MLK PeaceNotes 2021.pdf Hillside Talent Show 2021.pdf
A Note from the Principal’s Desk – 1.8.2021
Dear Hillside Community,
On Wednesday, January 6th yet another historical national event took place. The rioting of our Capital Building prompts many questions pertaining to our democracy and racial privileges that exist. What we saw was scary and horrifying, disturbing and unsettling. I hosted an emergency staff meeting Thursday morning where staff members were afforded the space to discuss and process the events as we prepared to welcome our students to the school day. We work to be highly effective with nimbleness practices. We work to deftly adapt lessons to exploit teachable moments and correct misunderstandings.
I would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the timing with the federal observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Although Dr. King’s main intent was to fight for the equality of African-Americans during the 1960s, his message of nonviolence discourse is still relevant and ever so pressing today.
Dr. King’s notion of nonviolence had six key principles. First, one can resist evil without resorting to violence. Second, nonviolence seeks to win the friendship and understanding of the opponent, not to humiliate him. Third, evil itself, not the people committing evil acts, should be opposed. Fourth, those committed to nonviolence must be willing to suffer without retaliation as suffering itself can be redemptive. Fifth, nonviolent resistance avoids “external physical violence” and “internal violence of spirit” as well. The nonviolent resister must not only refuse to shoot his opponent but he also refuses to hate him. The resister should be motivated by love in a way that invokes understanding. The sixth principle is that the nonviolent resister must have a deep faith in the future stemming from the conviction of justice.
Wednesday marked a dark day, yet another reminder of the work still to be done.
School Wide Events:
Aesthetics
1/11/21-1/15 B Week
Student Material Distribution Event: Thursday 1/14/21 from 8-10 and12-3PM
We will hold another material distribution event in which students will come pick up second marking period books/materials. Distribution will take place from the Front Red Double Doors on Orange Ave. Masks are required and social distance shall be maintained. Thursday 1/14/21 from 8-10 and12-3PM
PTA/SATp Meeting 1/13
PTA Treasurer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: PTA/SATp Meeting
Time: Jan 13, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83195445424?pwd=emJqc0pDNm9BZCtvZGszN3B3ZEVzZz09
Meeting ID: 831 9544 5424 Passcode: bVpEu9
Hillside Explorers – Winter Session
Registration opens Wed, Jan 6 at 8:00PM
Registration closes Wed, Jan 13 at 8:00PM
Classes begin Feb 1, 2021 and will run for 8 weeks
***SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION: Hillside is able to offer a limited number of scholarship spots in classes. Priority will be based on when requests are received. To request a scholarship, send an email to EXPLORERSHILLSIDE@gmail.comand include your name, email and phone number, your child’s name, and list your top three choices for classes. Confirmations for approved classes will be sent by email. SCHOLARSHIP REQUESTS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN JANUARY 12TH***
DONATION INFORMATION: PLEASE consider making a donation to our scholarship program so we can ensure that students who want to take an Explorers class are able to do so. Thank you!!!
Any questions? Contact us: EXPLORERSHILLSIDE@gmail.com
Spanish Teacher Update
Thank you for your patience as we continue to search for a strong, qualified candidate to teach Spanish at Hillside. There will be no live instruction until the week of February 1st. There will be no asynchronous work posted next week. As always, please reach out with any questions.
Hillside Cares Week of Service Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
We are organizing Blessing Bags & Peace Notes project, and supporting Toni’s Kitchen Food Drive on January 11th-15th, 2:30-5:30pm & January 18th, 10am-3pm. See attached flyer.
Please drop off food donations and blessing bags outside the cafeteria door in the school parking lot. Make sure donations are dropped off within the designated time frames above.
Questions? Contact: Jodi Holmes, JodiFholmes@aol.com or Mrs. Harris, 3rd Grade Hillside Teacher, Sharris@montclair.k12.nj.us
Hillside Talent Show!
Virtual Info meeting – 1/13 at 6pm
Virtual Tryouts – 1/14 and 1/15 at 3:45-6pm
Virtual Rehearsals – 1/20-1/29 at 4-6pm
Virtual Show Time – 2/5 at 6:30pm
We are looking for volunteers with equipment, and skills to edit video, edit music, and graphics. Please email Tinu Joseph (indiearts@icloud.com) for more information.
See attached flyer to sign!
A Message from Ms. Scott:
Happy New Year! I hope 2021 is off to a good start for everyone. This week definitely had some darkness and it’s easy to get sucked into that but you can choose to be hopeful. I, personally, am making a choice to focus on the glimpses of light I see at the end of this dreadfully long tunnel. A democracy that did not fall when challenged, brave heroes and sheroes that continue to work tirelessly to keep our hospitals running, and people who have valid reasons to doubt the safety of a “hurried” vaccine courageously getting it anyway for the greater good of society. These things all give me hope.
While I’m excited that each day brings us a little closer to a new “normal” I acknowledge that we’re not quite there yet. Please continue to be purposeful about protecting your and your family’s mental and physical health. If your children and/or you are having challenges managing stress and/or sadness, here are a few Healthy Coping Strategies and resources to help.
COPE Center is offering free workshops via Zoom to help parents/caregivers find ways to manage stress. The first workshop is this Sunday, January 10th. Additional information can be found on this flyer.
The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is offering two support groups facilitated by registered Art Therapists where children and teens can chat, create and de-stress. All of the services are free. Additionally, they offer emotional support groups and individual sessions for adults as well. If you or anyone you know is emotionally struggling during this pandemic, please feel free to reach out to them. MHA Information
The New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Division of the Children’s System of Care continues to offer free or low-cost access to behavioral health support 24/7/365. Please see their flyer here. NJDCF Information
If you feel your child is experiencing a social-emotional challenge and would benefit from counseling services, please do not hesitate to reach out. Need to See Ms. Scott Form. It is important that we continue to teach our children how to advocate for themselves and seek help when they need it. Therefore, a form is also available for students to complete in my Google classroom. Here is the link in case you would like to share it with your child(ren). STUDENT- Need to See Ms. Scott Form ~Ms. Scott
Notes from Nurse Boyle:
Hello Hillside Families and Friends,
I hope you had a restful break! Reminder for parents and students returning to hybrid learning please practice wearing your face masks at home for a few hours. We will be doing this during our hybrid learning. If you child is new to the district I must have a current physical and vaccine record. If your child is returning to hybrid learning and takes medication during the school day I need the medication form filled out by the physician.Take care! Nurse Boyle
Important Dates:
Thursday 1/14: Student Material Distribution 8-10AM & 12-3PM/ PTA Meeting 6:30PM
Friday 1/15: Virtual MLK Assembly 10AM
Monday 1/18: District Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Have a wonderful weekend!
Be well,
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