Friday News - January 15, 2021

Friday, January 15, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

January 15, 2021

 

Dear Hillcrest Families,

As we move forward into 2021, our school district is aiming to transition to a Hybrid Learning Model.  You can learn more about the Hybrid Learning Model by visiting the Gill-Montague Regional School District website. Please take time to visit the website to learn about the Hybrid Model.  In order to plan for this learning model, it’s essential that we gather updated information from each Hillcrest family about their plans for their student.  Families have two options: to return to school in the Hybrid Model or to continue in the Remote Model. Please complete this Return to School Survey - January 2021 by Tuesday, January 21st.  If you need assistance with the survey, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 863-9526.

In other important news: 

  • The first Friends of Hillcrest meeting of the school year is happening this Wednesday, January 20th from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.  All interested family members are invited to attend this meeting.  You may be interested in taking on a leadership role in this group or you may simply want to offer ideas or learn more about Friends of Hillcrest.  All are welcome!  You may join the meeting using this link: January 20th FoH Meeting

  • Please be sure to read this message from Superintendent Brian Beck about computer safety: Since the pandemic began, we have greatly expanded our technology holdings, including upgrading our security and monitoring of student Chromebooks. Our District is employing a filtering and monitoring application called GoGuardian on all our student-issued Chromebooks. It allows us to filter out inappropriate or unsafe internet sites and monitor use of our Google domain. We receive reports that warn us of explicit language used, unsafe browsing, or indecent site visits. Please be very conscious of the fact that we are able to see where the user goes on the internet every time the school-issued Chromebooks is used. Please ensure that all devices are used appropriately. Thank you all for your help.  

  • On another technology matter, please be sure to remind your child about the need to keep food and drinks away from their school-issued Chromebooks.  Food debris or spilled beverages can cause significant damage to the Chromebook and may ruin it altogether.  During Remote Learning, these devices are essential learning tools. 

  • Materials Pick-Up on Wednesday, January 20th

    • Kindergarten Materials Pick-Up from 12:00 - 3:00

    • First Grade Materials Pick-Up from 1:00 - 3:00

    • This will take place in the front traffic circle at Hillcrest and we will follow our established safety routines: please wear a mask, remain in your vehicle and wait for a Hillcrest staff member to deliver your materials to you. 

  • The Montague Public LIbraries are holding a Winter Reading Program for children.  Please be sure to check out their website for more information: Winter Reading Page. You can also pick up a reading packet with all the necessary information at the Curbside PIck-Up tables at each of the three Montague Public Libraries. 

PLEASE NOTE THESE IMPORTANT DATES 

  • Monday, January 18th -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- NO SCHOOL

  • Friday, January 29th -- GMRSD Turnaround Day -- NO SCHOOL

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal