Dear Hillside Parents/Caregivers:
I hope this message finds you well. From this point moving forward you will receive weekly communications from my office. I know you have many more questions than what you have been provided answers for. My complete transparency to my school community is that I am committed to updating you all as I become abreast of information.
Hillside Town Hall:
Mr. Adamo and I will host a remote learning informational session on Wednesday, September 2nd at 5:00pm. The presentation will be posted to our website for those who are unable to attend. Information on the following topics will be discussed:
- The First Few Days of School
- Technology to be Used
- Sample Schedules
- Special Education Implications
- Paraprofessional Role
- Response to Intervention Curriculum Support
- Attendance Procedure
- School Supplies & Materials Update
- Important Dates
Here is the public link for the Webex Meeting to be held on Wednesday, 9/2 at 5pm:
https://mpsdnj.webex.com/mpsdnj/onstage/g.php?MTID=e182691e422440ac21146d97bf2e2b9d0
If you have questions you would like Dr. Anglin or Mr. Adamo to address at the Town Hall on Wednesday 9/2 please click the link and submit a form.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aI88OHBtRvdYbvuWtIJ8uJgM0lvXAS7usRfgUf_2VL0/edit?ts=5f491af2
Enrichment Opportunities:
2-Question Explorers Survey: The Hillside Explorers team would like to determine whether to offer our Hillside Explorers program this fall and your feedback is crucial. At this time, we will only be able to offer a VIRTUAL Explorers experience so we would appreciate any feedback you have so we can determine whether and how to create the most meaningful programming for the Hillside community.
(For those who are unfamiliar with the Explorers program, it is an after-school enrichment program that is organized and run by the PTA. There is usually a wide range of classes offered and students can participate in as many as they would like.)
Please complete the 2-Question survey. Responses are due this Friday, August 28th.
First Day of School Celebration:
We’re as excited as ever to be starting another school year! For anyone who knows Hillside’s First Day of School is quite a huge celebration that takes place on our front lawn. We know that going back to school looks very different this year, but we still want to stay true to our Hillside traditions including our First Day of School celebration! Please send in pictures of your child from last year’s celebration, pictures of their virtual learning spaces, and/or pictures with a first day of school sign – anything that positively reflects the unique circumstances that we’re in.
Please note: Forwarding an image for this virtual celebration is your consent for us to use the image in our First Day of School celebration slideshow!
Email your pictures to ericamitch12@gmail.com by Monday August 31st.
Message from the Hillside PTA:
Hillside Elementary School PTA: Join and stay connected through the Hillside PTA! Visit the Hillside PTA’s new website at montclairpta.org/hillside/, where you can apply for membership, shop for spirit wear and find other key contacts and information. And make sure you join the Hillside PTA’s Facebook group “Hillside Elementary School – Montclair, NJ”. You can also contact Hillside PTA President Brian Fleischer with any questions at ptapres@hillsidepta.org. Make sure you “opt-in” through Genesis to receive PTA e-blasts.
Message from the Hillside School Action Team for Partnerships (SATp):
WHO: a group of dedicated Hillside Parents, Teachers, Administrators and Community Members
WHAT: Taking action together to execute the School Improvement Plan for ALL students
WHERE: The work we do is everywhere & all inclusive. Current initiatives include, but are not limited to:
- Social Justice- building an anit-racist community
- Cyber-awareness
- Health& Wellness- bike/walk to school day, field day, ect.
- Hillside Cares- coat drive, food drives, MLK Jr. day of service, Make-A-Wish, ect.
- Safety, Climate & Culture Team (Pandemic Response Team)
- Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
- Curriculum Work- Spelling Bee, MakerSpace, Science Day, Family Coding Night
WHEN: Throughout the school year sub-committees will meet monthly (or more as needed) and then we will host a minimum of four Report-Out Meetings, at which time sub-committees will update the greater school population of their progress and work.
WHY: In accordance with MPS Policy 2419, the SATp will exist as a standing committee under the leadership of the building principal/administrator, in collaboration with the PTA. As a comprehensive approach to school, family, and community partnerships. Hillside’s School Action Team for Partnerships will review school progress and determine how to effectively address the following:
- Supporting the whole child through academic achievement and social and emotional learning;
- Effective family advocacy, communication, and engagement;
- Ensuring a welcoming school environment;
- Offering volunteer opportunities for family and community engagement;
- Education families to support learning at home; and
- Collaborating with Montclair Community Partners.
SATp Contact information will be shared in next week’s e-blast.
Student Placement:
Your child’s homeroom teacher and daily schedule will be accessible in Genesis – Parent Access. You will receive an email when the information has been posted to your account, you must complete all necessary forms in Genesis in order to receive this email. If you are having issues accessing your Parent Access account, please email parent access at parentaccess@montclair.k12.nj.us
Best regards,
Samanthaa
Samanthaa Lennon Anglin, Ed.D.
Principal
Hillside Elementary School ~ Gifted and Talented Magnet
54 Orange Rd., Montclair, NJ
Phone: (973) 509-4200
Fax: (973) 509-1448
Follow us on Twitter: @Hillside_MPS