Friday News - February 26, 2021

Friday, February 26, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

February 26, 2021

Dear Hillcrest Families,

We did it!  We made it through our first week of Hybrid Learning!  It has certainly not been perfect or easy, but it has been rewarding to hear our students expressing their joy at being back at school.  I want to express an enormous thank you to our students, their families and caregivers, and every member of our Hillcrest staff for all the hard work, flexibility, creativity and patience involved in making this happen.  I imagine that each person is feeling pretty tuckered out after making the many adjustments that were needed this week.  I hope you can all find some rest and relaxation time this weekend. 

Just a few news items this week: 

  • Please reach out to your child’s teacher or to me if you are experiencing challenges in hybrid learning or if you have any questions.  Teachers can be reached by email or by leaving a phone message in the main office at 413-863-9526.  I can be reached at sarah.burstein@gmrsd.org or at 413-863-7400. 

  • Masks -- Overall, our students are doing very well in managing their masks.  Some of our youngest students are having trouble removing and replacing their masks during mask breaks.  Please check with your child to ensure that they are able to remove and replace their mask independently.  If you would like some tips on this process, please check in with your child’s teachers. 

  • Morning Arrival -- If you are bringing your kindergarten or first grade student to school by car, please keep in mind the following expected routines for rolling drop-off:

    • Please do not park in the rolling drop-off lane.

    • Please wait until a staff member approaches your car before releasing your child.

    • Please do not cut out of the line.

    • Please be aware of school buses and pedestrians.

    • Students must exit the vehicle on the passenger side.

    • Drivers should remain in the vehicle.

    • And, most importantly, please be patient.  Drivers may need to wait a few extra minutes to ensure our students’ safety. 

  • Student Arrival Times

    • Kindergarten & First Grade Bus Students 8:30

    • Kindergarten & First Grade Rolling Drop-Off Students 8:35

    • Preschool Students 8:45

  • Student Data Verification Sheets -- Please double check to be certain that you have completed and returned your child’s Student Data Verification sheet. This form contains essential data such as family contact information and emergency contact information. If you cannot remember if you already returned your form, please call Mrs. Prokowich in the main office at 863-9526. 

  • Please be sure to review the letter about BINAX Now Covid 19 testing in school that you received via email.  You can create an account by using this link:  https://app.beacontesting.com/register/with-code?code=HLLNEC

    • Our School Code is HLLNEC

PLEASE NOTE THESE IMPORTANT DATES

  • Tuesday, March 2nd -- Hillcrest School Council Meeting @ 3:30 p.m. 

  • Monday, March 8th -- Friends of Hillcrest Meeting @ 5:00 p.m.

  • Thursday, March 18th & Friday, March 19th -- Early Release Days/Parent Conferences

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal