The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

As we "fall back" and adjust our clocks, many families notice that the time shift can throw off routines—especially for our youngest learners. Even a one-hour change can affect a child's sleep, mood, and focus at school.

Children's internal clocks don't reset as quickly as the numbers on a clock. That means they may wake up too early, feel extra tired in the afternoon, or struggle to fall asleep at night. A change in time can lead to crankiness, shorter attention spans, and disrupted routines at home and school.

As your partner in education, there are simple ways to support children with the transition to daylight saving time.

Ease into the time change: If possible, shift bedtime and wake-up time by 10–15 minutes over a few days leading up to the change.

Stick to routines: Keep bedtime rituals consistent—bath, brushing teeth, reading—so their bodies know it's time to wind down.

Dim the lights: Lower the lights in the evening and limit screen time before bed to help their brains produce melatonin (the sleep hormone).

Let the sunshine in: Natural light in the morning helps reset their internal clock and boosts mood and alertness.

Be patient: It can take up to a week for kids to fully adjust. Keep meal times, play, and sleep schedules steady to help them settle in.

Our staff understands that this transition can be tough on families. If your child seems extra tired or out of sorts this week, know that it's regular—and temporary. As your partner, we'll continue to support them with patience, structure, and a little extra encouragement.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow and Ms. Jaeck

Gratitude Grade 1

Gratitude Grade 2

Gratitude Grade 3

Gratitude Grade 4

Gratitude Grade 5

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:

This week, our students marked a significant milestone: 50 days of learning! First graders celebrated in style with a 50s-themed dress-up day, bringing poodle skirts, slicked-back hair, and big smiles into the classroom. Across all grades, students are diving into foundational skills—learning to read, sorting words, and engaging in hands-on Math Work Places that build problem-solving and collaboration. On Friday, Mrs. Wickes' class brought science to life by building edible soil cups to reinforce their Shared Reading book, Soil. Students reviewed the layers of soil and explained why each tasty ingredient matched a layer—learning never tasted so good! We wrapped up the week with two joyful community moments: Coffee with the Principal, where families connected over conversation and shared goals, and our festive Halloween Parade, full of costumes, laughter, and school spirit. Thank you for being part of the journey—we're proud of every step our Panthers take!