Hillcrest, Oct. Family Newsletter
Supporting Learning and Independence at Home
Dear Families,
As we begin the second half of the school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for the many ways you support your children every day. The growth we see in our K–3 learners—academically, socially, and emotionally—is a direct result of the strong partnership between school and home.
One of the most powerful ways families can support learning is through daily reading. Reading together—even for just 10–15 minutes a day—builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of learning. This can look different at each grade level: listening to your child read, reading aloud to them, talking about pictures and characters, or simply enjoying a favorite book together. Asking questions like “What was your favorite part?” or “Why do you think that happened?” helps deepen understanding.
Math learning also happens naturally at home. Counting objects, talking about time, comparing sizes, cooking, playing board games, or noticing numbers in everyday life all help children build strong math skills. You don’t need worksheets—real-life conversations about numbers are meaningful and effective.
As children grow, we also focus on building independence, which looks different across K–3:
In Kindergarten, independence may mean unpacking a backpack, making simple choices, or trying a task before asking for help.
In 1st grade and 2nd grade, it might look like following routines, managing materials, or completing short tasks independently.
By 3rd grade, students are learning to organize their work, take responsibility for assignments, and problem-solve with less adult support.
Families can encourage independence by allowing children to try things on their own, offering guidance rather than immediate solutions, and celebrating effort—even when mistakes happen. Simple phrases like “What do you think you should try next?” or “Show me how you solved that” help children build confidence and perseverance.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us as we support your child’s learning and growth. Together, we are helping them develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity they need to succeed—now and in the years ahead. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone, at 605-696-4600, or by email, at kate.mogard@k12.sd.us.
Kate Mogard
Hillcrest Elementary Principal
December Shout Outs!
Shout Outs were shared at our December Assembly, which included learners who were good friends, hard workers, class leaders, enthusiastic, kind, punctual, curious, helpful, and fluent in Math facts!
P.E. Wall of Fame
Ellia (3-Br) and Jax (2-S) earned the December honors of the PE Hall of Fame for giving their best efforts at PE.
Gingerbread Houses
1st graders created gingerbread houses in December. Thank you to all parents and special adults who donated items for this event and came to help in the building process!
Photo Fun!
Hillcrest staff had fun creating "awkward" photos in December. Congratulations to Mr. Boever and his crew for earning the "Most Awkward Photo Award!" 😉
Guest Reader
We love to see our Guest Readers throughout the year. Viola's mom, Ashley, read to Mrs. Johnson's class in December.
Winter STEM
Kindergarteners worked on "unplugged" Winter STEM activities in Technology class.
Winter STEM
Learners also practiced some of their computer skills to create digital art.
Early Childhood Family Night
Our Early Childhood families visited in December to participate in some gingerbread activities.
Snow Fun!
Kindergarten Registration Opens on January 5, 2026!
We're excited to share our improved kindergarten screening process! Instead of screening in the spring, we'll use the first two weeks of school as an observation period where our kindergarten team gets to know your child through play, classroom activities, and authentic assessments. This relationship-based approach allows us to make permanent classroom placements based on current information about your child's abilities, friendships, and learning style. By the end of Week 2, you'll receive your child's classroom assignment.
To learn more or to register your child, visit the Kindergarten Registration page on the BSD website.
Click here to start the process.
You can also view your balance and add money to your account here. Please reach out to Mrs. Mogard if you need assistance - we are here to help!
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:
App Download:
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3NE5Vdg
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Important Brookings School District Dates
- January 5: Teacher Work Day (No School)
- January 6: Welcome Back!
- January 19: No School (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
- February 10 & 12: Parent/Teacher Conferences (4:00-7:30 p.m.)
- February 13: No School for ECE - Grade 5 (MMS and BHS have school)
- February 16: No School (Presidents Day)
- February 24: Hillcrest "Spring" Pictures 😀
- March 12 & 13: No School (Spring Break)
- April 2-6: No School (Spring Break)
- May 19: Last Day of School - Noon Dismissal
Visit our District Calendar Page for more dates and information!
