Friday News - December 10, 2021


 

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

December 10, 2021

Dear Hillcrest Families,

Our students were very excited about the small dusting of snow that arrived this week!  Believe it or not, some of them managed to create snow people at recess! It takes quite a bit of cooperation, persistence and muscle power to do this within less than an inch of snow!

A few important news items: 

  • Another outcome of this week’s snow was some icy pathways around our school. We will be refocusing our efforts to ensure that these pathways get more attention and are treated properly before the start of the school day.  My apologies for this problem. And, a thank you goes out to the families who took a moment to share their concerns. 

  • As long as the temperatures are above 20 degrees and the playground is not too icy, we will continue to have outdoor recess each day.  Students will need a hat, mittens, jacket, snow boots and snow pants.  If a child forgets their boots and snow pants when there is snow on the ground, they will need to remain on the blacktop area during recess. 

  • Please be sure to check your  mailbox in the next few days for your child’s report card. I hope you’ll find some time to review the report card and celebrate your child’s achievements.  Keep in mind that this is a standards-based report card and students are  not expected to master all of the standards at this point in the school year.

  • Our food drive to benefit the MCSM Food Pantry will continue through next Friday, December 17th. This is a wonderful opportunity to offer help to families in need here in our community.  If you are able to help, please consider donating some of the following items: canned vegetables/fruit, cereal, pasta and pasta sauce, rice, beans, soup and snacks. Thank you. 

  • COVID Reporting:  While health information is private and protected, we ask that all families commit to inform your child’s school, if you have a positive case or concern for exposure to COVID in your home. Please contact Nurse Jazmin at: jazmin.wileman@gmrsd.org or 413-863-2638 during the school day.   

  • Outside of School Hours COVID Reporting- If you discover a positive case or a close contact concern outside of school hours, such as the evening, a weekend or a school vacation, families can contact the following number to ensure that the school has timely notification of a COVID positive student or family member, please call the following number: 413.863.7215  

  • We’re hosting another Free Vaccine Clinic here at Hillcrest on Thursday, December 16th from 3;30 to 5:30  for children ages 5 - 17 years and adults, too. You may call Nurse Jazmin at 863-2638 to sign up. 

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend ---

Sarah Burstein

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal

 

Important dates
Thursday, December 16th -- Vaccine Clinic at Hillcrest

Wednesday, December 22nd -- Early Release Day

December Vacation -- December 23rd - December 31st