December 8, 2025

Greetings Fellow Scots,

We have two weeks left before the Winter Holiday Break. Semester exams are approaching, and we are nearing the end of the first semester. Thank you for all your support.

Congratulations to HP Football on an excellent 2025 season. We are proud of Coach Allen and his coaches and players. They represented our school so well this year. We came up short in the regional semifinal game, but our team fought hard and played well all season long.

This week, our focus will be on students coming to school and class on time and doing what they need to be doing in class to be successful. We ask students to be where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there, doing what they are supposed to be doing. It seems simple, but being and staying in class and following instructions in class leads to success.

As always, please let me know if you have questions, suggestions, or concerns. 

Thanks and Go Scots!

Dr. Kevin Hunt - Principal

Highland Park High School

huntk@hpisd.org

Campus Mission: Highland Park High School, upholding its tradition of excellence, exists to provide a learning environment that prepares students to serve as engaged global citizens in a complex and ever-changing world.

DECEMBER CAFETERIA MENU & SUPPLY SHOP HOURS

View all menus on Nutrislice or download a printable version HERE.

As a reminder, lunch will not be served on Thursday, December 18, or Friday, December 19. The Supply Shop will also be closed on these days.

Happy Holidays, Scots!

HOLIDAY GIFT DELIVERY

Please follow these simple steps when dropping off gifts for teachers or staff:

• Bring your labeled gifts, clearly marked with the teacher’s name and your name, to the Reception office at the Emerson entrance between 9:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., now through Thursday, December 18, at 1:00 p.m.
• Once inside the Plaid Room, sign the appropriate department gift log for each teacher. To make this easier, please ask your student ahead of time for their teachers’ names and class subjects so you can quickly find the correct log.
• Using your Directory Spot app (teacher tab at the bottom), email each teacher to let them know you have dropped off a gift. This notifies them to come sign the log and pick it up.
• Teacher email addresses are typically the first six letters of their last name plus the first initial of their first name, though not always. You may confirm using Directory Spot, and a master schedule with emails is also available in the Plaid Room.
• Thank you for observing the cut-off date of Thursday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m., ensuring all gifts are delivered before the end of the semester.
• Please remember that alcohol cannot be accepted as a gift per state law.

KINDNESS WEEK RECAP

Highland Park High School celebrated Kindness Week with meaningful moments woven into each day. Every morning, students were greeted with special items that spotlight kindness in action. The 18+ students handed out Kindness Week bracelets, Student Council treated the students to donuts, Spirited Scots shared Kind Bars, Special Olympics and Best Buddies passed out blue and gold beads, and PRISM Club gave out blue and gold items.

Student Council recognized the heart of HPHS by posting more than 170 stories that highlight our students. These stories are displayed in the student entrance and lounge area, offering a visual reminder of the many ways Scots lift one another up.  Scottie Joe’s joined the celebration by offering a complimentary drink to those students who demonstrated acts of kindness. 



To cap off the week, an HP Media video honoring Kindness Week was shown during the pep rally, bringing the school together to celebrate the spirit that truly makes Scots shine.  You can watch the December 5 Pep rally recorded livestream HERE (the Kindness video begins at minute 2:45).

NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Coach Dearman, the Scots Head Volleyball Coach, for being recognized as MaxPreps National Coach of the Year. The team's season record was 43-8, and they won the District 12-5A Championship. Throughout the playoffs, they never lost a set and won the UIL Class 5A Division I State Championship by defeating A&M Consolidated on November 22nd.  

According to MaxPreps, Coach Dearman won the award "for his efforts and perseverance". This is the 17th year MaxPreps has presented the award and only three coaches from Texas have won this honor.  

This is the first State Championship for the Scots volleyball program. The last time the team played for a State Championship was in 2008, and they placed 2nd.

Congratulations, Coach Dearman - we are so happy for you, your staff, and team! 

Go Scots!

TEACHER APPRECIATION DONATION CAMPAIGN

MINTED HOLIDAY CARDS

The holiday season is here! Time to start thinking about your holiday cards. When you order from the wonderful selection at www.minted.com/holiday, be sure to use promo code FUNDRAISEHPHS at checkout — you’ll get 20% off your order, and 10% will be donated back to the Highland Park High School PTA!

A little holiday cheer goes a long way — for you and our school!

