Dear Exceptional Eagles Families,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. We would like to welcome our new students and extend a warm welcome to our returning students for an exciting, successful, and educationally rewarding year. Our students’ accomplishments are perpetual sources of pride. The Highland Park Elementary School (HPES) staff will continue our commitment to excellence. Vital instructional changes have been made, and some new staff members will greet students when they arrive on the first day of school. We will continue our work by focusing on academic achievement, cultural responsiveness, school climate & culture, and social-emotional learning and mental health to ensure the success of all students.
With great enthusiasm, I share our school theme: “4 Ps: Passion, Peace, Power, & Purpose!” Our motto is “Highland Park embraces excellence, displays accountability, while showing gratitude, leadership, and empathy in our interactions and behaviors.”
Please read this letter in its entirety, as it contains essential information about the above dates.. We request that you partner with us to meet these goals by helping in the following ways:
● Technology: Students will continue to utilize Chromebooks and digital tools for instructional purposes. All students are required to bring their charged school devices to class daily.
● School Visitors: ALL visitors are REQUIRED to make an appointment prior to visiting the building.
The school appointment calendar is available. At the time of visit, please adhere to the following guidelines:
● A government-issued photo ID must be provided to the front office for scanning through Raptor, our visitor management system.
● Visitors are allowed to have ONLY one (1) person accompany them inside the building.
● A mask is SUGGESTED.
School Day Procedures:
Every day, students should start their morning with a healthy breakfast, which will be distributed upon their arrival at 8:15 am. Instruction begins punctually at 8:30 a.m. The school day ends at 2:40 p.m. Every child must be seated in their classroom by 8:30 a.m. to ensure instruction begins on time with no interruptions from late arrivals.
School Uniforms:
All students are required to wear the REQUIRED school uniform on the first day of school through the last day of school. Check your child’s uniform throughout the school year. Please remind your children to avoid adding ornamental items, excessive necklaces, or large earrings. These items are a distraction to learning. Sweaters or jackets must match the uniform shirt. Hoodies are not allowed. We will also have spirit days throughout the school year.
Paperless Communication:
Our goal is to keep our parents informed and help them be a part of their child's education. Throughout the year, we will provide weekly call-outs and Class Dojo communications. Please take a moment to download ClassDojo and join
our school community (Highland Park Elementary). We will utilize ClassDojo as our primary means of two-way communication. Here is the link: https://www.classdojo.com/. Be sure your home or cell number is current throughout the year to receive important updates and reminders. Stay connected with us by using the following platforms: Class Dojo, Email, and Synergy. ALL school correspondence will be communicated electronically.
Our goal this year is to leverage our student data to understand who our students are, and their respective needs, and identify effective strategies to improve teaching, learning, and student overall achievement as we prepare ALL of our students for college/career readiness and life. In the 21st century, students must be able to analyze text and cite
evidence. The Maryland College and Career Ready (MCCR) Standards, combined with daily rigorous instruction implemented by our educators, will prepare our students for the colleges and careers of their choice. Memorization to read and recalling math facts are no longer the expectation. I have high expectations for what our students will learn
and accomplish this year. Their success is dependent on a strong school-home collaboration and connection. As our theme suggests, we are each a vital part of the unified whole.
All stakeholders, including the school and community, must work collaboratively to ensure success for all students. Everyone is responsible for empowering students to achieve academic, emotional, and social success. As our partner in education, I ask that each parent/guardian ensure that each student has a designated area at home that is conducive to studying and learning, as we work together to ensure all our students are successful.
Our primary form of communication is ClassDojo- you must be connected and check regularly. Up-to-date and additional information will be sent to you via email distribution lists and will also be available on our website and ClassDojo. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the teacher via ClassDojo, email/phone or call the main office. I look forward to a long and lasting positive partnership with you and your family.
We will begin the school year focused on our mission and vision, invigorated by our students and working to build a positive partnership with all parents. Please be assured that a perpetual commitment to continual improvement will characterize our staff throughout our journey to excellence. #ExceptionalEagles #EaglesReign
Sincerely,
Michelle H. Pegram, Ed.D.
