Dear Parents/Caregivers:
Welcome to Hillside Elementary School! An educational haven for staff members who serve as child advocates; parents/caregivers who have intentionally selected our magnet area of study; and students who enthusiastically engage in rigorous learning.
My educational philosophy is to educate the whole child, with an engaging, challenging, and rigorous curriculum, an emphasis on healthy and happy living, and artistic endeavors daily. Through collaborative efforts, our entire school community, teachers, parents, support staff, and students work together to create a positive and productive school environment. Various stake-holding groups will routinely meet to cultivate a professional learning community and to educationally plan for individual student needs. We don’t talk about equity; we embody the belief that each and every student is deserving of collaborative conversations and planning regarding their educational progress.
We maintain the belief that all children can learn within an engaging, supportive, and challenging learning environment. With the right systems in place, all students will express themselves, engage in complex tasks, discuss their thoughts and feelings with their peers and teachers, and explore their talents through various means and experiences.
We acknowledge the existence of racial disparities in education, socio-economic status, and other aspects of society in the United States due to ongoing racism in this country. We maintain ongoing work towards creating an open and inclusive environment for all students so that anti-racism is at its core to support. It is our belief that schools should be places that welcome and value diversity, so all students feel a sense of belonging and pride in who they are. A sense of connectedness and respect for differences among races, ethnicities, and cultural and religious backgrounds can help to establish the moral imperative of providing every child with a quality education.
Staff will educate the whole child, by providing a variety of experiences, through literacy, the arts, sciences, mathematics, and physical education, so that all students can find their passion and talent in the world. We believe that we are a community of learners and a community of leaders.
Parents will need to collaborate with school personnel. In this handbook and in communications throughout the school year, you will learn more about important ways you can support your child’s learning. For starters, please ensure that your child attends school daily, arrives on time, completes assignments and projects, and is ready to contribute to our learning community! At home, encourage your child to tell you about their academic and social experiences at school and please make sure your child reads daily!
Please join us at our Hillside Back-to-School Night (BTSN), which is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st at 6:00pm. On this night, we will share important information regarding instruction and ways for you to be involved in your child’s educational lives. Your child’s classroom and related arts teachers will also share important information regarding class activities, procedures, and curriculum.
Our entire staff wishes everyone a wonderful school year and welcomes you to discover the greatness of Hillside School. Please make sure you read this handbook; it has very important and necessary information.
Educationally yours,
Edwyn Acevedo
Principal