Friday News -- December 11, 2020

Friday, December 11, 2020


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

December 11, 2020

Dear Hillcrest Families,

I hope your week has been a good one and that you’ve had some opportunities for joy amidst the challenges the global pandemic continues to bring our way.  As a principal during remote learning, I find myself desperately missing the positive energy that our students and teachers bring to the building each day!  Fortunately, I do have the opportunity to “visit” our Google Classrooms during live teaching sessions to observe teaching and learning.  This is always a source of joy as I watch our teachers and students connecting with each other, navigating new technology and making significant progress.  

 

A few important news items to share: 

  • Our district will not be bringing our Phase One students back to in-person learning before the winter holiday. We hope to bring them back to in-person learning at some point in January, at a date to be determined.  Superintendent Beck will be sending out additional information soon.

 

  • Kindergarten Families -- There will be a Materials Pick-Up for kindergarten on Wednesday, December 16th from 12:00 - 3:00. We will follow the usual drive-up routine. If you are unable to pick up your child’s learning materials at that time, please call Mrs. Prokowich in the main office at 863-7400 to make alternate arrangements. 

 

  • First Grade Families -- If you did not pick up your child’s math learning materials this week, they are waiting here at Hillcrest for you.  We are here from 8:00 to 4:00 each day.  Please give us a call to make arrangements to pick up these important learning supplies. 

 

  • Hillcrest will be hosting a Story Walk beginning Friday, December 18th.  A Story Walk is an outdoor activity in which the pages of a children’s book are posted along a selected pathway for children and families to enjoy together.  Our Story Walk will feature the book, Snow by Cynthia Rylant. It will be posted on our school grounds from December 18th through January 3rd.  All community members are invited to enjoy this reading experience.  Please follow the Massachusetts guidelines for wearing masks and maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet or more.  

 

  • The Montague Board of Health, along with the GMRSD School Nurses, are hosting two more Flu Vaccination clinics. Please bring your insurance card and wear loose clothing to make it easier for vaccine administration.  You may call Nurse Melissa Bednarski at 413-863-2638 with any questions.  Masks are required. 

    • Wednesday, December 16th from 3:15 - 5:15 at Hillcrest Elementary

    • Thursday, December 17th from 3:15 - 5:15 at Turners Falls High School

 

  • The GMRSD Food Drive continues until December 17th.  A donation box is located at the front entrance of the building from 8:00 - 4:00 each day. We’ve been making excellent progress and we’d love to continue with more donations next week. Please consider stopping by to make a contribution. Thank  you. 

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal