Friday News -- September 17, 2021

Friday, September 17, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

September 17, 2021

Dear Hillcrest Families,

 

You may be wondering why you are receiving a second copy of the Hillcrest Family Handbook this week.  This is because the first copy contained incorrect information about our Food Allergy Policy.  Please open your new copy of the handbook to page 14 to review the information about Nut Safe schools.  This year, students may not bring any peanut-based or nut-based products to school.  Please do not include any of these products in your child’s lunch. Thank you. 

 

A few important news items:

  • School Picture Day for Hillcrest students is Tuesday, September 21st.  Order forms were sent home in your child’s backpack on Thursday.  If you cannot find your form, you will find one attached to the weekly Friday News email.  

  • Weekly Covid Screening (formerly known as Pool Testing) will begin on Tuesday, September 21st.  In order to participate, a parent or guardian must complete the consent forms.  You will find them by going to the district website www.grmsd.org and clicking on the pink GMRSD Covid Information banner. You can also click here GMRSD Covid Information Page.  

 

  • COVID Vaccine Clinics: Our schools are once again offering COVID vaccine clinics! The clinics will provide Pfizer vaccines for those participants 12 and older and J&J vaccine for those over 18. Registration using the links below is recommended so staff can have an idea of how many participants there will be; however, walk-ins will be accepted. If students are under 18, they will need to have had a parent/guardian pre-register them, unless the parent/guardian is present. These clinics are open to all staff, students and the community.  You may visit any of these clinics even if your child does not attend the school at which the clinic is held. 

  • We will also be holding flu vaccine clinics on the following days:

    • Sheffield Elementary School, Wednesday, October 6, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

    • Gill Elementary School: Thursday, October 14, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

    • Hillcrest Elementary School: Friday, October 15, 3:30-5:00 p.m.

    • Turners Falls High School: Tuesday, October 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m.

    • A vaccination consent form can be filled out and signed by anyone getting a flu vaccine prior to the clinic for efficiency. Anyone who is younger than 18 will need a parent/guardian signature. The vaccine is free, but please bring your health insurance cards (original or photocopy of your prescription drug card, major medical card, and Medicare card if enrolled) if you have insurance. Clothes should be worn that allow quick and easy access to the upper shoulder region. These clinics are open to school students and families.

  • I am excited to announce that we will soon have a special visitor at Hillcrest -- Yuki, a Therapy Dog in Training. Attached to this week’s email, you will find a letter from Ms. Halina Raosz, Hillcrest Adjustment Counselor, with details about Yuki.  A paper copy of this letter will go home with your Hillcrest student on Monday, September 20th. 

  • IMPORTANT REPEAT ITEM: Please note, our first Early Release Day of the school year is Wednesday, September 22nd.  Our preschoolers will be dismissed at 11:30 that day and our kindergarten and first grade students will be dismissed at 12:00. Lunch will be served. 

  • IMPORTANT REPEAT ITEM: 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
Tuesday, September 21st -- School Picture Day

Wednesday, September 22nd -- Early Release Day