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Hillside Happenings

August 2024

HillsideHappeningsAugust 2024

Dear Hillside Families,

Welcome back to another exciting school year! I hope you all had a wonderful summer break with fun, relaxation, and family time. As we prepare for the 2024-25 school year, we are excited to have your children back in our classrooms, ready for learning.


I am excited to share some important updates and improvements at Hillside School. One of the most significant improvements is the addition of five modular classrooms. Four of the new rooms will be utilized for small group instruction, including ESL (English as a Second Language), special education resource room services, and the Plus program. They will be fully equipped with the latest technology. The fifth new room will be used as the faculty room for staff. These state-of-the-art modular classrooms will provide much needed additional space to accommodate our growing school population.


Hillside School is welcoming several new staff members:

  • Ms. Katherine Dunn - Grade 1

  • Ms. Dana Hollywood - Grade 1

  • Ms. Catherine Gordon - Grade 2

  • Ms. Deborah Gonzalez - ESL

  • Ms. Monica Chae - Special Education

  • Ms. Jessica Stinson- Psychologist


Additionally, some of our staff members have made these changes:

  • Ms. Katie Lee will now teach Grade 2.

  • Ms. Alyssa Levy has joined the Plus team.

  • Ms. Wendy Manning (previously Ms. Bajakian) will continue teaching Kindergarten.


All staff members are listed on the school's website.


We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential for student success. We encourage you to stay involved in your child's education and to communicate with our teachers and staff.


Thank you for your continued support of our school. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, September 5, 2024, for the first day of school!


Warm regards,

Dianne M. Smith

Teaching Assignments for 2024-25

Parents can access teacher assignments in the Realtime Parent Portal, which opens on August 21. All necessary forms in Surveys and Documents must be completed before viewing teacher assignments. Families will receive a message when the Portal is fully accessible.


Please understand that classroom assignments cannot be changed. In the spring, our staff worked diligently to place students in a classroom that they believe is best suited for each student and their needs. Considerations included personalities, social-emotional and academic needs (special education, Plus, Multi-Lingual Learners, related services) and balancing class size. These factors are taken into careful consideration when placing all students.


We honor the efforts and diligence of our staff, who are committed to creating classes that are reflective of the best learning outcome for each student. Therefore, no request to change teacher assignments will be granted.

Student Arrival and Dismissal

Safety During Arrival and Dismissal

Expect delays during the busiest times at school.

Drivers must remain in their vehicles.

Students should enter and exit vehicles from the passenger side only.

Do not double park.

Do not park on or block crosswalks.

Do not leave cars unattended on the active drop-off/pick-up line.

Families should cross at crosswalks only; please do not attempt to cross in the active driveways.

When dropping students off, please pull as far forward as possible.

If you will be walking from your car to the building to drop off or pick up your child, (kindergarten/first grade parents) please park in a designated parking spot - do not park in the pick-up line.

Parents/guardians should use the sidewalks at all times.

Be kind, respectful and patient!

📚Academic Assistance Program🔖

The Academic Assistance Program will begin October 22 and continue through December 19, 2024. The program will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:20 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Eligibility will be determined by mid-October. Families of K-4 students meeting the criteria will be notified by email. Questions about the program can be directed to Ms. Zanin, Assistant Principal, (zanink@nvnet.org).

🎒Important Upcoming Dates🎒

Back to School Night

Grades 3-4- Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Grades K-2- Thursday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m.

Grade PK- Thursday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m.

School Closed

Rosh Hashanah- Thursday, October 3

School Photo Day

Thursday, October 10

Staff Professional Learning, Early Dismissal for Students (12:40 p.m.)

Monday, October 14

PREPARING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR

Did you know...? Why Daily Attendance Matters:

  1. Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.

  2. Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.

  3. Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.

  4. Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.

  5. Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.


Who to contact if your child doesn't want to come to school: Contact our counselors Ms. Weiss (weiss@nvnet.org) for Grades PK-1 or Ms. Lang (langs@nvnet.org) Grades 2-4.

Ms. Dianne Smith
Principal