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Greetings Fellow Scots,
We are excited to begin the 2025-26 school year. Hopefully, everyone is enjoying the final days of summer break, but we already have school camps and activities going on, and we are working and preparing for the first day of school. Please see below for some important information and dates:
- Monday, August 11th - Sophomore Registration - 10 am - 2:30 pm - HPHS student entrance
- Tuesday, August 12th - HPHS Fish Camp - 8:30 am - 12 pm - HPHS student entrance
- Make-Up Registration is on August 12th, from 12:30-2:30 pm
- Wednesday, August 13th - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!
As you may know, there is a new state law requiring that local school districts develop policies prohibiting the use of personal communications devices on school property during the school day. Please see the attached documents with information on our processes and procedures aligned to this new law.
We will be providing each student with a Yondr Pouch, and the expectation is that students will keep their phones turned off and locked in the Yondr Pouch while on school property during the school day. Students will be able to unlock their pouches and use their phones after dismissal on their way out of the school. We will have unlocking devices available for students who leave campus during the school day and need to unlock their pouches.
With the new school year comes changes and challenges, but I am confident that we will overcome these challenges and begin the year successfully. As always, please let me know if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Thanks and Go Scots!
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GPA POLICY CHANGE
Starting with the 2026–2027 school year, students will have GPA exemptions available. In addition, beginning with the Class of 2030, all students must complete at least two Category III (4.0) courses before their senior year. A cap will also be placed on the number of Category I (AP and post-AP) courses students may take per semester.
Please read full details HERE.
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HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL 9TH GRADE STUDENTS 2025-2026
PLAN TO ATTEND FRESHMEN FISH CAMP TUESDAY, AUGUST 12!
You MUST arrive at the time that corresponds with your last name. A presentation by Dr. Kevin Hunt will begin promptly at your assigned time!
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PLEASE DROP OFF YOUR STUDENT AT STUDENT ENTRANCE ON WESTCHESTER & PICK UP AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL ON EMERSON.
We are excited that our freshmen will get to hear from HPHS Principal, Dr. Hunt. The 10th-12th grade Fish Camp Counselors will guide the students through the orientation process, answer questions, and serve as a mentor for freshmen throughout the school year!
FISH Camp activities will include:
- 9th Grade schedule pick up
- ID and Yearbook Photograph
- Attire for boys: It is HP tradition that boys wear a sport coat and a tie (typically with shorts and tennis shoes).
- Attire for girls: Girls will want to look their best (no spaghetti straps, halter tops or strapless tops)
- Tour of Highland Park High School which includes many important locations and the student’s classrooms according to their 9th grade schedule
Students will need to have paid their fee for an ID during Back to School Online Registration or bring the $20.00 fee to FISH CAMP.
If a student is unable to attend FISH Camp, their schedule can be picked up in the cafeteria at 7:45 am on the first day of school, August 13th.
If you have questions, please contact Christen Armer at armerc@hpisd.org.
| | CAFETERIA SHIFTS AVAILABLE | | LATE BSSU/DIRECTORY SUBMISSIONS | | |
DID YOU MISS BSSU?
If you missed Back to School Sign-Up (BSSU) this summer, please complete Late BSSU by clicking the link below. Late BSSU will close Friday, August 29!
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE
Please email LateBSSU@hphspta.org with any questions.
| | | If your family has a second household that did not enter their directory information in BSSU and would like to be included in Directory Spot, please complete the form HERE. Your family’s information can be included in the directory even if you did not purchase one during BSSU. If you would like to purchase access to the directory, please follow the instructions in the Late BSSU link. Please contact directory@HPHSPTA.org with questions. | | |
BASS TEAM KICK-OFF
Highland Park Bass Team 2025 Kick-Off & Information Session - Tuesday, August 19th @ 6:00 PM in the Highland Park High School Learning Theater - Room EC228
Do you love to fish and want to explore becoming a part of the Highland Park High School Bass Team? Please join us on August 19th in the Highland Park High School Learning Theater at 6:00 PM to learn more about the team. During this information session, you will learn about the Highland Park Bass Fishing team and how to join / sign-up for the 2025-2026 Season!
