Hillcrest, Oct. Family Newsletter

Missing just a few days of school here and there may not seem like a big deal, but absences add up quickly.

• Students who miss 2 days each month end up missing about 10% of the school year—that’s nearly an entire month of learning!

• Children who are regularly present are more likely to read on grade level, feel connected to their classmates, and develop confidence in their learning.

The Early Years Make a Big Difference

Elementary school builds the foundation for future learning. When students attend consistently:

• They learn routines and social skills that help them feel safe and successful at school.

• Teachers can better support learners when they’re present for instruction and practice.

• Children begin to see school as an important, positive part of their lives.

What Families Can Do

You play a powerful role in helping your child build strong attendance habits!
Here are a few ways to make it easier:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. A good night’s sleep makes mornings smoother.

• Plan ahead for appointments. Whenever possible, schedule them after school or during breaks.

• Talk about why school matters. Help your child understand that showing up every day helps them learn and grow.

• Reach out for support. If challenges—like illness, transportation, or family changes—make attendance difficult, contact the Hillcrest Office. We are here to help!

Together, We Can Make Every Day Count

By working together—families, teachers, and staff—we can ensure that every child has the chance to learn, connect, and thrive.

We value our parents' and caregivers' feedback! Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about communication and your family’s experience at Hillcrest. Thank you!

Parent/Caregiver Survey

In October, Mrs. Leite's 2nd grade class had perfect attendance for an entire WEEK, earning their class a popcorn party! Mrs. Meyer's Junior Kindergarten class was our first (and only) class to color all of the letters for our "Show Up & Shine Bright" challenge by having 18 days of perfect attendance. They have earned a class reward. We are excited to see how many more classes will color their letters to earn a class reward as well!

Show Up & Shine Award

At our October assembly, we recognized learners who attended school 95% or more of the 1st quarter (missing no more than two days). 180 learners - about 70% of our learners - earned the Show Up & Shine Award. Our goal is to increase that percentage each quarter.

Please help us in our efforts to improve attendance at Hillcrest. We want every learner at school and on time as much as possible. We understand that illness and family trips happen - we are just working really hard to improve our overall attendance so that every child is at school and learning!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child's educational journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone, at 605-696-4600, or by email, at kate.mogard@k12.sd.us.

Kate Mogard

Hillcrest Elementary Principal

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Mark your calendars! Bingo Night is coming to Hillcrest on Thursday, November 13th!

Join us for an evening of fun, food, and community. Enjoy BINGO and a meal for a freewill donation.

Want to help make the night a success?

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0D4BAAA92AABFB6-59834719-hillcrest

Thank you!

Hillcrest PTA

1. Build a Love for Reading

• Read with your child every day, even for 10–15 minutes.

• Talk about the story—ask who, what, where, and why questions.

• Let your child see you reading for fun—books, magazines, recipes!

• Visit the library together and let them choose books that interest them.

2. Practice Everyday Math

• Have your child count items around the house (snacks, toys, stairs).

• Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division while cooking, shopping, or driving.

• Play board games, card games, or dice games that involve numbers.

• Talk about shapes, patterns, and time in daily routines.

3. Encourage Responsibility and Independence

• Establish a consistent reading time each evening.

• Teach your child to pack their backpack and lay out clothes the night before.

• Give small responsibilities—feeding a pet, setting the table, or cleaning up toys.

4. Build Strong Routines

• A regular bedtime and morning routine helps kids come to school ready to learn.

• Provide a quiet, distraction-free space for reading.

• Keep school materials (pencils, crayons, paper) in one easy-to-find spot.

5. Talk About Learning

• Ask questions like, “What was something new you learned today?” or “What was fun at school?”

• Celebrate effort—say things like, “I can tell you worked really hard on that!”

• Encourage a growth mindset: remind your child that mistakes help them learn.

6. Stay Connected with the School

• Check your child’s backpack and folder for daily for notes.

• Attend family events, parent-teacher conferences, and school programs.

• Communicate with teachers—share successes, ask questions, or request ideas for practice at home.

7. Keep Learning Fun

• Let your child teach you something they learned at school.

• Praise curiosity—encourage them to explore, build, draw, or write.

Receive information from the school district and choose the buildings you want information from by downloading the app for your device below. Be sure you have Hillcrest checked for notifications!

More information:

https://youtu.be/iwcFI7tYUac

App Download:

Download for Android https://bit.ly/3NE5Vdg

Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3NG9AHi

• November 13: BINGO Night (5:30 - 7:00 p.m.)
• November 26 - 28: No School (Comp Day & Thanksgiving Break)
• December 19: Noon Dismissal (Bell Debate) & Start of Winter Break
• December 22 - January 4: Winter Break
• January 5: Teacher Work Day (No School)
• January 6: Welcome Back!

Visit our District Calendar Page for more dates and information!

Visit our Website

Visit www.brookings.k12.sd.us for everything you need. From School Board Information, to Parent & Guardian Resources, to our District Calendars, the website has what you are looking for.

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Hillcrest Elementary School

Brookings School District 05-1

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To access Campus Parent on your mobile device, download the app in the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find the Brookings 05-1 district by entering “Brookings” and “South Dakota” when asked. Then enter your login information. If you're having trouble recovering your username or password using the Forgot Password? or Forgot Username? links on the login page, please click this PARENT PORTAL PASSWORD RESET LINK and fill out all of the required information.