Hillcrest E-TECH Newsletter

Can you believe it? We are almost halfway through November! Many great things have transpired through the year. E-TECH staff and students are getting to know each other, and we are strengthening relationships every day. Huge congratulations to our students for working through obstacles as we quickly progress through the first semester. We want to keep you in the loop on happenings of the program and our school.

It is recruitment season! We have now actively started recruiting students for the 2024-2025 school year. We have been visiting campuses throughout the city and met many wonderful potential candidates. Hillcrest E-TECH is participating in many middle schools' high school preview nights, and we hosted our own preview night back in October. On November 4th, we took part in the Discover Dallas event. We will continue to visit middle schools through January. If you know of anyone who would like to apply for Hillcrest E-TECH, please share the website and have them reach out to us for additional information.

Choose Dallas ISD / Choose Dallas ISD

Dallas College completion of FALL semester is quickly approaching. Students enrolled in a college dual credit course have finals week from Dec 4-7. There are only a few weeks of class left. Please talk to your child to ensure that they continue to keep up with all assignments. Many courses have an end-of-course project, test and/or final. These are usually worth a large percent of their final grade. Students must continue to stay focused and motivated to see the course through.

High School end-of-semester testing is scheduled from Dec. 18-22. Students will take an assessment that examines their learning throughout the whole semester. Students are highly encouraged to begin studying two weeks before the test to ensure enough time to review all studied material. There are after school tutorials available for any student wanting help with the content. Let’s finish this semester strong!

Finally, I would like to extend our sincere thank you for all your support. Our goal is to partner with you to ensure that our students achieve their full potential. We are available if you need to speak about anything regarding your student. Do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Veronica Ulloa

Hillcrest High School

Assistant Principal

972-502-6840

We are so proud to announce that this year’s recipient for a 4-year scholarship (valued at $250,000) to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, is Cadet Colonel Nicolas Powell, our 2023-2024 Cadet Brigade Commander from Hillcrest HS JROTC!

Cadet Colonel Powell is the highest ranking JROTC Cadet in Dallas ISD JROTC for school year 2023-2024!

On Friday, October 20th, Coach Hanks' MAPS students gave back by distributing handwritten thank you notes to E-TECH teachers and staff for their hard work during the 1st nine weeks of school.

On Wednesday, October 25th, more than 70 of our E-TECH freshmen enjoyed a visit to the Black Academy of Arts and Letters for a performance of "Encore", featuring "The Tell-Tale Heart", "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", "The Monkey’s Paw", "The Necklace", and "The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County".

On Monday, 10/23/23, Cross Country finished their season with the Regionals Meet at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie.

Coach Hanks is so proud of their hard work and perseverance this season!

On October 6th, Hillcrest students completed orientation for United to Learn’s Student Aspiring Teachers Internship at Kramer Elementary School.

On October 24th, at the Middle School Career Exploration Showcase, Hillcrest E-TECH was supported by partners from Haking Innovation. Special thanks to Mr. Kennedy and his volunteers for their support! Middle School students participated in making 3D printed items, used 3D printing pens, and also made LED bracelets. There wasn't a dull moment, and the students had a blast!

On October 6th, Hillcrest E-TECH freshmen participated in a Financial Literacy Training Course with our Partners at Texas Exchange Bank. Students learned the importance of money management, credit, and saving for the future.

Note: The Richland College and Dallas ISD calendars don't always match up perfectly. 11th and 12th graders who go to Richland are expected to attend classes even when Dallas ISD is not in session on November 20-22. As Thanksgiving approaches, Mr. Huntington and Ms. Ulloa will share information about procedures and transportation for those dates.

Parents, please ensure your student has the proper uniform attire each of the days. We want to have 100% of students following uniform guidelines.

Please be reminded:

MONDAYS (Business Casual) - Red or black E-TECH polo, khaki or black bottoms (NO JEANS, LEGGINGS, JEGGINGS, OR JEAN-LIKE MATERIAL)

WEDNESDAYS (Professional Wear) - White button up with E-TECH vest or blazer, khaki, or black bottoms (NO JEANS, LEGGINGS, JEGGINGS, OR JEAN-LIKE MATERIAL)

FRIDAYS - E-TECH spirit t-shirt (red - 9th grade, black - 10th grade), bottoms of choice (in accordance with school appropriate wear)