FINE ARTS TEACHER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS

Please submit your nominations for Fine Arts Teacher of the Year to help us honor our amazing teachers and HP Arts Community Advocate! You can find the link at HPArts.org. Deadline is January 16, 2026.

FALL SEMESTER EXAM SCHEDULE

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR EXAM EXEMPTIONS:

Just a friendly reminder that attendance is a requirement for Senior exam exemption. You can review your student’s attendance record in Skyward. You can review the policy beginning on page 35 of the Kiltie. If you have questions, contact your student’s Attendance Counselor

SCHOOL EXPERIENCE SURVEY

Parents and staff, this is a reminder that the School Experience Survey launches on Monday, December 1. The primary contact for each student should have received an email from a third-party administrator with a link to participate. If you don’t see it in your inbox, please check your spam folder.

In addition to parent feedback, we will also be gathering input from all teachers and students in grades 3–12. If you would like to opt your child out of the survey, please complete THIS form, print it, and send it to your child’s homeroom teacher. The opt-out form must be submitted by December 4th.

The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, Dec. 19. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us recognize our strengths and identify areas for improvement. Thank you for your participation!

TAG WAIVER APPLICATION

The TAG Waiver Application is now open and will close on Friday, December 12th. Current 8th-11th grade students identified in Talented and Gifted services may request courses outside of their identification. Current 10th and 11th grade students who are not identified may request TAG Honors and TAG AP courses. The TAG waiver application can be found HERE. All deadlines are firm, and late forms will not be accepted.

IF NOT ME, THEN WHO?

The If Not Me, Then Who? Club and HP Service Team would love your support. Please consider volunteering for Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 13, at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on NW Highway. The event starts at 10:45 and should end by noon. 

Please register to volunteer HERE.

You can also earn 1 hour for donating a wreath (max 2 hours). Click HERE to purchase.

Please contact Gray Tiffany (469-416-2451) or Oliver Nelson (469-704-5725) for X2Vol approver information. Save your receipts to upload to X2Vol if you donated a wreath. 

CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE

COMMUNITY SERVICE COUNCIL

The Community Service Council is organizing a baby item drive from November 18 to December 14 that will benefit Community Partners of Dallas. Community Partners of Dallas provides for the immediate and urgent needs of abused and neglected children in Dallas County and supports the Child Protective Services caseworkers who help them.

Community Partners of Dallas is in need of the following items: baby formula, full size baby wash, full size baby lotion, baby bottles, bibs, diaper rash cream, and individually packaged pacifiers.

Items can be donated at either 4049 Stanford Avenue or 3240 Westminster Avenue from November 18 – December 14. This is a great way to make a difference during the holiday season! 

Students will receive 1 service hour for $20 spent with a maximum of 2 hours for $40 spent. Please submit hours to Mr. Peterson: peterst@hpisd.org 

FIELDS OF FAITH

Fields of Faith is on Thursday, December 11th, from 7-8:30 at Highlander Stadium. It’ll be a night of worship and praise with guest speaker, Solomon Thomas of the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone (any age/school/community) is welcome to attend! Dress warmly, and we hope to see y’all there!

HP CHOIR

The Singing Scots will host their 4th Annual Sounds of the Season Concert on Friday, 12/12/25. No charge to attend this special concert. Following the concert, join us in the cafeteria for sweet treats with friends and family. Click HERE to purchase Party Tickets, Raffle Tickets, Poinsettias, and T-Shirts.

HIGHLANDER STRING & RAIDER ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT

HPISD BANDS HOLIDAY CONCERT

HP MEN'S GOLF FUNDRAISER

Are you looking for a super easy way to support HP Men’s golf and possibly win a legit prize? 

Swing it with Scottie- kinda…or at least with a signed official US Ryder Cup tour bag!

-OR-

$1000 visa 

-OR-

Foursome at Dallas National 

-OR-

2 pretty awesome baskets

Click here to check it out!

Thank you to Benchmark Bank + Title for sponsoring our annual fundraiser! 

HIGHLAND BELLES ANNOUNCE THE 2025-2026 MISS HIGH KICK

HPHS THESPIANS

Congrats to all of our HPHS Thespians who attended the 2025 Texas Thespian Festival in Grapevine over Thanksgiving Break! 

