Friday News - January 13, 2023

Friday, January 13, 2023

Hillcrest Elementary School

Friday News

January 13, 2023

 

Dear Hillcrest Families,

 

We’ve had a busy week here at Hillcrest as we’ve been launching into our Middle of the Year academic assessments in kindergarten and first grade.  Our classroom teachers, math intervention teacher, and reading teachers will be meeting individually with each kindergarten and first grade student over the next few weeks to measure their progress in literacy and mathematics.  In early February, we’ll meet to review these assessments in order to set new learning goals and plan for instruction. 

 

A few important news items:

  • We celebrated the end of the first grade Dance Residency with a fabulous dance party this morning! It was such a treat to have Anna Hendricks here at school leading our students in this wonderful exploration of music and movement.

  • Did you know that our school district has established a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Committee? This group of GMRSD educators  includes Pamela Reynolds, Hillcrest Special Education Teacher, and Krista Matrishon, Hillcrest First Grade Teacher, along with all three elementary principals, two central office administrators and staff members from Gill and Sheffield Elementary Schools. 

  • If you’re wondering what the term SEL means, here’s a helpful explanation from CASEL – the Collaborative for Academic, Social & Emotional Learning:

    • SEL is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop health identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. (source: www.casel.org)

  • The SEL Committee has already held its first two meetings and we’ll continue to meet throughout the spring.  I will keep you updated on our progress. 

  • Next Friday is our January All School Meeting at 9:00 a.m.  We’ll enjoy presentations from Mrs. Prevett’s preschoolers, Mrs. Fox’s kindergarten class, and Ms. Smith’s first graders.  We hope you can join us!

  • Attached to this week’s email, you will find information about an upcoming Friends of Hillcrest event, Cocoa & Crafts, on Thursday, February 9th.  This is a really fun event and having plenty of volunteers makes it even better.  Please consider volunteering to assist with this event. 

 

Wishing you a wonderful weekend –

 

Sarah Burstein, Hillcrest Principal

 

Important dates

  • January 16 - No School/Holiday

  • January 20 - January All School Meeting @ 9:00

  • January 27 - No School/Teacher In-Service Day