The Hillside Happenings

We hope you are having a wonderful week! Thank you for the incredible turnout at Parent Orientation. It was so nice to have so many families walking the building. As we partner together to ensure a smooth, safe, and focused environment for all of our students, we wanted to share a quick reminder regarding our early pick-up and cell phone guidelines.

Early Dismissal & Pick-Up Rules

• ID Required: Anyone picking up a student must come into the office with a valid State-issued ID to sign them out.

• Authorized Adults Only: Students will only be released to parents, guardians, or someone listed on the emergency form.

• Heads Up on Wait Times: Please allow extra time. Students will not be called down to wait in the office; they will be called only after you arrive and sign them out.

• Advanced Notice: Notify the teacher ahead of time for pre-arranged appointments.

Attendance & Tardy Policy

• Late Arrivals (Tardies & Absences):

  • Arriving less than 30 minutes late = Tardy.

  • Arriving more than 30 minutes late = Half-day absence.

• Early Check-Outs:

  • Leaving with less than 30 minutes left in the day = Tardy.

  • Leaving more than 30 minutes before dismissal = Half-day absence.

Cell Phone & Smartwatch Policy

• Storage: Cell phones must stay stored in student lockers all day. (Since the school provides 1-to-1 technology, phones are not needed during school hours).

• Smartwatches: Apple Watches are allowed, but texting and calling features must be disabled during school hours.

DATE CHANGE

The Dentists R Us Visit has changed from Sept. 17th to Sept. 23rd.

Please also note that Dentists R Us uses fluoride. If you do not want fluoride, please mark the form "NO FLUORIDE" in capital letters at the top of the form. Thank you!

Repeat Reminders

• First PTA Meeting: Wednesday, September 16th

  • Please consider attending or signing up to be a member to support our school community!

School Hours for 2026-2027:

Student Hours: 8:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Half Day: 8:30 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.

Office Hours: 7:45 A.M. – 4:15 P.M.

The link below takes you to all published newsletters thus far.

Archive of all Newsletters

To reach someone in the office, please use the email addresses below:

Mrs. Maas - torrie.maas@fpsk12.net - Principal

Mrs. Amos - deb.amos@fpsk12.net - Assistant Principal

Ms. Pliska - emily.pliska@fpsk12.net - Secretary

Mrs. Jacobs - susan.jacobs@fpsk12.net - Office Clerk

Mrs. Thomas - kimberly.thomas@fpsk12.net - Office Clerk

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September 16th - PTA Meeting (7:00 pm)

September 17th - Dentists - R - Us Visits - POSTPONED to SEPTEMBER 23rd

September 17th - Bonventure Skate Night (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

September 18th - Half Day of School (11:45 am Dismissal)

September 21st - No School (Yom Kippur)

September 23rd - 25th - 5th Grade Camp

October 2nd - Fun Run

October 6th - Picture Day

October 7th - Bike & Roll to School Day

October 8th - PTA Meeting (7:00 pm)

October 23rd - HuskyChella (5:30 pm - 8:00 pm)

October 30th - Half Day of School (11:45 am Dimissal)

November 3rd - No School - Staff PD

November 4th - Bonaventure Night (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
November 9th - Book Fair Begins

November 10th & 12th - Parent-Teacher Conferences

November 19th - Virtual PTA Meeting

November 20th - Movie Night

November 25th - 27th - No School Thanksgiving Recess

Spotting our students leading the pack and showing what it means to roar with character!

Thank you to Mr. Morrow, Mrs. Mishanec, Mrs. Bongero, Mrs. Potocki, Mrs. Silver, Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Janks and Mrs. Veitch for nominating these students!

Miss Bo's amazing students have officially reached their Wildly Important Goal (WIG) of mastering quiet transitions! 🤫✨ After spinning the wheel, they won a spirit day!

The class decided a pajama day will be happening soon!

Ms. Pelton's amazing students have officially reached their Wildly Important Goal (WIG) of earning 15 PAWS Tickets 🤫✨ After spinning the wheel, they won a surprise!

Look at these masterpieces! 🎨 Mrs. Janks’ kindergarteners have been working hard on their self-portraits, and the results are absolute perfection. From the big smiles to the vibrant colors, these capture each child's unique personality and growing artistic skills. We are so proud of our little artists!

