Hillcrest Family Newsletter
May 14th, 2021
Updates to COVID-19 Mitigations
Temperature Checks
We are no longer checking temperatures at each door. We do still have staff members posted at our entry ways to greet students for the start of the day.
Face Covering/Masks
Wearing a face covering or mask is optional and this is a personal decision families should discuss with your child(ren). We are not able enforce your decision in regards to what you prefer for your child but we are able to give reminders. Our prompting for students has been "what does your grown up/parent say for you to do?" and "if your parent asks you to wear your mask, you should have it on." We still have students remove their masks when outdoors and for snack/lunch times. Some students do prefer to wear their mask outdoors as well.
We are monitoring how students are treating each other about mask wearing. We have addressed classrooms and individual students in regards to making comments about what other people are choosing to do. After students initially entered the building on Thursday morning and these expectations were established, we heard very little conversation between students in regards to mask wearing. If your child reports that other students are talking about your family's decision, please let your child's classroom teacher know so we are able to address it.
Masks still must be worn on the bus as per federal regulations.
Bubblers and Field Trips
The facilities managers are arranging for the bubblers to be turned back on. We currently have no field trips planned and booking a field trip and bus at this point in the year is never advised.
Recess
Most elementary schools employ different recess areas, or zones, for different grade levels during recess periods when multiple grades are outside at the same time. This helps the adults make sure that students all have access to age appropriate play equipment and games. Playworks, which has been implemented in most of our elementary schools, uses zones as a strategy to make sure all students are actively participating in play throughout the recess period. Additionally, when grade levels are assigned to a zone, supervision is planned around those zones to make sure the proper student to adult ratio is maintained throughout the recess period. For COVID-19 mitigations, grade levels were separated into different zones based on homerooms. As a result of the school board’s decision about recess zones, homerooms from the same grade will be able to play together. Each zone has playground structures, large grassy areas for team games, a basketball hoop, four square markings and a variety of playground equipment.
Physical Barriers
We currently have plexiglass on tables where students sit across from or right next to each other. We also use them at teacher small group tables if the adult and student sit close to each other. If students sit at an individual desk or if they are the only person at a table, they have not had plexiglass all year. In most cases, the plexiglass has turned into a nametag holder and note board, we have some students who keep a picture of a family member or pet posted to the dividers. The students have turned the barriers into their own little desk space. We don't plan on removing the barriers at this point in the year. In the last three days of school, as we begin to pull down student work and send items home, the plexiglass will come down and will be stored if it is needed in the future.
Cleaning
Our classrooms are still disinfected every evening and tables are washed down before and after eating. We still make time to wash our hands as a part of our daily routines.
Attendance Limits
Visitors are still not allowed in the buildings and we have no events scheduled through the end of the year. Our PTO is making plans for our 5th grade promotion events to be a "drive thru" where each 5th grader has an individual time with their family to be honored.
The most recent report from the CDC is good news - studies show that persons who are vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. Over 80% of the staff in our building are fully vaccinated. However, our students have not had the opportunity to be vaccinated, so we want to remain diligent. Additionally, with 17 days of school left, we will not change routines at this point and time. Anytime a change in schedule occurs at the elementary level, this can cause anxiety with children and it requires time away from instruction for learning and coaching around the new expectations. We want to spend these last days of school learning and enjoying our days together!
Thank you to our entire staff who has worked to change practices quickly as the school year has needed us to. Thank YOU to all of our families in supporting us through these changes. We have all done a REMARKABLE job at keeping our students and families safe and healthy and keeping our doors open for learning.
Emergency Broadband Benefit for Families in Need
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.
A Message From Mr. Kuhtz
Thanks to all the Hillcrest Families for their thoughtful, and generous gifts throughout Staff Appreciation week. I really appreciate it sincerely. There is not a better place to work than for the Hillcrest Community. Thanks again to all of you, and I love working with your kids!
PTO Corner
Day of Awesomeness Fundrasier
Families are asked to participate by logging into Get Movin's fund hub page, registering your child(ren) and sharing your fundraising page. Below this messages are incentives; note just by registering children receive a prize.
Complete these 2 Simple Steps!
First register your dashboard by clicking HERE or copy: https://www.getmovinfundhub.com/register?school_uuid=6096bd44b15e8
Make an online donation using the Red Donate button right away and share with friends and family, they want to help.
Thanks for your continued support! Cash & Checks welcome, please make checks payable to Hillcrest PTO.
PTO Upcoming Events & Update
May 19th, 6:15 PM: Final Regular PTO Meeting (link HERE)
May 17th - 21st: PTO Book Fair Online
May 20th: Spring Social Event
Additional Details will be sent or emailed home! If you have any question about PTO events please email hillcresthuskiepto@gmail.com
Hillcrest Elementary School
Growing Curiosity
Growing Learners
Email: hillcrest@waukesha.k12.wi.us
Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/hillcrestes
Location: 2200 Davidson Road, Waukesha, WI, USA
Phone: (262)-970-1800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HillcrestElementaryWaukesha
Twitter: @HillcrestSDW