing individually. Membership in any Texas All-State ensemble is the highest individual honor that a Texas high school music student can receive. Students design promotional materials for HP Literary Festival To promote the upcoming events, the Literary Festival partnered with the HP Design Company. Under the direction of HPHS teacher Chris Fullwood, this group of students uses its artistic talent to create everything from logos and brochures to yard-signs and T-shirts for local clubs and organizations. Students have the opportunity to work on real projects for real clients, giving them insight into the design industry and client relations, and local school and community groups benefit from the students' talent and efforts. This year's Design Company consists of juniors Claire White, Lauren LaDuke, and Carling Crawford. With the input of the Literary Festival committee and direction of Mr. Fullwood, Claire White designed yard signs, posters, bookmarks, and brochures featuring this year's "Write Your World" theme. These promotional materials will be appearing throughout the community soon. The Literary Festival committee invites everyone to hear Mark Salzman at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at Highland Park High School. This event is free and open to the public. For further information, visit www.hplitfest.com. HPHS students experience cultural exchange via Skype   On Jan. 15, approximately 20 HPHS freshman world geography students "mystery Skyped" with students from Gorzow Wielkopolski, Poland.  The two student groups video-conferenced without knowing the other's identity and location. Students from both schools were able to guess the location of their new friends within the first 10 minutes. The second half of the session provided students with an opportunity to ask one another about favorite foods, music interest and popular sports.  Teacher Hunt Caraway said his students are eager to do another mystery Skype. One student said the interaction is what cultural exchange is meant to be. Dunk your chips during Hoops & Hot Sauce tonight The HPHS mens basketball team is ready to serve you tonight at its annual fundraiser, Hoops and Hot Sauce. The event raises money for Meet the Scots, the Scots Classic Tournament and broadcasting of games.  Dinner will be provided by Cantina Laredo in the HPHS cafeteria - dine in from 5-7 p.m. or take out from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $10. For more information, contact Bess Brooks at 214-478-4998 or rosebess@sbcglobal.net. A live auction will be held during half-time of the varsity game, featuring: 4 Mavericks floor seats 4 Cowboys Box Tickets with 4 Sideline Passes The silent auction will begin at 5 p.m. in gym lobby featuring the following and much more: 2 HP Scots Football Season Tickets in Blue Section Birthday Party with Scots Varsity Basketball Team iPad Air XBox One Apple TV Beats by Dre in blue Personalized diamond initial necklace from Bachendorf's Signed Romo Football Signed Clayton Kershaw baseball & book  The varsity Scots will face North Forney at 7 p.m. The game will feature performances by the Highland Belles & HP Pep Band. Highland Belles announce new lieutenants The Highland Belles announced the new lieutenants for the 2014-2015 season: Fields Dunston, Alexa May, Audrey Gruber, Emma Bailey and Caroline Magee. Lady Scots win Highlander Classic    After losing to Cedar Park 0-2 in the first round, the Lady Scot soccer team went on to beat Lake Travis 4-0, ESD 3-0 and Forney 2-1 to win the Highlander Classic Tournament Jan. 11. Kate Summers scored three goals in the tournament. Sara Summers, Caroline Gould, Emily O'Neal, Lauren Echols, Hope Hyde and Natalie Dargene each scored one. The Lady Scots are currently in Round Rock for at tournament scheduled to end Saturday. Scot soccer team camps out under the stars The Scots mens soccer team traveled to Cedar Hill State Park Jan 11-12 for some winter camping in preparation for the upcoming season. The camp's motto was "Embrace The Cold." The team had a great time sleeping under the stars. The team will compete in the Governor's Cup in Georgetown through Saturday. Lady Scots power through district The Lady Scot basketball team continues district play at North Forney tonight and at Mesquite Poteet Jan. 21. The team returns home to host West Mesquite Jan. 24. Meet the Scots baseball team Feb. 1 The community is invited to join the Scot baseball team at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Scotland Yard to support the team's quest for another district championship. The family event begins with autographs and ends with a scrimmage between the varsity and JV teams. Silent auction items include two courtside seats to a Dallas Mavericks game including a tour of the locker room, as well as great seats to Texas Rangers, Texas Longhorns and Dallas Stars games. For more information or to make a bid, contact Suzanne Chaltas at schaltas@yahoo.com. Scot wrestlers compete through the holidays The HPHS wrestling team had a busy winter break, as the team competed in two events. During the Santa Slam at Coppell High School Dec. 20, the Scots defeated McKinney North 57-12, but fell to Coppell 28-48. In tournament play the following day, HP finished in fifth place as a team. Individually, Grant Lake finished in first place, Stephen Dieb and Jackson Stafford took second place and Michael Thorton and Connor Creek placed third. Following the new year, the Scots competed in the Arlington Lamar Invitational Jan. 4. In a 31-team field featuring schools from Texas and Louisiana, the HP Scots took first-place team honors. Individual awards included Dieb and Lake finishing first, Creek taking second, Christian Lorenzoni and Stafford finishing third and Matt Kroencke and Thorton earning fourth place. The Scots also competed against Wylie and Wylie East Jan. 9, and defeated both school sin 12 of 19 matches. Highland Park Hockey club loses to Plano East   The Highland Park varsity hockey club lost to Plano East Jan. 9 by the score of 4-2, despite taking an early lead and out-shooting their opponent by a margin of 51 to 23. The loss dropped the Scots' record to 6-6-0 on the season. Senior captains Connor Crow and Matthew Daseke each contributed a goal. Senior captain Jack Dargene recorded 19 saves in the game for a save percentage of 83 percent. For the season, senior captain Nick Early leads the team with 14 points and 8 assists and senior Tyler Wiltz leads with 9 goals. Click HERE to read more. Middle School and Intermediate School News      Raider Cafe holds grand opening     An enthusiastic crowd of about 50 students, teachers, board members, parents, staff and administrators gathered for the Raider Cafe Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 10. Board members Jim Hitzelberger, Cynthia Beecherl and Kelly Walker joined HPISD Superintendent Dr. Dawson Orr, MIS/HPMS Principal Laurie Hitzelberger, Coordinator of Food Services Karen Jacobson, Cafeteria Manager Brenda Vardell, the 5/6 recycling team, the 7/8 student council and other special guests to cut the ribbon.  MIS/HPMS Geography Bee winners advance in competition HPMS student Nora Floyd won first place at the HPMS Geography Bee and will move on to take the qualifying test to participate in the state geography bee. Katie Krasovec came in second place and Avi Steinberg came in third place. Matthew McDaniel, Mitchell Kirby, Grace Schwall, Enayat Kapadia, Tal Armayor, Phillip Quinn and Trevor Schillaci participated on behalf of their teams.   Sixth-grader Evan Oliai, from the EXMO team, won first place at the MIS National Geographic Bee. Sixth-graders William Dalton, Mighty Minds Team, came in second place and Roman Sabatini, Think Tank Team, came in third place.  MIS students research Southeast Asia, produce films  Students in Sarah Weatherford's sixth-grade social studies class were presented with a challenge to research, create and produce a short documentary about one country in the Southeast Asia region. The challenge was to create a film to explain life in the country through the words and daily experiences of a young child from that nation. In cooperative learning groups, students used Weatherford's online Livebinder resource collection to study the geography, government, economic systems and culture of the people living in the country they were assigned. Students were able to collaborate between school and home by sharing research and visual content in their Digital Lockers in Gaggle. Using iMovie on the ExMo Team iPads that were generously provided through the PC-TAG gift fund, students acted in and directed their own films. The seven-day process culminated with a glamorous Film Festival where students spotted "celebrities" such as Macklemore, Justin Bieber, various Disney princesses and several sharply dressed Hollywood executives in tuxedos. When all of the votes are in and tallied, a grand prize winners will be recognized. HPMS science students complete anatomy study Seventh-grade science students recently kicked off their spring semester by investigating the anatomy and physiology of body systems through the much anticipated frog dissection. The dissection is the pinnacle of the five-week human body systems unit.  Students enjoyed seeing how all of the frog's organs work together.  Although humans and frogs have some obvious differences, students were surprised to discover how similar we really are. 7th- & 9th-graders earn trip to national cross country meet Seventh-grader Maddy Stephens and HPHS freshman Logan Gwinn competed in the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship last December in San Antonio. Both Maddy and Logan qualified to compete at the national level against the best runners in the country. Raider basketball teams fare well against McKinney teams The HPMS Raiders basketball teams recently faced teams from the McKinney area. The seventh-grade Lady Raiders traveled to McKinney Faubion Middle School Jan. 13 to take on the Lady Lions. The HPMS Gold team won 18-12, the White team won 49-2 and the Red team earned a 14-12 victory. MVPs for the three games were Racquel Pacewicz, Caroline Ellis and Divya Kikkeri. In the eighth-grade boys match, the Raiders played at McKinney Evans Middle School Jan. 9. The Gold team won its game 44-31, the Red team beat Evans 48-37 and the White team left with a 58-21 victory. MVPs for the game were Will Enzor, Ryan Gadbois, Colby Green and Matt Sewall. Elementary School News                         Registration extended for Toon cheerleading camp   Registration for the annual Elizabeth Toon Mini Camp has been extended to Jan. 30. Aspiring cheerleaders from 4 years old through fourth grade are welcome at the camp. The cost is $50 per camper and includes camp activities, Toon T-shirt, Billy Button photo with a cheerleader, an autograph page and snacks. Spots are limited to 275 campers. Funds raised will benefit the HP Cheer Booster Club and Elizabeth Toon Charities. Campers, HP Cheerleaders and Scotsmen will perform at end of Mini Camp Feb, 8 in the HPHS main gym. Click HERE to print a registration form from and HERE for a flier. Armstrong students beautify their campus with plantings With the help of Master Gardener Jana Beth Eidson, and Blake Gore of Southern Botantical, Armstrong students planted kale in the school's garden Jan. 10. In addition, before the holidays the third-grade class planted daffodil bulbs. The students are excited for the bulbs to bloom and to add vegetables to their garden this spring. Bradfield Dads invite candidates to speak The Bradfield Dads Club hosted the four candidates running for the Texas House of Representatives District 108 seat being vacated by Dan Branch at its Jan. 9 meeting. The candidates included Court Alley, Leigh Bailey, Morgan Meyer and Chart Westcott, who discussed education policy and public education issues.  