Friday News May 15, 2020
Hillcrest Elementary School
Friday News
May 15, 2020
Dear Hillcrest Families,
As this week comes to a close, I want to be sure to express my gratitude to our entire community for the many contributions you’re all making to keep teaching and learning going during this very challenging time! The key ingredient to a strong school community is relationships and we have seen evidence of those positive relationships in abundance this week!
From the ongoing efforts of families in getting your students connected to Google Classroom and weekly Google Meets, to your smiling faces at our Teacher Parade and your presence at our Drive-Thru Pick-Up sessions this week, it’s clear that families are working overtime! I’ve heard from many of you about the challenges you’re facing as you navigate remote learning alongside your many other responsibilities and I want to acknowledge those struggles. Please know that you are not alone and that we are here to help out. Feel free to email your classroom teacher or to give me a call at 413-863-7400. Also, we want you to know that we understand that maintaining momentum and motivation is difficult, so remember to take breaks, have some fun with your little ones, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best!
In addition to our Hillcrest families, our Hillcrest staff members have really rolled up their sleeves and put in lots of hard work to keep our students feeling connected to their lives at school. Our Google Classrooms are full of engaging learning resources, our teachers are creating Google Meets featuring familiar routines and fun new twists, and staff members have created remote nature walks, virtual read-alouds, Go Noodle dance parties, and even old-fashioned letters and postcards. I am so appreciative of the dedication, expertise and creativity that our staff members have shown during this period of school closure. Shout-out to Hillcrest staff!
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the support of the Montague Police Department and the Turners Falls Fire Department in helping us to organize this week’s Teacher Parade. These amazing community helpers have always been at the ready to engage with the Hillcrest community. During a regular school year, our police officers and firefighters assist us with safety drills, bring learning opportunities to school and attend our family events like Read Across Hillcrest. Now that the school building is closed, they are still serving the Hillcrest community. We are very thankful for that!
Many families were able to pick up their students’ belongings and learning materials this week. Please be sure to open up those bags and take a good look at the workbooks, journals and children’s books that can continue to be a focus of daily learning. These will serve as a helpful strategy for keeping your child feeling connected and motivated. If you were unable to pick up your child’s things, please send me an email or give me a call so that we can make arrangements.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend --
Sarah Burstein, Principal