February 2026 Hillcrest Newsletter

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share that I am officially on maternity leave as our family prepares to welcome a precious baby boy on Thursday! We are incredibly excited for this new season in our lives and deeply thankful for the many kind words and well wishes you have already shared.

While I am out of the building, Mr. Lopez will be running the show. He is fully prepared and ready to hold the anchor down, ensuring that our school continues to operate smoothly and successfully. I have full confidence in his leadership and know he will continue to support our students, staff, and families with care and dedication.

February can be a long month. It is often cold, it gets dark early, and our students can grow tired of spending so much time indoors. I encourage you to help your child stay creative and active at home—build with blocks, read books together, or participate in brain breaks on YouTube. Getting students moving can greatly improve their attitudes, energy, and motivation.

We are in the long stretch of the school year. After spring break, there will be significant end-of-year testing. These next several weeks are crucial to your child’s academic growth, and consistent attendance is very important. Please continue encouraging your child to always try their best academically and to follow our Hillcrest 3 B’s for behavior: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe.

Between now and spring break, we also have a strong focus on conflict resolution. We are teaching students how to use their words when they are upset rather than resorting to physical aggression. At Hillcrest, we do not tolerate any type of physical aggression—no matter the circumstance. We must work together to teach our children to do better and respond appropriately when emotions run high. Please see the information below regarding the tool we use called The Time Machine.

You will also see pictures of our SEL goal. We are encouraging students to use the Time Machine at least 25 times before spring break in order to earn a reward—a glow stick dance party AND a gold medal (in honor of the Olympics)! Please talk with your child about using their words instead of their hands. When school and home work together, our students thrive.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our Hillcrest community. I look forward to reconnecting with you all soon.

Between now and spring break, we have planned activities for both staff and students to help keep our goal intentional and at the forefront of our minds. Last week, each classroom worked together as a class family to create a Conflict Resolution Poster. These posters are now displayed outside each classroom, filling our hallways with reminders of the tools we can use instead of physical aggression. Just like academics, positive behaviors must be explicitly taught and practiced, too.

This is a quick reminder that students may not be dropped off before 8:00 a.m. If students are dropped off before this time, parent phone calls will be made. If you need childcare, YMCA Before School Care is available at Hillcrest. We do not have staff members present to supervise students, and it has been too cold outside in the morning for students to stand in the cold.

Additionally, if you arrive before 8:00 a.m., please do not park in front of open staff parking spaces. Staff members arrive throughout the morning and need access to these spots.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Watch it below by clicking on the image-

Hillcrest is climbing, bold and bright,

Facing Ridgewood in a math-filled fight.

For the second week, we’re in the lead—

Our puzzle power is pure speed!

With Jiji the penguin showing the way,

We think and solve a little more each day.

Critical thinking, strong and true—

Growing our brains in all we do.

And don’t forget, you can climb at home!

Through Clever, let your thinking roam.

Puzzle by puzzle, watch minds grow—

Hillcrest soars—go, go, go!

That's a thoughtful message to send. Here is a short blurb you can share with families:

We understand that the recent changes to government food assistance and resources (like SNAP/food stamps) may be impacting many families in our community. Please know that if your family is facing new challenges accessing enough food, you are not alone.

We want to make sure you have the support you need. We've compiled a Resource Guide with helpful local organizations, food banks, and pantries where you can find food assistance.

Please use this guide and reach out if you have any questions about accessing these resources. Your well-being is important to us.

February 16 - No School

Happy President's Day

February 17 - No School

Teacher Inservice

February 20 - FREE BINGO Family Night

Come join us and play FREE BINGO. Doors open at 5:30, and the final game will conclude at 7:00.

There will be a concession stand available.

March 11- 11:30am Early Dismissal

Teacher Inservice

March 16-20- No School

Spring Break

March 27

End of 3rd Quarter

This week at Hillcrest, we are celebrating our Parent Mentors!

What are Parent Mentors?

Parent Mentors volunteer in classrooms for 2 hours/day for at least 100 hours. The Parent Mentors are supported by weekly training on class-room instructional practices and leadership training.

We are thankful for their dedication to our classrooms!

The Digital Backpack creates a place for community events to be shared with our EMSD families. The materials are provided for informational purposes and are not endorsed by the district.

Click on the link below to see the breakfast and lunch menu.

Due to space and parking limitations at Hillcrest, this year’s event will be held at

Glenview Middle School.

Enjoy a FREE night of family fun with games and prizes! A concession stand will be available, and families are also welcome to bring their own food.

🕠 Doors open: 5:30 PM
🎉 BINGO: 6:00–7:00 PM

Be sure to save the date!

Raffle tickets will also be sold for a chance to win an amazing assortment of donated gift baskets filled with lots of goodies.

We hope to see you there! 🎱🎁