Hillcrest Family Engagement
NOVEMBER 2024
NOVEMBER IS FAMILY ENGAGEMENT MONTH
Our campus has seen firsthand the difference that engaged and involved parents can make in their children's education. Whether it's helping with homework, attending parent-teacher conferences, or volunteering at school events, every parent has a unique and valuable role to play in their child's education.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ms. Yvonne Hernandez, Family & Community Engagement Specialist at (210) 228-3340 or yhernandez2@saisd.net
Volunteer Opportunities
- Assist with preparation of Fall Festival 11/8
- Help make copies
- Cafeteria monitor during lunch
- Campus beautification
- Attend parent meetings
- Provide a short video on how you support your child with homework
- Record or write a testimonial as to why you think being an involved parent is important
MATH TIPS FROM HILLCREST FIRST GRADE TEACHERS
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP SAFETY
Hillcrest familia, let's work together to ensure the safety of our children during drop-off and pick-up. We kindly ask for your patience at these busy locations. It’s important that we model respect and courtesy in our actions, setting a positive example for our kids.
We must maintain a friendly and safe school environment. Your cooperation makes a difference!
Thank you for your support!
Morning Drop Off 7:30-8:00 A.M.
- Drive-thru in front of the school; small parking lot
- Drive-thru the parking lot by the gym
- HS/PK drop off at the HS/PK building
- Drive-thru the parking lot by the gym
- Parent Pick Up in the courtyard (parents may park across the street at the church on Theo St.)
- HS/PK pick up at the HS/PK building
- Front of school pick up is for daycare vans only
Tips to Help Your Child Become a Better Reader
1. Identify the Signs - Knowing and recognizing when your child is struggling is the first step to remedying the problem.
2.Ask Questions - Ask your child questions before, during, and after reading.
3. Come Up With a Routine - Whether you set aside time to read after school, before meals, or right before bedtime, coming up with a reading routine that works best for your family is key to improving reading skills.
4. Be Consistent - Practice, practice, practice! Consistency is still key to improving reading levels.
5. Find Their Interests - According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report, children are more likely to want to continue reading when they’re given the freedom to choose what they want to read.
6. Bond Over Reading - Remember to share your own love of books by being a reading role model. When your kids see how excited you are to continue reading, they’ll be just as enthusiastic about their own books.
7. Find the Right Match - “For striving readers, selecting books that have relatable characters, approachable text, and represent both fiction and nonfiction.
8. Be Patient - It may be tempting to read for your child, but Williams recommends parents take a step back.
9. Always Encourage - Finally, staying positive during moments of frustration will also give your child the boost they need when they’re feeling unsure of themselves.
How To Choose A Book Using the 5 Finger Rule
Here’s how it works: Your child opens a book to the first page. They read the page and hold up one finger for every word they don’t know or can’t pronounce. The number of fingers they’re holding up by the end of the page tells them if the book is the right level:
- 0-1 fingers: It’s too easy.
- 2-3 fingers: It’s just right.
- 4-5 fingers: It’s too hard (or best read aloud with a buddy).
Two to three fingers is the sweet spot. If they’re holding up any more or less, that’s a clue that they should try to find another book if they’re reading independently.
BIBLIOTECH RESOURCES
SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY KIDS CALENDAR
1 MINUTE CALMING VIDEO
We know that stress can sometimes become overwhelming. To help, we encourage you to try the calming technique demonstrated in the video. We hope this exercise will provide some relief and help you feel more centered.
Take care!
Family and Community Engagement Specialist (FACE)
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Every Other Wednesday
7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.