Friday News - September 3, 2021

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

September 3, 2021

Dear Hillcrest Families,

September has arrived and that means we’re really getting into the swing of things around here! This week, we welcomed our preschool and kindergarten students to their classrooms and it was wonderful to have so much activity in our classrooms!  Those of you who bring your children to school in the mornings may be feeling a bit frustrated by the pace of our morning drop-off line.  Please be assured that this morning routine will become more efficient as our students get used to the process.  You can assist your child by making sure that they are seated on the passenger side of the vehicle and that they are ready to exit when a staff member arrives to assist.  Our priority is student safety, so your  patience and cooperation are essential. 

A note from our school counselor:

The Counselor’s Corner  

Welcome to the new school year! This is Ms. Halina, the school adjustment counselor. Throughout the year all Kindergarten and first grade students will participate in classroom safety lessons through our Keeping Kids Safe curriculum. Your student may also receive a permission slip to participate in a Friendship Group. These are fun opportunities for small groups of 3 - 4 students to meet in my room. Through games and discussions these groups help children improve self-esteem and self-confidence as a learner, better understand and manage emotions, and build positive social skills. All students benefit from the skills taught in these groups whether your student is a peer model or needs a little more practice. I am also available for individual and small group counseling for social and emotional skill building, behavioral support, peer conflicts and short-term counseling for specific needs.  

 Counselors do not just support your student, we are here for you!  I am available to help if you have questions or concerns about your child or need assistance with identifying available resources. I can be reached at 413-863-7399 or halina.radosz@gmrsd.org   You can also fill out this google form if you would like me to contact you. If you have any difficulty with the online form, please access by first logging in to your student’s google account. 

~ Halina Radosz, Adjustment Counselor 

A few important news items:

• Friends of Hillcrest is sponsoring a Fall Fundraiser featuring mums from Mill River Farm. An order form went home with your child on Thursday and another copy is attached to your weekly email.  Please consider participating in this fundraiser. 

• If you haven’t already done so, please return any back-to-school forms (Consent for Covid 19 testing, Medical Information Form, PIck-Up Authorization Form) to school in your child’s backpack as soon as possible.

• Please be sure to mark your child’s backpack, water bottle and any outdoor clothing with their full name in permanent marker.  We have many duplicate backpacks and sweatshirts and things are easily misplaced if they are not labeled. 

• If your child will be absent from school, please call the main office at 413-863-9526 by 8:30 a.m. on the day of their absence.  

• Please note that families who pick up their children in the afternoon should park their vehicles in the Griswold Street Parent Parking Lot and walk to their designated pick-up location. The area near the main entrances is reserved for bus traffic during dismissal time. 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal

Important dates
Monday, September 6th -- No School

Wednesday, September 22nd -- Early Release Day