A Note from the Principal’s Desk - 10.14.22
Dear Hillside Parents/Caregivers:
October is Bullying Prevention Month. Throughout the year we encourage students to take a stand against bullying. In particular for this month, Ms. Scott, our School Counselor, delivers scaffolded lessons regarding bullying prevention.
At Hillside, we have an ongoing commitment to nurturing a positive school climate. Our school climate and culture is the product of our attention to fostering safety; promoting a supportive academic, disciplinary, and physical environment; and encouraging and maintaining respectful, trusting, and caring relationships throughout the school community. It is our daily commitment to ensure:
- Norms, values and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe.
- People are engaged and respected.
- Students, families and educators work together to develop, live and contribute to a shared school vision.
- Educators model and nurture attitudes that emphasize the benefits and satisfaction gained from learning.
- Each person contributes to the operations of the school and the care of the physical environment.
National Unity Day Wednesday, 10/19 - Wear orange to show unity for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion and to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying.
School-wide News
4th & 5th Graders - State Standardized Testing will take place on October 17th & 18th
As a result of the disruption to education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities to deliver instruction and supports for learning acceleration remain a critical priority at the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Pursuant to Commissioner’s regulatory authority, local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to administer the Start Strong assessment as part of the overall Statewide assessment system. The Start Strong assessment is a valuable tool for teachers, parents, and schools that provide results in real time. The identification of the most appropriate level of supports students need in English language arts, mathematics, and science based on priority New Jersey Student Learning Standards from the prior academic year is not only informative, but essential. Results will assist in providing longitudinal data to teachers, parents, and schools.
The Start Strong assessments are intentionally brief, designed to maximize instructional time and quickly provide critical data to teachers and school leaders. These assessments provide schools and districts the flexibility to address students’ unique needs at the beginning of the school year.
The Start Strong assessments:
- Are based on a subset of prioritized prior-year academic standards;
- Are available in ELA grades 4-10, Mathematics grades 4-8, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, and in Science grades 6, 9, and 12;
- Can be administered in approximately 45-60 minutes;
- Will provide immediate results to educators through the assessment platform; and
- Will include the same accessibility features and accommodations as the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), including forms in Spanish and Text to Speech (TTS).
The Start Strong assessments utilize three performance levels (“Strong Support May Be Needed;” “Some Support May Be Needed;” and “Less Support May Be Needed”) to aid educators and families in making decisions about the types of supports that students may need.
**How you can support? Please make sure your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep each night & Please make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast.
GEOY
Do you know a classroom teacher or educational services professional who is dedicated, inspiring, and making a difference? If so, please take the time to recommend this person for the Governor’s Educator of the Year Program by completing the attached nomination form template and return it to my attention by Monday, 11/14/22. GEOY - Eligibility Criteria - GEOY Nomination Form(download form first)
Each candidate will be scored based on the criteria below:
· Serves as an exceptionally skilled and dedicated educator in a public or charter school;
· Inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn;
· Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside the classroom;
· Has the respect and admiration of students, parents, administrators and colleagues; and
· Plays an active role in the community as well as the school.
3rd Grade Aesthetics/CI Registration Information
To all third grade families- information regarding registration for CIs and Aesthetics will be shared with you next week.
PTA News
GRAB YOUR COSTUME AND LET’S BOOGIE
Hillside’s epic costumed party, Boogie Bash is just weeks away on Friday, Oct. 28 from 7-9 p.m. But don’t delay, advanced tickets for $10 and $20 are only on sale from now until Friday, Oct. 21. After that you’ll have to wait to purchase tickets at the door – for more. There will be food, games, a costume contest and the ever-popular Haunted Hallway if you dare.
But this spooktacular event needs plenty of volunteers and donations to make it a success. Sign up for the many opportunities to lend a hand. And please sign up to donate treats to our Boogie Bash Bake Sale.
VOTE YES TO IMPROVE OUR SCHOOLS
Vote YES to #RebuildMontclairSchools - Montclair school buildings need urgent building repairs estimated at $187.7M Hillside School is expected to receive more than $25M if voters agree to fund the referendum. The urgent need for repairs can only get worse, and cost more. To avoid an even higher and unpredictable tax increase, and for schools to meet basic 21st century educational and building code standards, #RebuildMontclairSchools by voting Yes to “Approve the Bond Proposal” on Tuesday, Nov. 8th.
