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Weekend Update!
Friday March 22nd, 2024
Good Afternoon!
I would appreciate everyone's continued support in exercising safe and courteous driving practices in our parking lots. As you know, the inclusion of Trumbull High School student parking in the back of our school required a change in traffic patterns starting at the beginning of the school year. When driving anywhere on campus, especially the back parking lot where students are dropped off and picked up, please drive slowly and attentively so that we can keep everyone safe. Thank you!
For those interested, enjoy the games this weekend! Go Huskies!!!
Please See The Following For Next Week And Beyond!
Important Update on the New Hillcrest Middle School
On Tuesday evening, the board of education is going to vote on the proposed educational specifications on the new Hillcrest. The entire document can found here: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1711116129/trumbullpsorg/ohhm7uqln62vj4ypgdjo/3-26-24.pdf
This is the document that the town/district intends to send to the state for consideration for construction reimbursement. It is our hope that a referendum appears on the ballot in the November election. It is critical that our families stay engaged in this process. This new building is not a want. It is a need. When reviewing this document and speaking with people in town about this project, please remember the following:
- While Hillcrest is not the oldest building, it has not seen a renovation or upgrade of any kind since its opening in 1967. That makes our building having gone the longest in the district without any major work done.
- Our building is the only school in the district without sprinklers.
- Our highest enrollment in the next ten years is projected to be 826 students. We currently have 789 students, which is the largest population we have had in my 11 years as an administrator at Hillcrest.
Please stay engaged and informed as this process unfolds. We cannot make this a reality without your support!
Hawk Hoopla Day!
The Little Mermaid
Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Little Mermaid on four fantastic performances! The students are incredibly talented, and we are so proud of the terrific job they did on this production. An extra special thank you to Miss Barrett and Miss Han for all the countless hours they put in to make this musical happen for our students!
Middlebrook Celebration of the Arts
Thank you to Mr. Holmgren and Mrs. Winschel for bringing our Jazz Band and 8th Grade Orchestra students to the Middlebrook Celebration of the Arts last week!
Board of Finance Public Hearing on the 24-25 School Budget
The Board of Finance will host its final public comment session this Saturday, March 23 at 10 AM in Town Hall Chambers. They will then vote on a BOF Budget on March 26. This budget will then go to the Town Council for discussion. Please consider attending or making a public comment in support of our schools. You can send a polite letter to the Board of Finance by emailing pcollier@trumbull-ct.gov. You can use this two-page infographic to help write the letter. We appreciate your help in advocating for our budget.
Second Trimester Report Cards
Report cards for the second trimester were uploaded into the Infinite Campus Backpack on Monday. If you have not done so already, please consider using this as an opportunity to have a thoughtful discussion with your child on their progress thus far in the school year. Click here for a tip sheet on how to access Infinite Campus Backpack
District Climate Survey
The Trumbull Public Schools are conducting their annual District Climate Survey. The link can be found here. This information will help us narrow our priorities for the 24-25 school year. Thank you for your participation!
8th Grade Save the Date(s)!
I know many of our 8th grade families have been patiently waiting for information on our end of the year activities! I am excited to share the following:
- The 8th Grade Dance will be at THS on Thursday 6/6 from 6-8PM
- 8th Grade Stepping Forth with be at THS at 1PM on 6/7
- The 8th Grade Breakfast will be on the morning of 6/10 (time is TBD)
Stay tuned for more information soon!
Save the Date for the 8th Grade Breakfast!
From the PTA: mark your calendars! The 8th-grade breakfast is scheduled for the morning of June 10th. 8th-grade parents, please save the date! We will soon have a sign-up for 6th and 7th-grade parents to pay it forward and assist with the 8th-grade breakfast. More details to come.
One More Step Fundraiser
Working out at One More Rep is a great opportunity for your child(ren) to learn about physical fitness in a fun and creative way with their peers. Coming from a coaching background, especially one year with Hillcrest basketball, these workouts are excellent.
HMS Lock In- Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1st, 2024, from 9:00 PM to Midnight! Get your students ready for the HMS Lock-In at Sports Center. Enjoy a night of unlimited games, ice skating, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, and more! Registration details will be announced soon.
Student Fees
Now that we are in the third trimester of the school year, the district has asked schools to make a pointed effort to collect outstanding fees. These fees could be from missing library books, missing sports uniforms, and/or damaged Chromebooks. We will work with families to reconcile these balances so that students do not miss out on any spring/end of the year activities. Thank you for your support with this!
Purchase your Lake Compounce Tickets now for the 2024 Summer season and play later! These tickets are valid for ANY day of the season, as the park opens in April. They are available for purchase by anyone, not just HMS students (providing they can pick up their tickets or are local and can arrange alternate plans). Spread the word! All of the profits will go directly to HMS media center and weight room improvements! Hurry- sale ends 3/29
Binky Patrol Event
Check out the flyer below with information on the next event with the Binky Patrol!
What Are We Reading at Hillcrest?
1. This week, our staff read an article about reassessments.
2. Mrs. Laird and I are currently reading Help US Begin by Jen Cort. This book aims to help educators navigate conversations with students and families regarding challenging topics. Jen will also be the keynote speaker at the New England League of Middle Schools annual conference.
Stay Connected with the PTA!
Want to be the first to know when fun student activities are happening? Or where to buy Spiritwear? All PTA information can be found on Membership Toolkit. Sign up today at https://hillcrestmspta.membershiptoolkit.com
Drop Off/Pick Up Procedure
As a reminder, please be cautious of the students who are walking to school as you are driving through our parking lot and campus. Also, students should not be dropped off or picked up in the Agriscience parking lot. Thank you!
Safety
We strive on a daily basis to provide a safe environment for all students, and to promote safe practices with them as well. We will continue to educate students about what safe behavior looks like and what our expectations are for safe behaviors. We see this as a partnership with our families. I ask that you please remind your children to be kind to each other, to keep their hands to themselves, and that there is never an acceptable time or moment to use slurs of any kind. This article from the American Psychological Association gives families tips on how to potentially address way to have these discussions.
Hillcrest on Social Media!
Did you know that Hillcrest has its own Instagram page and Twitter feed? Follow us on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/hillcrestmshawks/. Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/HMSTrumbull/ . This is a great resource for families to get a glimpse of day to day life at Hillcrest!
Volunteer Forms
If you think you may be interested in volunteering at some point this year for a Hillcrest event, please fill out this form and return it to the main office. Thank you!
Bus Tracker
If you are interested in using the Durham Bus tracker app, directions can be found here.
Infinite Campus
Please see this flyer on helpful tips to navigate the Parent Portal of Infinite Campus.
Mr. Bryan Rickert
Email: brickert@trumbullps.org
Website: https://hms.trumbullps.org/
Location: Hillcrest Middle School, Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull, CT, USA
Phone: 203-452-4466
Twitter: @HMSTrumbull