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BELLES SPAGHETTI SUPPER
The Belles are kicking off football season with the annual Spaghetti Supper on August 29th. Make sure to buy your dinner tickets, raffle tickets, and bid on the fabulous auction items. The auction will open for bidding on August 22 and close at midnight on August 29. Go Scots!!!
| | CLAY TARGET TEAM REGISTRATION | | |
GOLF CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED
The 2024-2025 HP Men’s Golf season came to an end after a successful banquet. We would like to thank our outgoing captains, Ty Bradford, Blake Goodnight, Charles Nelson, and Brooks Simmons, for leading our team throughout the year.
We would like to welcome our new captains for the 2025-2026 golf season.
Listed in order of photo:
Jeffrey Rubenstein
Carter Klein
Harper Mallonee
Gray Gale
Congrats, guys. Well deserved. 💙💛
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FIELD HOCKEY CAPTAINS ANNOUNCED
2025 Field Hockey Captains Lucy Montgomery and Zoya Jordan
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YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT COMPETITION
HP Youth and Government Club members Amelia Ghosh and Romi Segal advanced from the Texas Youth and Government competition and represented the Scots in the National Judicial Competition held in St. Paul, Minnesota from July 28-31. They were one of 70 teams in the U.S. competing in the Appellate Law division and demonstrated insightful positions and persuasive arguments over multiple rounds. Congratulations Amelia and Romi!
The HP Youth and Government Club has over 30 members and is open to all Scots in 9th-12th grades and competes in District, State, and National competitions in the areas of Legislative, State Affairs, Mock Trial, and Appellate Law. Interested in joining? Email Ms. Murchison at murchia@hpisd.org!
| | LADY SCCOTS CROSS COUNTRY SERVICE PROJECT | | |
Lady Scots Cross Country Team Serves the Community
On Saturday, August 2nd, the Lady Scots Cross Country Team served the community by volunteering at Brother Bill's Helping Hand on Hampton Road. The captains chose this as the team's community service project. The team was divided into groups according to their carpools and completed the
following tasks: added mulch to the garden area, picked tomatoes, put rope around the tomato plants so they will grow correctly, planted corn, picked up trash, organized the pantry, and put together a hen nesting box. It was fun watching the team work together and accomplish so much in two hours. Brother Bill's Helping Hand is a non-profit organization in the West Dallas area. It
was "founded by West Dallas Preacher Bill Harrod over 80 years ago, who saw a need the West Dallas Community had for basic necessities". The team made an impact on many people who they will probably never meet. It was definitely a Great Day To Be A Lady Scot!
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BASS TEAM WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Highland Park Bass Team Wins First-Ever THSBA State Championship, Capping Off a Perfect Season
Lake Conroe, TX – June 1, 2025 — In a historic showing at the THSBA State Championship on Lake Conroe, the Highland Park Bass Team secured its first-ever state title, completing a perfect 7–0 season and establishing itself as a powerhouse in Texas high school bass fishing.
With a two-day combined team total of 99.36 pounds, Highland Park topped the leaderboard by nearly 9 pounds, demonstrating consistency, resilience, and championship-caliber fishing. The performance included two teams in the top four of the individual standings
Top Performers:
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Team Sorrells/Brown (Dylan Sorrells & Cullum Brown):
- 3rd Place Overall – 42.30 lbs
- Dylan and Cullum capped off their historic four year tournament winning streak with a State Championship! They dominated again with a 6.83 lb lunker on Day 1 and a late-clutch 19.41 lb bag on Day 2.
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Team Vinyard (Myles Vinyard):
- 4th Place Overall – 39.93 lbs
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The top solo angler in the tournament, Myles sealed the team victory with an 8+ pound catch in the final minutes, lifting his Day 2 bag to 22.03 lbs.
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Team Rosamond/Wagner (Miller Rosamond & Lee Wagner):
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17.13 lbs Total – Rising stars from the sophomore class, Miller and Lee weighed 6 impressive fish over two days to help secure the victory.
