The Nest

Dear Hillcrest Families,

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend!

The countdown is on to our first Turkey Trot Walk-A-Thon on November 21st. Our goal is to raise funds for student field trips and engaging educational assemblies. If we meet our fundraising targets, we can reduce the number of PTO fundraisers throughout the year. For more information on how you can contribute to our efforts, please check out the flyers below.

Our school will be participating in survey data collection using the New Jersey School Climate Improvement (NJ SCI) Survey, which was developed and is administered by Rutgers University in order to help schools obtain multiple perspectives on aspects of school climate. Collecting data is important for understanding strengths and needs in our school and how it feels to be a member of the school community. The data will be used to make improvements to the school. This survey is anonymous and voluntary and will be offered to staff members, students and their families. School and district staff will be able to view responses from the survey on a password-protected online platform. Individual responses on the survey are combined with other respondents for reporting purposes. For example, your answers on the survey will be combined with those of other student family members. No one will have access to an individual respondent’s answers.

The student survey will be given in school from 11/25/2024 - 12/09/2024. You can see the questions that are on the student surveys by clicking on this link. We would very much like to learn about your child’s opinion about school, but your child does not have to participate in the survey. If you would rather not have your child participate in the survey, please fill out this form by November 19, 2024. If you do not respond, it will be understood that you approve of your child’s participation in the survey.

We would also like YOUR opinion of our school. Please take a few minutes to complete this HIL Parent Survey using the following password: HILparent. The family survey will close on 12/09/24. You may take this family survey more than once if you have more than one child in our school(s).

If you have any questions about the survey, please feel free to reach out to Mary Clark at mclark@franklinboe.org. We thank you and your family for providing feedback to help make our school more supportive and engaging.

Be well,

Mrs. Lorri Vaccaro

Did you know that just two absences a month can add up to chronic absenteeism? We want to remind you of the importance of having your child attend school consistently and staying for the full instructional day. Regular attendance not only boosts academic performance but also helps build social skills and fosters a sense of community. We understand that life can get busy, but we kindly ask you to schedule any appointments for your child outside of school hours whenever possible.

We also want to emphasize the importance of having your child arrive at school on time every day. Being punctual sets a positive tone for the day, allowing students to settle in, connect with their peers, and be fully prepared for learning.

Let’s work together to ensure our students are present and engaged, ready to learn and grow each day.

Thank you for your continued support in making education a priority!

November 11- Teacher in Service Day- No School for Students

LOOKING AHEAD:

November 19- PTO Meeting: Guest Speaker- Restorative Practices- w/Daryn Plummer

November 21- Picture Retakes

November 21- Turkey Trot

November 21- Last day to submit Governor's Teacher of the Year Nominations

November 22- Spirit Day

November 22- Turkey Trot Rain Date

November 25- Governor's Teacher of the Year Committee Review @ 3:30

November 27- Minimum Session Day- Dismissal at 1:20

November 28-29- Thanksgiving Holiday Break

Click to view the 2024-2025 District Calendar

Join us on November 19th to hear from Mr. Daryn Plummer, Supervisor of Equity and Inclusion. Representatives from Zufall and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will be on site to provide families connections to available resources. We ask that you register for this event so we may properly prepare for the event.

While we love your children this is a parent only event. If a lack of childcare presents a challenge for you and you would like to attend, please be sure to indicate that on the form. Franklin High School students will be available to provide childcare to those who register.

We hope to see you there!

Únase a nosotros el 19 de noviembre para escuchar al Sr. Daryn Plummer, Supervisor de Equidad e Inclusión. Representantes de Zufall y SNAP (Programa de Asistencia de Nutrición Suplementaria) estarán en el lugar para proporcionar a las familias conexiones con los recursos disponibles. Le pedimos que se registre para este evento para que podamos prepararnos adecuadamente para el evento.

Aunque nos encantan sus hijos, éste es un evento sólo para padres. Si la falta de cuidado de niños representa un desafío para usted y le gustaría asistir, por favor asegúrese de indicarlo en el formulario. Los estudiantes de Franklin High School estarán disponibles para proporcionar cuidado de niños a los que se inscriban.

¡Esperamos verle allí!

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) strives to recognize educators who have gone above and beyond in their service to New Jersey’s students. Now, more than ever before, is the time to celebrate New Jersey’s outstanding educators. Therefore, every school in every district is encouraged to participate in Governor’s Educator of the Year program to honor the hardworking teachers and educational services professionals for their dedication to their students and the profession. This program promotes a culture that recognizes excellence, creates a sense of pride and brings public attention to the work of outstanding educators.

To nominate a Teacher for this recognition, please complete the nomination form below. Please the Eligibility Criteria before completing the nomination form.

Please also consider nominating a staff member for the Educational Service Professional of the Year. A separate nomination form is needed.

Should you like to serve on the panel that reviews the nominations, please email lvaccaro@franklinboe.org. The panel will meet on Monday November 25, 2024 at 3:30 to review the nominations. All forms returned to school in a sealed envelope, no later than 3:00pm Thursday, November 21, 2024 - Timelines

Hillcrest is now on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter)!! We will be utilizing these social media platforms to share the amazing things happening in our school. Be sure to follow us!

Instagram: hillcrestschool_ftps

X: @HIL_FTPSchools

Stay tuned for posts throughout the 2024-2025 school year!