Friday News - May 21, 2021

Friday, May 21, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

May 21, 2021

 

Dear Hillcrest Families,

I hope you’ve all enjoyed the bright, sunny (and hot) days this week!  It can get pretty steamy in our building by mid-afternoon, so please keep that in mind as your child decides on their clothing for the day. As always, dressing in layers is important.  A cool morning may require a sweatshirt, but by afternoon, that sweatshirt is too much!  Please see the note below about our dress code -- we’ve seen lots of flip-flops here at school this week and these are not appropriate for school.  

Some important news items for the week: 

  • Please be on the lookout for an email from GRMSD Superintendent Brian Beck regarding updates to the district’s mask-wearing protocol.  You should receive a communication from him this weekend -- be sure to check your Spam or Clutter folders as districtwide emails sometimes land in those inboxes!  Superintendent Beck will share the details, but please know that mask-wearing is still required in all school buildings and when arriving and departing from school. 

  • The Friends of Hillcrest online store at Silver Screen Design is now “live” and ready to accept your orders for fun Hillcrest gear!  Check out the store link and you’ll find Hillcrest t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats for children and adults.  A portion of each sale will go to Friends of Hillcrest. Here’s the link:  https://cart.silverscreendesign.com/hillcrest_elementary/shop/home

  • We have another Story Walk planned for this weekend at Highland Park in Millers Falls.  This Story Walk will feature the book Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner. You can enjoy the Story Walk from 9:00 - 3:00 on Saturday. 

  • Please keep the following dress code policy in mind, especially as it pertains to footwear.  If your child does not have appropriate footwear, we will give you a call requesting that you bring a pair of sneakers in that day so that your child can participate in recess and P.E.

  • From the Hillcrest Family Handbook: 

General Dress Code:  Monitor the clothing that your children wear to school. It is important to create a learning environment that is comfortable and safe for all. All students are to dress in a manner that does not violate established codes of respect, health and safety. Students are expected to be neat, clean, and orderly in appearance. When a particular form of dress violates our dress code, is deemed offensive, or contributes in any way to the disruption of the school, the student will be asked to change. If the student does not have a change of clothing at school, parents will be called to bring in the proper footwear or garments. The dress code is to be followed at all times including extra-curricular activities (dances, field trips, etc.).

  • Students should wear sturdy shoes safe for outdoor play.  Footwear must fit securely to the foot for safety on the playground and stairs.  High heels, flip-flops and other backless sandals are not permitted. Slick-soled dress-up shoes are not safe on the playground. Sneakers are ideal for all school days and are required on days when students have physical education.

  • Please remember that Hillcrest is a Fragrance-Free School.  There are members of our school community who are very sensitive to fragrances. In some cases, exposure to fragrances can provoke a severe allergic reaction requiring medical attention.  Please do not send your child to school wearing scented lotions, scented hair products, perfumes, or body sprays. Also, please be aware that scented laundry products, especially fabric softeners, can also have a negative health impact.  Please try to limit your use of these laundry products whenever possible.

  • Students are asked to respect the sensibilities of others in the community in their choice of T-shirts with written or symbolic messages. Any clothing with offensive pictures/statements or that promote drugs/alcohol/tobacco will not be permitted. 

  • Extremely short, loose or tight clothing such that the undergarments or body may be exposed; see-through or transparent clothing should not be worn. 

  • Hats, hoods and other forms of headgear are not to be worn in the school building at any time (excluding religious reasons). A headband worn on the top of the head to keep hair back is permissible.

  • As you know, the district is conducting free pooled testing for Covid 19 for all students and staff who have signed up.  This type of testing involves a gentle swabbing of the nasal passages and is self-administered by most of our students.  It’s quick and easy and is not impacting time on learning. There’s still time to sign your child up for pooled testing.  For details, please check out the sign-up information that was attached to your weekly Friday News email. 

PLEASE NOTE THESE IMPORTANT DATES

  • Saturday, May 22nd-- Story Walk -- Highland Park, Millers Falls

  • Monday, May 31st -- Memorial Day/No School

  • Monday, June 14th -- Last day of school for students

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal