Husky E-News

Hillendale families,

I am so excited to welcome all our huskies back to Hillendale Elementary to begin the 2024-25 school year in just a few days! It continues to be an honor and privilege to serve as the leader of what is, thanks to our incredibly dedicated staff, students, families, and community partnerships, truly one of the best elementary schools in Pennsylvania. I am so excited to begin what will be another terrific school year on Monday, August 26th!

As a team, we are firmly committed to creating a welcoming community where every child feels empowered and challenged within a safe, caring, and inclusive environment. I am eager to continue our mission this year and to deepen my relationships with every student, family, and community member at Hillendale. Together, we'll support your children throughout their elementary school journey. I'm especially excited to meet all our new kindergarteners and their families!

To view a summary of our upcoming "Back to School" events, please click here.

Please take special note of the section below on Parent Handbook Updates including details about wearable devices and absences.

Feel free to reach out to me via email or phone: 610-388-1439 with any questions regarding our upcoming school year or simply to introduce yourself!

On behalf of everyone at Happy Hillendale, “welcome back - we cannot wait to see you!”

Joshua Leight

Hillendale Elementary Principal

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Barnes to Hillendale as our new Reading Specialist! Mrs. Barnes is replacing Mrs. Appelbaum who will be out on maternity leave this school year. Mrs. Barnes joins us from Chadds Ford Elementary where she was most recently a 1st grade teacher. Welcome, Mrs. Barnes!

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Pepper to Hillendale as our new part-time Health & PE Teacher! Mrs. Pepper will join Mrs. Anciborenko in our Health/PE Department as she replaces Mr. Braim who became the lead Health & PE Teacher at Chadds Ford Elementary this school year. Welcome, Mrs. Pepper!

Mrs. Bailey is joining us as our new Science Paraprofessional in place of Mrs. Hewton who retired this past June. Mrs. Bailey is a proud mother of three Hillendale Huskies, one of which is entering 1st grade at Hillendale with her other sons now attending Patton Middle School. Mrs. Bailey has a strong background in science education and a true love for Hillendale. Welcome to our team, Mrs. Bailey!

Registered Behavior Therapist - Hailey Donnelly

Made official at the UCFSD School Board Meeting yesterday evening, Mrs. Harvey, Hillendale's beloved School Librarian will be resigning to take a full time role in the Great Valley School District. Mrs. Harvey is an incredible librarian (and human being!) who will be greatly missed. Mrs. Harvey will remain with us as we pursue a high-quality candidate to replace her in the Hillendale Library. Good luck, Mrs. Harvey!

Entering her 23 year of teaching (21 at Hillendale!), Mrs. Callinan is completing her 360-hour internship as part of Pennsylvania's requirements for a School Leadership Certification and Master's Degree through Penn State University. Shadowing Mr. Leight, Mrs. Callinan will likely take point on several school initiatives and create school communication throughout the year to staff and families. We are excited for you, Mrs. Callinan!

General Arrival & Dismissal Information:

Hillendale's arrival and dismissal procedures will remain the same as we begin the 2024-25 school year. As a reminder, please communicate with our office regarding dismissal changes from your typical routine using HESattendance@ucfsd.net. "Hillendaledismissal@ucfsd.net" is no longer being used as we transition to a new email address that mirrors other schools across UCF. Please see more information below regarding our process for parent drop off and pick-ups.

Parent Drop-Off Arrival Information:

All parents dropping off their students should enter the car line to drop students off at our lower entrance closest to our cafeteria. Doors open for parent drop-offs at 8:50 AM and close at 9:10 AM. Please refrain from getting out of your vehicle to assist your child as he/she exits the car. If you do need to exit your vehicle to assist your child, please pull out of the car line to do so to help create an efficient flow of cars.

Parent Pick-Up Dismissal Information:

All parents picking up their children in the afternoon should enter the car line that will snake around the back of our building to our gymnasium entrance/exit. Students will exit the building as parents arrive in our lower loop. Dismissal occurs at 3:40 PM. Students will receive a last name placard to hang in your car window for the second day of school and beyond. For the first day of school, simply state your child's name to the staff member outside facilitating the car line. Please bring photo ID for confirmation purposes. We thank you for your patience in our car line as we expect a heavy volume these first few days of school in particular.

Please take a few moments to acquaint yourself with the Student Code of Conduct (as outlined in Board Policy #218, AG-1). This essential document serves as the compass for our decision-making regarding student behavior and disciplinary measures. We appreciate your partnership!

To receive the most up-to-date information about your student’s educational experience, we recommend that you complete our annual Return Registration form now! Children whose parents/guardians have completed the Return Registration process by Monday, September 2, will be entered into a raffle for one of three family fun packs!

To get started, parents/guardians with an account on our PowerSchool Parent Portal should:

1. Visit the Portal,
2. Log in,
3. Select “Forms” on the lefthand side,
4. Select “Returning Registration” to confirm your contact and other critical information,
5. Select “Submit” and
6. If you have not already, text “Yes” to 67587 to opt into our text messages.

To create an account:

• Visit the Portal,
• Select “Create Account” and
• Follow the prompts to add your student(s).

To reset your password or to request your child’s Access ID and Access Password for account creation, call their school Monday - Friday during normal business hours.

UCFSD is excited to announce a trial of an elementary student activities program this school year! Students at HES will have an opportunity to participate in various activities three times per year that occur both before and after school for free. Availability will be limited and first come, first serve. Get excited for the first round of Fall activities including: Pickleball, Running Club & Graphic Design. Sign-ups will begin in early September. Look forward to more information coming soon!

August

15 - Grade 1-5 New Family Orientation (9:00-10:00am)

22 - Kindergarten Signing (12:45-1:15), Sneak A Peek & Orientation (1:15-2:30pm)

22 - Grades 1-5 Sneak A Peek (2:30-3:30pm)

26 - First Day of Scool

30 - School Closed

September

2 - School Closed

5 - Grades 1-5 Back to School Night (5:00-6:30pm) & PTO General Meeting

16-20 Start with Hello week

25 Husky Hayride at Ramsey Farm - 6:00-8:00pm

Get ready for spirit days! In-stock Spiritwear (limited quantities/sizes) will be sold at Sneak a Peek and is available for order on square (to pick up at Sneak a Peek).

Shop Here: https://hillendale.square.site

Check out the new SALE items!

Also, we will have a preorder for new spirit wear items coming soon.

We would love to stock the Teacher's Lounge with snacks and drinks to kick off the year! Items can be dropped off at the Hillendale office or use the Amazon list and ship directly to school. Sign up Here!

The Hillendale PTO would love to have you as a parent volunteer. We have many opportunities for you to choose from to contribute. Whether you have a few hours per year or a few hours per month you are important to us. Investing and giving back to your child’s school is such a great way to invest in our youth. Come join us and help make memories.

All Hillendale families are automatically members of the PTO and we encourage you to take an active role in your child's experience. There are over 30 committees that need your help and support. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the PTO Volunteer Form Here.

Clearances are required for some volunteer positions. Click here to find information on obtaining clearances.

Are you interested in being a homeroom parent for the school year? Please click here for more information and please fill out the form if you are interested in volunteering.

Co-Presidents: Amanda Biggs and Renee Rawlins

Vice President: Claire Van Eps
Co-Treasurers: Heather Aungst and Maryna Kanopchanka

Communication Secretary: Jodie Lamb
Recording Secretary: Kelly Gentile

Questions or comments for the PTO? Email us at HESPTO@ucfsd.net