Hillside School Kindergarten

January 2026

Dear Incoming Kindergarten Families,

The Hillside School community eagerly looks forward to welcoming our 2026–2027 kindergarten cohort. We recognize that every child is unique, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that each student’s transition to kindergarten is joyful, supportive, and enriching. Our goal is for every child to feel safe, cared for, and connected each day they are at school.

We invite you to join us for a Kindergarten Orientation for Incoming Parents on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM (snow date: Thursday, January 29). This session is for parents and guardians only. During the evening, you will receive an overview of the kindergarten registration process, program, and curriculum, followed by a guided tour of Hillside School.

Kindergarten is a special year filled with discovery, growth, and excitement. By partnering together, we can ensure a positive and memorable start to your child’s school journey. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends or neighbors who may be new to our school community.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hillside School.

Warm regards,
Anastasia Maroulis

Hillside School Principal

A child is eligible for our 2026-2027 kindergarten program if they attain the age of five years on or before October 1, 2026, and reside full-time in Allendale, NJ. All children must be residing in Allendale, full-time, to attend Hillside School. Please see our policy and regulation regarding residency requirements.

Yes. In the springtime, we will arrange for your child to come to school to be screened by one of our staff members. The goal of the screening is to capture your child's readiness skills and to identify skills that may need strengthening over the summer. The screening can help guide our teachers on how and what things will be taught in the classroom next school year.

Each kindergartner attends school five mornings and three afternoons per week, equivalent to three full days and two half-days. All students stay for a full day on Mondays. Half of the students attend additional afternoon instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the other half stays on Wednesdays and Fridays. Kindergartners will be divided into two heterogeneous groups (Group A and Group B), with group placement determining which afternoons they attend.

Group A Schedule:
Full school days on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
Half days on Wednesdays and Fridays

Group B Schedule:

Full school days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays

• Full-Day Hours: 8:45 am-3:00 pm (with lunch)
• Half-Day Hours: 8:45 am-12:15 pm (no lunch)

A modified day provides the teacher the capacity to:

• Establish and maintain a more focused, targeted learning environment.

• Be the most productive that could not be duplicated if all students were in class full time.

• Structure small groups in the afternoon that meet the needs of individual students by matching instruction to meet the needs of learners.

• Meet more frequently with small groups of learners.
  

• Collect richer data and monitor student progress with more frequent one-on-one time.

• Foster independence through teacher scaffolding.

Requests for a group placement will be considered on a one-to-one basis. A request is not a guarantee for placement. Requests must be submitted in writing to the building principal by February 27, 2026. Teacher requests will not be honored.

A or B group placement will be communicated to parents by early April. Parents will be advised of individual homeroom teacher assignments by late August. No request for a teacher or change in class placement will be honored.

Each class typically consists of around 22 students, with a total of four homerooms anticipated. This structure allows for a balanced and manageable class size, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can receive individualized attention and actively participate in classroom activities.

An orientation for incoming kindergarten parents will be held for parents at our school on January 28 at 7 pm with a snow date on the 29th. This event is designed to provide participants with a deeper overview of the Hillside School kindergarten registration process, program, and curriculum. A school tour will also be part of the program. This is a parent/guardian-only event.

To register your child for kindergarten, beginning on January 30, go to www.allendalek8.com, click on the REGISTRATION bar at the top of the webpage, and then select KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION. Listed below are the various forms required for registration that are uploaded to our website; they will provide the staff with important information regarding your child. Please take the time to read over the forms carefully, complete them, and submit them online as indicated and in a timely manner.

These forms are to completed online via registration webpage:

• Home Language Survey

• Preschool Experience Inventory Form (to be completed by the child’s preschool teacher)

• Kindergarten Parent Input Form

This form to be handed in or mailed to main office staff:

• Notarized Affidavit of Allendale Residency document

These documents are to be uploaded to Realtime:

• Proof of child's birth (birth certificate or passport)

• Proof of Allendale residency (deed, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or tax bill)

• Two additional proofs of Allendale residency (driver's license, bank statement, credit card statement or one utility bill (phone, cable, gas, electric, or water)

• Health Packet:

1. Universal Health Record
2. Health History Questionnaire
3. Authorization for Medication During School Hours form (if needed)
4. Child’s most recent physical exam report
5. Child's immunization history

Our school mascot, the honeybee, symbolizes diligence, community, and resilience. The honeybee is a cheerful and hardworking figure, embodying the spirit of teamwork and cooperation that thrives within the school community. Its vibrant, buzzing energy reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of the students and staff. The honeybee mascot not only represents the school's commitment to nurturing growth and learning but also serves as a reminder of the importance of working together towards common goals. 🐝

Please do not hesitate to contact us throughout the kindergarten registration process and beyond!

Email: kstripeikis@allendalek8.com
Website: www.allendalek8.com
Location: 89 Hillside Avenue, Allendale, NJ, USA
Phone: (201) 327-2020

Fax: (201) 327-8120
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hillsideschoolnj