The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

This week's Senior Walk offered our students one of the year's most powerful learning moments. As the 2026 graduating seniors—many of whom once walked these same Hillcrest hallways—returned in their caps and gowns, our students saw a living example of who they can become—moments like this matter. Children form ideas about their future long before they reach high school, and seeing former Hillcrest students achieve this milestone helps them imagine themselves doing the same.

The Senior Walk turns graduation from an abstract idea into something real and reachable, helping parents and community members see tangible student success. Our students watched older Panthers move through the halls with pride, greeting former teachers and celebrating the end of their K–12 journey. In that brief walk, our students saw that success is not distant or impossible—it begins with the choices they make today. Research shows that when students can picture their future selves, they are more motivated, more confident, and more persistent. The Senior Walk helps build that vision.

For our staff, the event is a reminder of the long arc of growth we are privileged to witness. Teachers who once taught these seniors in their earliest years saw the culmination of years of learning, effort, and support. It highlights that student success is a community effort, built through our shared dedication and support.

The Senior Walk strengthens our community by showing students they belong to a school that celebrates achievement and believes in their potential. As seniors waved and high‑fived younger Panthers, they modeled confidence, perseverance, and pride. Watching this, many students felt a sense of belonging and hope for their own future.

The Senior Walk is more than a tradition—it is an invitation for every child to see themselves as a future graduate, ready to take their place among the Panthers who came before them. This event highlights student achievements like earning their diplomas and demonstrating leadership, inspiring our community to celebrate these milestones and encourage continued student growth.

First Grade Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Second Grade Drop-Off & Pick-UP

Third Grade Drop-Off & Pick-Up

1st Grade Creativity

2nd Grade Creativity

3rd Grade Creativity

4th Grade Creativity

5th Grade Creativity

Our Summer School program is right around the corner, and we’re excited to offer students a fun, engaging way to keep their skills growing. This year’s sessions will blend hands‑on learning, small‑group support, and plenty of opportunities to explore new interests. Families of eligible students will receive placement information soon. We’re looking forward to a summer of learning, laughter, and confidence‑building.

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:

Hillcrest and Pine Avenue students enjoyed a week filled with hands‑on learning, leadership, and celebration. Our first graders took full advantage of the beautiful weather—Mrs. Benjamin’s class explored outdoor learning with a picnic snack and a special visit from the Highland Queen and her court. Mrs. Langworthy’s students enjoyed picnicking outside as they wrapped up their NWEA testing, and Mrs. Elsea’s class spent time reading outdoors, observing the hatching chicks, and celebrating “R is for Read Your Favorite Book.”

Across the grades, meaningful connections continued to grow. Mr. Huff’s High School Leadership Class partnered with one of Mrs. Terres’s 4th‑grade PE classes over the past two months, meeting four times to mentor younger students, coach games, referee activities, and teach team‑building skills. The older students stepped confidently into leadership roles, creating an inspiring experience for everyone involved.

Our 5th graders used their creativity to share with business leaders of the Alma Community with vibrant sidewalk chalk art focused on Patriotic Pride, Alma Panther Pride, and Stronger Together-Celebrating Community and Connection. Hillcrest hosted their Trimester Awards, and we closed the week at Hillcrest and Pine Avenue with the Senior Walk—celebrating student success and cheering on our graduating Panthers.