Hillsdale Herald

Hello Hillsdale Families-

It has been a busy couple of weeks around here! Last Friday we had our first Buddy Reading Activity of the year. Students read Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow and worked with their buddy to create a project with their name. We also celebrated International Dot Day by wearing dots.

Pick Up Patrol

It is essential that parents/guardians accurately update Pick Up Patrol any day that there is a change in a child's dismissal plan. We will send your child on the bus, to car line, or walker based on their default plan. When students are not updated in Pick Up Patrol it slows dismissal for everyone.

PBIS Update

This week we had our PBIS Kickoff Assembly, where we reviewed our schoolwide expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Caring. We specifically practiced our Assembly behavior and had fun competing for the grade with the most spirit - 2nd grade won! Then we had a drawing of PAWS ticket winners to play Connect 4 for their grade. Thanks to the American Heart Association and our effort with the Kids Heart Challenge last year, we have three giant Connect 4 games for our students. Finally, our first group of Hall of Fame Huskies were called down last week to get their bag tag and picture taken. Please see pictures below.

Community Connections

This year we are building on several community partnerships. The Fire department will be here in October to teach our Kindergarten and 1st graders about Fire Safety and to see the gear and trucks. 2nd grade is hosting several community members next month to talk about their jobs. Our WC Borough Police officers will be visiting our 5th graders at lunch to build relationships, and there will be several opportunities for our students and families to support our community through donations and service projects. First up this year we are connecting with CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) to give the inpatient children Connect 4 games to play with their families while they receive treatments. We are currently seeking donations of NEW Connect 4 games so each of classrooms has one and we can also donate to CHOP. Please drop off at school by Oct 16th.

Next Wednesday our school is scheduled to have a short presentation on school safety procedures based on the ALICE Program.

As a reminder, the ALICE Training program equips both staff and students with valuable safety options, situational awareness, and survival skills for school and life. Last year, we first trained our school staff in the ALICE program, then we provided programming to empower students to make informed decisions in emergency situations and to enhance their overall safety awareness. Below is a brief overview of the presentations for students based on grade level:

• Kindergarten through Grade 3: Students will meet our feeder pattern’s Campus Safety Officer (CSO) and participate in a short session that focuses on sharing simple safety strategies by reading aloud a picture book.

• Grades 4 and 5: Students will also meet our feeder pattern’s CSO and receive a brief presentation introducing them to ALICE principles. Additionally, they will learn about school-specific safety locations in the event of an emergency.

We know that school safety is a difficult topic, but we would like to assure you that all presentations and exercises that involve students are designed to be age-appropriate. Our primary goal in introducing students to these concepts is to help them continue to feel that our school is a safe, welcoming place where they are free to learn, grow, and enjoy.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or other safety and security procedures, please contact the WCASD’s Public Safety Supervisor, Mr. Rik Thornton at rthornton@wcasd.net

Many of our Hillsdale Husky families have Hispanic Heritage. We would love to celebrate this month by showcasing the beautiful diversity within our Hispanic Community. If you would like to celebrate your Hispanic Heritage, join us by following these steps:

1. Print out whichever version of the sheet you would prefer (Spanish or English).
2. Draw or paste a family picture.
3. Draw or paste the flag or flags that represent your countries. If you have more than two, feel free to add more!
4. Write one thing about your Hispanic culture that is special to you or that you love!
5. Send your sheet into school to be displayed in our hallways.

If you are in the building, feel free to check out our “Pioneer’s of Change” Interactive Bulletin Board in the front lobby to learn more about some Hispanic Trailblazers!

Wed 9/25 - ALICE training for students

9/26 - 2nd gr trip

9/27 - K trip

October

10/3 - No School - Rosh Hashanah

10/8 - Picture Day

10/4 - 5th grade Band at HHS football game

10/14 - Move-a-thon (Fall Fundraiser)

10/15 - 4th gr trip

10/26 - PTO Halloween Movie Night

November

11/1 - No School - Diwali & All Saint's Day

When your child is absent please update Pick Up Patrol to reflect this AND send us an email or note after the absence. Please also use PUP to communicate any appointments (late arrival/early dismissal) and/or any changes to your child's dismissal plan.

A few things to note:

• Pick Up means you are driving through the car line to get your child after 3:30
• Early Dismissal is for when you are signing your child out before 3:30pm for any reason
• Walker means you are walking to school or parking your car and walking up to retrieve your child.

We must have a note or comment in Pick Up Patrol from you to explain the absence within 3 days of your child's return. Otherwise the absence is marked as Unlawful and you will be receiving a letter from the office. (No one likes sending or receiving these letters!)

Each child is permitted 10 parent notes and 5 family vacation days each year for absences. Please use the family vacation form linked below.

Doctor’s notes are appreciated whenever you see a doctor due to illness.

If you would like to volunteer in our school this year, please understand the following:

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.

Cómo traducir los boletines Smore Newsletters

Los enlaces para los boletines del distrito WCASD y desde el correo electrónico del director pueden encontrarse también en los sitios web del distrito y de la escuela. La traducción será generada por una máquina por lo que no será completamente exacta.

1. Haga clic en el botón para traducer

2. Haga clic en la fecha para seleccionar el idioma

3. ¡Disfrute el boletín! Las imágenes con palabras no se pueden traducir, para obtener una traducción, envíe un correo electrónico al director.

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.)

Email: pmerten@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/602
Location: 725 West Market Street, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484-266-2001
Instagram: @hdehuskies