As we find ourselves in the heart of this festive season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the magic and meaning of this special time of year. It’s a season that invites us to pause, cherish our connections, and celebrate the unique community we’ve built together here at Hill Elementary.

From the laughter echoing in our halls to the incredible support you provide, I am reminded daily of the joy and strength our Husky family brings to each other. It’s a time for gratitude, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to partner with such wonderful families, dedicated staff, and inspiring students who embody Husky P.R.I.D.E. each and every day.

As we embrace the final days of this calendar year, let’s remember the importance of kindness, inclusion, and giving – both to others and to ourselves. Whether through small acts of generosity, thoughtful words, or simply being present with loved ones, it’s these gestures that make this season truly shine.

I encourage you to take some time during the two-week winter break to unplug and unwind with those you hold dear. These moments of connection and rest are invaluable, and they will help us all return refreshed and ready to embrace the new year with enthusiasm.

We are so excited to welcome all our Hill Huskies back to school on January 6, 2025.

Wishing you all a safe, restful, and happy, holiday season!

I want to share an important update to our arrival procedures to ensure student safety and maintain accurate attendance tracking.

This has always been the procedure; however, it is not being followed by families that drop off after 8:39am. Starting January 6th, any student not walked in by a parent and signed in after 8:39am will receive a call from Mrs. Pawlus. This step ensures that all students entering after the designated time are properly accounted for.

A brief reminder of the arrival procedures:

• 8:34am – the first bell rings. At this time, teachers will open their exterior classroom doors to let students inside the building.

• 8:39am - the second bell (or late bell) rings. At this time, any students not in their classroom will be marked tardy.

• Any student NOT in the building when the late bell rings (8:39am) MUST walk into the building with a parent and a parent MUST sign them in.

• Late students may NOT walk in with the bussers – a parent MUST sign them in. There may be students walking into the building at this time, as our bus often runs a few minutes behind. However, it’s important that no additional students "jump into" that line. This can cause inaccuracies in our attendance records.

• Even if there are staff outside, any student not in the building by 8:39am MUST walk into the building with a parent. No exceptions.

Additionally, starting in January, families will receive a call from Mrs. Pawlus if your child is not signed in with an adult. This step ensures that all students entering after the designated time are properly accounted for.

We understand this may add a small inconvenience, but this process is crucial to ensure the safety and accurate tracking of all our students. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making Hill a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please feel free to reach out.

We would like to remind everyone of our procedures for picking up students during the school day to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruptions to classroom instruction.

No Pick-Ups After 3:00 PM: After 3:00 PM, the office becomes a very busy place as we prepare for the end of the school day, and this is also the time when our two preschools are dismissed. We kindly ask that you avoid scheduling pick-ups during this time unless absolutely necessary.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a focused learning environment for all students.

To report your child’s absence, please call the attendance line directly at (248) 823-3501. This ensures the information is recorded promptly and accurately.

December

• 23-January 5: NO SCHOOL – Winter Recess Begins

January

• 6: School Resumes – Full Day
• 20: NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• 22: Half Day for Students
• 23: Half Day for Students
• 24: Half Day for Students

February

• 17-18: NO SCHOOL – Mid-Winter Recess

March

• 12: Half Day for Students; Conferences in Afternoon and Evening
• 13: Half Day for Students; Conferences in Afternoon and Evening
• 14: NO SCHOOL – Holi / Student Holiday; Staff Professional Learning
• 24-31: NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

April

• 1: School Resumes – Full Day
• 18: NO SCHOOL – Good Friday / Student Holiday

May

• 26: NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day

June

• 4: Half Day for Students
• 5: Half Day for Students
• 6: Half Day for Students – Last Day of School!

TSD students are invited to participate in the upcoming MLK Day Creative Contest! Reflect on a time when you made a positive difference in your community and consider how that experience impacted both you and those around you. Share your reflection through a video, essay, poem, or a portfolio of visual artwork.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 1, at 11:59 p.m. Visit our website to learn more and submit your entry.

1. What’s your favorite thing about winter?
   (Follow-up: If you could build the ultimate snowman, what would it look like?)

2. If you could design a cozy winter day, what would we do?
   (Follow-up: Would you include hot cocoa or marshmallows, or both?)

3. What do animals do in the winter? Can you think of some that hibernate or play in the snow?
   (Follow-up: If you were an animal, what would you do in the winter?)

4. What’s one thing you learned in school recently that made you feel proud?
   (Follow-up: What’s something you’re excited to learn next?)

5. If you had to create your own special holiday, what would it celebrate?
   (Follow-up: What kind of food or activities would be part of it?)

6. What’s your favorite way to show kindness to others during winter?
   (Follow-up: Have you seen someone else do something kind lately?)

7. Imagine you could live in a winter wonderland – what would your house look like?
   (Follow-up: Would it have a sledding hill or an ice skating rink?)

8. If snowflakes were made of something other than ice, what would you want them to be made of?
   (Follow-up: What would happen if they melted?)

9. What’s one new thing you want to try this year?
   (Follow-up: How can I help you with that?)

10. If you were in charge of planning a family snow day, what would we do first?
    (Follow-up: Who would win in a snowball fight?)

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