Friday News - August 27, 2021

Friday, August 27, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

August 27, 2021

Dear Hillcrest Families,

Welcome back to school! It’s been such a joy to have students and their families here at school this week! Despite the steamy temperatures, there’s been so much positive energy around here! This week, our first graders began their classes and our preschool and kindergarten students came to school for their orientation visits.  Next week, our preschool and kindergarten students will begin with half-days on Tuesday, August 31st.  We are all looking forward to having a full house again! 

A few back-to-school updates to share: 

  • First graders were sent home with some paperwork for families to complete and return. Please be on the lookout for the following forms: 

    • A consent form for Covid-19 Testing

    • A Walking Field Trip Permission Slip

    • GMRSD Life Threatening Allergies/Nut Safe Policy letter

    • Student Medical Information From

    • Pick-Up Consent 

    • Emergency Dismissal Plan

    • Fragrance Free Reminder 

 

  • The school day begins at 8:30 and ends at 3:15.  The building opens for student arrival at 8:25. The Main Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Arrival: 

  • Front Traffic Circle: Rolling Drop-Off in the front traffic circle for first grade and kindergarten students only. During Rolling Drop-Off, please keep in mind that you must follow all traffic regulations concerning school busses.  Drivers must remain in the drop-off lane until they reach the front of the line; drivers may not cut out of the line. Please be aware of the flashing lights and stop signs on our school busses and school vans. Students should wait for a Hillcrest staff member to assist them in exiting the vehicle (passenger side only). 

  • Griswold Street Parking Lot: Preschool Families should use this parking area and walk their children to their designated preschool doorway. 

  • Hillcrest staff members will be on duty to welcome students at 8:25 a.m. Please do not drop your children off at school prior to 8:25 a.m. 

  • Children who arrive via school bus will be dropped off at the front traffic circle and will be greeted by a Hillcrest staff member. 

Dismissal

  • First grade students will be dismissed to a family member or caregiver in their designated locations along the sidewalk adjacent to the first grade wing. 

  • Kindergarten students will be dismissed to a family member or caregiver in their designated locations in the Griswold Street Courtyard Area.

  • Preschool students will be dismissed to a family member or caregiver in the designated area adjacent to their classrooms. 

  • Families who transport their children home from school should park their vehicles in the Griswold Street parking lot.   Please be extra cautious as this lot gets crowded in the afternoons. Supervise your children carefully as you walk through the lot and be patient when parking and pulling out of the lot. There will be no Rolling Dismissal or family parking at the front traffic circle in the afternoon. This area will be used for bus dismissals only. 

Getting in touch during the school day

  • If you need to reach us at school during the day, please call the main office at 413-863-9526.  You can leave a message for your child’s teacher with Mrs. Prokowich, Hillcrest Administrative Assistant.  You can also feel free to call me at 413-863-7400 or email me at sarah.burstein@gmrsd.org.  We want to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out! 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal

 

Mark Your Calendar
Friday, September 3rd -- No School

Monday, September 6th -- No School

Wednesday, September 22nd -- Early Release Day