Hillcrest Family Newsletter
November 15th, 2019
Principal's Note - Discourse
Last newsletter, I mentioned a little bit about the work we are doing to improve teaching and learning here at Hillcrest. This week, I'd like to give a little more detail about what we mean by discourse in the classroom.
We know that our brains are wired to learn from each other. Gone are the days where learners would sit idly while a teacher explained everything information for students to memorize. Today's learners are asked to think critically, create arguments and justifications and apply learning in new and novel ways.
One of the tools teachers use to insure all students are thinking and connecting ideas is discourse. Discourse is the academic talk between students where teachers can check in to make sure everyone is understanding and stretching their thinking.
Teachers think carefully about the prompting and questioning they use in each lesson as well as think about the grouping of students to make discourse most productive. Growing this discourse is a goal for all of our teachers across our school. Knowing that student led discourse, with teachers supporting students in growing the understanding, is a high leverage practice we are all focusing on this year.
Art News!!
We look forward to seeing you at the grades 4 & 5 art show November 21st during the music concert! Students have been working on independent pieces inspired by the theme of "HOPE" They cannot wait to share their creations and are welcome to bring their piece home that evening if it is more convenient for you.
In the art room all students have the opportunity to use a variety of materials that are sometimes messier than others. I have a large supply of smocks that are washed often, however this is your friendly reminder that if you'd like your child to wear their own smock please write their name on an oversized shirt and place it in a plastic bag they can keep on their hook outside their classroom for art days:)
Winter Weather and Winter Clothes
Having the right winter outerwear and gear is important for all students. Boots, snowpants and coats should be worn every day so playing in the snow is comfortable. When purchasing gloves, look for gloves that are waterproof or dry quickly. When students wear wet gloves outside, fingers can get very cold. Please make sure your child's name is written in all of the individual pieces of gear.
If you need any help in getting equipment for your child, please let someone in the office know. Also, remind your child to check the lost and found FREQUENTLY for lost items.
4th and 5th Grade Concert - November 21st
Hope Center Coat Drive
Brownie Troop 10484 of Hillcrest Elementary is collecting new and gently used coats for men, women and children from November 1st - November 26th (bins are located near door #2 and the gym). All collected donations will be delivered to the Hope Center and distributed to those in need within the Waukesha community to ensure that everyone can be warm this winter.
Want to ski or snowboard this year? Join the club!
Whether you’ve skied before or want to try something brand new, now is your chance to
hit the slopes. This is a Ski & Snowboard Club open to all Hillcrest
students and alumni (K4-adult) and their families and friends. Join the club and
you’ll ski or snowboard at Little Switzerland four times this winter, plus you
can take lessons and rent equipment if needed, all at a super discounted rate.
More information can be found HERE.
PTO Scrip - November 21 ONLY
ThankScriping Day is a 1-day opportunity to earn up to 21% on tons of top brands for our school! You MUST have an online account to take advantage of these special earnings on eGifts cards (printable right away). Create an account at ShopWithScrip.com on a desktop or MyScripWallet.com on your phone.
Hillcrest's enrollment code for new members is FD5A9L5F1LL55
Monthly Scrip Orders are Due November 22nd to the office but this special day, is separate and available only online.
PTO Waterpark Night - November 26th
Date: Tuesday, November 26
Time: 4:00 - 9:00 PM
**Preorder forms were sent home this week, a copy can be found here. Order deadline extended to November 20th.
**Cash or check accepted the night of the event at the the Hillcrest Table.
A few volunteers are needed to work the Hillcrest Table - sign up here to help:
PTO Craft & Vendor Fair
A special thank you to the planning team and those that lead each aspect of the event; Kim Smith, Shelly Gebert, Alyssa Ludtke and Chris Adent!
Middle School Information Night
4K Pizza Party with Santa
WHO: Current and future 4K Families Welcome
WHERE: White Rock Campus Parking behind building, in parking lot (enter door 5) 1150 White Rock Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186
WHEN: Friday, Dec. 13th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM
WHY: Come eat, take pictures with Santa, dance, and enroll your child for the 2020/2021 school year.
November Guidance Newsletters
November Dates
Tuesday, November 19th - PTO Culver's Night 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, November 20th - PTO Monthly Meeting, 6:15 PM
Thursday, November 21st - 4th and 5th Grade ConcertTuesday, November 26th - PTO Water Park Family Fun Night, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
Wednesday, November 27th - Friday, November 29th - Thanksgiving Break - No School
Hillcrest Elementary School
Growing Curiosity
Growing Learners
We take pride in our history, our inclusive community and our collective sense of wonder!
Email: hillcrest@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/Domain/14
Location: 2200 Davidson Road, Waukesha, WI, USA
Phone: 262-970-1810
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillcrestElementaryWaukesha/
Twitter: @HillcrestSDW
School Hours
Start Time for 4K-5th Grade- 8:40AM - line up bell rings at 8:35AM
End Time for 4K - 11:25AM
End Time for 5K-5th Grade - 3:40PM
End Time for Early Release Days for 5K-5th Grade -1:40PM
Playground supervision begins at 8:20. Please do not drop your child off until our recess supervisors are on the playground.
*Please note - our clocks often run up to 5 minutes early. We consistently reset them but the time continues creep forward!