Hillside School Kindergarten

January 2025

Dear Future Kindergarten Family,

The Hillside School community eagerly anticipates welcoming our 2025-2026 kindergarten cohort. We understand that each child is unique, and we are committed to ensuring their new experience is vibrant and positive. Our goal is to make your child feel secure, cared for, and connected every day they are at school.

We invite you to join us for an orientation session for incoming kindergarten parents on Wednesday, February 5, at 7 PM (with a snow date of February 6). This event is for parents and guardians only. During this session, you will receive an in-depth overview of the Hillside School kindergarten registration process, program, and curriculum, along with a guided tour of the school.

The kindergarten year is a time of discovery, joy, and growth. By working together, we can ensure a wonderful experience for your child. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and neighbors who may be new to our school community.

Warm regards,
Anastasia Maroulis

Hillside School Principal

A child is eligible for our 2025-2026 kindergarten program if they attain the age of five years on or before October 1, 2025, and reside full-time in Allendale, NJ. All children must be residing in Allendale, full-time, to attend Hillside School. Please see our policy and regulation regarding residency requirements.

Yes. In the springtime, we will arrange for your child to come to school to be screened by one of our staff members. The goal of the screening is to capture your child's readiness skills and to identify skills that may need strengthening over the summer. The screening can help guide our teachers on how and what things will be taught in the classroom next school year.

Each kindergartner attends school five mornings and three afternoons per week, equivalent to three full days and two half-days. All students stay for a full day on Mondays. Half of the students attend additional afternoon instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the other half stays on Wednesdays and Fridays. Kindergartners will be divided into two heterogeneous groups (Group A and Group B), with group placement determining which afternoons they attend.

Group A Schedule:
Full school days on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Half days on Wednesdays and Fridays

Group B Schedule:

Full school days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays

• Full-Day Hours: 8:45 am-3:00 pm (with lunch)
• Half-Day Hours: 8:45 am-12:15 pm (no lunch)

A modified day provides the teacher the capacity to:

• Establish and maintain a more focused, targeted learning environment.

• Be the most productive that could not be duplicated if all students were in class full time.

• Structure small groups in the afternoon that meet the needs of individual students by matching instruction to meet the needs of learners.

• Meet more frequently with small groups of learners.
  

• Collect richer data and monitor student progress with more frequent one-on-one time.

• Foster independence through teacher scaffolding.

Requests for a group placement will be considered on a one-to-one basis. A request is not a guarantee for placement. Requests must be submitted in writing to the building principal by March 7, 2025. Teacher requests will not be honored.

A or B group placement will be communicated to parents by early April. Parents will be advised of individual homeroom teacher assignments by late August. No request for a teacher or change in class placement will be honored.

Each class typically consists of around 22 students, with a total of four homerooms anticipated. This structure allows for a balanced and manageable class size, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can receive individualized attention and actively participate in classroom activities.

An orientation for incoming kindergarten parents will be held for parents at our school on February 5 at 7 pm with a snow date on the 6th. This event is designed to provide participants with a deeper overview of the Hillside School kindergarten registration process, program, and curriculum. A school tour will also be part of the program. This is a parent/guardian-only event.

To register your child for kindergarten, beginning on February 7, go to www.allendalek8.com, click on the REGISTRATION bar at the top of the webpage, and then select KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION. Listed below are the various forms required for registration; they will provide the staff with important information regarding your child. Please take the time to read over the forms carefully, complete them, and submit them online as indicated and in a timely manner. Reach out to us if you require hard copies of these forms or a registration packet handed out at orientation.

Required Registration Forms:

• Kindergarten Health Packet

• Preschool Experience Inventory Form (to be completed by the child’s preschool teacher)

• Kindergarten Parent Input Form

*You must also upload the following documents to register:

• Notarized Affidavit of Allendale Residency (hard copy needed)

• Proof of child's birth (birth certificate or passport)

• Proof of Allendale residency (deed, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or tax bill)

• Two additional proofs of Allendale residency (driver's license, bank statement, credit card statement or one utility bill (phone, cable, gas, electric, or water)

• Child’s immunization history

• Child’s 4-year old physical

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION IS TO BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 7, 2025

ALONG WITH ALL ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION

Our school mascot, the honeybee, symbolizes diligence, community, and resilience. The honeybee is a cheerful and hardworking figure, embodying the spirit of teamwork and cooperation that thrives within the school community. Its vibrant, buzzing energy reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of the students and staff. The honeybee mascot not only represents the school's commitment to nurturing growth and learning but also serves as a reminder of the importance of working together towards common goals. 🐝

Please do not hesitate to contact us throughout the kindergarten registration process and beyond!

Email: kstripeikis@allendalek8.com
Website: www.allendalek8.com
Location: 89 Hillside Avenue, Allendale, NJ, USA
Phone: (201) 327-2020

Fax: (201) 327-8120
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hillsideschoolnj