December 1st
Hello December!
We hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving Break. It is just three short weeks until Winter Break. This month brings our winter concert on the 10th and our holiday parties on Dec 19th or 20th.
Thank you!
Special thank you to our PTO for a wonderful dinner during Conferences. The teachers very much appreciate not having to worry about dinner on the long conference day!
We are also grateful for all of the food drive donations that were given to local families in need.
Report Cards
Trimester 1 report cards will be available in the Parent Portal next week. You will receive an email from WCASD when they are ready.
Change of Clothes & Cold Weather
Please be sure as the season changes, that your child has a seasonally appropriate change of clothes in their backpack. All kids have accidents - chocolate milk, bloody noses, etc. and they prefer to change into their own clothes when this happens.
With the cold temps finally arriving, we were all reminded that appropriate clothing/coats are necessary! We are outside for morning and lunch recess every day! (Even if it is for a shortened time.)
Each year at holiday time, we ask for donations of gift cards to support our local Hillsdale families. These gift cards provide necessities as well as gifts for children and their families. Please consider donating $10, $15 or $20 to Walmart, Target, Acme, Giant, Wawa, or Uber to help ensure everyone has a holiday that is merry and bright! Please submit gift card by Wednesday Dec 11th.
In an effort to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses (there are many circulating in our community), please keep your child(ren) home if they are sick. Children should be fever and symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school. We ask that you do not medicate your child with Tylenol or Advil and send them to school. If you are unsure as to whether you should send your child to school, please contact Mrs. Champi, who can provide guidance/recommendations according to WCASD policy.
Also, please dress your child(ren) for the weather. Students will go out to recess on most days for fresh air, even if it is only for a few minutes.
This is a good time of year to open up your house and air it out. Open windows on all floors, in the front and back of your house and turn on ceiling fans for 30 minutes. This practice should be done once a month and more frequently if family members have been sick, to clear the air in your home. Also, change HVAC filters according to manufacturers recommendations.
Supporting Kids’ Emotional Well-Being during the Holiday Season
The holiday season, filled with joy and celebration, can also bring about increased stress for children. Between busy schedules, the anticipation of gifts, and in many cases, sugar overload, it’s common for kids to have some rough moments (e.g., tantrums, increased general irritability, anxiety, or sadness) over the holidays.
Here are some practical tips for supporting your child’s emotional well-being during this time:
Maintain Routine and Structure: With the holidays often comes a significant deviation from kids’ typical routine. While some change is inevitable (and that’s what makes the holidays special!), the American Academy of Pediatrics (2019) recommends maintaining as much consistency as possible this time of year. Consistent sleep schedules, mealtimes, and other household routines (e.g., daily chores, reading for 10 minutes before bed) can help provide a sense of stability and security for your child.
Set Clear Expectations: Discuss what activities and events are planned, so your child has a clear idea of what to expect. For example, if going to a family member’s house, explain which family members will be there, what types of food might be served, what activities are planned or not permitted (e.g., “We will be baking cookies with Grandma the whole time, so we can’t bring the iPad”), and approximately how long you anticipate staying. This will be especially important when family dynamics have recently changed (e.g., divorce, new marriage or new sibling, death in the family).
Limit Overstimulation: The bright lights, loud music, and crowded spaces at many holiday events can be overwhelming for some children (especially if they’re dressed in less-than-comfortable holiday outfits!) Be mindful of your child’s sensitivity to stimuli and schedule breaks or make modifications, as needed.
Teach the Value of Gratitude: Discuss gift-giving with your child and manage their expectations early on to avoid disappointment. Help them to understand that the holidays are about so much more than receiving gifts. Consider participating together in charitable activities, such as volunteering or donating toys, to teach the value of gratitude and helping others.
Practice Self-Care: While much easier said than done, try to prioritize your own well-being, as that can directly affect children’s stress levels. Model healthy stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, for your child. Consider discussing with them what you are doing and how it fits into a healthy self-care routine.
If your child experiences persistent or extreme mental health issues over the holiday break, please consider seeking professional assistance. The WCASD has compiled some community resources here.
We wish you a healthy, happy holiday season!
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics (2019), Child Mind (2023), Handspring Health (2023).
December
12/6 - WC Christmas Parade
12/10 - Winter Concert - 5th gr Band, 4th & 5th gr Orchestra, 5th Chorus 7pm
12/12 - 5th grade trip to Peirce MS
12/18 - 5th grade trip to WCU to see HHS music
12/23 - Jan 1 - No School - Winter Break
January
1/2 - Return to School
1/9 - 3rd gr trip to Uptown!
1/15 - Philadelphia Union Assembly
1/16 - PTO mtg 6:30 - Come hear about Hillsdale's renovations - beginning THIS summer!
1/20 - No School - MLK,Jr. Day
1/24 - PTO Bingo night
Please see K/1 Lunch Duty and K-5 Gaga Pit links below.
With our new Flex Library Schedule, we will no longer be using a sign up link. If you are interested in volunteering in the library, please contact Ms. Szczesny directly at aszczesny@wcasd.net.
If you would like to volunteer in our school this year, please understand the following:
1) Volunteers must have clearances.
2) Younger siblings are not permitted at school while you volunteer.
3) Volunteers are held to the same confidentiality standards as any WCASD employee.
4) While you may see and interact with your child when you are volunteering, you are here to assist all children.
About Hillsdale Elementary
Email: pmerten@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/602
Location: 725 West Market Street, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484-266-2001
Instagram: @hdehuskies