The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

As we return from winter break and begin a fresh new year of learning, our students will participate in the winter NWEA assessments starting January 6. These assessments help us understand each child’s academic growth, celebrate their progress, and identify areas where we can continue to support them. NWEA is one of the many tools we use to ensure every student receives instruction that meets their individual needs.

To support students during this important time, our school‑wide Character Strong SEL lessons for January will focus on two powerful traits: Perseverance and Grit. These skills help students stay focused, work through challenges, and keep trying even when something feels difficult. They are essential not only for testing, but for learning, relationships, and life.

Throughout the month, students will learn strategies for sticking with a task, setting goals, managing frustration, and celebrating effort—not just outcomes. Teachers will weave these lessons into daily routines so students feel confident, supported, and ready to do their best.

We encourage families to join us in reinforcing these messages at home by praising effort, talking about challenges as opportunities to grow, and reminding students that progress comes from practice and persistence.

Together, we can help every child approach NWEA—and every learning challenge—with courage, resilience, and a belief in their own potential.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow and Ms. Jaeck

Perseverance Grade 1

Perseverance Grade 2

Perseverance Grade 3

Perseverance Grade 4

Perseverance Grade 5

This past December, the APS Elementary Building Implementation Team reviewed the results of our parent survey. One theme was clear: families want students to have more time for recess and movement. In response, Hillcrest and Pine Avenue have adjusted the daily schedule to increase recess opportunities during lunch. Beginning Monday, January 5, 2026, students will eat first. After 15 minutes, staff will complete a quick plate check. Students who need more time will remain in the cafeteria to finish eating comfortably, while students who are done will be released to the playground for recess. This shift allows us to honor parent feedback, support student well‑being, and create a more balanced and joyful midday experience for all learners.

The winter months bring a special kind of joy to our playground, as students love the chance to play in the snow and enjoy the crisp air during recess. We want every child to have fun while staying safe, which is why we remind families of a few important expectations.

Students are expected to follow their ROARS on the playground, even in snowy weather, showing respect, making safe choices, and ensuring recess is enjoyable for everyone. To keep recess safe, students may not play on snow mounds, throw snowballs, or play on or with ice. Students who are not following their ROARS on the playground and receive an office discipline referral will work with the MTSS Assistant, Mrs. Pickelman. During this time, students will review their ROARS (Respect Others, Act Responsibility, and Be Safe) and learn how to make better choices.

Also, parents, proper winter gear is essential for safe, fun play. To enjoy the snow, students must come prepared with snow pants, boots, mittens or gloves, and hats. Without these items, students will need to remain on the blacktop area during recess. Together, we can make winter recess a season of fun, safety, and responsibility, and we thank you for helping your child come prepared to enjoy the snow.

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors:

Our final week before Winter Break was filled with excitement, learning, and meaningful experiences for our students. Classrooms across the building engaged in activities that highlighted a variety of cultures and the many ways people show love and celebrate during the holiday season. These lessons helped students build understanding, appreciation, and connection as they explored traditions from around the world.

Our first graders enjoyed a special field trip to the high school, where they were treated to popcorn and a showing of The Polar Express. This experience brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of wonder as students enjoyed the magic of the season together.

Fourth grade students also had a memorable week. They warmed up with hot chocolate and used their creativity to design and build gingerbread houses. This hands‑on activity encouraged teamwork, problem‑solving, and plenty of festive fun.

Throughout the week, students participated in a variety of classroom celebrations and learning opportunities that blended academics with joy. The energy in the building was bright and positive as students looked forward to Winter Break.

We are grateful to our staff for planning such thoughtful experiences and to our families for their continued support. Moments like these remind us how special our school community is and how important it is to create memories that help students feel connected, valued, and excited about learning.