A Note from the Principal’s Desk – 3.19.2021
Dear Hillside Community,
The recent attacks in Georgia against the Asian-American community are unsettling. Three nights ago, we watched the breaking news of more racist, hate-filled attacks against (who we presume are) innocent people. It’s important to understand that this is not the only time in the past year that racist and violent attacks have occurred against the Asian-American & Pacific-Islander (AAPI) community. In the past year, hate crimes against the AAPI community have spiked 150% in large cities around the country. Understandably, receiving this information is upsetting and terrifying. It is a reminder that we are not only living through the COVID-19 pandemic, but a racism pandemic, too.
During these times of unrest in our country, it is important that we continue to take meaningful action against racism. As educators, we teach students the necessity for diversity, understanding each other’s differences, and what it means to be an upstander. Having these intentional conversations has a lasting effect on students. We commend our teachers for their ongoing work they are doing in helping students navigate these topics. As a school community, we participated in organized discussion prompts today during the SEL time.
Please let us know if your family needs additional support from our school counselor.
School-wide News:
Calling all Families – Your Application Matters
The District has an amazing opportunity to apply for and pursue Federal and State funding that would allow us to provide Pre-K education. In order to receive this funding, we need your help, and it’s simple. We need all families to fill out and submit the lunch application form. Please access the form, even if you are declining, by simply checking the box DECLINED. We need to be accountable for everyone. Additionally, if you applied in the past and were declined, and your situation has changed, you may qualify at this time. Also, printable applications are available in English and Spanish. If you cannot access the online application, please call your school’s principal or our Business Office at 973-509-4059 for a paper copy. Completing this application is critical and will get us closer to applying for resources that will help our students. We will have community volunteers willing and able to assist anyone, anytime with applications. As always, all information is secure and confidential. Thank you for your time in completing the application.
Aesthetics
3/22/21-3/26/21 Cycle 3 Aesthetic Classes begin – B-Day Classes.
Add/Drop Period
All Cycle 3 aesthetic schedules are set. The Add/Drop Period will open on March 29th. During this time, you can request changes to your child’s schedule. More information will be provided as we get closer to the date.
Women’s History Month
Class activities Women’s History Month 2021
MFEE Annual Appeal: Fund Public. Fuel Community. For Them.
Your gift to MFEE fuels programs that support Hillside teachers, parents, and students. Hillside teachers have boosted their learning through out-of-the box Professional Development grants; families have participated in MFEE Programs like America to Me, the Healing Huddles, the You Got This! Conference; and students benefit from the innovative grants funded below. Hillside, we are $382 short of our goal. Please click here to support today!
Science Day 2.0
VIRTUAL SCIENCE DAY 2.0 – Who knew we would be offering Virtual Science Day 2.0?!?! Based on the tremendous success for version 1.0, we are currently crafting version 2.0 for our students.
Save the Date: April 23, 2021
One of our favorite components (well, we really love them all) is the Career Panel. We have always had a wonderful group of parents/relatives/community members participate in this part. This year, we will have one career panel, consisting of 3-4 panelists, for each grade level. A live ZOOM meet will happen from 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
If you are interested in serving on the panel, please complete the Google Form by March 26, 2021.
2021-2022 open Hillside PTA Officer positions
Our Hillside PTA has two open Officer positions for the 2021-2022 school year. PTA President and PTA Recording Secretary roles are now available! Take a look at the full description here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/18nbwD8Anc0dIcYHA4cjrac931_s04zrl/view) and let us know if you would like to be considered for these positions. For additional information and to submit your interest, you may send an email to nominatingcommitte@hillsidepta.org. Additionally, on Tuesday, March 30th @ 6:30pm, the PTA will hold an informational session for those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities within the PTA, including open Officer positions and Committee leadership roles (e.g. Boogie Bash, Spirit Wear, Book Fair).
Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87091924708?pwd=T01QRFEzVTd1R0FENENNa3hGT2pkdz09
Meeting ID: 870 9192 4708 Passcode: w4n8WA
Hillside Peer Socialization Clubs
We’re gearing up for a kickoff meeting! Please sign up to receive more information. We still need a lot of parent volunteers to help us run these awesome Clubs. Please check them out and sign up today!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054EA9AF29A4F58-hillside6
Upcoming SEPAC/Parents Support Call
Please join SEPAC for a Parent/Caregiver Support Call on Monday, March 22, 2021 from 7:00-8:00pm. This call is intended only for parents and caregivers of children with special needs.
Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88044384569?pwd=SzNuSnd4Tlk3cC9jWk4wRW5pUmd6QT09
Meeting ID: 880 4438 4569 Passcode: 736483
PTA Council Community Conversation – MPS
Budget Process, Part 2
Have you ever wondered how our district is funded? How enrollment affects class sizes and both of these numbers affect the budget? Or, how principals are engaged in the budgeting process and what that ultimately means for your school community?
The high-level points of district budgeting were covered on March 4th when the Montclair PTA Council (PTAC) hosted a panel discussion with MPS Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds, Business Administrator Emidio D’Andrea and Supervisor of Accounting Melissa Beattie. Missed it? Watch/listen here
There were still questions and lots of interest after our first meeting so we’re going in again for the details! Join Montclair PTAC on Thursday, March 25th (7:30 – 9pm) to learn more. We hope you will join for the information and bring your questions (and a friend) to engage in the conversation. Pre-register for the event
A Message from Ms. Scott
“Hillside Hangouts” – 3/24
Does your child need a fun lunch break with friends? Ms. Scott is hosting a “Hillside Hangout” Zoom session that is JUST for socialization and fun. It will be a brief, open group time for children who want to pop in and chit chat with others. Since the whole purpose is to socialize, Ms. Scott is asking that everyone have their camera on. The next Hillside Hangout will be on Wednesday 3/24. Ms. Scott has scheduled the available slots during the “off screen” blocks. Joining is completely OPTIONAL, just pop in the zoom to hang-out with friends!
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Session 1: 11:35-11:50am Session 2: 12:25-12:40pm Session 3: 1:15-1:30pm
Join here: https://mpsdnj.zoom.us/j/83543271776 Passcode: GoodTimes
A Message from Nurse Boyle:
Hello Hillside Families and Friends!
The countdown for Spring begins! We officially have one more week of winter! This weekend is supposed to be sunny with temperatures in the low 50° F range. So get outside, take a walk or jog. Open some windows and let the spring air seep into your homes!
Do you need COVID information? Please click here
Thank you parents/guardians that have sent their child’s sixth grade vaccines in! I have added them to their health records. Please keep them coming! Students need Tdap and Menactra vaccines to start sixth grade. If you are a new student to the Montclair school district I need your physicals. I need physicals and vaccines even during remote learning. Please send them via email to rboyle@montclair.k12.nj.us or fax (973) 509-1882. If you have questions or concerns please contact me at 973-509-4200 ext 4192. Take care and stay healthy! ~Nurse Boyle
Important Dates:
Monday 3/22: Cycle 3 Begins
Friday 3/26: Virtual Musical Theater Showcase 630pm
Have a wonderful weekend.
Kind 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