Hillside School

A Note from the Principal’s Desk - 9.9.22

 

Dear Hillside Parents/Caregivers:

 

What a kick-off, despite the rain!!! By far one of the post exciting starts to a school year. I would like to extended a huge THANK YOU to our SATp for coordinating and our PTA for supporting an awesome First Day of School event. Staff, students, and parents bustled into the school building anxious for the start of a school year that resembled “normalcy”. As I walked the halls and welcomed back each individual class, we shared about our anxiety and or enthusiasm!!! With four days behind us, we are in full swing. Please read our weekly eblast in their entirety as there will be detailed information you should be aware of.

 

I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to YardBird Montclair for making Hillside Avenue look the best it ever has. Hillside Parent and YardBird owner Megan Reilly generously donated her time and design skills to fix up our landscaping and beautify our school. 

School-wide News

Shoe Collection

The Kiwanis Club of Montclair is collecting new or gently used sneakers with no tears or holes, athletic shoes with plastic & rubber soles (NO metal cleats), and sturdy hiking or work boots (NOT fashion or rain boots). NO slippers, street shoes, sandals, high heels, loafers, dress shoes or rubber boots. ALL SIZES ACCEPTED! There is a collection bin outside door K at Hillside School. 

 

Junior Science Olympiad

Last school year, Hillside kicked off our first Jr. Science Olympiad course/team.  While there was no formal competition, students worked together teaching and learning about various science topics.  We even visited with our Glenfield Middle School Team.  

 

4th and 5th grade students interested in applying for Jr. Science Olympiad, which takes place in Cyle 2 AND 3, must join the Google Classroom and complete the application HERE. Application process is now open and CLOSES Sept. 23rd at 9:00am.

 

Please contact Susan Bartol if you have any questions about the course or application process, sbartol@montclair.k12.nj.us. For general information about New Jersey Science Olympiad, visit https://www.njscienceolympiad.org/about/

New Jersey Science Olympiad 2021 National Science Olympiad Brochures. National Science Olympiad:. The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.www.njscienceolympiad.org

 

Add/Drop Period- Cycle 1 (4th and 5th grade only)

The add/drop period for Cycle 1 will open the morning on September 14th and remain open until September 19th. An email will be sent to you with a Google Form link to complete. Specific instructions will be provided. Please note that we have limited roster spots available in many aesthetics courses. We will do our best to honor your requests.

 

Notes from the Nurse

Hello Hillside Families and Friends! I hope you all had a great summer! I want to share some housekeeping items.  If you are new to the Montclair Schools the district needs a current physical, health survey and current list of your child’s vaccines. If your child needs medication in the nurse’s office please remember to have an adult bring the medication and forms to the nurse. I cannot administer medication without a physician’s order.  If your child has a cast, and or crutches please make sure the doctor fills out the paperwork prior to your child returning to school.  It helps me keep your child safe during the school day. All  medical forms are  located on the district webpage. Please call or email me if you have any questions regarding your child’s health.  I can be reached at 973-509-4200 press 2 or [email protected] Have a great weekend! Nurse Boyle

 

PTA News

LET’S GET TOGETHER

Join us for a welcome back picnic on the Hillside School Field tonight at 6 p.m. It’s like one giant play date! This is BYOE (bring your own everything) – blanket, dinner, glow sticks, enthusiasm, and don’t forget the bug spray. We can’t wait to meet new families and see old friends. 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR BOOGIE BASH

After a two-year hiatus, Hillside's spooktacular event, Boogie Bash, is back on the calendar for Friday Oct. 28. This schoolwide costumed bash is always a hit, but it takes a lot of hands to put together a thrilling night for our Hillside community.

 

If you're interested in learning more about what Boogie Bash is, or in joining or leading one of our Boogie Bash subcommittees to help plan and volunteer that night, tune in Monday Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. for an information session - meeting link HERE. 

 

Can't make it? No problem. We'll send out a recap. For more information, email [email protected]

 

KEEP YOUR CLASS FAMILIES UP TO DATE

Class liaisons serve as a link between the PTA, teacher and class families – communicating important information, supporting the teacher and coordinating class events. We need two to three volunteers per class to sign up for class liaison. It’s a great way to get to know the other families and connect with your teacher. 

 

If you’re interested in serving as a class liaison, please fill out this form. For more information, email [email protected]

 

BECOME A PTA MEMBER

Please consider becoming a member of the PTA by clicking here to join. 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. 

  

SCHOOL ACTION TEAM FOR PARTNERSHIPS (SATp) News

 

SATp- CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!

Would you like to be on the committee to help plan a memorable after-school event to celebrate Hispanic-Latino culture and heritage?

Please click on the button below to sign up HERE. Thank you!

 

Llamada para voluntarios!

¿Le gustaría ser parte del comité para planificar un evento extracurricular memorable para celebrar la cultura y herencia latina?

Por favor, haga clic en el botón para registrarse. ¡Gracias!

Si tiene alguna pregunta, no dude en comunicarse con [email protected]

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094BADA82DA6FC1-hispanic

Chamada para Voluntários!

Você gostaria de fazer parte do comitê, para ajudar a planejar um evento memorável e celebrar a Cultura e a Herança Latino/Hispânica?

Por favor, clique no botão para se inscrever. Obrigado!

Se você tiver alguma dúvida, não hesite em entrar em contato: [email protected]

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094BADA82DA6FC1-hispanic

 

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO HELP?

Lend your talents to our many PTA volunteer committees. From movie night and skate night to book fair and bales sales, there are a host of ways to give back to our schools and stay involved. Sign up for some of our initiatives by clicking here. 

 

A HUGE THANK YOU

Thank you to all the volunteers who made our first few events a success: 

Aug. 31: New Family Tours – 9–10am & 6-7pm

Many thanks to Bridget Placek, Lani Sommer-Padilla, Manny Padilla, Betty Shvetz, Yvette Frazier, Veronica Harris, Christina Joseph Robinson, Iris Lewis and their children/childrens’ friends for their volunteer support to lead curious groups of incoming 3rd graders, new to district families, and some parents who had just never seen the inside of the building!

 

Sept. 1: New Family Ice Cream Social 4:30-6pm

Big THANK YOU to Bridget Placek, Justin Taylor, Lani Sommer-Padilla, and Varsha Hathiramani for set up, clean up, and spiritwear sales at this fun event!

 

Sept. 6: First Day of School; SATp/PTA Welcome Back to School Celebration – 9 am

Congratulations to Stacie Hawes on a great back-to-school event in the pouring rain, and thank you to Kareese Steward, Amy Abel, Justin Taylor, and Lani Sommer-Padilla for supporting the excitement of all our kids on their return to school!

Important Dates

Friday, 9/9: Welcome Back Picnic 6:00PM  

Sunday, 9/11: Patriot Day

Tuesday, 9/13: New Parent Orientation at 6:30PM in the Auditorium - park in the school parking lot and enter the school building through Door A (Orange Rd. front of school)

 

We Will Always Remember

Patriot Day, is observed as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs on September 11 of each year in memory of the 2,977 killed in the 2001 September 11 attacks. On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al- Qaeda hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into thetowers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in extensive death and destruction, triggering major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defining the presidency of George W. Bush. Over 3,000 people were killed during the attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C., including more than 400 police officers and firefighters.

 

On that day, we promised to never forget. This year we recognize the 21st anniversary. Please take some time out of your day to reflect on the events of the 9/11 attacks and to honor the civilians and first responders who lost their lives during this tragic event. We are and exist among families who were and will forever be affected by the events of that day. The loss of life and the continued struggles for the first responders will never be forgotten. Hillside sends our deepest condolences to those affected.