Highland Park
Middle School
November 2021
11/8/21
Happy sunny Monday everyone!
This week, we take time recognize those who have served in the military. To all those in our community who have served, we appreciate you! On Thursday of this week, we will be closed to honor Veterans' day. The following day, Friday 11/12 is a no school day for students and a grading day for staff.
Also, a reminder about the Mountainside HS gift giving opportunity:
If your family needs assistance with holiday gifts, the student leadership group at Mountainside is here to help! Please fill out the form below by 11/19. Gifts will be delivered to HPMS by mid-December for pick up, or we can deliver to your home if needed:
English form: https://forms.gle/TLc4j9chu1bebMWE7
Spanish form: https://forms.gle/9kEBvbkTRzJRQPwp9
11/12/21
Dear HP,
We are approaching Thanksgiving week, and our theme this month is Gratitude. Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. I am thankful to be part of this amazing school and community. Every student, family, and staff member brings opportunities for enrichment and joy into our lives, and I am thankful for every one of you! Students and families, we encourage everyone to take time to share your gratitude for your loved ones. Also, as a reminder there will be no school for students the week of Thanksgiving (November 22-26 - no school). I wish everyone a restful holiday break!
Sincerely,
Curtis Semana
11/19/21
Dear HP,
Next week is Thanksgiving break. For students, there will be no school Monday to Friday of next week, and students will return on Monday 11/29. We at HP are very thankful for our amazing students and community, and wish everyone a safe and restful break with your family and loved ones.
One of the many things I am thankful for at HP is our amazing new CTE lab, taught by Ms. Warren and assisted by Mr. Livingston. In this class, many of our 8th grade students get to learn real life applications that can inspire future careers.
When we return from Thanksgiving, we will spend two days on campus focusing school-wide Social Emotional Learning. Students will engage in lessons around self awareness and self reflection with the aim of building skills to cope with stress, build positive community, and teach self-advocacy. As students are expressing higher levels of stress than ever before, we hope these days will help them learn strategies that will help, and also be proactive in our reducing unwanted behaviors like bullying at school. Every class will participate in teaching strategies to students with the aim of keeping our students healthy and safe at HP.
Sincerely,
Curtis Semana