MIS/HPMS students are helping children have a happier holiday who are in the care of State Child Protective Services (CPS), through Community Partners of Dallas. Each MIS/HPMS class has a goal of fulfilling five wishes of children in CPS care. Paige McDaniel, President and CEO of Community Partners of Dallas said, “The Middle School is one of our largest donors for the toy drive. Because of their generosity, 500 children will wake up on Christmas morning with their dreams coming true!” Community Partners of Dallas is a local charity that restores dignity and hope to the abused and neglected children in our community 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. If you would like more information on Community Partners of Dallas, CLICK HERE.
The TuTu Chic Luncheon benefiting the Texas Ballet Theater was a huge success last Thursday under the leadership of Park Cities residents Kristi Hoyl, Daffan Nettle, Paige Slates and Alisha Wood. The 300 guests got an up close and intimate experience as they shared the stage with the ballerinas at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The ballerinas danced down the stage runway as they modeled clothing from Stanley Korshak. Co-Chair Paige Slates said, “The fabulous thing about TuTu Chic is that it is a wonderful marriage of two arts – fashion and ballet. The ballerinas bring the clothes to life.” The event will help fund the Texas Ballet Theatre with its many expenses, such as over $80,000 on more than 1,600 pairs of pointe shoes that is needed this season alone.
Dr. Skip Moran, Principal at Armstrong Elementary, is hosting a “Principal’s Book Talk” for parents on Monday, Dec. 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Armstrong Media Center. Moran started the series with great success last year, his first year at Armstrong, and has several scheduled for this year. The book being discussed on Dec. 3 is Parenting with Love and Logic, by Foster Cline and Jim Fay. Moran said, “I had several parents talk to me in my first year about how to increase communication between home and school. It was not just about what the teacher was doing in the classroom with their student, but about what were some of the larger goals of the school and district in academics, social development and character with students. I thought that by reading some classic books and addressing some current topics we could encourage more conversation that could help home and school work together more effectively.”
The Highland Park Independent School District (HPISD) Theatre Department is hosting “Breakfast with Santa” for children and parents on Saturday, Dec. 8 in the Highland Park High School (HPHS) cafeteria. This year theater students will be performing “Frosty the Snowman,” directed by the Theatre Department’s teacher JE Masters. The two shows are at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., and parents and students are welcome to eat breakfast before or after their chosen show. Parents can also take pictures of their children with Santa and Frosty the Snowman. Head Athletic Trainer Jay Harris plays Santa every year and Joan Bayes from the HPHS cafeteria provides the breakfast. Last year they added The Night Before Christmas, read by Mrs. Claus, and children were able to work on arts and crafts with the elves. Linda Raya, HPISD Fine Arts Chair said, “Breakfast with Santa is one of the most enjoyable things we do all year long. We have been doing this for several years, and the play itself is the final exam for our Theatre Arts II sophomores and juniors.” Reservations are required, and will be honored only if payment is received by Dec. 3. Admission is $5 per person. Click HERE for more information and an order form.