Family Options:

1. Purchase the Chromebook Protection Plan through FPS E-Funds (click on Pay for Optional Fees).

1. $25 per device, covering accidental damage and Chromebook malfunction.

2. Families who choose to purchase the Chromebook Protection Plan will have access to a ‘loaner’ device while the original device is being repaired or replaced.

3. Payments will be taken at the time of re-enrollment beginning Fall, 2023.

4. Families will be responsible for any damage caused by intentional misuse or malicious destruction. FPS reserves the right to determine the cause of damage.

1. Families who decline the Chromebook Protection Plan will be solely responsible for the full cost to repair or replace the device due to accidental damage or intentional misuse or malicious destruction. FPS reserves the right to determine the cause of damage.

2. Families will not be charged for Chromebook malfunction. Chromebook malfunction is the responsibility of FPS.

3. If available, a loaner device will be accessible to students while the original device is being repaired or replaced.

Reminder - Please DO NOT place stickers on Chromebooks!

Chromebook Protection Must Be Done Annually!

Also, please remind students not to change passwords on district devices.

A new and improved Digital Volunteer Form is replacing the paper copy! Parents who wish to chaperone on field trips must complete the digital volunteer form each year. Once approved, the main office will be notified. Any family members planning to go to 5th grade camp should complete this right away.

Girls on the Run is an after school program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Here is the registration link: Fall 2026 - Hillside Elementary

The first session starts on Wednesday, September 23rd!

Leader in Me Shirts are now on sale! Once again, we will be purchasing shirts for all Young 5s and Kindergarten students. Orders close on September 11th, and shirts will arrive the week of September 24th. Link to purchase.

The Hillside Fun Run is the PTA's most significant fundraising event of the year. All funds raised will be utilized by the PTA to support educational enrichments, field trips, community events, school support, and much more! Donate at this Link Fun Run envelopes should be coming home today in Friday Folders for cash & check donations. Thank you for supporting the PTA!

Classroom Prizes

• Raise $750 = All students receive a Hillside Keychain

• Raise $1,250 = Classroom Pizza Party!

• Top 3 Classrooms = $100 Book Fair Certificate to teacher for classroom supplies.

Grade Level Prizes

• Top Earner in each Grade - $50 Book Fair Certificate

• (Young 5's is with Kindergarten)

Weekly Prizes

• For every $20 you raise, you’ll earn one entry into our weekly drawing for a $25 Book Fair Certificate! Your entries stay in the drawing throughout the entire Fun Run fundraiser, so the more you raise, the more chances you have to win!

• One lucky student will be drawn each week, starting the week of September 14th!

Donate Early!

• First 50 students who donate $35 will receive a pair of Husky Sunglasses

Two of Hillside’s biggest fall events are coming up, and we’d love to have our Husky families join the fun behind the scenes! Volunteers are needed for both the Carnival Dash Fun Run on Friday, October 2 and Husky-Chella on Friday, October 23.

Whether you can help with activities, refreshments, setup, cleanup, or wherever an extra set of hands is needed, there’s a spot for you! Choose the opportunity and shift that works best for your schedule.

🎪 Carnival Dash – Join the Carney Crew:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAFA92CABFBC61-65317264-carney

🐾 Husky-Chella – Join the Husky-Chella Crew:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAFA92CABFBC61-65324985-huskychella

Thank you for helping us make these events memorable for our Hillside Huskies!

🎃 Calling All Creative Huskies: Pumpkin Decorating Contest!

Get ready to create, decorate and show off your imagination! Registration is now open for the Husky-Chella Student Pumpkin Decorating Contest.

For $5, each participating student receives an official 6-inch pumpkin to decorate in one of five fun categories: Harvest Vibes, Husky Pride, Color Explosion, Future Fest, or Freestyle Festival. Each category is limited to 25 students, so don’t wait to choose your favorite!

🏆 Prizes include $25 category awards, $50 Best in Show, and a $35 Husky’s Choice Award voted on during Husky-Chella!

Registration closes Sunday, September 20, or when all available spots are filled.

Completed pumpkins are due Wednesday, October 21 and will become part of our special pumpkin art installations at Husky-Chella!

🎃 Register here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAFA92CABFBC61-65542573-huskychella

Join the Hillside PTA and help make our children’s elementary experience extra special! Membership is a great way to stay connected with Hillside events, meet other Hillside families and support the programs and activities that make our school community special. There is no obligation to volunteer or attend meetings — support when you can!

Membership is $30 for a family membership (2 adults) or $20 for an individual membership (1 adult). PTA members also receive access to the FREE school directory.

Join the PTA here!

Join us on Thursday, September 24th for Parents on the Playground! This informal gathering is a great opportunity to connect with other Hillside families and spend time together as a school community.

Young 5’s, Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 5:00–6:00 p.m.

It takes only a few minutes to link your Kroger & Busch’s accounts (details at the links!) and you will be automatically donating to Hillside while you shop.

• Kroger Community Rewards

• Busch's Cash for Education : Busch’s must be updated yearly.

Join us for our first PTA meeting of the 2026–27 school year on Wednesday, September 16th from 7:00–8:00 p.m.

Come meet our new PTA President, Lindsey Moore, connect with the PTA Board and hear about what’s ahead for Hillside this year. Whether you’re a longtime PTA member or just getting involved, we’d love to see you there!

Add some color to your porch this fall and support Hillside while you do.

Purchase your Mums HERE.

• Deadline - September 18th at 9pm

• Pick up will be September 24th starting at 4pm and during Parents on the Playground!

• Questions? Reach out to Kristen at Kristenburing@gmail.com

Our first skate night is Thursday, September 17th. Bonaventure is open just to Hillside Elementary and their families, which is a wonderful family-friendly evening! The cost is $14, which includes skates. Spectators are always free! Address: 24505 Halstead Rd - Farmington Hills

We are excited to announce a brand new Enrichment program exclusively for our Hillside Huskies! Hillside Dance Collective will be sharing the love of dance with K-5th graders during this upcoming 8-week session. Whether your student already loves to dance or has always wanted to try, this multi-style program is a great opportunity to have fun with friends and learn something new! Please see the flyer for more details! Click here to sign up: https://www.bhdance.com/hillsidedance

Day: Wednesdays : 9/23-11/18

Time: 3:35 - 4:50pm

Grades: 1-5

Fee: $180

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 310-372-2595

Day: Tuesdays : 9/15 - 12/8 (Skip 11/3)

Time: 3:35 - 4:35pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $240

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 866-949-4386

Day: Thursdays : 9/17-10/22

Time: 3:35 - 4:35pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $135

Website:Registration Link

Phone: 248-773-8570

Day: Mondays : 9/14-10/26 (Skip 9/21)

Time: 3:35 - 4:35pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $135

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 248-773-8570

K-1st Monday : 9/28-11/2

2nd-5th Wednesday : 9/30- 11/4

Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $150

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 947-941-4491

Day: Fridays - 9/25-10/23

Time: 3:40 - 4:40pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $80

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 248-973-1723

Day: Fridays - 11/6-12/11 (Skip 11/27)

Time: 3:40 - 4:40pm

Grades: K-5

Fee: $80

Website: Registration Link

Phone: 248-973-1723

BUBBL’R is searching for the teacher of the year! Do you know a teacher that goes above and beyond every day and makes a positive impact in their school? Nominate them today!

Nominations will close October 13th. The BUBBL’R team will then choose 10 semifinalists. You’ll be able to vote for your favorite teacher once per day starting October 20th and ending on October 27th. The winner will be announced on November 2nd!

what you win:
• year supply of BUBBL’R
• $10,000 donation to the winner’s school
• BUBBL’R mini fridge
• $500 gift card

Click here to nominate a teacher!

Elementary students will have the option to purchase a second slice of pizza on Little Caesars Pizza Day (every other Thursday). The first slice is free, and the cost for an additional slice is $2.25.

Students must have sufficient funds preloaded in their cafeteria account. Deposits can be made online at https://farmington.familyportal.cloud/

Please reach out to Nutrition Services at 248.489.3717 if you have any questions.

Email: torrie.maas@fpsk12.net

Website: www.farmington.k12.mi.us/hil
Location: 36801 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI, USA
Phone: (248)489-3773
Facebook: Facebook.com/HillsideFPS

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hillsidefp