The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

Throughout the month of February, our school community has been focusing on what it truly means to be a good friend. While this month is often associated with hearts and Valentine cards, we used it as an opportunity to help students practice the greater skills that build strong, healthy relationships—kindness, gratitude, empathy, and caring for others. Students participated in a variety of activities designed to make these skills visible and meaningful. One of the most impactful experiences invited students to “catch” someone being a good friend and recognize them with a paper heart. This simple act encouraged students to notice positive behaviors in others, give genuine compliments, and celebrate the small moments that make a big difference in a classroom community. As the hearts filled our hallways, students could see just how many acts of kindness were happening around them each day. Students also practiced gratitude, an essential skill for strengthening friendships. Through thank‑you notes, morning meeting reflections, and classroom discussions, students learned to recognize and appreciate the ways others support them. These moments helped them build a habit of noticing the good around them and expressing appreciation in meaningful ways. In addition, students explored what it means to care for others through read‑alouds, conversations, and hands‑on activities. They practiced listening when someone shared a feeling, checking in on classmates who seemed upset, including peers who might feel left out, and offering help without being asked. These experiences helped students develop empathy—the ability to understand and respond to others' feelings—which is foundational for building strong friendships and a positive school environment. The skills students practiced this month will continue to benefit students far beyond February. Recognizing kindness, expressing gratitude, and caring for others are life skills that support stronger peer relationships, better problem‑solving, increased confidence, and a more inclusive school community. We are incredibly proud of the growth our students have shown and the way they are learning to create a school where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow and Ms. Jaeck

Honesty Grade 1

Honesty Grade 2

Honesty Grade 3

Honesty Grade 4

Honesty 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:

A huge thank‑you to our PTO for funding a CMU STEM experience for our third graders at Hillcrest this week. Each class spent an hour learning the basics of programming and coding, then put their new knowledge into action by building programs for a variety of robots that Ms. Sarah brought along. Students were fully engaged as they experimented, problem‑solved, and watched their code come to life—an exciting hands‑on opportunity that strengthened both their curiosity and confidence in STEM.

This month, students in grades 1-5 also continued our schoolwide focus on friendship and kindness. Students recognized one another with paper hearts posted throughout the building, celebrating classmates and staff. These hearts have become a visual reminder of the positive choices students make every day, of their gratitude, and of the strong community they are helping to build.

To round out the month, third grade hosted their annual Desk Decorating Event, a beloved tradition for our students and families. The night before Valentine’s Day, families were invited into the building to decorate their child’s desk with messages, surprises, and festive decorations. Students arrived the next morning, eager to see the creativity and love their families poured into their space, filling the hallways with excitement and smiles. It was a joyful way to celebrate friendship, family connection, and the spirit of the season.