Hillcrest Elementary School Closure Resources
Dear Hillcrest Families,
We miss you! All of our Hillcrest staff members are eager to connect with students and families during this very challening time. Of course, any in-person connection is not possible right now, so we are using technology to assist us as much as possible. Please be sure to check your email and our district website regularly for important updates. As you know, our teachers have been busy developing Learning Resources for you to use at home with your Hillcrest student. For most families, these have been sent via email. A few of you may have received these via U.S. Mail as well. You will also be able to access Learning Resources via this page. In the coming days, our teachers may also be reaching out via Google Tools such as Google Classroom and Google Meet.
This unusual time period offers an opportunity for children and families to explore special areas of interest. These family projects can serve as incredibly enriching learning experiences. Maybe you’ve always talked about interviewing the grandparents about their childhood, or you’ve wanted to plan a windowsill herb garden, or you’ve had plans to build a tree fort. If you are able to pursue these projects now, these are excellent ways to promote learning across many domains. Go ahead and follow your child’s lead on a “passion project” . . . you may discover some priceless family stories or learn that your little one has a green thumb! Go for it!
The stressors of this pandemic are felt by everyone, even the youngest children. During this time, children need plenty of hugs, lots of time to chat with their grown-ups and ample opportunities for free play. You know your child best and you’ll know when to encourage academic learning and when to snuggle up with a book. Helping your child to maintain a sense of emotional well-being is the top priority at this time. Take your time, take a deep breath and try to enjoy this extended time at home. And, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher via email. We may not be in our classrooms, but we remain focused on supporting children and families during this school closure.
Looking forward to connecting with you soon --
Sarah Burstein, Principal