The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

As we head into summer break, one of the most important ways families can support their child’s learning is by helping prevent the “summer slide.” The summer slide refers to the learning loss that can occur when students go several weeks without regular practice in reading, writing, and math. The good news is that families can make a tremendous difference with simple, low‑stress routines that keep skills sharp while still allowing plenty of time for rest, play, and sunshine.

Daily reading is the most effective tool. Just 15–20 minutes a day helps children maintain the progress they’ve made during the school year. This can look different for every family—reading together at bedtime, listening to audiobooks on car rides, visiting the public library, or encouraging older students to explore chapter books, graphic novels, or magazines that match their interests. The secret is consistency and enjoyment. When children see reading as part of everyday life, they return to school more confident and ready to learn.

Math practice can be woven into daily routines. You don’t need worksheets to build strong math skills. Ask your child to help measure ingredients while cooking, compare prices at the store, count change, or estimate how long a task will take. Card games, dice games, puzzles, and building activities also strengthen number sense and reasoning skills. Even five minutes a day can create a meaningful difference.

Summer is also a perfect time for hands‑on learning. Encourage your child to explore the outdoors, ask questions, build projects, draw, write in a journal, or observe nature. These experiences trigger curiosity and strengthen critical thinking. Trips to parks, museums, and community events—many of which are free—offer rich opportunities for learning in real-world settings.

Maintaining routines helps children feel grounded. A stable rhythm—regular bedtimes, time for reading, outdoor play, and calm moments—supports both academic and social‑emotional well‑being. Children thrive when they know what to expect, even during the more relaxed days of summer.

Finally, if your child is participating in our K–5 Summer School program, this structured support will help reinforce essential reading and math skills while keeping students engaged through hands-on activities. We are excited to partner with families to make summer a season of growth.

With a few simple habits and plenty of encouragement, students can return in the fall confident, prepared, and ready for a new year of learning. Thank you for all you do to support your child’s success—your partnership really makes a difference

This year, all student report cards will be mailed home rather than sent on the last day of school. With the additional end‑of‑year responsibilities and the start of our bond construction project, teachers have an increased amount of preparation work to complete. Mailing report cards allows staff the time needed to finish grading and end‑of‑year tasks accurately and thoughtfully.

We are grateful to our community for approving the bond and for the exciting improvements coming to Hillcrest and Pine Avenue. Thank you for your continued support.

First Grade Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Second Grade Drop-Off & Pick-UP

Third Grade Drop-Off & Pick-Up

1st Grade Creativity

2nd Grade Creativity

3rd Grade Creativity

4th Grade Creativity

5th Grade Creativity

Our Summer School program is right around the corner, and we’re excited to offer students a fun, engaging way to keep their skills growing. This is the last week to sign-up your child/children. This year’s sessions will blend hands‑on learning, small‑group support, and plenty of opportunities to explore new interests. Families of eligible students will receive placement information On Friday, June 5, 2026. We’re looking forward to a summer of learning, laughter, and confidence‑building.

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:

Hillcrest and Pine Avenue were roaring with excitement this week as students wrapped up the year with celebration, learning, and milestone moments.

Hillcrest Field Day provided the whole school together for a day of teamwork, laughter, and outdoor fun. Students cheered each other on through relays, games, and friendly challenges, and the joy across campus was unmistakable.

First graders in Mrs. Benjamin’s class commemorated a major milestone with their End‑of‑First‑Grade Ceremony, celebrating a year of tremendous growth. Families and staff glowed with pride as students reflected on their accomplishments and confidently looked ahead to second grade.

Our upper grades enjoyed memorable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Fourth graders explored wildlife and conservation throughout their field trip to the John Ball Zoo, while fifth graders traveled to the Grand Rapids Public Museum, where hands-on exhibits brought history and science to life.

Students also participated in important transition activities. Third graders visited Pine Avenue for Moving Up Day, getting a first look at their next school and meeting new staff who will guide them next year. Meanwhile, Luce Road kindergarteners spent the morning at Hillcrest for their own Moving Up Day, exploring classrooms, meeting teachers, and beginning to imagine themselves as future First-Grade Panthers.

From celebrations to field trips to new phases, this week captured everything we love about the end of the school year—joy, growth, and a strong feeling of community.