And congratulations to our 15 HPHS Thespian National Qualifiers! These students competed at the 2025 Texas Thespians State Festival and qualified for Nationals! Way to represent HPHS Theatre!

MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

We are excited to launch the HPHS Chapter of the Tri M Music Honor Society, recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional musicianship, leadership, and service in Band, Orchestra, or Choir! If you are a sophomore, junior, or senior who has completed at least 3 semesters of Band, Orchestra, or Choir or are currently enrolled in your third semester of Band, Orchestra, or Choir, you are invited to apply! Applications are available HERE and are due by December 12, 2025:

Please contact Mr. Marc Nichelson with any questions!

LADY SCOTS CROSS COUNTRY BANQUET

The Lady Scots Cross Country Team celebrated their 2025 season on Thursday, December 4th at their annual banquet. The banquet was led by the team captains – Julia Berlin, Gracie Golden, Maddie Heckler, Kate Lipscomb, and Bess Prather. The team had a great season, and the coaches are so proud of everyone!

There were 37 athletes who were named to the District 12-5A Academic All-District Team: 

• Freshmen – Alexandra Deuillet, Juliet Facini, Audrey Frotten, and Evelyn Shull

• Sophomores – Paisley Bassett, Katelyn Baumgartner, Irene Cooper, Finley Heckler, Charlotte Hodges, Haven Hyatt, Thuy-Vi Le, Margaret Lee, Hattie Rhodes, and Kate Swaldi

• Juniors – Ellie Chong, Claire Deeken, Caroline Diehl, Avi Levy, Jenna McCombs, Emery Paulsen, Campbell Ragan, Ryan Sontag, and Alejandra Villsasana

• Seniors – Eva Boutros, Campbell Dean, Gracie Golden, Maddie Heckler, Morgan Howarth, Greer Jackson, Sasha Jordanoff, Kate Kozman, Kate Lipscomb, Mary Grace Mousa, Presley Pate, Addie Perritt, Bess Prather, and Ava Thropp

The following senior athletes received Academic All-State recognition:

• Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All-State: Julia Berlin, Eva Boutros, Campbell Dean, Gracie Golden, Maddie Hecker, Morgan Howarth, Greer Jackson, Sasha Jordanoff, Kate Kozman, Kate Lipscomb, Mary Grace Mousa, Presley Pate, Bess Prather, and Ava Thropp

• Texas Girls Coaches Association and Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas Academic All-State: Julia Berlin, Eva Boutros, Campbell Dean, Gracie Golden, Maddie Hecker, Morgan Howarth, Greer Jackson, Sasha Jordanoff, Kate Kozman, Kate Lipscomb, Mary Grace Mousa, Presley Pate, Addie Perritt, Bess Prather, and Ava Thropp

The following athletes were District 12-5A All-District:  

• Paisley Bassett – 1st Team, Annie Cooper – 1st Team, Claire Deeken – 2nd Team, Finley Heckler – 1st Team, Maddie Heckler – 2nd Team, Presley Pate – 2nd Team, and Ryan Sontag – 1st Team

• The following athletes were named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 5A All-State Team: Paisley Bassett, Annie Cooper, Claire Deeken, Finley Heckler, Maddie Heckler, Presley Pate, and Ryan Sontag

Other awards were:

• JV Athlete of the Year – Irene Cooper
• Newcomer of the Year – Stella Pruett and Addie Perritt
• Heart Award – Presley Pate
• The Scottie Award – Ryan Sontag and Maddie Heckler

Go Scots!

BASKETBALL

The Men’s basketball team played on the road against the Jesuit Rangers on Tuesday in front of a packed house. The Scots came out hot and took a lead into halftime. Unfortunately, the Rangers made the necessary adjustments, erasing the lead during the 3rd quarter to start the 4th tied with the Scots. From there it was a close game that ultimately came down to the final seconds where the Scots came up just short. Cade Kaplan, Chris Martinez and Canon Wyatt scored in double figures, while Cade and Chris also led the team in assists. Conrad Noble led the Scots in rebounds.   

The Scots then travelled to Athens, TX to play in the Athens Invitational. The Scots went 3-1 in the tournament, losing to eventual winner Longview on a buzzer beater.   

