Friday News -- November 12, 2021
Hillcrest Elementary School
Friday News
November 12, 2021
Dear Hillcrest Families,
It was an unusual week of school with a Thursday holiday, but as always, there was plenty of learning and playing happening here at Hillcrest!
A few important news items:
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On Monday, our first graders hosted a special visitor, Angela Rovatti-Leonard, children’s librarian from the Carnegie Library. Angela came to Hillcrest as a way to celebrate the learning in Wit & Wisdom Module One. Module One has focused on the question: “How do books change people’s lives around the world?” We are so appreciative that Angela came to visit and that she brought library cards applications for each first grader!
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Back-Up Masks -- Please double-check your student’s backpack to be sure that they have an extra mask each day. Many students need a mask change midday and we are moving through our school supply of back-up masks at a rapid pace. We realize that families may forget an extra mask from time to time, but please do that backpack double-check on a regular basis.
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A few times a week, I have the chance to cover lunch duty at each grade level. This is a great opportunity for me to connect with our students and to chat with them about their interests, their favorite foods and their plans for recess. Recently, I have noticed that candy seems to be finding its way into children’s lunchboxes. I always tell our students, “That’s a special treat that you can enjoy after school!” and ask them to tuck it back into their lunchboxes. Please keep in mind that candy, soda, sports drinks and high sugar juices are not allowed at school. You can find more details about this in our Family Handbook under School Nutrition and under Code of Conduct.
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Next Wednesday, November 17th, from 10 - 12, we are excited to host a special workshop for families brought to us by The Brickhouse Parent and Family Program. Participants will play The Brain Architecture Game and learn about how early childhood experiences impact brain development. Please see the attached Brain Architecture flyer for more information.
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Also on Wednesday, November 17th, the Mobile Food Bank of Western MA will be at 62 5th Street in Turners Falls from 1:30 - 2:30. All are welcome to pick up free food at this site -- just be sure to bring your own bags.
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Are you interested in joining Hillcrest School Council? This group is composed of one or two Hillcrest parents/guardians, a Hillcrest staff member, a community member and the principal. We meet once a month after school to review the School Improvement Plan and support its initiatives. Please give me a call at 863-7400 or email me at sarah.burstein@gmrsd.org if you would like to be part of this group.
Important Repeat Items:
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There are several upcoming Covid 19 Vaccine Events happening in our community. These events will offer vaccines for children ages 5 - 17 as well as booster doses for adults. Detailed information on these events was included in last week’s Friday News email and additional information can be found on the district website. Here are the key dates:
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Friday, November 19th at Hillcrest from 3:30 - 5:30 with Dr. Dean Singer
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Monday, November 29th at Sheffield from 1:30 - 5:30 via the Massachusetts Vax Bus
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Friends of Hillcrest is sponsoring a Fall Festival here at Hillcrest on Saturday, November 20th from 3:00 - 6:00. A flyer went home earlier this week outlining this special event and asking for volunteers. For more information, you can contact friendsofhillcrest2015@gmail.com.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---
Sarah Burstein
Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal
Important dates
Friday, November 19th -- Covid 19 Vaccine Event at Hillcrest
Saturday, November 20th -- Friends of Hillcrest Fall Festival
Wednesday, November 24th -- Early Release Day
Thursday, November 25th & Friday, November 26th -- No School
Monday, November 29th - Massachusetts Vax Bus at Sheffield
Wednesday, December 8th -- Early Release Day