Dear Hilltop Families,

We have had an amazing first week at Hilltop. The students have been excited to see their friends and learn their new routines. Please check out the information each week from our newsletter to learn about the upcoming happenings at Hilltop and any important news you should know as a family.

Check out some fun photos from this week including first week of school happenings, new updates to Hilltop and our SOAR class photos.

Speaking of SOAR... We work really hard on our SOAR expectations throughout the year. Please see Mr. Wardlow's updates below on the start of our year below.

Homecoming week will be coming up very soon. Stay tuned for a fun dress up week and details of homecoming week. If you would like to order a homecoming t-shirt, please check out: https://mwhsfriendsfall2023.itemorder.com/shop/sale/. The sale ends on September 9, so act fast.

I hope everyone had a great start to your school year. Please reach out at any time to myself or your child's homeroom teacher if you have questions!

Mr. Moch

Hilltop Primary School Principal

Picture Day is right around the corner. If your child did not take their photos at open house, please plan for them to take their photo next Friday. This day is NOT picture retake day. It is our initial picture day for those that did not have them already taken. It is class photo day as well, so feel free to wear your fanciest gear!

Octoberfest is coming on Saturday, October 14th from 11 am- 3 pm!

Octoberfest is Hilltop's biggest fundraiser of the year which helps us fund so many wonderful things at Hilltop like Mr. Brett environmental learning, Art Adventure, the very popular book vending machine, supplies for the teachers, conference meals for teachers, scholarships for students in need, school improvements, recess equipment, A BRAND NEW PLAYGROUND and much more! Our goal each year is to raise $28,000 to fund all of these awesome things. We hope to raise even more this year to help complete the funding of our playground that is set to be installed on October 23.

Octoberfest is a super fun day where your kids can play carnival games, bounce in bounce houses, dunk Mr. Moch in the dunk tank, and win prizes to their heart's content. While your kids enjoy the fun games and activities, you can visit with your neighbors, meet new people, try your luck in the raffle, and bid on our AWESOME online silent auction! There will also by yummy food and treats, so you don’t even have to make lunch. It is a highlight of the year that you don't want to miss.

Check your child's homework/take home folder THIS FRIDAY for a MANILLA envelope which will tell you everything that you need to know!

We have some great opportunities for your family or business to sponsor the Octoberfest Carnival FUN! Your sponsorship is tax deductible, will be recognized at our event or can be anonymous, and will help more funds directly benefit our students! Email Janell Schmieg/Lindsey Lallas at htoctchair@277apps.org or Mr. Moch at mochm@westonka.k12.mn.us if you would like to sponsor the fun or if you have any other questions. Thank you for your consideration and support!

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Food $800 (STILL AVAILABLE)

Prizes $700 (STILL AVAILABLE)

New Octoberfest games/attractions $500 (STILL AVAILABLE)

Indoor Maze $300 (STILL AVAILABLE)

Bounce houses $800 (STILL AVAILABLE)

Dunk Tank $100 (Thank you to our Cub Scouts for your sponsorship!)

Raffle Prizes $1,400 (Thank you to our sponsors: Eddie's Auto and Marine, The Uptowner Cafe on Grand, Sonder Behavioral Health and Wellness, and Dirk Bak at SDQ)

Didn't get the Octoberfest Packet? Please contact the school office. For a preview, check out the links below:

Octoberfest Information

Octoberfest Raffle Information

Octoberfest Ticket Information

And please don't forget... Our silent auction isn't possible without your generous donations. Please check out the sign up list below:

1. Click on this link Octoberfest Silent Auction Donations

2. Pick an item (or items!) that you'd like to donate.

3. Choose to have the item shipped to Hilltop PTA c/o Shelby Bjerkaas

4. You're done! Pat yourself on the back for helping :)

Don't have time to shop online? We will do it for you! You can Venmo the PTA @HilltopPTA

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email the Octoberfest Co-Chairs, Janel Schmieg or Lindsey Lallas at htoctchair@277apps.org.

Thanks again,

The Hilltop PTA and Octoberfest Team

School Hours 9:00 am- 3:40 pm: School doors open at 8:50 am. Prior to that, please have students wait in your vehicle or at home. Buses arrive to Hilltop at 8:50 am. We have no supervision before this time and we want our students to be safe with an adult at all times.

Start of Day Routines Students will go directly to their classrooms. Drop off doors will open at 8:50 am. For families dropping off, please look for a sandwich board sign that says STOP and GO. If the sign says STOP, please remain in your car and when it says GO students can exit and make their way into their classrooms. All students may enter in Door 15S.

End of Day Routine: Please make sure you have your pick up cards displayed in the front window of your car with your child's name. Pick up cards will be handed out at Open House. If your family had end of the day changes, please contact Mrs. Petersen (petersenn@westonka.k12.mn.us) prior to 3 pm each day.

Book Vending Machine Donations: You may have noticed a pretty cool vending machine at the front of our building by the school office. The book vending machine has been bringing joy of free books to students over the last two years. We want to keep it going! Please consider donating to the Scholastic Book Vending Machine Campaign this year. Your donation is greatly appreciated!

Hilltop Calendar Overview: Want a quick overview of the important dates throughout the year, check out the Hilltop Calendar.

Spiritwear Fridays:

We love Fridays and spiritwear! Each Friday, don't forget to wear your spiritwear (or anything red, black or white) and if your child's name is called over the announcements they will win a little prize for showing their spirit. We started today!

Water Bottles to School:

Please send a water bottle with your child to school. It sure helps to have a water bottle in the classroom to keep them hydrated.

September Lunch Menu

Minnetonka Orchard School Support Sunday

Learn about SEL

Save Receipts for Educational Expenses: MN Dept of Revenue Info

We are HIRING paraprofessionals at Westonka- join the team!

9/17: Hilltop PTA: Minnetonka Orchard Night

9/18: Hilltop PTA meeting, 6:30pm (Media Center)

9/24: Hilltop PTA: Chipotle Night

9/29: Homecoming Parade, 5pm

10/12: Picture retake day

10/14: Octoberfest, 11am-3pm

10/18-10/20: No School

Hilltop Parent Resource Page: Find information on all things Hilltop

Volunteer Background Check Form: Background checks are required for all volunteers

Skyward Family Access: Check report cards, lunch balances and contact/health information

Family Choice Day Request Form: Complete the form to inform the school of an upcoming vacation or family choice day for your child

Hilltop Lunch Schedule

Attendance