Hilltop Parent Council Meeting
January 26, 2021
Attendees
Mr. Heller, Dina Malanga, Lauren Lynch, Robin Kuo, Monica Shudtz,
Dorana Brunhammer, Taryn Cottone, Amy Golier, Sarah Clausen, Fabrizzia
Gambia, and Britany Gladhill
CHEERS TO HILLTOP FAMILIES
○ Mr. Heller shared appreciation for contributions by Hilltop Families
towards the Teacher & Staff Luncheon held on Friday, January 22nd
provided by Dante’s Ristorante that was enjoyed by all!
○ Luncheons are provided 5 times throughout the school year - current
schedule 12/18/2020, 1/22/2021, 2/16/2021, 5/7/2021, 6/1/2021
■ luncheons provide service for @50 teachers and members of the
staff including evening custodial staff
■ HSA has requested monetary donations and supplies towards the
luncheons
○ A Coffee/Tea Bar will be held on 2/12/2021 - Britany & Amy have
volunteered to assist the HSA with this event
Hilltop Staff Recognition
● Parents would like the opportunity to thank staff and teachers for all of the hard
work and dedication that has allowed full in-seat learning since August 26th
○ Mr. Heller directed the council to the HSA which is the group that explores and executes
these opportunities
○ conversations with the HSA representative about possible recognition
events (will keep as ongoing agenda item)
■ supplies remaining from other events can support a coffee/tea bar
to be held 2/12/2021 and/or 3/8/2021 instead of a random pantry
stocking which may go unused or spoil
● banner over Main Street - to create a vinyl banner may cost
$300-$400 and special permission - banners usually require
a year in advance notice to fly
○ ask Room Parents to send a reminder to make sure to include special
Valentine’s Day notes to teachers and staff
Standardized Testing (NJSLA) - Grades 3 & 4
Standardized Testing (NJSLA) continues to be on the calendar for the upcoming spring
for 3rd and 4th grade students; 2 days for ELA, 2 days for Math
Formerly PARCC ( Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) is
now the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments — NJSLA for short
● 3rd and 4th graders participate in testing the last week in April and the first few
weeks in May, in the areas of math and ELA
● computer-based
● no information as of now regarding virtual learning students
Plans to Return to Full-Day Learning
Full day in-seat learning is still the goal for the District, continue to assess feasibility, no
date set yet
● possible 3 mask-free breaks spread out throughout the full class day
○ outdoor snack
○ lunch break
○ separate recess
● lunch - classes will be split between the cafeteria and the classroom
○ plastic barriers will be used with 6ft space between each student
Parents expressed support of transitioning back to a full school day.
Afterschool Enrichment Programs Sponsored by the HSA
This year’s Enrichment Program has been halted due to too many complications
including the concern over too much screen time, logistics of using District Computers
and Google Meet Classrooms for non-school related activities.