Hilltop Elementary

Be sure to check out this page for important information for new and returning families.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE SCHOOL CALENDAR?

See the entire 2024-2025 calendar.

WHAT SUPPLIES DOES MY CHILD NEED FOR THE YEAR?

School Kits orders are over. For a list of supplies click here

WHEN WILL CLASS LISTS BE SENT OUT?

All teacher assignments will be available on the Genesis Parent Portal on August 19th.

All parents must log onto the Parent Portal to complete important district documents.

WHAT IS THE HILLTOP STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT?

Hilltop School has a Student Code of Conduct that shares the rights and responsibilities that they all have as members of our school. The Code of Conduct is reviewed each year by parents in the Parent Portal and is discussed by teachers throughout the school year, and as needed when reminders are needed.

The Code of Conduct also has our basic school rules and expectations.

The Code of Conduct can be found ON OUR WEBSITE.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

WHAT'S THE FIRST DAY LIKE?

The first day of any school year is memorable for all! Students arrive starting at 8:15 (our regular arrival time) at their designated line-up areas on the back patio (there are signs indicating where students line up). Teachers will be outside with nametags. Students will enter the building at 8:28.

Parking is limited, so we recommend carpooling, arriving early or driving to a nearby neighborhood, and walking.

The HSA has a welcome coffee for parents at the Gazebo at Borough Park after 8:30, and stop by and catch up with friends.

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD ARRIVE AT SCHOOL?

From 8:15-8:30, students can be dropped off using Hilltop’s driveway. Please drive down the side of the building and drop off adjacent to the back patio. There are teachers supervising on the back patio, and drop-off line.

Students shall exit the cars without the parents needing to get out. Please give kisses and say goodbye at home so that the line can move quickly and subsequent cars can promptly drop off. Please remain in your cars as this will help the line move efficiently.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF IT IS AFTER 8:30?

Cars arriving after 8:30 will drop off their child on the front sidewalk along the driveway.

The front circle will not be used for drop-off. Students will then enter the building using the front door

WHAT TIME DOES THE SCHOOL DAY BEGIN?

At Hilltop School, teachers begin instruction at 8:35 with the school-wide Pledge of Allegiance and morning announcements.

WHEN IS DISMISSAL?

Students are dismissed at 3:15.

All default and changes to your child's dismissal plan must be made in our app Pickup Patrol.

You can pick your child up in the back by pulling down our driveway and waiting in line. You can also park and wait in the front or back of the school.

Any student who is not picked up on time will be brought to the office and we will contact the parents/guardians.

Students are not permitted to ride bikes, scooters, or the like to and from Hilltop School.

CAN I BRING MY DOG TO DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP?

The only area in which leashed dogs are permitted on school grounds is in the back on the far grass. This allows ample space for our students who are scared of dogs to stay on the back patio without interacting with dogs. NO DOGS are permitted in the front during drop-off and pick-up.

If you prefer to bring your dog to pick-up or drop-off, please change your default plan and pick up your child in the back of the building.

WHAT IS PICKUP PATROL?

Hilltop School uses an app called Pickup Patrol (PUP) to help us manage your child's dismissal. You will establish an account and set your child's default dismissal plans before the first day of school. Any changes that you need to make (playdates, enrichment, Girl Scouts, etc.) will be made in the app before 1:00 p.m. Any last-minute changes occurring after this time must be called into the main office. The best part is that you can look at the calendar and make changes in advance.

DOES HILLTOP HAVE AN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM?

Our aftercare is provided by the Apollo After School Program.

ATTENDANCE

The Board of Education has an obligation to require students of this district to be present at school so that he/she may be educated appropriately. This policy is for the benefit of the students, their parents/guardians, and the community at large. This policy is based on the belief that a student must attend class on a regular basis if he/she is to receive the maximum benefit from classroom instruction and profit from the exchange of ideas within the classroom. Absences, for any reason, restrict and inhibit the ability of the student to master and complete the prescribed curriculum requirements and the various subject proficiencies. The Mendham Borough Board of Education and the Hilltop School staff recognize and accept the responsibility to provide a thorough and efficient education for every student and expect the cooperation of students and parents/guardians in this endeavor.

The Mendham Borough Board of Education has updated Regulation 5200, Attendance, to include the following: A student returning from an absence must provide a written statement to the Principal or designee that is dated and signed by the parent listing the reason for the absence

AT WHAT TIME WILL MY CHILD BE MARKED TARDY?

