Hello, Hillcrest!
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
Welcome to a Brand-New School Year!
Welcome to a brand-new school year! Whether you have been part of the Hillcrest family for many years or are joining us for the first time, we are so glad you're here!
This year, we are excited to welcome many new learners to Hillcrest, including our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten students, first graders joining us from the SDSU Kindergarten program, students who previously attended Medary or Dakota Prairie, and families who have recently moved to Brookings. No matter how you found your way to Hillcrest, you belong here. We are proud to welcome each and every one of you to our school community.
We are thrilled to have you as part of the Hillcrest family. Hillcrest is a special place where children learn, grow, build friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Our dedicated staff is committed to creating a safe, caring, and engaging environment where every student feels valued, supported, and excited to come to school each day.
We know that the strongest learning happens when schools and families work together. Thank you for being an important partner in your child's education. Your encouragement, involvement, and support make a meaningful difference, and we look forward to working alongside you throughout the year.
It's going to be an exciting year filled with learning, new friendships, and memorable experiences. If you ever have questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by phone at 605-696-4600 or by email at kate.mogard@k12.sd.us.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child. Here's to an amazing year of learning, growth, and success at Hillcrest!
Kate Mogard
Hillcrest Elementary Principal
You should have received an email message that included your child(ren)'s home room teacher to sign up for the Back to School Days. If you did not receive an email, please check your junk and spam folders. If you still don't see it, call the office at 605-696-4600. Attendance for these appointments is mandatory and counts as a two-day absence should you not attend.
Information on school logistics, food service, PTA and more will all be available at the tables in the lunchroom. Your child's appointment with their homeroom teacher will include:
- Exploring the classroom
- Dropping off and/or organizing school supplies
- A short assessment with the teacher - parents will have some work to do, too!
- Time to visit with the teacher and ask questions
We are so excited to greet you and your child and begin our upcoming year!
We are excited to welcome our new Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten children this year with a new "screening" process! With our Kindergarten Switcheroo, we'll use the first two weeks of school as an observation period where our kindergarten team gets to know children through play, classroom activities, and authentic assessments. This relationship-based approach will allow us to make permanent classroom placements based on current information about your child's abilities, friendships, and learning style. By the end of Week 2, parents will receive their child's classroom assignment.
Children who are enrolled in our Junior Kindergarten program will not participate in the Kindergarten Switcheroo, however there will be opportunities for them to meet and play with the Kindergarten children, who they will spend their lunch and recess times with throughout the year.
**Children have been assigned a "Homebase" teacher, who will be the main point of contact for families during the first days of school. These teachers will share more information with parents at your appointment.
Drop Off:
All children should be dropped off at the front of the school each morning. Supervision begins at 7:30 am on each playground. JK/K/1st graders will walk to the Jackrabbit Playground (on 3rd Street) and 2nd/3rd graders will walk to the Bobcat Playground (on the North side of the building). Learners who are eating breakfast at school will walk in through the front doors (W2 doors). The first bell rings at 8:15 a.m. and the second bell follows at 8:20 a.m. Thank you for getting your child to school on time to begin our day of learning together.
Pick Up:
Please display your family hanger in your car (you will receive these at your Back to School appointment). Cars should drive through the loop in the parking lot, up to the front of the school. Staff will call for your children after seeing your hanger and your children will be delivered to your car. Please continue moving forward with traffic. Staff will find you and deliver your children! **We prefer that cars follow this procedure for pick up, staying in vehicles with learners being brought to cars. This is the safest and most efficient way for us to handle dismissal. Thank you!
Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. - 8:15a.m.
Morning Bell: 8:15 p.m.
Tardy Bell: 8:20 a.m.
Dismissal: 3:22 p.m.
Wednesday Dismissal: 2:22 p.m.
The Brookings School District is working with Scherling Photography again this year to provide an opportunity for a photo of your child. Teachers will provide an ordering form at the Back to School appointments and we will share a QR code with families once we receive one.
Hillcrest Picture Day is Thursday, September 17th.
Retakes are scheduled for October 29th.
The Hillcrest Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) plays a huge role in making our school community strong and connected. From hosting book fairs and BINGO nights to providing meals for teachers during conferences, their impact is felt all throughout Hillcrest.
During your Back to School appointment, be sure to stop by the PTA table to learn more—and consider joining this amazing group! The PTA will be hosting fun family events all year long and is always looking for helping hands in a variety of ways. If you’d like to learn more about the PTA, please connect with them at your appointment or stop by the office to let us know.
August 24 & 25: Back to School Appointments
August 26: 1st Day of School for All Learners **3:22 p.m. dismissal
September 7: No School (Labor Day)
September 17: Hillcrest Picture Day
