The Weekly Update Panther Pride

Dear Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Families,

This month in Character Strong, our focus is Honesty—a skill that grows stronger each time a child practices telling the truth, taking responsibility, and repairing mistakes. Honesty is more than simply “not lying.” It’s about building trust, showing courage, and learning that mistakes are a normal part of growing up.

At school, we teach students that being honest doesn’t mean being perfect. Instead, it means choosing to tell the truth even when it feels uncomfortable, and taking accountability when something goes wrong. When children learn that mistakes are opportunities—not failures—they become more confident, resilient, and trustworthy.

Families can support honesty at home in simple but powerful ways. One way is to normalize mistakes by reminding children that everyone makes them and that what matters most is how we respond. It also helps to praise truth‑telling, especially when it takes courage, so children learn that honesty is valued more than perfection. Modeling accountability in your own daily interactions shows children that owning mistakes is safe and responsible. Finally, staying calm during tough moments makes it easier for children to be truthful and take responsibility, strengthening trust between you and your child.

Together, we can help students understand that honesty strengthens relationships, builds character, and creates a community where everyone feels safe to learn and grow. Thank you for partnering with us as we guide students toward becoming responsible, trustworthy young people.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow and Ms. Jaeck

Honesty Grade 1

Honesty Grade 2

Honesty Grade 3

Honesty Grade 4

Honesty Grade 5

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:

First grade students recently finished reading Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco, and Mrs. Benjamin’s class brought the story to life by making their own version of Thunder Cake in the classroom. While it wasn’t the exact recipe from the book, students were delighted—especially when they discovered the “secret ingredient” was tomatoes.

Students in Mrs. Benjamin’s, Mrs. Langworthy’s, Mrs. Lyon’s, and Mrs. Elsea’s classes also adopted new reading buddies to encourage reading at home. What began as a surprise turned into a joyful Valentine’s Day literacy activity, with students eagerly reading to the buddies they selected.

Pine Avenue students also enjoyed a spirited Twin Day, showing off their creativity and school pride. Across the building, paraprofessionals continue to work diligently with students to close reading gaps, providing targeted support that strengthens foundational literacy skills.