Any student who is not in their classroom at 8:35 will be marked tardy. If your child is tardy, there will be a sign-in on a table inside the front doors of the school.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY CHILD IS GOING TO BE LATE OR ABSENT?

Please call or email the Nurse’s Office at 973-543-4251, Ext. 142 before 8:30 a.m. if your child will be absent.

Note that students must be in attendance at school for a minimum of four hours in order to participate in school-sponsored activities.

Any unexcused absence is considered truancy and is so designated for attendance purposes by the State Department of Education of New Jersey. When the school office compiles the absence list for the day, parents who have not notified the school will be called to verify student absence. Please visit our website www.mendhamboro.org or click the policy link to view the Attendance Policy in its entirety.

The contacting of families and consequences for excessive absences will be at the discretion of the principal, which will typically occur if your child is tardy for 10% of the school days up to that point.

MEALS

WILL MY CHILD HAVE A SNACK DURING THE DAY?

Students will have a short “Crunch and Sip” snack during the day. The time of “Crunch and Sip” is determined by teachers, based on their lunch and academic schedule. At Hilltop, we follow the Crunch and Sip program. Other than fruits and vegetables, the only other food permitted is a cheese stick. Contact Mrs. Safko if your child has dietary restrictions or if you have any questions.

WHAT'S THE MENU IN THE HILLTOP CAFETERIA?

Look here for more FAQs about the cafeteria.

Here is the webpage for our Pomptonian lunch menu.

Please ensure you have a PayForIt account set up for your student (payschoolscentral.com).

WHERE I CAN FIND INFORMATION REGARDING THE FREE/REDUCED LUNCH PROGRAM?

Information regarding the Free/Reduced Lunch Program can be found on the Mendham Borough School Website Free/Reduced Lunch Information

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

WHAT IS THE HSA?

The HSA is the Home and School Association for Mendham Borough Schools. This group (similar to a PTA) is comprised of parent volunteers from their executive Board to committee chairs and other volunteers.

The HSA runs many annual events such as the Harvest Hustle 5K run, Bingo Night, socials for students 3rd grade and up, and a fun spring fundraiser for adults, their largest fundraiser.

All HSA funds are donated back to Hilltop and Mountain View Schools. The HSA has been integral in funding the purchase of technology in our schools, from Smart Boards to laptops, helping to fund the Lions Den Media Center at Mountain View, murals at Hilltop, Hilltop playground, and many, many other initiatives.

Being a member of the HSA gives you access to their online portal and regular communication of events. The HSA is ALWAYS looking for volunteers, especially helping in our cafeteria and Library.

VISIT THE HSA WEBSITE.

WHAT IS PARENT COUNCIL?

The Parent Council is a group of volunteer parents who meet with the school principal about 6 times per year to discuss whole school's concerns and issues. The Parent Council serves as a liaison to the school community in Mendham Borough. The primary objective of this Council is to facilitate communication that positively impacts our school and enriches the environment for our children and community. Some of the changes that have resulted from our meetings include the format of Back-to-School Night, recess improvements, arrivals of our kindergartners, and healthy cafeteria choices.

The Parent Council is not a substitute for individuals having direct contact with the appropriate school personnel. Your representatives are available to guide you through the proper channels should you need assistance.

The Parent Council meets throughout the year (CLICK HERE for dates). All items must be approved for our agenda, so please contact your representative(s) in a timely manner.

SCHOOL SECURITY

WHAT DO PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SECURITY AROUND SCHOOL?

All exterior doors at Hilltop are locked. You must come in through the front entrance and be buzzed in by the office staff. All visitors must wear a visitor badge during their stay at Hilltop and must sign out when leaving.

NJ state law requires us to conduct one fire drill and one safety drill per month. These drills are introduced to your child in an age-appropriate manner.

You will see Mendham Borough police officers at Hilltop School. The Mendham Borough School District has a class III officer, Officer Ryerson, who works between both schools. We work together to help our students understand that the police are valuable community members and are always here to help.

If your child forgets something, it can be dropped off in the office. We will only call students down if it is absolutely necessary at that time so as to not interrupt instruction.

If your child arrives late or leaves school early, you must sign them in and out. For safety purposes, please ensure to record accurate information when signing your child in or out of school.