An Unforgettable Season
In the largest high school bass fishing association in the nation, Highland Park stood above the rest — undefeated, unmatched, and now, state champions. This win marks the culmination of years of hard work and a dream season for the HP Bass Team.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are deeply grateful to our outstanding sponsors whose support helped fuel this championship journey:
Inwood National Bank, SawGrass Rods, Tackle Warehouse, Lake Pro Tackle, AFTCO, TH Marine, Missile Baits, Sunline, JB3 Rods, Gamakatsu, Fish Head SHL Lures, SCHEELS, i-Fratelli, Googan Squad, Columbia, Fishin World, Epic Baits, Bass University, PRADCO, YUM, Booyah Bait Co., War Eagle Custom Lures, Rebel, Great Lakes Finesse, Meat Shop, Flying Fish, Saint Bernard Sports, O2Works, Shaddock Homes or Capital Title, Texas Boat Works, PonyGate, Sewell, Reveal Insurance, Tailwaters, Hola HP, and Hamilton Shores.
Your contributions — from equipment and apparel to financial and community support — made this season and championship moment possible. We are honored to represent you.
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SCOTS TENNIS
Scots Tennis started their season 3-0 with 3 wins at home over Coppell, Amarillo High, and Corsicana.
On Tuesday, 6A powerhouse Coppell came to Seay and was soundly defeated by the Scotties 12-7! Captain Collier Muenker, Captain Austin Chantilis, senior Fleet Januszewski, and freshman Grace Bland had impressive wins in singles. Senior Clive Curry and Captain Lauren Chandler destroyed their mixed opponents.
On Wednesday, Amarillo High asked to play a last-minute challenge but lost to the Scots 14-5. HP boys swept Amarillo in singles and doubles. Captain Jordan Laurie had an impressive singles victory, and Senior Marni Peus and Captain Lauren Chandler gutted out a 3-hour doubles win!
On Friday, the Scotties continued their home undefeated streak, taking down Corsicana 11-8. Seniors Prestcott Barnell and Zach Nance looked good on the boys' side while junior Diya Karamchandani had good wins in mixed and singles!
Come out to watch the Scots take on Flower Mound on Monday, 8/11 at 9 am at Seay!
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LADY SCOTS CROSS COUNTRY
The Lady Scots Cross Country Team had their first meet of the season on Saturday, August 9th at the Plano ISD Invitational held at Hoblitzelle Park in Plano. It was a 2-mile course rather than the normal 5K. The Varsity placed 1st with 54 points, and the JV placed 5th with 165 points.
In the Varsity Division, there were 17 teams and 145 runners. Junior Ryan Sontag was the top runner for the Lady Scots. She placed 2nd with a time of 11:59 (a new 2-mile personal record). Sophomores Paisley Bassett and Finley Heckler placed 8th (12:34) and 9th (12:41), respectively. Junior Annie Cooper placed 20th (13:08 – a new 2-mile personal record), senior Presley Pate placed 21st (13:10 – a new 2-mile personal record), junior Claire Deeken placed 23rd (13:13 – a new 2-mile personal record), freshman Stella Pruett placed 25th (13:20), senior Addie Perritt placed 49th (13:59), senior captain Julia Berlin placed 72nd, (14:14), and senior Eva Boutros placed 91st (15:16 – a new 2-mile personal record).
In the JV Division, there were 20 teams and 237 runners. Senior Ava Thropp led the Lady Scots by placing 26th with a time of 14:41. Sophomore Irene Cooper was close behind as she placed 28th with a time of 14:43. The other top five runners for the team were: sophomore Katelyn Baumgartner, junior Avi Levy, sophomore Kate Furgeson, senior Campbell Dean, and junior Jenna McCombs.
The following Lady Scots set new 2-mile personal records: Ryan Sontag, Annie Cooper, Presley Pate, Claire Deeken, Eva Boutros, Katelyn Baumgartner, Kate Lipscomb, Margaret Lee, and Greer Jackson.
The next meet for the Lady Scots will be the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational on Saturday, August 16th at Lakeview Camp in Waxahachie. The first race begins at 7:00 a.m.
Results
Go Scots!
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HP ARCHERY
The HP Archery team had three compete in the 2025 World Championship competition in Myrtle Beach on June 6th. Harper Lawrence, Price Whitcomb and Henry Zhu had the opportunity to compete with the most elite archers across the globe. Henry shot an impressive 285, which earned him the 27th place among juniors.
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CROSS COUNTRY
The Running Scots competed well as they opened the 2025 Cross Country season at the Plano ISD Invitational at Hendrick Middle School on Saturday.
