The Hillside Happenings

Welcome to the new school year! We are so excited to kick off a brand new school year and cannot wait to welcome our students back on Monday, August 24th!

This year, our school theme is "Wild About Leadership!" We have so many exciting adventures, learning opportunities, and leadership moments in store for our students. Student placements will be viewable in MiStar on August 18th. Click here to access the supply list.

Please note that the first day of school, August 24th, is a half-day of school, with dismissal at 11:45 AM. Be sure to read through the rest of this newsletter for important updates, schedules, and details to help your family prepare for a fantastic year ahead!

- Mrs. Maas & Mrs. Amos

School Hours for 2026-2027:

Student Hours: 8:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Half Day: 8:30 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.

Office Hours: 7:45 A.M. – 4:15 P.M.

The link below takes you to all published newsletters thus far.

Archive of all Newsletters

Did you know that the 26-27 School-Year Calendar is now available? Click here to download it.

To reach someone in the office, please use the email addresses below:

Mrs. Maas - torrie.maas@fpsk12.net - Principal

Mrs. Amos - deb.amos@fpsk12.net - Assistant Principal

Ms. Pliska - emily.pliska@fpsk12.net - Secretary

Mrs. Jacobs - susan.jacobs@fpsk12.net - Office Clerk

Mrs. Thomas - kimberly.thomas@fpsk12.net - Office Clerk

September 8th - Classes Resume

September 9th - Parent Orientation Night (5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)

September 10th - Panera Restaurant Night

September 16th - PTA Meeting (7:00 pm)

September 17th - Dentists - R - Us Visits

September 17th - Bonventure Skate Night (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

September 18th - Half Day of School (11:45 am Dismissal)

September 21st - No School (Yom Kippur)

September 23rd - 25th - 5th Grade Camp

October 2nd - Fun Run

October 6th - Picture Day

October 7th - Bike & Roll to School Day

October 8th - PTA Meeting (7:00 pm)

October 23rd - HuskyChella (5:30 pm - 8:00 pm)

October 30th - Half Day of School (11:45 am Dimissal)

November 3rd - No School - Staff PD

November 4th - Bonaventure Night (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
November 9th - Book Fair Begins

November 10th & 12th - Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 19th - Virtual PTA Meeting

November 20th - Movie Night

November 25th - 27th - No School Thanksgiving Recess

Family Options:

1. Purchase the Chromebook Protection Plan through FPS E-Funds (click on Pay for Optional Fees).

1. $25 per device, covering accidental damage and Chromebook malfunction.

2. Families who choose to purchase the Chromebook Protection Plan will have access to a ‘loaner’ device while the original device is being repaired or replaced.

3. Payments will be taken at the time of re-enrollment beginning Fall, 2023.

4. Families will be responsible for any damage caused by intentional misuse or malicious destruction. FPS reserves the right to determine the cause of damage.

1. Families who decline the Chromebook Protection Plan will be solely responsible for the full cost to repair or replace the device due to accidental damage or intentional misuse or malicious destruction. FPS reserves the right to determine the cause of damage.

2. Families will not be charged for Chromebook malfunction. Chromebook malfunction is the responsibility of FPS.

3. If available, a loaner device will be accessible to students while the original device is being repaired or replaced.

Reminder - Please DO NOT place stickers on Chromebooks!

Chromebook Protection Must Be Done Annually

A new and improved Digital Volunteer Form is replacing the paper copy! Parents who wish to chaperone on field trips must complete the digital volunteer form each year. Once approved, the main office will be notified. Any family members planning to go to 5th grade camp should complete this right away.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As in years past, we will assess student reading progress three times throughout the school year. To support this work, we are introducing a new tool: the Amira Assessment Screener.

To complete these assessments, students will read aloud to their Chromebooks. The system uses AI technology to score the tasks and adapt in real time to your child's specific reading level.

Beyond assessments, students will also have access to Amira Tutor. This program lets students select reading passages and practice reading aloud. As they read, Amira provides immediate, targeted mini-lessons and feedback to help build their fluency.

Student privacy is a top priority, and Amira fully complies with all FERPA guidelines for safety and data protection. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Add some color to your porch this fall and support Hillside while you do.

Purchase your Mums HERE.

• Deadline - September 18th at 9pm

• Pick up will be September 24th starting at 4pm and during Parents on the Playground!

• Questions? Reach out to Kristen at Kristenburing@gmail.com

Join us for our 1st restaurant night of the year!

Panera Bread - 37900 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills

September 10th between 4pm-8pm and ALL DAY with online orders .

Use promo code FUND4U for online & kiosk orders.

25% of your purchase will be donated to Hillside.

Day: Wednesdays : 9/23-11/18

Time: 3:35 - 4:50pm

Grades: 1-5

Fee: $180

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 310-372-2595

Day: Tuesdays : 9/8 - 12/1 (Skip 11/3)

Time: 3:35 - 4:35pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $240

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 866-949-4386

Day: Thursdays : 9/17-10/22

Time: 3:35 - 4:35pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $135

Website:Registration Link

Phone: 248-773-8570

Day: Mondays : 9/14-10/26 (Skip 9/21)

Time: 3:35 - 4:35pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $135

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 248-773-8570

K-1st Monday : 9/28-11/2

2nd-5th Wednesday : 9/30- 11/4

Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $150

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 947-941-4491

Day: Fridays - 9/25-10/23

Time: 3:40 - 4:40pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $80

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 248-973-1723

Day: Fridays - 11/6-12/11 (Skip 11/27)

Time: 3:40 - 4:40pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $80

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 248-973-1723

As the new school year begins, supporting our youth's mental health is more important than ever. The new school year can bring feelings of both anxiety and excitement as students transition into a new grade or perhaps even a new school.

We have provided a Back to School resource packet for parents and families who are navigating through this time. Click here to access the kit.

By working together, we can create an environment where our children thrive. As a reminder, Care Solace partners with our school to offer valuable mental health care coordination services to connect you with community-based providers for counseling, therapy, and more.

To access Care Solace:

• Call 888-515-0595: Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.
• Visit caresolace.com/farmingtonps: Explore mental health providers independently or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.
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By joining hands as a community, we can provide a nurturing environment that supports the mental health and well-being of our youth. Let's prioritize their emotional growth and create a brighter future together.

Thank you for being dedicated parents in the Farmington Public Schools community. Your commitment to our youth is truly commendable.

Elementary students will have the option to purchase a second slice of pizza on Little Caesars Pizza Day (every other Thursday). The first slice is free, and the cost for an additional slice is $2.25.

Students must have sufficient funds preloaded in their cafeteria account. Deposits can be made online at https://farmington.familyportal.cloud/

Please reach out to Nutrition Services at 248.489.3717 if you have any questions.

Email: torrie.maas@fpsk12.net

Website: www.farmington.k12.mi.us/hil
Location: 36801 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
Phone: (248)489-3773
Facebook: Facebook.com/HillsideFPS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillsidefp