Hillside News Brief
February 5, 2021
Dates for You
February is Black History Month!
Feb. 12 - Spirit Day (wear spirit wear or blue/orange)
Feb. 12 - Valentines exchange
Feb. 15 - President's Day (no school for students); Professional Learning Day for Teachers
Feb. 19 - Orders for James Solheim books due in office
Mar. 17 - Virtual Author Visit (James Solheim) at Hillside
On Time, Every Day!
As the cold winter mornings continue to greet us, it can be difficult for kids and families to rouse themselves for school with enthusiasm. This year, more than ever before, it would help our students greatly if everyone could show as much positivity for being at school as is humanly possible. Some students are having a tough time maintaining the stamina required for coming to school every day and working hard each and every minute they are here. We know it has been a difficult year. We know that, as we approach one year of the global pandemic, it is challenging to stay positive. Please know we understand the challenge.
Our kids need us more than ever before. They need us to make sure they are out of bed and eating breakfast or getting ready for a breakfast at school. If a parent or guardian does not transport to school, students need the adult(s) in their lives to ensure they are on their way to Hillside so that they arrive between 8:20 and 8:30 (ideally). Students may need words of support and encouragement so that they can have a productive day of learning and to assure them that their efforts will pay off.
This COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge; finding ways to support students in getting to school on time, staying committed, and finding the positive in every day can help them to be successful.
Cynthia Bailey, Principal
Keeping Students Safe After School
Our longstanding rule at Hillside is that students head home at dismissal. It is very difficult for us to supervise students who choose to play during the dismissal window (3:30-3:45 or 3:00-3:15 on Wednesdays). Staff is already out front working to keep kids safe and to keep traffic flowing. There should be no students on the upper playground. Students who choose to play on the lower playground after school do so without supervision or support from staff, which can sometimes lead to conflict or accidents.
If you choose to allow your child to play on Hillside grounds after the dismissal window, please consider supervising. Students can get into conflict, and that rarely goes well without a supportive adult.
During school hours, we do all we can to maintain adult presence when students are together during unstructured times. Supervision keeps students accountable and helps us to head issues off before they become problems.
Thank you for helping us to maintain a safe environment at our school. We are committed to order, safety, and, above all, educating all children.
Cynthia Bailey, Principal
Help us to keep pedestrians safe!
WE-Side Contests
- Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics
- Entries need to be turned into Hillside's front office or emailed to lucas.mike@westside66.net by 10:00 AM on February 25th
- Gift card prizes and/or Westside gear/swag will be awarded to contest winners
- Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics
- Any and all forms of appropriate poetry will be accepted
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST • Divisions for K-2nd graders, 3rd & 4th graders, 5th & 6th graders, middle school students, high school students, and staff
- Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics
1-2 MINUTE CREATIVE VIDEO CONTEST • Divisions for K-2nd graders, 3rd & 4th graders, 5th & 6th graders, middle school students, high school students, and staff
- Submissions should be about inclusion, equity, respect, teamwork, embracing diversity, Black History, or other relevant topics
- Appropriate videos no longer than 120 seconds will be accepted.
Spirit Day is Friday, February 12!
We are having a virtual author's visit at Hillside!
If you wish to order a book for your student(s), you can print out this order form: https://forms.gle/Zguu3RYf3kM8Vg1f9
Order forms and accompanying payment will be collected in Hillside's front office (cash or check). Orders must be received by Friday, February 19th.
Specials Information for Extended Campus Learners
Extended Campus students should access their specials classes and assignments through the Specials App. The classes match the rotation of in person students.
Dates for Pre-School (Early Childhood Center) Registration
Monday, February 1st - ECC (toddler, preschool & 4 year old) registration for currently enrolled families
Monday, February 15th - ECC (toddler, preschool & 4 year old) registration for WECC/WCS staff and District 66 residents
Monday, March 1st - ECC (toddler, preschool & 4 year old) enrollment is open to all families
To have a registration link sent to you, please contact Julie Oelke at oelke.julie@westside66.net
Club 66 Registration Dates
Monday, April 5th - Club 66 (WCS Kindergarten - 6th grades) registration for currently enrolled families
Monday, April 19th - Club 66 (WCS Kindergarten - 6th grades) enrollment is open to all families
2021 SUMMER REGISTRATION DATE
Monday, March 1st - Enrollment open for all ages and families
To have a registration link sent to you, please contact Hillside's Club 66 site director Linsey Messerschmidt at 402-884-3825 or at messerschmidt.linsey@westside66.net
Valentine's Day Classroom Events are Friday, February 12
We are looking forward to this lovely Hillside tradition! Please look for more details from classroom teachers.