Hillsdale Herald

What a fantastic first two weeks we have had! Everyone is learning their new school routine. We spent these weeks reviewing our PBIS expectations of being Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Caring in all the areas of our school. We learned how to line up, where to put our things, and the routines in our new classrooms. We spent time getting to know our students and they spent time getting to know each other.

Next week we will have our first buddy reading activity. All students are paired with a buddy (K - 3rd, 1st - 4th, 2nd - 5th) and the classes will work together to read a book and complete an activity related to the book Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow.

Volunteering

Please scroll down to links to sign up.

Cafeteria Update

Students are now able to purchase snacks in our cafeteria. Ice Cream will be available in the coming weeks. Please remember we do not accept cash at purchase. You can put money in your child's PaySchools account or send in a check or cash to be added to their account. We do not give change. Please see link below for additional information.

PTO is sponsoring our Welcome Back Bash 6-7:30pm TONIGHT on the big playground. We look forward to seeing you!

Please see information below about Basketball opportunities as well.

Please know that while we understand why you may choose to give your children cell phones or smart watches, they are not permitted in our classrooms during learning time. Per Board policy below, cell phones and smart watches are to be put away in their backpacks during the school day. Please do not text your child during the school day. If you need to give them information, please call the school office and we will make sure they get it. Thank you for your support with this.

Board Policy 237- Use of Personal and District Technology Devices

Relevant Parts of Board Policy 237

Purpose

In consideration of the recent proliferation and extensive utilization of both personal and district technology devices, the district recognizes the need to establish guidelines for the use of such so as not to disrupt the primary function of the schools.

Definitions

Personal technology devices (personal technology) shall be defined as any device capable of capturing, storing, and/or transmitting information, including text, audio, picture, and/or video data, not owned by the district. These include, but are not limited to, such devices as:

1. Cellular telephones and smartphones.
   
2. Handheld, tablet, and laptop computers.
   
3. Digital music players, including without limitation iPods and MP3 players.
   
4. Still and video cameras.
   
5. Wearable technologies including without limitation smart watches, smart glasses, or earbuds.

Devices With Cellular or Satellite Connectivity

Students shall not use cellular or satellite connectivity except when permission is granted by the building administrator for the following reasons:

1. Health, safety, or emergency reasons.
   
2. An individualized education program (IEP).[4]
   
3. Classroom or instructional-related activities, as outlined in this policy.
   
4. Other reasons determined appropriate by the building principal.

Please click on the following link to access Board Policy 237:

https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/wche/Board.nsf/Public#

The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. Let’s protect the elementary and middle school years from the distractions and the dangers of a smartphone. Banding together helps decrease the pressure to have a phone at an early age. Ten years old is the average age children get their first smartphone. You can change this!

When your child is absent please update Pick Up Patrol to reflect this AND send us an email or note after the absence. Please also use PUP to communicate any appointments (late arrival/early dismissal) and/or any changes to your child's dismissal plan.

A few things to note:

• Pick Up means you are driving through the car line to get your child after 3:30
• Early Dismissal is for when you are signing your child out before 3:30pm for any reason
• Walker means you are walking to school or parking your car and walking up to retrieve your child.

We must have a note or comment in Pick Up Patrol from you to explain the absence within 3 days of your child's return. Otherwise the absence is marked as Unlawful and you will be receiving a letter from the office. (No one likes sending or receiving these letters!)

Each child is permitted 10 parent notes and 5 family vacation days each year for absences. Please use the family vacation form linked below.

Doctor’s notes are appreciated whenever you see a doctor due to illness.

On Friday, September 13th, Hillsdale Elementary will be celebrating International Dot Day. International Dot Day, a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration, began when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot on September 15, 2009. Today International Dot Day is celebrated in 6,642,914 schools/classrooms in 135 countries. Hillsdale will be participating by having various ‘Dot Day’ activities ranging from art projects to writing activities and book readings. Be a part of this great celebration by wearing dot clothing that you have or make your own.

Welcome back!! I am looking forward to a fantastic school year.

*Medication policy/process

• Medication orders from a licensed physician/CRNP must be updated at the beginning of each school year.
• Parent permission must be provided
• The medication must be sent in to the nurse in it’s original container with a pharmacy label attached (please make sure the medication is not expired).
• The nurse cannot accept or administer any medication without a doctors order and parent permission. The nurse can only administer medication that is listed in the current Physician Desk Reference.
• Students are not permitted to carry or self-administer any medication during the school day. This includes cough drops. If you child needs to take medication during the school day, please contact Mrs. Champi.

*Please include Mrs. Champi on any communication you send to your child(ren)’s teacher(s), Mrs. Fithian, Mrs. Taggart or Mrs. Merten if it is related to medical, health, safety, illness or injury.

*Please update Pick Up Patrol if your child(ren) are out sick.

Thank you,

Eileen Champi

Certified School Nurse

echampi@wcasd.net

Hillsdale Elementary (M-F – 484-266-2006)

As we approach the fall season, here are some tips to keep children healthy:

1. Practice good hygiene, especially hand washing. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness
2. Find time to rest and relax
3. Keep children moving, even as the weather gets cooler
4. As always, drink plenty of water
5. Offer health snacks
6. Limit additional screen time
7. Prioritize sleep

Fri 9/6 - PTO Welcome Back Bash

Thurs 9/12 - PTO Meeting 6:30pm Upper Library

Fri 9/13 - Wear your DOTS

Mon 9/16 - PBIS Kickoff Assembly - Wear the color of your grade's PAWS tickets

Wed 9/18 - Early Dismissal: 12:05 -no lunch served

Thurs 9/19 - Science Explorers Assembly

Wed 9/25 - ALICE training for students

9/26 - 2nd gr trip

9/27 - K trip

October

Thurs 10/3 - No School - Rosh Hashanah

Tues 10/8 - Picture Day

Mon 10/14 - Move-a-thon (Fall Fundraiser)

Sat 10/26 - PTO Halloween Movie Night

If you would like to volunteer in our school this year, please understand the following:

1) Volunteers must have clearances.

2) Younger siblings are not permitted at school while you volunteer.

3) Volunteers are held to the same confidentiality standards as any WCASD employee.

4) While you may see and interact with your child when you are volunteering, you are here to assist all children.

Cómo traducir los boletines Smore Newsletters

Los enlaces para los boletines del distrito WCASD y desde el correo electrónico del director pueden encontrarse también en los sitios web del distrito y de la escuela. La traducción será generada por una máquina por lo que no será completamente exacta.

1. Haga clic en el botón para traducer

2. Haga clic en la fecha para seleccionar el idioma

3. ¡Disfrute el boletín! Las imágenes con palabras no se pueden traducir, para obtener una traducción, envíe un correo electrónico al director.

Si usted prefiere comunicarse en español por favor llame al 484-266-1690 para contactarse con personal escolar.

(If you prefer to speak to a Spanish speaking operator, please call 484-266-1690 to connect with school personnel.)

Email: pmerten@wcasd.net
Website: https://www.wcasd.net/Domain/602
Location: 725 West Market Street, West Chester, PA, USA
Phone: 484-266-2001
Instagram: @hdehuskies