Hillsdale Herald
Hillsdale Elementary School, Ocotber 2026, v.1
Oct 2nd, 2026
Hello Hillsdale families,
Welcome Autumn! We are all enjoying the change in temperatures!
We have a lot of exciting things happening in October.
Our first PTO Sponsored assembly was yesterday. The students loved hearing from Author Mat Heagerty! Picture Day is Tuesday 10/6, and Move-a-Thon is the following week on Thursday 10/15.
Move-a-Thon is our biggest school fundraiser of the year. It is a wonderful opportunity to support our school because we receive and use 100% of the donations! This money supports Field Trips, Assemblies, Teacher requests for classroom materials, and School Supplies for needy families along with other initiatives.
PTO Trunk or Treat on 10/23, and Halloween Parade and Parties on 10/30 finish off the month!
Standards-Based Grading & Report Cards
All elementary students receive a Standards-Based Report Card (SBRC) and all grades K - 5 have access to an online gradebook to see their child's progress along the way. Please check out the short video and/or pictures below for more information.
Parent Support with Parent Portal
2min Video on how to see your child’s standards-based grades in the Parent Portal.
LOST & FOUND Reminder
Please put your child's name in their lunchbox, on their water bottle and in their jackets! The Lost and Found is filling up! We will gladly return items to children who have their name on them!
Please see information at the bottom for a Henderson High School Cheer Clinic as well as our Community Bulletin Board - this is where many extra-curricular opportunities are posted.
Thank you,
Mrs. Paige Merten
Principal
Title 1 Updates
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
Thank you to all parents that attended in person and online for our PAC meeting before the PTO meeting. Please see the compact - an agreement between school and home - attached below for additional information.
We are also looking for your input on what kind of family engagement events you would like to see this year - reading, math, STEM/STEAM, parent education? Please provide your input through the survey linked below.
We are ALL Title I – this is new!
This year, Hillsdale's Title I program has shifted from serving a specific group of eligible students to becoming a schoolwide Title I program. This is exciting news for our school community because it gives us greater flexibility to proactively support all learners and better meet student needs through our reading and math intervention services.
As a schoolwide Title I school, every family plays an important role in shaping our work. We want your input on our programs, school initiatives, family engagement efforts, and continuous improvement goals. Your feedback helps us strengthen the supports and opportunities we provide for our students.
We look forward to partnering with you throughout the year and invite you to share your ideas, perspectives, and questions as we work together to help every Husky thrive!
Nurse Notes
As we head into October, please take a moment to review these important health and safety reminders.
🦷 Dental Exams Due November 1st
Kindergarten and 3rd grade dental examinations are required by October 27th. If your child has not yet had their dental exam, please schedule an appointment and send a copy of the completed dental form to the school nurse.
🩺 Kindergarten Physicals Due November 2nd
Kindergarten physical examinations are required by October 27th. Please submit your child’s completed physical form to the school nurse as soon as possible after their appointment.
👕 Extra Clothes Reminder
Accidents happen! Please keep an extra set of clothes in your child’s school bag in case of spills, bathroom accidents, or other unexpected messes. A change of underwear, pants, shirt, and socks can be especially helpful.
🧥 Cooler Weather Reminder
As the weather starts to cool down, please check the weather and decide when it is appropriate for your child to bring a jacket or coat to school. Please remember to label jackets and coats with your child’s first and last name!
Thank you,
Eileen Champi
Certified School Nurse
484-266-2000
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) is a time to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latine Americans. Throughout the month, we’ll highlight influential figures, share stories, and explore traditions that help make our community vibrant and diverse. We’re excited for our students to learn, appreciate, and celebrate together!
WCASD Wellness Policy
Looking Ahead - Save the Date!
October
10/1 - Mat Heagerty Assembly
10/6 - Picture Day
10/9 - PBIS Assembly
10/12 - No School - Teacher Inservice
10/15 - Move-a-thon
10/23 - PTO Trunk or Treat
10/30 - Halloween Parade and Parties
Volunteering
If you would like to volunteer in our school this year, please note:
1) Volunteers must have clearances.
2) Younger siblings are not permitted at school while you volunteer.
3) Volunteers are held to the same confidentiality standards as any WCASD employee.
4) While you may see and interact with your child when you are volunteering, you are here to assist all children.
Links to sign up to volunteer for Kindergarten and 1st grade Lunch and 2nd - 5th grade Gaga Pit/Recess support are below. We are always looking for volunteers in our Library. You can contact Ms. Szczesny directly at aszczesny@wcasd.net.
Please be sure your clearances are up to date! Click above for details.
Spanish Language Phone Line
Si usted prefiere comunicarse en español por favor llame al 484-266-1690 para contactarse con personal escolar.
(If you prefer to speak to a Spanish speaking operator, please call 484-266-1690 to connect with school personnel.)
Hillsdale Elementary
Email: pmerten@wcasd.net
Website: https://hde.wcasd.net/
Location: 725 West Market Street, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484-266-2001
InstaGram: @HDEhuskies