Hillside Family Newsletter
December 2023
Message from the Principal
Dear Hillside Elementary Families,
Wintry weather is upon us! Did you feel the chill in the air last week? Always during this time of year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared throughout the year. I'd like to take a moment to consider the changes and blessings that have shaped our Hillside community.
I am truly grateful for the remarkable support and enthusiasm that each of you brings to Hillside Elementary School. Our school is not just a place of learning; it's a vibrant community of families, educators, and students working together to create something truly extraordinary.
Since my time at Hillside, I have witnessed the abundant gifts and talents within our school and community. It is the collective effort of all involved that elevates Hillside to such an amazing place for our children to learn and grow. In the true spirit of the season, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every family for the unwavering support you provide to our school.
As we embark on the holiday festivities, my wish for each of you is to experience the joy and warmth that this season brings. May your homes be filled with the laughter of loved ones, and may you find and share the blessings and good tidings that make this time of year truly special.
I am reminded, especially during this season, of my own good fortune to serve as the proud principal of Hillside. Each day, I am thankful for the incredible opportunities to support and learn from our young scholars. They inspire us all with their curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
Wishing you and your families a holiday season filled with love, joy, and cherished moments. Thank you for being an integral part of the Hillside family!
Happy Holidays!
Principal Jen Durham
School Board Recognition
Annually, HES recommends two staff members and two students to be recognized for their excellence by the EPSD School Board. This year, Sara Davis, Sheila Fortman-Craun, Emilee Erwin, and Karysn Crandell are recognized.
Sara Davis demonstrates unwavering commitment to supporting all students in making educational gains. With her remarkable empathy and competency in special education, she has greatly enriched the learning experience for our diverse student body. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for her outstanding dedication.
HES wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional work of our Librarian, Sheila Fortman-Craun, in creating an active and enjoyable library experience. Her efforts have not only fostered a love of learning but have also inspired students to actively choose to visit the library in the mornings. If given the opportunity, many students would seize every chance to visit the library. Her dedication to education is truly commendable.
We are delighted to recognize Emilee Erwin from Mrs. Chenoweth's 2nd grade class. Emilee consistently demonstrates our school expectations of being safe, respectful, and responsible. She has a commendable attendance record, her kindness and helpfulness to peers and teacher have not gone unnoticed. Additionally, she challenges herself to strive for excellence. She is a shining example for every 2nd grader.
HES is proud to recognize 4th-grade student Karsyn Crandell from Ms. Thronburg’s 4th-grade class for her strong work ethic, steadfast adherence to school expectations, thoughtfulness, and dedication to personal excellence. She consistently demonstrates traits of kindness and trustworthiness and is a leader in her class.
Checkout the Hillside Website!
IMPORTANT DATES:
12/11-12/15 Spirit Week- See Flyer below
12/14 Kindergarten Christmas Program 5-7 PM- See Flyer below
12/15 HES NOV/Dec Assembly K-2 9:00 AM, 3-5 9:55 AM
12/18- 1/1- Winter Break- No School
Winter Weather Clothes
This is just a friendly reminder that students need to come to school properly dressed for the weather. Students should wear a jacket, closed toe shoes and consider bringing a a hat and gloves when very cold.
Our Family Conference attendance is 98%
Hillside December Attendance Challenge
December 11th is the 100% Attendance Challenge Day! Let's reach our goal of every staff member and student in attendance!
Hillside Spirit Week
Procedure for Late Student Drop Off
HES PTO Meeting
Join our PTO Thursday, December 7th from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Hillside Library. We look forward to seeing you there. Would you like to subscribe to receive PTO communications? Please follow this link. We would love for you to volunteer in the classroom or around the school. To do so, you need prior approval from the school district. Please apply here.
PurposeFull People character traits for our students of the month
December 2023
Our Husky scholars are doing so well practicing respect, responsibility, and gratitude! During the month of December, our character trait is empathy. We will focus on learning how to describe how we feel, understanding what others are feeling, and listening to others. We would encourage our families to practice this trait at home too!
Empathy: understanding and connecting to other people’s feelings.
Think About It
Here are some questions to ask your child at home or talk about as a family:
K-2 How do you know what you are feeling? How can you tell how someone else is feeling? How do you show empathy to your friends when they are sad?
3-5 What is a conflict you have had with someone? How could you respond to that situation with empathy? What is the difference between sympathy and empathy?
School Hours
Monday-Friday
Start 8:30 amEnd 3:15 pm
*Doors open at 8:05am for breakfast in the cafeteria. There is no supervision before 8:05am. First bell rings at 8:30 am. Late bell rings at 8:35 am.
Student Absence
If your student will be absent for the day, please call our office at 541-830-1225 or email islasg@eaglepnt.k12.or.us. Thank you for helping to keep our school healthy by keeping students home when they are sick.
Ipad Insurance
Hillside Elementary School Mission Statement
Hillside Elementary School
Email: pattersondurhamj@eaglepnt.k12.or.us
Website: eaglepnt.k12.or.us/hes
Location: 185 East Main Street, Eagle Point, OR, USA
Phone: 541-830-1225
Facebook: facebook.com/hehusky