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Husky E-News
September 4, 2023
From the Principal
Hillendale families,
Although I wish I was solely messaging you to celebrate a terrific first week of school, it weighs heavily on my mind that many of our Hillendale families are in the heart of the ongoing search for the escaped prisoner. I cannot begin to imagine the stress on all of you and your children. Please know that our Behavioral Health team including Mrs. Hanes (School Counselor), Mrs. Rentschler (School Social Worker), Mrs. Dziuk (School Psychologist) & Mrs. Walter (School Nurse) are preparing to support any and all children (and families) who need their support. Please do not hesitate to reach out to any or all of us as you see fit. Below, find two resources from the National Association of School Psychologists that you can explore if you are interested regarding talking to your children about stressful events such as this. Expect further communication regarding school tomorrow from the district later this afternoon/evening.
At this time, our plan is to hold our Back to School Night for 1st - 5th Grade Parents/Guardians from 6:30 - 8:00 PM in-person on Wednesday, September 6th. If for any reason this has to change, we will reschedule.
Thinking of you all this week - please reach out if you need anything,
Joshua Leight
Hillendale Elementary Principal
Hillendale Updates
Pavilion Update
We are excited to share that, after a several months long journey through local zoning procedures, we have received the permit from Pennsbury Township to begin construction of our new Pavilion Outdoor Learning Space. While we previously planned for the pavilion to be built down near our lower playground, it will instead be built in the southwestern corner of our meadow in line of sight from our main office and in a prime space to interact with our meadow. We are extremely excited for next steps late this fall. Thank you for your continued time, energy, and generous support of this unique and special project for our children.
Running Club Returns!
Student Hats at Hillendale
Due in large part to the pandemic, our routines and procedures surrounding student hats have been lax over the past few years. We are moving to align ourselves with other schools within the district including CFPMS & UHS. Hillendale students will be allowed to wear hats while outside (recess, the outdoor lessons, the bus, etc.), however, we will ask students to refrain from wearing hats indoors, especially during instruction. We appreciate your cooperation and support.
Elementary Parent Handbook & Absence Reporting
UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook
Please take a few moments to review the 2023-24 UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook linked here. Take particular note of our attendance policies for more information about how to communicate with Hillendale regarding both planned and unexpected absences. Thank you!
Reporting Student Absences
When a child is absent, a parent or guardian should email the school office to notify us promptly. At Hillendale, please utilize hillendaledismissal@ucfsd.net for all attendance and dismissal related communication. Each day, our school’s communication system will call parents of absent children. Every absence must also have a written statement or excuse from the parent or guardian, as required by law. If the excuse has not been turned in by the third day, the absence is considered unexcused and/or unlawful. There is no need for families to call our office regarding student absences. Please review the rest of our attendance and absence policy in our UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook.
From the PTO
Calendar
September
4 School Closed
6- Back to School Night 6:30-8:00 & PTO Meeting
12 - Lenape Pizza Restaurant night (see flyer)
12 - Running Club Begins!
18-22 Start with Hello Week
25- School Closed
28- Family Fun Husky Hayride 6pm-8pm (see flyer)
Family Fun Husky Hayride
Let's Stock the Teacher's Lounge!
We would love to stock the Teacher's Lounge with snacks and drinks to kick off the year! Items can be dropped off at the Hillendale office or use the Amazon list and ship directly to school. Sign up Here!
Spiritwear
Thank you for supporting our spirit wear at Sneak a Peek! We can't wait to see all of our Huskies in their new gear. Some items sold out at Sneak a Peek so we are offering a preorder for those who missed out. We've even added a new matching pant to wear with the bolt hoodie if you'd like an outfit.
All pre order spirit wear items must be ordered on our website (please only order items that say "Preorder" in description) through this link:
Home | Hillendale Elementary PTO (square.site)
Pre Orders are due by Wednesday September 13th. They will be delivered to your child through backpack express by Tuesday, October 2nd.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Outdoors at HES!
Help us get our students and staff outside! There are two opportunities, feel free to sign up for both.
Weed Warriors meet once a month: Sign up for Weed Warriors here
Outdoor Classroom Volunteers assist teachers in lessons and adventures on our HES campus. Sign up for Outdoor Classroom Volunteer Here
Contact Chelsea Wirth with any questions, wirthmomchels@gmail.com
Dress as the Husky
We are looking for a few volunteers who would be willing to dress in the Husky costume for events throughout the school year. We would reach out to volunteers on an as-needed basis for events that need extra Husky spirit! If interested, please email hespto@ucfsd.net
UCF Centennial Parade
The district is looking for volunteers for the Centennial Parade celebrating 100 years as a district. The parade is Friday October 6th. See flyer for details. If interested, sign up here.
PTO Volunteer
The Hillendale PTO would love to have you as a parent volunteer. There are over 30 committees that need your help and support. If interested, please complete the PTO Volunteer Form Here.
Interested in being a Homeroom Parent?
Are you interested in being a homeroom parent for the school year? Please click here for more information and please fill out the form if you are interested in volunteering.
PTO Budget for 2023-2024
This is the proposed budget for the PTO for the school year. A vote to approve it will be held at the PTO meeting on September 6th at Back to School Night.
Husky Hustle - Save the Date and T-shirt Design Contest
Save the Date for the Hillendale Husky Hustle 5K and Fun Run.
This year students will have a chance to design the t-shirt for the Hustle. Print out the contest form and turn it in with your design by Sept. 30th.
Sponsors wanted. Contact amandaleebiggs@gmail.com
Questions or comments for the PTO? Email us at HESPTO@ucfsd.net