Smore logo
remove_red_eye 1.2K
page background
page background

Hillsdale Herald

Hillsdale Elementary School, Ocotber 2026, v.1

Hillsdale HeraldHillsdale Elementary School, Ocotber 2026, v.1

Oct 2nd, 2026 Oct 2nd, 2026

Hillsdale Husky Logo
zoom_out_map

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 Title 1 Updates

picture of apple with the words Title 1
zoom_out_map

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!

pdf
insert_drive_file
HDE Title I Compact EN.pdf
Download
1.9 MB
HDE Title 1 PAC meeting survey

Nurse Notes Nurse Notes

The school nurse
zoom_out_map

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

echampi@wcasd.net

484-266-2000

Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month banner
zoom_out_map

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 WCASD Wellness Policy

info graphic of the WCASD wellness policy
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size

Looking Ahead - Save the Date! Looking Ahead - Save the Date!

Calendar Icon
zoom_out_map

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 Volunteering

picture of raised hands to volunteer
zoom_out_map

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.

Volunteer Clearances
We love our volunteers!
Please be sure your clearances are up to date! Click above for details.
Kindergarten and 1st grade Lunch Volunteers
Parents with Clearances are welcome to help in our 20 minute K and 1st grade lunches.
2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade Recess/Gaga Pit Volunteers
Come to recess and assist our students in the gaga pit or on the field.
"Little Warriors Cheer Clinic"  on Friday October 16, at 4:30  In the Wrestling Gym of Henderson High School Each Little Warrior will also receive a t-shirt AND cheer at our Home Game on the same night!
open_in_new zoom_out_map Show in original size
WCASD Community Bulletin Board
Are you looking for something fun to do in the community? Check it out here!

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.)

Padres Latinos
A cultural bridge in the community for Spanish speaking families and our schools
PTO Website
Hillsdale School Directory, PTO Information, PTO Forms, and more!
Drawing of new front of school
zoom_out_map Show in original size

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

Paige Merten
Paige is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close

Created with

Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Smore empowers educators to connect with their community, streamline school communications,
and increase engagement.

Create a newsletter