Friday News - October 23, 2020

Friday, October 23, 2020


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

October 23, 2020

 

Dear Hillcrest Families,

Wow! October is flying by!  As I look out my window here at Hillcrest, the surrounding trees are rapidly dropping their leaves and I have seen plenty of geese in flight this week.  This is typically the time of year when our school routines are very well-established and our students are feeling really confident as they say good-bye to their families each morning and head into the school building.  The situation is completely different this school year and our routines are, too.  However, whatever the learning model, we are still seeing the value of predictable routines in shaping a positive learning experience for students.  As you get your child logged into their learning each day, please try to set them up in the same location, with their materials available and keeping background distractions at a minimum.  We all know how challenging this can be, but it is a critical component of successful remote learning.  Please be sure to review the Remote Learning Expectations that were shared earlier this year. They are attached to the end of this newsletter. 

A few updates to share: 

  • Don’t forget to check out the GMRSD Family Technology Resource Page. This page is updated periodically with new tips and resources to support Remote Learning. You can find video tutorials for adults and students on Google Classroom, Seesaw, PlusPortals and more. 

  • We will hold another Materials Pick-Up Session at Hillcrest on Wednesday, October 28th. You will be assisted by a Hillcrest staff member in the traffic circle at the main entrance to the building.  Please follow the established social distancing routines (wear a mask, keep a safe distance, remain in  your vehicle).  These are the pick-up times:

    • Preschool 12:00 to 2:00

    • Kindergarten 12:00 - 3:00

    • First Grade  1:00 - 3:00

  • We are hoping to revive our PTO Group -- Friends of HIllcrest! Friends of Hillcrest has been in existence for the past six years and it has focused on organizing fun events for our students and on showing appreciation for the Hillcrest staff.  Friends of Hillcrest also sponsors free family activities and helps out with school projects like an annual spring clean-up.  If you are interested in learning more about Friends of Hillcrest or if you want to volunteer your time to this worthy cause, please contact Hillcrest parent, Shayna Reardon at shayna.reardon@gmail.com.

  • Some Hillcrest families have expressed an interest in having this weekly newsletter sent via U.S. Mail rather than via email and the school website.  If you prefer to have your newsletter mailed to your home, please call Mrs. Prokowich in the Hillcrest Main Office at 863-9526 to make that request.  

  • Please mark your calendars:

    • Wednesday, November 11th

      • Veterans Day/No School

    • Thursday, November 12th          

      • Parent Conferences/Half Day of School

    • Friday, November 13th

      • Parent Conferences/Half Day of School

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal

 

Guidelines for Remote Learning

 

Students can help by: 

  • Following the rules/norms established by your teacher. 

  • Sitting up and facing the camera. 

  • Keeping the camera on as much as possible. Staying muted unless otherwise instructed. 

  • If the camera needs to be turned off, students are expected to continue to respond to teacher prompts.

  • Keeping the device in one place.

  • Keeping their faces polite and appropriate.

  • Keeping the pinned picture the same

  • Following the school dress code. 

  • Waiting to eat until break times.

  • Waiting until after class to play with toys. 

Families/Caregivers can help by:

  • Setting up a consistent learning space for your student. Try to have their tools available in that space for them ready to use.

  • Helping with materials, but not assisting in telling your student the answers.

  • Remembering that your student is learning and that incorrect answers are part of the learning process.

  • Making sure the background is appropriate. Being mindful of people and pets that can be seen and heard in the background (the microphones on our devices are very sensitive and pick up a lot).

  • If your student is having technical difficulties, please help them leave the space and re-enter.