The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

Next week, we are excited to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at Hillcrest and Pine Avenue, a time dedicated to recognizing the incredible educators who make our schools such special places for children to learn and grow. Every day, our teachers bring patience, creativity, and deep commitment to their classrooms. They design lessons that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students see themselves as capable learners. Whether they are guiding a small reading group, supporting a student through a challenging moment, or cheering on a classroom success, our teachers consistently go above and beyond to ensure every child feels recognized, valued, and supported.

This year, we want to highlight not only the work teachers do inside the classroom, but also the countless ways they add to the broader school community. They collaborate with colleagues, communicate with families, plan interactive events, and create comfortable spaces where learners feel safe to take risks and try new things. Their dedication reaches far beyond the school day, and the impact they have on students lasts well beyond the school year.

Throughout the week, we will be celebrating our staff with small surprises, notes of gratitude, and moments of recognition. We invite families to join us in demonstrating appreciation—whether by a kind message, a drawing from your child, or simply a heartfelt “thank you.” These gestures mean more than you know, and they remind our teachers that their work really matters.

We are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our families, and Teacher Appreciation Week is a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve together. Thank you for supporting our educators, trusting them with your children, and helping us create a school community where both students and staff can thrive.

1st Grade Creativity

2nd Grade Creativity

3rd Grade Creativity

4th Grade Creativity

5th Grade Creativity

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:

This week was filled with wonderful learning and memorable experiences across the building. Our first graders were thrilled to welcome newly hatched baby chicks, bringing their life‑cycle unit to life in real time. Third-grade students continued building confidence and water‑safety skills during their swim lessons at the APS Pool, showing perseverance and teamwork. We also celebrated our annual AEPTO Fun Run, the PTO’s largest fundraiser of the year, with students running, cheering, and supporting programs that benefit every classroom. To top it off, students enjoyed our PBIS Egg Hunt, a school‑wide celebration which strengthened positive behavior while bringing a burst of spring excitement. It was a wonderful week of curiosity, community, and Panther Pride.