Pancake Breakfast - Sat, Aug 16 | First Day of School - Tues, Aug 19

HTeX Compass - August 17

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Message from Dr. Melissa

Dear HTeX Community,

We hope you had a summer break filled with an abundance of joy!

We are delighted to kick off the 2025-2026 school year together and are excited to be in community together.

This summer, HTeX added on more TLC - tender love and care! We built a glass wall for our amazing High Tech Eats Team to store and serve delicious meals for our students in the HTeXtra room neighboring our OT space. Our teachers have also been working hard beautifying the classroom spaces for students especially after making some class movements to accommodate our second TK classrooms. We look forward to all the new discoveries our Explorers will make in 25–26!

Staff Updates - Loving Send Off & Warm Welcomes:

We are giving a loving send off to Jenna Blevens who will be continuing her journey in special education at a new school. Jenna’s message to our Community:

"I will be going to get my credentials in special education! I have loved working with you all so much and am so grateful for all the kindness each of you has shown me and what I was able to learn from everyone here! Thank you Explorer family for everything"

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our new HTeX Staff:

Molly Egan - SDC TK-1
Eric Johnson - Education Specialist (shared with HTMMA)
Diana de Augustine - Education Specialist
Caitlin Matthews - Education Specialist
Sage Dutter - TK Teacher
Alyssa Herrick-Andres - SDTR Resident
Fernanda Ballesteros & Christina Collins - TK Teacher Assistants
Alexandra Barry - School Psychologist
Shameeka Lewis - Mental Health Provider
Enrique Penalba - Facilities
Kristen De Leon & Alyssa Thornburgh - Speech Language Pathologists
Ellen Garrido - Occupational Therapist
Jayden Espinoza - SDC TK-1 Special Education Academic Coach

We are also excited to welcome returning staff who are in different roles this year:

Liv Teforlack - 5th Grade Teacher
Peter LaCombe - SDTR Resident
Beth Brown - Program Specialist, Special Education

I have been reflecting on our HTeX Mission, to be an expansive community engaged in projects and social emotional learning that is high quality, authentic, inclusive, and adventurous. It is a brave place where all voices are heard, represented, and encouraged to thrive. Our mission is to build a joyful environment where curious minds reflect and take action to create a better world. Our mission’s compass is guided by our students. We are grateful to be on this mission together with you!

Please visit our HTeX PA Family Portal for information on an array of exciting events and activities planned to build joyful connections in our HTeX community. We invite you to join our HTeX Parent Association (HTeX PA) and participate in HTeX events to get to know other families and actively engage in our community.

Please regularly check our HTeX PA Family Portal to stay informed about HTeX news, events, and important announcements. You will find links to our HTeX website, Konstella, and social media channels. Additionally, we will use various communication channels, such as emails and bi-weekly Compass and teacher newsletters, to keep you updated on upcoming activities. Please see our HTeX 25-26 Calendar and subscribe to our Google calendar.

If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to us.

We are excited to welcome all HTeX students on August 19th!

With love,

Dr. Melissa

Save The Date!

Linked HTeX 25-26 Calendar
August 19: First day of School! 8:15am-2:45pm
August 20: Wednesdays are Minimum Day Dismissal at 12:45pm
August 29: PA General Meeting & Volunteer Orientation 8:30am-9:30am at Gathering Area with Donuts & Coffee
September 10: Back to School Night 5:30pm-6:30pm More details to come soon!

Friendly Reminder - please complete FASS form

Dean's Corner

Hello new families and welcome back to our returning ones!

My name is Brian Burr and I am very lucky to be the Dean of Students. I want to acknowledge that this transition is significant for both you and your child no matter their age or grade-level. We're here to support and guide you through every step. Our team of dedicated educators and staff is committed to fostering a nurturing and enriching environment that promotes growth, learning, and development.

We believe that open communication between the school and parents is crucial for a successful educational experience. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns at bburr@hightechhigh.org.

Your child's safety, well-being, and education are our top priorities. We've implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a secure and positive learning environment where your child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Together, we can create an enriching experience for your child and foster a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom.

Below, I've included two links that may help you and your student transition into the new school year.

Ten Back-to-School Tips For Parents

101 Back-to-School Tips For Parents

In Partnership,

Mr. Brian

HTH Technology Policy

High Tech High schools provide electronic devices for collaboration and communication for students to use in the classroom and throughout the school day. Personal electronic devices may not be used during the school day. If parents/guardians feel their student needs to have a personal electronic device, the device needs to be turned off or on silent mode and stored out of sight in backpacks, not in pockets, during the school day. The following expectations are in place at all K-12 schools in an effort to keep the focus on learning and reduce unnecessary distractions throughout the school day:

Cell phones, iPads, Smartwatches, and all similar electronic devices should be turned off, stored away, out of sight, and not used during school hours. Students will place “turned off” electronic devices in their backpacks.
Cell phones, iPads, Smartwatches, and all similar electronic devices can be turned on at the end of the school day to assist in pick up, transportation, and carpool.
If a parent needs to reach their child during school hours, they should email or call the front desk, not their child's personal electronic device.
If a student needs to reach their parent during school hours, they will go to the front desk to call unless given express permission by a HTH staff member to use their personal electronic device.
Headphones and earbuds may be used only when provided by and under the supervision of an HTH faculty member.
Texting and videotaping are not permitted anytime during the school day.
If a student uses any electronic device, it will be held by administration until picked up by the student’s adult.

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in confiscation of the phone or device and may result in disciplinary action. Specific consequences and specific policies will vary by campus and school site.

