Hilltop Digital Parent Newsletter
Week of August 9th
Purpose
Summer Check-In
We are Here for You!
Hello Hilltop Families,
We hope this newsletter finds everyone doing well and staying safe this summer. Please know that our Hilltop staff members are available to help you with any ongoing needs or questions that you may have as we gear up for the start of school. Our office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday until August 20th.
Available Staff:
School Counselor - Tracey Spain
Community Schools Program Manager - Kisha Parris
Pupil Personnel Worker - Christy Perdomo
Assistant Principal - Candace Pannebaker
Principal - Eileen Gagnon
Secretaries - Ms. Bonnie, Ms. Cathey and Ms. Hayes
We can be reached at (410)222-6409. We can help with questions about backpacks, school supplies, food drives and community events.
Monthly Food Distribution Coming This School Year
At our event on August 3rd, Hilltop was able to provide food to 192 cars representing 200+ families. We would like to shout out Ms. Parris (Community Schools), Ms. Page (Kindergarten), Ms. Weidema (Math Resource), Ms. Hoffensetz (STEM) and family members for volunteering their time. We would also like to thank the AAC Police Department and Ms. Allen's team from NKF Church.
Hilltop is Re-Launching as a Community School!
What does this mean for Hilltop?
This means that our program manager, Ms. Kisha Parris, will be working with community agencies to bring services, supports, resources and enriching experiences to Hilltop across the school year. This will benefit both students and families alike! Ms. Parris will also develop programming and purchase resources to elevate the learning opportunities we provide students before, during and after-school hours. Stay tuned for more good things to come!
New Student Orientation Sessions!
We Have Several In-Person Options
- Are joining us for the first time this 21-22 School Year.
- Joined us virtually during the COVID closure and remained virtual for the entire 20-21 School Year.
In-Person Sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:
- August 12th from 9:00 am - 10:00 am (This session is for Kindergarten and First Grade students only).
- August 17th from 9:00 am - 10:00 am (All students are welcome).
Please note that masks are required for all family members and students.
If You Need a VIRTUAL ONLY Option
- Are joining us for the first time this 21-22 School Year.
- Joined us virtually during the COVID closure and remained virtual for the entire 20-21 School Year.
Virtual sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:
- August 12th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- August 17th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
These sessions can be accessed using Google Meets. The following video call link can be used for both session: https://meet.google.com/mdw-rgkg-max
Our First Event for ALL Students!
Sneak-a-Peek at Your Seat Night
Update: due to the size of our school community and the capacity of our building, we are breaking up our Sneak-a-Peek into two sessions. This will help to ensure that families, students and staff can maintain social distancing in the hallways and common places.
When: Tuesday, August 31st
Time Frames:
- Students with Last Names A-K: 4:00 - 4:45 pm
- Students with Last Names L-Z: 4:45 - 5:30 pm
If students in the same family have different last names, you may come at the same time. We will not ask a family to come multiple times to the building.
Please note that masks are required for all family members and students.
The First Day of School: Please Plan Ahead
On the first day of school, September 8th, we will have staff available at arrival and dismissal to greet families and answer any questions/concerns parents may have. We will also have staff available to direct or escort students to their classrooms and help carry in their school supplies.
That being said, Hilltop wants to give parents advanced notice that no parents or visitors will be allowed to enter inside the school building while school is in session on the first day of school. This is due to current county regulations and COVID safety procedures. We will keep you informed about the ongoing status of these regulations across the first marking period of school.
Please know that Hilltop is dedicated to being a Community School, and we will work with families to help ensure that there are opportunities to meet with teachers across the school year. We will have virtual meeting options, as well as before school and after school hours.
Don't Forget to Register New Students!
New Kindergarten through 5th Grade Students
If you are having difficulty with the electronic process, please call Ms. Bonnie at (410)222-6409 for assistance.
Do You Have a Pre-K Age Student at Home?
Dates to Remember!
- August 31st: Sneak-a-Peak Night from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm at Hilltop Elementary School
- September 8th: First Day of School for 1st-5th Grade
- September 8th - 9th: Kindergarten Conferences
- September 10th-14th: Kindergarten Stagger Days
- September 14th: Back-to-School Night from 5:00 pm to 6:55 pm (in-person and virtual options)
- September 15h: First Full Day for Kindergarten Students
Mask Policy for In-Person Learning
- Please view Dr. Arlotto's Announcement here: https://youtu.be/zFJ-9qV1t7Q
- Please read Dr. Arlotto's Message here: https://www.aacps.org/2122update
Community Resources
Summer Resources
- Students have access to i-Ready My Path through mid-August, and First in Math through July 31. These are valuable learning opportunities for students over the summer. Aim for 30 minutes 2-4 times a week to keep your skills sharp!
- The AACPS Summer Learning Buffet will be live on June 21, which includes various activities that support math learning.
- Participate in one of the below AAC Public Library Summer Reading Challenges.
Summer Reading Programs to Check Out
How to Reach Us
Email: hilltopstars1@gmail.com
Website: www.hilltopstars.org
Location: 415 Melrose Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD, USA
Phone: 410-222-6409
Twitter: @HilltopESAACPS