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Husky E-News
August 27, 2023
From the Principal
Hillendale families,
I am so excited to welcome all our huskies back to Hillendale Elementary to begin the 2023-24 school year on Monday! Our staff has been hard at work preparing every last detail to make "Day 1" a huge success! We appreciate your time and attention last week at our various events to help make the transition to the new year smooth for our students and staff. We look forward to welcoming parents and guardians back to the building on "Back to School Night" from 6:30 - 8:00 PM on September 6th.
As a reminder, school is closed this Friday, September 1st.
Please feel free to reach out to me via email with any last minute questions or needs you have regarding our upcoming school year or simply to introduce yourself!
On behalf of everyone at Happy Hillendale, “welcome back!"
Joshua Leight
Hillendale Elementary Principal
HES Green Ribbon Celebration
Meet our Newest Huskies!
Mrs. Blaisse - 3rd Grade Teacher
Our newest addition to our 3rd grade team, Mrs. Blaisse, most recently taught 3rd & 5th Grades at Pennell Elementary School in Aston, PA. She recently completed her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Cabrini College. Not only is Mrs. Blaisse a phenomenal instructor, her energy, enthusiasm, and joy are contagious! As is allowable through PA School Code, Mrs. Blaisse's previous employer will likely "hold" her until they hire her replacement sometime between late-September and mid-October. Welcome to the pack, Mrs. Blaisse!
Mrs. O'Kane - 3rd Grade Substitute
We are excited to welcome Mrs. O'Kane back to Hillendale as Mrs. Blaisse's substitute throughout the duration of her hold. Mrs. O'Kane is the perfect substitute as she previously taught 3rd Grade in Oxford from 1999-2001 and 4th Grade at Hillendale from 2001 - 2014 before resigning to stay home with her young family. The entire Hillendale team is thrilled to welcome Mrs. O'Kane back to Hillendale!
Ms. Poulos - Instructional Support Teacher (IST)
We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Poulos to Hillendale as our new Instructional Support Teacher! Mrs. Poulos is replacing Miss Bova who is now a full time Learning Support Teacher at Hillendale. Mrs. Poulos joins us from the West Chester Area School District where she was most recently a Reading Specialist for the past 8 years. Welcome, Ms. Poulos!
Miss Schlosberg - Gifted LTS
Miss Schlosberg is joining us as our Gifted LTS filling in for Mrs. Hala until January 2024. Miss Schlosberg previously taught gifted students in West Chester Area School District and has spent time teaching in Marple Newtown & Downingtown Area School District. Mrs. Eschbach who previously filled this role is now teaching 5th grade at Chadds Ford Elementary School. We wish her luck in her new role! Welcome to Hillendale, Miss Schlosberg!
Additional New Staff
Special Education Paraprofessional - Ms. Turnage
HES Arrival & Dismissal Procedures
General Arrival & Dismissal Information:
Hillendale's arrival and dismissal procedures will remain the same as we begin the 2023-24 school year. As a reminder, please communicate with our office regarding dismissal changes from your typical routine using hillendaledismissal@ucfsd.net. 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.
UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook & Policy Updates
UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook
Please take a few moments to review the 2023-24 UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook linked here. Take particular note of our attendance policies for more information about how to communicate with Hillendale regarding both planned and unexpected absences. Thank you!
UCFSD Policy Updates
As you were notified via district email, each year, the district is required to provide annual notification of policies as outlined in board policy documents. As a helpful resource for the community, please find a list of the polices that require annual notification linked here.
Reporting Student Absences
When a child is absent, a parent or guardian should email the school office to notify us promptly. At Hillendale, please utilize hillendaledismissal@ucfsd.net for all attendance and dismissal related communication. Each day, our school’s communication system will call parents of absent children. Every absence must also have a written statement or excuse from the parent or guardian, as required by law. If the excuse has not been turned in by the third day, the absence is considered unexcused and/or unlawful. There is no need for families to call our office regarding student absences. Please review the rest of our attendance and absence policy in our UCFSD Elementary Parent Handbook.
Student Code of Conduct
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!
From the PTO
Calendar
August
28- First day of school
September
1-4 School Closed
6- Back to School Night 6:30-8:00 & PTO Meeting
12 - Lenape Pizza Restaurant night (see flyer below)
18-22 Start with Hello Week
25- School Closed
28- Family Fun Husky Hayride 6pm-8pm
Let's Stock the Teacher's Lounge!
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!
New Spiritwear
Get ready for spirit days! If you missed getting spirit wear at Sneak a Peek, you can still get it here: https://hillendale.square.site to be delivered to your student's backpack
Lenape Pizza Restaurant Night
Volunteer Opportunities
PTO Volunteer
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.
Interested in being a Homeroom Parent?
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.
Got Sneakers? Fundraiser
2022-23 PTO Board Members
Co-Presidents: Lauren Alexopoulos and Amanda Biggs
Co-Vice President: Carrie Lee and Renee Rawlins
Treasurer: Heather Aungst
Treasurer-elect: Maryna Kanopchanka
Communication Secretary: Jodie Lamb
Recording Secretary: Claire Van Eps
Questions or comments for the PTO? Email us at HESPTO@ucfsd.net