Hillside Family Newsletter
IFebruary 2017I
Principal's Corner
February signals the arrival of the second semester and the middle of winter. While the latter may not be cause for celebration (other than that we are daily one step closer to spring!), the former highlights a time when students are hitting their stride and doing the difficult daily work of mastering new content/skills. If there were missteps in the first semester, students have an opportunity to “reset” and demonstrate that Reflective characteristic outlined in the MYP Learner Profile: “We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.” In my classroom observations, I frequently see students engage in that thoughtful consideration, and I see their teachers working to personalize student inquiry through an emphasis on student ownership and experience.
Teachers also take the second semester as an opportunity to engage new ideas and practices that they have spent the previous 20 weeks researching, honing, and discussing with colleagues. One of my goals for teachers since day one has been to learn, lead, and take risks together; I am excited to see them embrace all of these challenges and model the same Risk-Taker trait that we demand of our students: “We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.” Change is constant, and I am proud that our teachers embrace it and guide students as they do likewise. #RaiderPride
William R. Jones, Principal
Report Cards Will be Available on MIStar Portal February 7th
Directions for accessing report cards. Please click here.
Important Dates
February 2nd - 8:30AM - Principal's Coffee
February 2nd - 9:15AM - PTSA Meeting
February 8th - Count DayFebruary 11 - Parent Camp NHS - 8:30am
March 7th - Parent Teacher Conferences
PTSA and Coffee Talk
Mr. Jones will also be hosting a Parent Coffee Talk prior to the meeting from 8:30-9:15am. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, reflect on the semester, and talk about all things Hillside.
Counseling
During the month of February, we will be meeting with all of the 7th/8th grade students to begin an interest survey and career exploration unit utilizing the online program Career Cruising as part of their (EDP) Educational Development Plan. This comprehensive academic and career planning process will be reviewed and revised each year to assist with high school and post-secondary planning. We encourage all students to share their interest inventories, learning styles, career assessments and designated pathways with their parents and to access their EDP's from home for further exploration and future planning.
For more information, please see the two attachments.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's counselor:
Mary Daar Jane Hart
Counselor L-Z Counselor A-K
Attendance Reminders
Learning in Action
Mrs. Hall's students display their temples
Mrs. Grantham's Class
Mrs. Grantham's Class
Mrs. Grantham's Class
Athletics and Activities
Our first home basketball game will be on February 13th. The seventh grade team plays at 4pm and the eighth grade team plays at 5:15. We look forward to seeing you there.
Forensics
Is your child interested in public speaking or do they want to improve their communication skills? If so, the Forensics Club may be a good fit. The Forensics Club is a blend of speech and theatre and will help enhance a student's abilities to think, communicate and perform under pressure. Whether your child is comfortable in front of a crowd or very fearful, forensics can help grow their talent or overcome their fear. Our team consists of 6th-8th graders and practices are every Monday from 3:15-4:00. Please contact Mr. Spisich with any questions. spisichth@northvilleschools.org
Swimming and Diving
Our middle school swimmers did very well at the MISCA meet. The following students were some of the top swimmers and divers in the state of Michigan.
Justin Pecora- 100 yd IM 6th place and set new school record!
Justin Pecora- 100 yd breast, 3rd place and set a new school record!
400 yd free relay team of Justin Pecora, Matthew Pang, Conner Halberg and Austin Zhang, 4th place and set a new school record!
Julie Tuniman 200 free, 3rd place
Andrew Maiz -One meter diving, 11th place
Avery Thaxton-One meter diving 14th place
Mia Genetti -One meter diving 18th place
Science Olympiad Earns Third Place at the Cobra Invitational
Box Tops for Education
Thank you to all of the students that have brought in Box Tops For Education. Please continue to bring Box Tops in throughout the year, but especially in the month of February as the Box Tops Coordinator will be submitting them so that our school can receive a check to purchase extra supplies for the school.