The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

January and February are a unique stretch in the school year. Students have settled into routines, teachers know their learners deeply, and classrooms are buzzing with steady, meaningful growth. It’s also a time when teachers are working incredibly hard behind the scenes — assessing progress, adjusting instruction, reteaching where needed, and celebrating every step forward. As we move through this mid‑year season, here are a few things our teachers hope families know.

Your child is growing in ways you may not see right away. This time of year brings quiet, robust gains: stronger reading stamina, more confident problem‑solving, better peer relationships, and increased independence. Teachers notice these shifts daily, even when they don’t show up in a folder or on a test.

Learning isn’t always linear — and that’s normal. Students may have weeks where everything “clicks” and others where skills feel harder. Teachers use this period to identify what each child needs next and to provide targeted support. A dip in confidence or a tricky new concept is part of healthy learning.

Teachers are carefully preparing for spring growth. Our NWEA and reading fluency mid-year assessments help teachers understand exactly where students are and how to guide them forward. These check-ins are not about labels or pressure — they’re about clarity. They help us tailor instruction so every child continues to thrive.

Your encouragement matters more than you know. A simple “I’m proud of you” or “Tell me something you learned today” goes a long way. When children feel supported at home, they show up at school more confidently.

We’re grateful for your partnership.

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:

Third grade students had an exciting week, beginning with a visit to the State Capitol in Lansing where they explored Michigan’s government and history firsthand. A special thank‑you to our PTO for making this memorable experience possible for our students. Fourth grade students also engaged in hands‑on learning as they constructed Lego mazes in STEM class, applying creativity, problem‑solving, and engineering skills. To end the week on a joyful note, students and teachers celebrated the 100th day of school on Friday with activities that highlighted just how much learning and growth has taken place so far this year.