The Scots play their only home game during the month of December on Monday, the 8th against 6A #10 state ranked Grand Prairie at 7:30pm. We ask you all to come out and support the Scots in what will be a tough battle.

LADY SCOTS BASKETBALL

This week in the Highland Park Press you’ll find:

🔵 A recap of last week from Coach Monsey

🟡 Get to know a few of our players in our Athletes of the Week

•   Jr. Elliana Darwin
•   So. Harper Jud 
•   Fr. Lainey Chamberlain

🔵 In our alumni spotlight we check-in with 2012 alum Amanda (Goodwin) Cardwell.

🟡 Game-time information for the week ahead  

LADY SCOTS GYMNASTICS

The Lady Scots Gymnastics Team had a successful showing at the Toys for Tots Invitational on December 4th, hosted by LD Bell.

In the field of five, the Scots finished 3rd with a score of 112.75 edging out rival Rockwall Heath by 0.1!

Junior Co-Captain Eva Madden claimed her second balance beam title of the year on her way to be the player of the week! Eva also finished 2nd All Around, 2nd on Floor, 2nd on Vault and 9th Uneven Bars.

Junior Co-Captain Lauren Sweary finished 4th on Vault, 8th on Beam and 8th All Around.

Freshman Audrey Reddick finished 3rd on floor and 10th All Around. Also representing the Scots were: McCoy Brown, Izzy Jackson, Lily Johnson, Elliot Bergin and Olivia Nielson.

As is tradition, the student athletes donated to a toy drive collected at the event, and received a snow-globe trophy for their 3rd Place finish!

Next meet: December 11 @ Rockwall.

Go Scots!

Heartfelt thanks to the PTA Board of Directors and Dr. Hunt for leading us through such a successful and productive first semester. Pictured: Neely Thrash, Dr. Kevin Hunt, Gretel Shipley, Jennifer Barfoot, Nicole Brewer, Carrie Cothrum, Kelley Curtin, Ashley Blanchette, Erika Yeaman, Julie Melihercik, Kyle Huckaby, Jennifer Lancashire, Destin Shore, Gina Grove, Katherine Lewis, and Allyn Waid. Not pictured: Lindsey Brown and Kristina Whitcomb.

The “Twelve Days Until Winter Break” has commenced with lots of love for teachers and staff each day. Thank you to Brenda Vardell and the HP Cafeteria staff for providing a hearty chili bar and to National Honor Society for providing snacks last week!

Big shout-out to our Grounds Chairs Sara Friedman, Kimberly Slade, and Karen Schaffer for adding gorgeous winter greenery to our front entrance planters! Your green thumbs make our campus shine!

Nicole Brewer and Randi McParlin have been capturing campus life in action—we’re so grateful for their amazing photography skills!

Huge thanks to last week’s cafeteria volunteers—we so appreciate you! Kelley Curtin, Tara Cosgrove, Lyndal Greth, Kyli Vardeman, Amanda Cejka, Julia Coffman, HP Culture Fest, Holly Ramnundt, Candice Heikenfeld, Carolyn Heinrich, Mary Mason, Robyn Gray, Carli Hyatt, Carrie Rosamond, Cynthia Fitzmartin, Mary Houston, Surabi Shetty, Marta Kopach, Carla Cree, Jessica Klein, Clay Stapp, HPUMC Youth, Surabi Shretty, Tiffany Wyatt, Jane Butler, Lisa Bedford, Alaine Bickel, Cara Kerr, Gretchen McMullin, Heather Deuillet, Evelyn Sun, Sophiya Zhang, Maritza Ortiz, Dawn Harris, Jae Carpenter, Janet Rice, Marissa Stockwood, Amy McNulty, Doug Trotman, Cookie Adams, Kristina Bielecki, and Melissa Rowling

Shout-out to our amazing Supply Shop volunteers from last week! You rock! Lesley Ooley, Tammy Bryd, Lauren Dewhirst, Megan Hall, Elise Danner, Sloane Phillips, Audrey Robertson, Beth Ann Harper, April Bigby, Tracy Port Melech, Catherine Pate, Deanna Carrell, Alaina Brooks, Charlotte Nelson, Amanda Hamilton, Jenni Petty, Holly Lawrence, Jenny Kearns, Cristi Swayze, and Mary Houston

Archived Editions of the Scots Weekly

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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.