Hillside News Brief

Students will have a Fall Break Friday, October 18, and Monday, October 21, due to a compensation day and a day of professional development for the teachers in our district. We will welcome students back to Hillside on Tuesday, October 22.

Good morning, sixth grade parents:

As you know, your sixth grade student had the opportunity to take the Gallup Strengths Explorer tool during first semester. You may have discussed their three strengths and heard about how they are learning more about these at school.

You and your child are invited to an interactive evening to further explore this tool and your child’s strengths. A Gallup representative will facilitate this event, and you will receive your child’s full report along with your Parent Playbook. You and your child can enjoy discussing the report together. If your child is unable to attend, you are welcome to come on your own.

The Gallup Parent/Child Nights will be held on Tuesday, October 22, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Westside Middle School cafeteria. Please contact your child’s school counselor if you have any questions. We hope to see you there!

Feeling hungry for pizza and pasta on Wednesday night? Consider dinner at Zio's! 10% of all sales goes to Hillside, and 25% of all sales beyond $500 goes to Hillside! Mention the Hillside fundraiser when you order!!

The week of October 28-November 1 is Red Ribbon Week. During Red Ribbon Week, we talk about the dangers of using drugs, and students pledge to stay drug-free. On Thursday, October 31, Hillside staff and students are encouraged to wear RED in recognition of Red Ribbon Week.

Parents, Guardians and Friends of Hillside:

October 25 is the Halloween Trunk or Treat at Hillside from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This event is always lots of fun: kids dress up and "trunk or treat" in the big circle out front. Families park in the circle, decorate their car trunk , and hand out candy. We hope you will consider decorating a trunk and/or attending this event.

We also have Hillside's Halloween Parade that day just before the Halloween parties (or a Harvest Festival for those who choose not to celebrate Halloween). The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. inside and will proceed outside. The best photos can be taken outside in front at the circle drive.

Community Club has created some links to help volunteers to get involved:

Classroom Party Volunteers:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DA5A922A0F49-2019

Trunk Volunteers:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DA5A922A0F49-trunk2

While many schools have ended the practice of celebrating Halloween, the majority of Hillside's school community still supports a bit of Halloween fun. To minimize disruption to the school week, Halloween celebration will usually take place on a Friday, regardless of the day of the week on which Halloween falls in any given year. This way, we can schedule the parade, parties, and the evening celebration all on one day. This year, Halloween falls on a Thursday, so break out those costumes ahead of time! Hillside's school celebration will be on Friday, October 25. After students change into their costumes (please send a costume with few pieces that is easy for your child to handle at school him/herself), we have a parade that goes through the school and out into the front parking lot. The best place to enjoy the parade and take pictures is out front--the light is best, and it's easy to get a great vantage point. After the parade, students will join their classroom for a light snack and some games.

If you would like to help with a class party, please use the link above to sign up. We value our volunteers at these events; volunteers work hard to organize materials, hand out treats, and assist students in the activities.

Costumes that are appropriate for the school event would be costumes that do not include a mask (students are going up and down stairs and need to navigate safely; also, students must remain identifiable for safety reasons). Please do not send face paint or makeup (takes time to apply, gets messy and on clothing, etc.). Play weapons of any kind are not allowed, for obvious reasons. Many students wear part of their Halloween costume for the parade and party knowing they will get to don the whole thing for Trunk or Treat here at Hillside in the evening and on the actual night of Halloween.

Thank you for helping us to keep Halloween at Hillside safe and manageable for our school staff. If you wish for your child to refrain from Halloween festivities, we do offer a Fall Festival with some games and snacks in an alternate location. If you'd like more information, please contact Principal Bailey at bailey.cynthia@westside66.net.