
From the desk of Mrs. Smith
Some thoughts for the starting school year

From the desk of Mrs. Smith...
I am delighted to extend a warm and heartfelt happy November to each and every one of you as we continue on another exciting academic adventure. Your presence at Hillcrest Elementary School enriches our vibrant community, and we are thrilled to have your family as part of our extended family.
At Hillcrest, we believe in the power of education to inspire, empower, and transform lives. We are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where your child can learn, grow, and thrive. Our team of dedicated educators is committed to fostering a love of learning and nurturing the unique potential within each student.
We encourage open communication and collaboration between families, teachers, and staff, as we recognize that your active involvement is key to your child's success. We want to work together with you to create a supportive and inclusive educational journey for your child.
As we embark on this academic adventure, we want you to know that we are here for you every step of the way. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. Together, we will make this school year a memorable and enriching experience for your child.
We are excited to have you as a part of our school community, and we are confident that, together, we will achieve great things.
Attendance Matters
16 Habits of Mind
The understanding and application of these 16 Habits of Mind serve to provide our learners with skills to work through real life situations that equip that person to respond using awareness (cues), thought, and intentional strategy in order to gain a positive outcome. Every two weeks we focus on one of the 16 Habits of Mind.
Lost & Found
Our lost and found is located across the hall from the front office. We encourage families to stop and check in when you are missing items. At the end of each quarter, these items are donated to keep our space neat and clean. If you ever need help locating an item, message your child's teacher. We are happy to help!
ENCORE Classes and Teachers
Ms. Strohschein - Art Teacher
Art is part of our Encore classes. Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten have art twice in a five day cycle for 30 minutes each session. First, second, and third grade has art once in the five day cycle for 60 minutes.
Mrs. Lunneborg - Library
Library is part of our Encore classes. Each classroom has library twice each five day cycle for 30 minutes at a time. There is one session dedicated to checking out books and the other is dedicated to the Media Literacy standards.
Mr. Lee - Physical Education
Physical Education (PE) is part of our Encore classes. Each classroom has PE twice every five day cycle for 30 minutes. Sessions vary to cover all of the physical education standards.
Mrs. Malcom - Technololgy
Technology is part of our Encore classes. Each classroom has two sessions every five day cycle for 30 minutes. Instruction is focused on use of a mouse, typing using the home row keys, coding, and more!
Mrs. McMahon - Music
Music is part of our Encore classes. Each classroom has two music sessions every five day cycle for 30 minutes each. Using the music standards as the foundation for instruction, students engage in singing, music games, and instruments.
Ms. Howell - ACES & Counselor
ACES is part of our Encore classes. ACES stands for Academic, Career, Emotional, and Social readiness. Each classroom has a 30-minute session every other week.
Upcoming Calendar Events
November 3: No School, Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 10: Veteran’s Day Program, 9:00 a.m. in the Hillcrest Gym
November 13: School Board Meeting at DP, 5:15
November 16: PTA Family Reading Night
November 13-17: World Kindness Week
November 22-24: No School, Thanksgiving Break
December 11: School Board Meeting at DP, 5:15
December 15: Noon Dismissal (Bell Debate)
December 18: Last Day of Quarter 2
December 20-January 2: No School, Winter Break
News from the Dirt
On pace progress continues on our new building. We were excited to watch the final beam placed near the new entrance in our Topping Out Ceremony. Listening and seeing the excitement in our students and staff was quite the experience. Their faces beam with pride and anticipation of our new space.
We are incredibly fortunate to be able to watch the daily progress.