The varsity team finished 4th overall with a team time of 10:57 in the two-mile race. Senior Captain Spencer Haag medaled leading the team with a top ten performance with a time of 10:29. Beau Stewart and Luke Hall also turned in strong performances finishing 19th and 28th overall respectively.
The Junior Varsity team finished 8th overall and were led by Junior Charlie Hamilton and Sophomore Max Walters as both finished in the top 41 out of 282 runners.
Varsity and JV runners of the week are Spencer Haag and Charlie Hamilton.
The Running Scots will compete in their first 5K race of the season next week at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational at Lakeview Camp in Maypearl. Race time is 7:30 am. Go Scots!!
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Welcome back to our teachers, staff, students, volunteers, and families!
A special shout-out to our freshmen, Class of 2029—welcome to HPHS!
Over the summer, so many people worked hard to make sure this school year starts strong. Scots salute…
Our HPHS families for rallying to help those impacted by the Central Texas floods—through donations, baking, lemonade stands, care packages, and green ribbons. Special thanks to Kris Jefferies, Lindsey Miller, Jess Moreland, Charlotte Nelson, and Ashley Tiffany for campus ribbons.
Our HPISD Police, led by Chief Mark Rowden—Sergeant Michael Connel, Officer David Robertson, Officer Joel Holley, Officer Nicholas Scrubb, and PD Assistant Shelley Smith—went above and beyond to support HPISD and other Dallas families during the flood. Special thanks to Officer Michael Bridgewater, our SRO, and our HPISD officers, for keeping students safe every day.
Principal Dr. Hunt and APs Troy Gray, Annuar Ortiz, Dr. Erica Redman, and Michelle Shumate for countless hours of preparation.
Our amazing teachers and staff for their readiness for our Scots—and for many who rearranged classrooms after summer facility updates.
The Counseling Department for crafting schedules with care, meeting with our new families, and planning for the year ahead.
The incredible Aeryn Wager (Admin Asst.) and Holly Bond (Receptionist) for juggling it all, plus Coach David Ripley for summer front desk duty.
Brenda Vardell, our new Cafeteria Manager, for creating delicious menus for hungry Scots.
Glenys Quick and Polly McKeithan for brainstorming exciting SciTech Fest speakers.
Susanne Malins for securing our new yearbook vendor—we can’t wait to see it!
Scots Challenge Chair Jennifer Lancashire for leading our only fundraising campaign—and to Corporate Chairs Marcy Simmons and Alicia Wood for securing our corporate sponsorships, including many new ones. Suzie Forsberg, we love the campaign’s fresh design.
Volunteer Leaders Margarita Coale (Cafeteria), Ashlie Schooler (Supply Shop), and Esther Choi (Scheduling) for recruiting parent volunteers. Thanks to all who signed up—the Supply Shop is full and Cafeteria nearly there!
Treasury Team, led by Kyle Huckaby, for communicating budgets to our many volunteers.
Thanks to Kelley Curtin, Kyle Huckaby, Katherine Lewis, and Allyn Waid for helping distribute our teacher and staff back-to-school gifts and treats.
Gretel Shipley for preparing Scots Weekly & News to Know and Tara Cosgrove for the fresh new look.
Renne Lokey (Supply Shop Books) and Kristina Whitcomb (Treasurer) for summer reading book sales.
Webmaster Kacy Ellis for keeping hphspta.org up-to-date and full of info.
Gina Grove (BSSU Chair), Amy Barker (Late BSSU Chair), and district volunteer chairs Lane Clark and Michele Vicente for managing all the details of BSSU.
Class of 2026 Senior Activities Chairs Gini Florer and Alicia Wood for keeping parents informed at our Senior Parent meeting. We enjoyed learning about the many ways the PTA celebrates our seniors!
Facility Director Marcus Crispin for coordinating summer south-side renovations—painting, new floors, and ceilings and Custodial Lead Sergio Bustamonte, for all the extra tasks that go along with construction.
Go Scots!
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Archived Editions of the Scots Weekly
Coming soon!
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News to Share?
Didn't see a school-related shout-out, blurb or mention this week? We want to hear about it so please email ScotsWeekly@hphspta.org the details and up to four (4) pictures! Deadline for submissions is each Wednesday by 5 pm - FIRM DEADLINE to make it into the Monday newsletter. If submitted late, it will go in the next week's newsletter.
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4220 Emerson Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75205
Phone: 214-780-3700
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