Arrival & Dismissal Routine

Morning Arrival 2025-26.mp4

Here is a new video to view with your student. These are directions about arrival routines. Three fabulous 5th graders are modeling and explaining the routine. After viewing this video together, please have a discussion about it.

August 19: 8:15am - 2:45pm

8:15am Start Time & Entry at Black Mural Gate Door ( 8:00am - 8:10am): Please review where to drop your student off for a smooth first morning of school! The double doors will remain closed to maintain a safe entry to morning. Please arrival through the black mural gate.
- If your child is in Room 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5: Line up outside their classroom door on the playground.
- If your child is not in one of the rooms listed above: Locate your child’s classroom number on the playground blacktop and line up.
- All teachers will arrive at 8:15am to pick students up from their assigned classroom line on the playground. Please give big hugs as you depart so our teachers may begin their Morning Meeting to foster warm welcomes and connections among the students.
- After drop-off, enjoy donuts and a cup of coffee with the HTeX Parent Association outside front of HTeX.
2:45pm Pickup: There are many logistics that are involved in making school dismissal safe. If your student is in classrooms 6-9 and 16, please enter through the front doors and pick up your student(s) in their classrooms. If your student(s) is in rooms 10-15, please enter through the door on Truxton Road. If your student(s) is in Room 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, please line up outside their classrooms doors on the playground.
Wednesdays are Minimum days and dismissal is at 12:45pm.
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday dismissal is at 2:45pm.
WednesdaysHT-eXtra Neighborhoods Before Care 7:00am-8:00am and Aftercare 1:00pm-6:00pm
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Please see classroom map to find your student(s) classroom for arrival.

Housekeeping Items

New Check-In Procedure to Strengthen Campus Safety

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff, we are implementing a new check-in procedure across all schools in our organization.

Beginning this week, all visitors to campus will be required to check in at iPad Kiosks at the front desk of every school AND present a valid photo ID (Driver’s License or State-Issued ID) for the following activities:

Visiting or volunteering on any part of the campus during school hours
Chaperoning on any school trip
Meeting with teachers or staff members

This updated procedure is part of a broader, organization-wide effort to enhance safety and security across all of our schools. We appreciate your partnership and understanding as we implement this important measure and be patient with the growing pains as our parents, visitors, and staff have as we learn this new system.

Please plan accordingly and bring your photo ID with you anytime you need to be on campus during school hours. If you have any questions please reach out to the school front office.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community safe.

Warm regards,

HTH School Staff

HTeX PA General Meeting & Volunteer Orientation

Friday, August 29th 8:30am-9:30am in Gathering Area

We love and appreciate our volunteers!

We had an incredible turn out of volunteers who did the Live Scan at yesterday's Pancake Breakfast! Once we receive the Live Scan results, we will notify volunteers of their clearance to start.

When volunteering, all volunteers will also be asked to complete this Tuesday's HTeX Volunteer Orientation on Friday, August 29th at 8:30am-9:30am in the Gathering Area We will also record the orientation and make it available to those who are unable to attend. All volunteers will be required to complete this orientation in preparation for volunteering opportunities for our HTeX community.

Please reach out to Mr. Brian (bburr@hightechhigh.org) if you are interested in volunteering for indoor recess support. Students have voiced that they prefer quiet activities during recess and we want to honor their voices. Even 1 day a week would be welcomed!

High Tech Eats - August Menus

Hello!

The August breakfast & lunch menus for High Tech Eats are available soon!

The live menu can be found here.
Follow High Tech Eats on Instagram

Family And School Support Forms (FASS)

Please Complete Your 2025–26 FASS Form — All Families, Every Year

All families — regardless of income — can complete or update your Family and School Support (FASS) form:

Helps HTH secure additional state funding
Supports staffing, student services, and academic programs
Takes just a few minutes — no login required
Your information is confidential, protected by FERPA, and never shared with immigration authorities

MORE INFO — Family Info on FRL Applications & Income Form FAQ 2025–2026

Complete your FASS form here:
https://linqconnect.com/public/income-form/new?identifier=QYRZH4

A Message from the Parent Association

Habitat for Humanity Partnership

HTeX recently received a beautiful garden playhouse from Habitat for Humanity. If you are interested in their program, please see the attached flyer.

Celebrating Mr. Victor

Please see below the message of love and gratitude from Emily, Mr. Victor’s daughter. As a HTeX community, we will continue to collect ideas for our Celebration of Life for Mr. Victor with current and prior staff, students, and families. Mr. Victor’s love and legacy has a far reach, and we want to come together to honor and celebrate him together.

Thank you so much to everyone who helped us with my father’s funeral expenses. Your aid is much appreciated and we cannot thank you enough for helping make this difficult moment less stressful. Thank you to those who contributed and to those who were able to join us see our father off for his final farewell. A special shoutout of gratitude to the HTH family (friends, families, coworkers)! You are all amazing and my father always said such wonderful stories about his interactions with all of you. He loved HTH/Explorer so much and we were so humbled to see the love you all have for my father. Many blessings to you all.

We wanted to share with you the resources sent to families in June. Our staff will provide support on campus for anyone who may need it upon our return. More details on Mr. Victor’s celebration of life is to come. If you would like to join in the planning or have ideas, please let Dr. Melissa or Mr. Brian know.

Resources:

Childhood Grief

Addressing Grief

Goodbye Letter Template

Grief Tips for Educators

Questions?
Email us at htexpacommunications@gmail.com

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