Check out this handy guide to the referendum here.
For a breakdown of how much each school will receive, click here.
For a line by line breakdown of the repairs, read this guide.
OCTOBER CAR WASH POSTPONED
Hillside’s Car Wash, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22, has been postponed. Look for a new date in Spring 2023. Need something to do that day instead? Show some #MountiePride and attend the Montclair High School Homecoming Game at 1 p.m. at Woodman Field.
WE’RE HALFWAY TO OUR GOAL – JOIN THE PTA
Whoa, we’re halfway there… We’re at 105 members of the Hillside PTA, let’s keep it going so we can get to 200. If you join the PTA during the month of October, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win Hillside Spirit Wear. Choose an individual membership for $12 or a family membership for $20. Your financial contribution helps support the many activities and programs we sponsor throughout the year. To join the PTA, click here .
SATp News
Light Up Montclair
Join AAPI Montclair to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights at the Montclair Art Museum Sunday, October 30th. Family friendly with lots of delicious food, fun activities, music and dance! More info HERE.
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
We would like to thank the following people for making the Hispanic Heritage Celebration a success: committee members- Obie Miranda-Woodley, Christina Wallace, Elizabeth Mendez Berry, Christina Madisson, Carolina Valerio, Imna Carbajal, Kareese Steward, Kay Richards, Taina Longo and Kendra Johnson. Thanks to our set up and clean up crews- Hilda Bernier, Gretchen Blauvelt-Marquez, Kay Richards and Carolina Valerio. And last, but certainly not least thanks to the amazing performers and vendors.
We would also like to thank the following people for making Wednesday’s Bike/Walk to School Day a success: Alison Tribus, Evan Tribus, Kim Marsh, Rolando Pina, Ana Cristina Dos Santos, and Stacie Hawes. A big thank you to Dr. Anglin, Mr. Adamo and the Hillside Staff who also helped to make this event a success.
HILLSIDE CARES – COAT DRIVE
Give the gift of warmth this winter! Our coat drive begins Monday, Oct. 17. Please consider donating a new/ gently used adult, kid or infant coat. All coats received will be donated to the Montclair Police Department Community Service Unit. They will give the coats to local families in need. Last year we received 173 donations- this year our goal is 190 coats. Collection bin will be outside of Door K (parking lot) or drop it off in the main office.
MFEE Presents…
There’s no better way to meet Montclair’s newest residents than through tasting their beloved food. On October 29th, you can reserve a delicious home-cooked tasting plate as part of a fundraiser from the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE). Sabor Montclair celebrates the unique “sabor” that our Latinx community members bring to Montclair. Familias in MFEE’s Navegadores Escolares program have helped design this event which features delicious take-out meals highlighting their culture, while also sharing recipes and family stories. In just one year, MFEE’s Navegadores Escolares program has expanded to support 60 families and over 105 Montclair Public School students – and it continues to grow quickly! Donate and reserve your delicious dinner click HERE.
Message from Ms. Scott (School Counselor)
I am here to support our Hillside families in any way I can. Here are the links to the In Need of Counseling and Counseling Consent Form to use if you believe your child could use my help, individually or in a small group. I can also be reached via email ([email protected]) or phone (973.509.4200 x14811). Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns about your child’s social-emotional well being. Have a great weekend! 😊
Notes from the Nurse
Hello Hillside Families and Friends! If your child has any type of surgery please send a note from the doctor so they are clear to return to school. They cannot return without a doctor’s note. If your child needs crutches a note from the doctor must be sent to the nurse prior to your child’s return. Please contact me with any questions. I can be reached at 973-509-4200 press 2 or [email protected] Have a great weekend! Nurse Boyle
Important Dates
10/17-10/18: Start Strong Testing for 4th & 5th Grade Students
10/17: BOE Meeting 7:30PM; Hillside Cares Coat Drive Launch
10/20: Curriculum Thursday 2:10PM Dismissal; PTA/SATp meeting – 6:30PM
Kind regards,
Dr. Samanthaa Anglin