Hillside News Brief

Parents and Guardians:

We know the last couple of weeks have been filled with a "new normal" (which still doesn't seem too normal to me), finding ways to support having children at home, adjusting to an interruption in routine, learning in a new way, and handling the uncertainty of jobs and finances in this strange time of global pandemic. Educators have just handed you a part of the job we love to do; we are now connecting with students from afar, from a necessary distance.

Please know that we are here for you, whatever the issue, question, or quandary. We might not always know what to do, but we want to help find answers. We support you, we care about all our families, and we are working hard to help students' minds stay active. Teachers are providing content so that students stay engaged; it is up to you to find the balance. We will be checking in if we don't hear from students because we care far more about the student than about work completion. We value the work, the process of learning; and we value the well-being of families.

Let us know if we can help. We are here for you and for the students.

Mrs. Bailey, Principal

Hello Parents- Artsonia has sent, and will continue to send reminder emails to the parent email address listed in Powerschool. Please follow the directions in the email that will give you and your student access to Artsonia. Artsonia acts as a digital portfolio. Your student will be able to take a picture of his/her art work/assignment and upload it.

I can see the art as it is uploaded and can edit anything necessary before the artwork is published.

This portfolio will follow your student through sixth grade.

Once you have set up the account on your end, have your student download the Artsonia App from Self Service onto their Ipad.

Once this is done, your student can use the Hillside code hnhz-mpxn to log into the Artsonia app. They can upload their completed weekly ART assignments there so I can see their work. This will be more helpful to your classroom teacher and myself by reducing the number of emails.

There is a tutorial on the Westside Elementary Art page that walks you through downloading the app, logging in, and uploading work. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: matthews.teresa@westside66.net

-Mrs. Matthews, Hillside Art Teacher

While we wait to see what May brings, I wanted to update families regarding the martial arts classes offered by Thomas Todd at Championship Martial Arts. This course is a fundraiser for Hillside, and we want you to know that, regardless, refunds are available now if you'd prefer that option. Championship Martial Arts is closing for the duration of the COVID-19 guidelines, but he is available by phone at 402-932-2999. We will do our best to reschedule, but we do not know what the spring holds.

Instructions for 6th grade parents/guardians regarding registering for 7th grade are below. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your student's teacher if you have further questions. If we don't have the answer, we will find the answer!

Families:

We know we have sent home a powerful piece of equipment which connects your student to information and content that exists on the internet. All students in the district are also connected to each other and to teachers via a district email address. The device is a way for us to stay connected, and it is important to realize that students will continue to need support with using computers and the internet responsibly. Effective and responsible e-learning is best done with adult supervision. Please keep in mind that if there is a problem with internet connection or your student's device, we want to help. Please let your child's teacher know about support you may require so that e-learning goes smoothly