Dear Parents/Guardians,

In a student's fast-paced and ever-changing world, the ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and thoughts—referred to as self-regulation—is one of the most essential skills for students' academic, social, and personal success. Far more than just self-discipline, self-regulation encompasses a range of abilities that help children focus, adapt, and thrive inside and outside the classroom.

Our teachers support self-regulation by fostering environments that encourage collaboration, empathy, and critical thinking. Teachers often implement strategies like mindfulness exercises, emotion check-ins, and scaffolding tasks to promote classroom self-regulation. When we, Hillcrest and Pine Avenue schools, and parents work together, the impact on students' growth is magnified.

Self-regulation is the foundation for learning, decision-making, and forming healthy relationships. When students can manage their impulses, set goals, and handle setbacks, they are better equipped to:

• Stay focused on tasks and achieve academic success.
• Develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Build strong relationships by understanding and managing their emotions during conflicts.
• Thrive in diverse settings by adapting to different rules, expectations, and challenges.

Students with strong self-regulation skills are more likely to succeed, not because they avoid challenges but because they face them with confidence and composure.

Parents play a pivotal role in nurturing self-regulation by modeling and reinforcing positive behaviors. Here are some practical strategies that parents can implement both at home and in collaboration with schools:

Teach Emotional Awareness:

• Help children identify and label their emotions. Use emotion charts or games to encourage them to articulate their feelings.

Model Self-Regulation:

• Children learn by example. Show them how you handle stress, frustration, or disappointment constructively, such as by taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or brainstorming solutions.

Create Predictable Routines:

• Consistent daily schedules provide a sense of security. When children know what to expect, they can manage transitions and stay calm.

Encourage Goal-Setting:

• Teach children to set small, achievable goals and celebrate their progress. Breaking tasks into manageable steps helps them stay organized and motivated.

Practice Problem-Solving:

• When challenges arise, guide children through problem-solving processes rather than providing immediate solutions. Encourage them to think critically and consider multiple outcomes.

Limit Overstimulation:

• Too much screen time or unstructured activities can hinder self-regulation. To help balance stimulation, provide opportunities for quiet time, creative play, or outdoor exploration.

Collaborate with Teachers:

• Stay in regular communication with your child's educators to reinforce self-regulation strategies at school and home. Consistency across environments strengthens these skills.

Praise Effort, Not Just Results:

• Acknowledge your child's effort and perseverance. This reinforces the idea that progress comes through practice and determination.

Self-regulation isn't just a skill for childhood—it's a cornerstone of lifelong success. By nurturing these abilities early on, parents and educators empower students to navigate challenges, manage relationships, and realize their full potential. With patience, guidance, and consistency, we can help our children develop the self-regulation skills they need to lead confident, balanced, and fulfilling lives.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

The City of Alma will temporarily close the entrance to Pine Avenue Elementary School. As a result, all bus drop-offs and pick-ups will now take place at Chatterton Street.

Students will have the opportunity to enjoy a short walk from the bus stop to the school building. To ensure a safe and smooth transition, school personnel will be stationed at the bus stop and along the route to provide guidance and supervision. The first map shows the drop off and pick up and walk the students will take. The second map shows how to enter Pine during the day.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we adjust to this change. Our primary focus remains the safety and well-being of all students.

We are so grateful for the Alma Elementary PTO (AEPTO) and all they do to support our students, staff, and school community! Their dedication makes a huge difference every day, from sponsoring field trips, book fairs, and family engagement events to providing support for staff and enriching the student experience.

The AEPTO will host the Fun Run on May 2, 2025, with a goal of raising $65,000 to continue funding these incredible opportunities. Thank you, AESPTO, for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to Hillcrest and Pine Elementary Schools!

Below is the Hillcrest Swim Program Schedule. Your child's teacher will be sending additional information via the APS App-Rooms. Please contact the office for any questions you have.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have successfully begun the third, final trimester of the school year and hope to be welcoming in some warmer Spring weather soon. While the beginning of Spring typically brings a mixture of storms and sunshine, it also ushers in our final round of testing sessions including M-STEP, NWEA and Acadience. The M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) is the state-mandated assessment administered once a school year.

Here are ways you can help your child feel more confident going into the final round of assessments this year:

● Encourage Restful Sleep: A good night’s rest before the test day is crucial for focus and energy.

● Healthy Breakfast: A nutritious breakfast can help fuel your child’s brain for optimal performance.

● Positive Encouragement: Help reduce test anxiety by emphasizing that the test is just one way of showing what they know. Encourage a positive attitude and remind them that they have been preparing all year.

● Be On Time: It is important for students to be in school and ready to start on time. Being present for the entire testing session ensures they can complete the test without distractions. Here is what you can expect from Hillcrest and Pine Avenue during the testing sessions:

● A Quiet and Distraction Free Environment: Students are assessed in test environments with comfortable seating and well-lit spaces with extra signage and staff patrolling in the hallways to protect quiet levels near testing classrooms.

● Flexible Scheduling and Timing Adjustments: Staggered test days/times ensure that groups of students are not overwhelmed or fatigued which allows them to focus without being rushed.

● Proper Supervision: Teachers and paraprofessional staff are trained to monitor the testing environment so all students are following the rules and feel supported throughout the testing experience. Security measures are followed to ensure testing materials are accounted for and submitted properly.

● Monitoring Student Well-Being: Staff are monitoring students throughout the testing experience and identifying/reporting to administration, counselors and social workers those who are struggling with test anxiety, stress, and/or other health-related concerns.

If you have any questions about the M-STEP or the testing process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support in ensuring your child’s academic success. We look forward to seeing all of our students do their best!

Warm regards,

Jennifer Jaeck

MTSS Coordinator Pine Avenue School

1st Grade Courage

2nd Grade Courage

3rd Grade Courage

4th Grade Courage

5th Grade Courage

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:

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Hillcrest is 11:38 and Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am