The Hillside Happenings

We are still buzzing with excitement over the fantastic start to the new school year! Thank you for helping to make this transition so special for our students and staff. Our Huskies were all smiles this week as they made new friends, explored new classrooms, and got to know their teachers.

A special shout-out and thank you to our families for following our parking lot procedures and working together to keep everyone safe!

📅 Important Upcoming Dates

• Long Weekend (No School): Friday, September 4th and Monday, September 7th

• Parent Orientation Night: Wednesday, September 9th

  • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Grades Y5, K, 2, and 4

  • 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM: Transition Window

  • 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM: Grades 1, 3, and 5

• First PTA Meeting: Wednesday, September 16th

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

Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

- Mrs. Maas & Mrs. Amos

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

Did you know that the 26-27 School-Year Calendar is now available? Click here to download it.

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

Follow us on Facebook!

Follow us on Instagram!

September 8th - Classes Resume

September 9th - Parent Orientation Night (5:30 pm - 7:30 pm)

September 10th - Panera Restaurant Night

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

September 17th - Dentists - R - Us Visits

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

Angela Probst - for planting flowers in our front entrance and beautifying our school

Makarim N. Sawa - volunteering to support students at lunch and recess this past week

Crystal A. Sawa - volunteering to support students at lunch and recess this past week

Melika Dixon - leading our first special event of the new school year

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

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.

Our Carnival Dash Fun Run is coming up, and we need our Hillside families to help us bring the fun to life! We’re looking for volunteers to help throughout the day with everything from cheering on our runners and keeping the course moving to helping with hydration, music, and all of the fun happening along the route.

Whether you can give us a little time or stay for a full shift, we’d love to have you join the Carney Crew! No special skills are required—just bring your Hillside spirit, comfortable shoes, and your best cheering voice.

Volunteer opportunities include Carney Crew, Course Marshals, Hydration Station, Floaters, Music Operator, MC, setup/cleanup, and more.

Take a look at the available shifts and choose the role and time that work best for you:

Sign up to volunteer for Carnival Dash

Our students have been working hard to support Hillside, and now it’s our turn to show up, cheer loudly, and make their Fun Run a day they’ll remember!

Thank you for helping us make Carnival Dash an amazing day for our Huskies!

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.

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

Join us for our 1st restaurant night of the year!

Panera Bread - 37900 12 Mile Rd Farmington Hills

September 10th between 4pm-8pm and ALL DAY with online orders .

Use promo code FUND4U for online & kiosk orders.

25% of your purchase will be donated to Hillside.

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

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 : 9/8 - 12/1 (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