Hillcrest, Oct. Family Newsletter

At the March 23 School Board meeting, a boundary adjustment was approved after careful review of student enrollment, building space, and our commitment to providing strong learning environments for all students. As a result, approximately 75 new learners will join Hillcrest this fall.

This decision was made thoughtfully to help:

• Maintain balanced class sizes
• Use school space and resources effectively
• Ensure all students have access to high-quality learning opportunities

Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to begin welcoming these new students and their families into our school community! Plans include:

• Family STEAM Night invitations
• New Family Open House
• Student visits to Hillcrest in May

We look forward to helping every new student feel connected, supported, and ready for a great start at Hillcrest!

Screens are a part of everyday life—used for learning, entertainment, and staying connected. For young children, the goal isn’t to eliminate screen time, but to create a healthy balance that supports learning, sleep, and family time.

Why Balance Matters

Too much screen time can impact:

• Sleep quality

• Attention and focus

• Physical activity

• Social skills

Balanced use helps children stay healthy, engaged, and ready to learn at school.

Tips for Healthy Screen Time

1. Set Clear Limits

• Aim for consistent daily limits (especially on school nights)

• Keep screens off during meals and before bedtime

2. Create Screen-Free Zones

• Bedrooms

• Dinner table

• Family activities

3. Choose Quality Content

• Look for educational programs, apps, or games

• Watch or play together when possible—talk about what your child is learning

4. Keep a Routine

• Homework and reading come first

• Use screen time as part of a daily schedule, not the default activity

5. Encourage Active Play

• Outdoor time, sports, drawing, building, or imaginative play

• Balance “screen time” with “green time” (time outside)

A Simple Daily Balance Example

• 📚 After school: Snack + homework/reading

• 🏃 Playtime: Outside or active play

• 📱 Limited screen time (if allowed)

• 🍽 Family dinner (screen-free)

• 📖 Reading & bedtime routine (no screens before bed)

Try asking:

• “What did you watch or play today?”

• “What did you learn from it?”

• “What was your favorite non-screen activity today?”

Small changes can make a big difference. By setting routines and modeling healthy habits, families can help children develop a positive relationship with technology that supports both learning and well-being.

Regular school attendance in elementary school is essential because it builds the foundation for a child’s academic success and personal growth. When students attend consistently, they develop strong reading and math skills, establish positive routines, and form meaningful relationships with teachers and peers. Early attendance habits also promote responsibility, confidence, and a sense of belonging—key factors that support long-term achievement. Missing school frequently can lead to learning gaps that become harder to close over time, making consistent attendance one of the most important contributors to a child’s future success.

Please help us in our efforts to improve attendance at Hillcrest. We want every learner at school and on time as much as possible. We understand that illness and family trips happen - we are just working really hard to improve our overall attendance so that every child is at school and learning!

Please sign up here if you are planning to attend.

FREE pizza dinner will start at 5:00 p.m. and we want to have enough pizza!

Do you have a child who will be 5 by September 1st? Make sure to get them signed up for Kindergarten (or Junior Kindergarten!).

To learn more or to register your child, visit the Kindergarten Registration page on the BSD website.

Families who are interested in our Junior Kindergarten should complete this form. Children must be 5 years old by September 1st for our Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten classes. Please call the office if you have questions.

Receive information from the school district and choose the buildings you want information from by downloading the app for your device below. Be sure you have Hillcrest checked for notifications!

More information:

https://youtu.be/iwcFI7tYUac

App Download:

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3NE5Vdg

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3NG9AHi

• April 16: 1st Grade Concert (6:00 p.m.)
• April 23: Family STEAM Night
• May 19: Last Day of School - Noon Dismissal

Visit our District Calendar Page for more dates and information!

Visit our Website

Visit www.brookings.k12.sd.us for everything you need. From School Board Information, to Parent & Guardian Resources, to our District Calendars, the website has what you are looking for.

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Hillcrest Elementary School

Brookings School District 05-1

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