VIDEO: Students deliver letters to Ebby Halliday, Mary Francis Burleson On the last day of school before winter break, Dec. 20, Hyer fourth-graders Emily Garberding and Kate Swayze traveled to Ebby Halliday's home to deliver about 500 letters written by HPISD fourth-graders thanking Halliday for her gifts to the district. The girls also thanked Mary Francis Burleson, President and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, who is a 1953 HPHS graduate and a member of the Board of Directors of the Highland Park Education Foundation. Garberding and Swayze read their letters aloud to Halliday and Burleson, and got to chat with the two real estate titans.  UP sock hop transports students back in time   On Jan. 10, UP third-graders donned poodle skirts, jeans and Brylcreem to party like it was 1950 in the UP gym. Community News                                                       Town of HP announces new service from DART The Town of Highland Park is pleased to announce a partnership with DART to provide on-call service from the Mockingbird Lane DART station to Highland Park, a portion of University Park and a portion of North Dallas which includes Inwood Shopping Village. Click HERE for the service area map. Hours of operation are 6:25-9:25 a.m. and 3:25-6:25 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vehicle stops at Mockingbird Station at 25 minutes past the hour. Click HERE to read more. For more information, visit http://www.dart.org/riding/dartoncall.asp   Soccer, flag football registration now open 2014 spring soccer and flag football registration for Park Cities YMCA is now open for boys and girls through Feb. 3. Click HERE to request more information.  Continuing Stories                                      Bad weather make-up days scheduled for Feb. 17 and April 17 HPISD would like to thank all of our parents, students and staff for their patience as we closed our campuses during the inclement weather in December. Because of the inclement weather days, classes will be held Feb. 17 and April 17. Faculty and staff will also be required to attend work June 2 and 3 to make up for the professional days that would have been held in February and April had we not used the inclement weather days. Nurses' Corner: preventing the spread of influenza Our students' health and safety is a top priority to us in HPISD. The Dallas County Health Department has informed us that influenza activity is currently high throughout Dallas County, and our Health Services Department would like to share the following information: How can I help protect my family from the flu? By taking common-sense steps at home and at school, we can prevent the spread of the flu and other infections:  Obtain the seasonal flu vaccine. Influenza vaccine is still available from many doctors' offices, pharmacies and the Health Department. This year's vaccines are designed to protect against the the most common influenza viruses: Influenza A (H1N1) viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses and influenza B viruses.   Keep your hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. What should I do if I suspect a family member has contracted the flu: Keep the person at home if he or she develops flu-like symptoms or fever. Children should not return to school until their fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the help of anti-fever medicines.  Contact your health care provider to receive prompt medical treatment.  If your family member shows signs of severe illness - such as difficulty breathing - seek emergency care.  Report confirmed H1N1 or flu-like cases to the campus nurse so the statistical information may be conveyed to the Health Department. Our nurses will protect every student's right to medical privacy by not sharing his or her information with anyone other than Health Department officials. Click HERE to read the Health Department letter. Hand sanitizers are available in all HPISD classrooms, and we encourage our students and staff to use them frequently. We will continue to work to minimize risks for all students, staff and community members.  Thank you for helping us to provide a safe learning environment for all HPISD students.  Helpful links: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2013-2014.htm http://www.dallascounty.org/hhs/  Next Class of Distinguished Alumni named   The Highland Park High School Alumni Association has announced the three graduates who will receive Distinguished Alumni Awards April 24. Two are members of the Class of 1953 - Mary Frances McClure Burleson is the president and CEO of the Ebby Halliday Companies, and James "Blackie" Holmes is a former mayor of University Park.  The third honoree is 1957 graduate Barbara Lehde deRubertis, an author of children's books. The Distinguished Service Award will go to David "D" Smith, a retired history teacher with 27 years of service at HPHS.  The Highlander Award will go to former Superintendent Dr. Cathy Bryce. Click HERE to read more.  HPISD Calendar                                                       Stay up to date with the HPISD activities calendar HPISD's activities calendar makes it easy to stay up to date on campus events. The online calendar allows parents to sync HPISD activities onto their personal calendars including Outlook, iCal and Google Calendar.  The system also allows parents to filter information, down to campus, grades and organizations. This gives users only the information they choose, creating a more organized calendar. Users can also choose to receive text message or e-mail updates when an event changes. Copyright (c) 2014 Highland Park Independent School District, All rights reserved.