Hillside Elementary School

 

October 2020

10-21-2020: 3rd & 4th Grade Chromebook Distribution

10-19-2020: Safety Patrol 2020-2021

10-16-2020: Halloween at Hillside

10-16-2020: Hillside Instrumental Music

 

 

 

July 13, 2020

Dear Families,

 

If you would like to purchase a Hillside yearbook, we will be selling them on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Please bring cash or a check made out to Hillside Elementary for $26 to the Hillside Main Office between 8:00am-2:00pm.  Quantities are limited.

 

July 1, 2020

 

Dear Families,

We will be distributing PRE-ORDERED yearbooks on Monday, July 6th between the hours of 9 AM- 12 PM in the Hillside Circle.

Please put a sign on your dashboard with your child's name, grade, and 2019-2020 teacher.  All yearbooks must be signed for.  Please bring your own pen and wear a mask when providing a signature to ensure everyone's safety.

If you are unable to pick up your pre-ordered yearbook at the scheduled times or would like to purchase a yearbook, we will send out an email with information after initial distribution with a new date/time.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

Email: June 18.2020

 

Dear Hillside Families,

 

Wow!  Thank you to everyone for all the efforts that were put into the remote learning process.  This summer should prove to be very different for most/all families and their children. I want to give an update for what will be happening on the Hillside Art class page over the summer. 

The Art classpage will be kept open the entire summer and weekly projects will be uploaded for students to work on while they are home - projects will be posted on Monday and will start on June 22nd.  Students can also work on some things that they were not able to complete during this Spring semester - the Herve Tullet daily projects are a lot of fun and the virtual museum visits will be a great way to "travel" this summer. 

 

There is a tremendous amount of artwork that the student's completed before we left in March.  I will be collating all of that work during the summer month and it will be returned to students at the start of the next school year.  We appreciate your patience and understanding as we divide up thousands of works of art.

I wish you a wonderful summer and hope you can find some rest & peace.
Respectfully,
Nate Morgan
Art Teachers
Hillside School

Classpage Code - w3qweue

 

Email: June 17.2020

 

Dear Hillside Families - 

Please see the attached link for the Hillside Summer Reading list from Ms. Nedwick.

Happy reading!

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DMVej65pjoQmIOFV7rHEHTA57UcwQgAVUWCkoNoUtTo/edit?usp=sharing

 

Email: June 16, 2020

 

Please click here for Hillside's Theme for 2020-2021!

This e-mail has been sent to you by HILLSIDE E S. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you no longer wish to receive email notifications from HILLSIDE E S, please click here to unsubscribe.

To view the HILLSIDE E S privacy policy, please click here.

 

Email: June 15, 2020

Date: Mon, Jun 15, 2020 at 12:45 PM
Subject: School Physicals - Incoming Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 3rd Grade
To: <days@hohschools.org>

A message from HILLSIDE E S

Dear Hillside Families - 

Please see the attached regarding school physical requirments for incoming Kindergarten, 1st Grade, and 3rd Grade.

Sincerely,

Gina Kowalski

School Nurse

 

File attachments:
Health Certificate Request.docx

 

 

Email: June 15, 2020

 

Dear Families,

 

We have just received notice that our yearbooks have been delayed and will hopefully ship by the end of the week.  Once we receive them, we will be in contact about scheduling pick up times.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

 

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

This e-mail has been sent to you by HILLSIDE E S. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you no longer wish to receive email notifications from HILLSIDE E S, please click here to unsubscribe.

To view the HILLSIDE E S privacy policy, please click here.

 

Email: June 15, 2020

Dear Hillside Families - 

Congratulations to our students with Perfect Attendance during the 2019-2020 school year!  Perfect Attendance ribbons will be mailed with the report cards.  We are so proud of your accomplishments!

File attachments:
Perfect Attendance 2019-2020.PDF

 

Email: June 14, 2020

 

Dear 4th Grade Families - 

Please see the attached for information regarding the 4th Grade Moving Up and Celebration being held on Wednesday, June 17th beginning at 10:00 am.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

File attachments:
4th Grade Celebration - Agenda (1)-converted.pdf

 

 

Email: June 11, 2020

 

 

Hello Hillside Families,

 

This Friday, June 12th,  is Hillside Field Day, and it is going to look a little different than your typical Field Day.  We have created a Field Day tab on our Google Classroom that has all of the information needed.  (Code: 52wscld)   Attached to this email is the basic information and directions document that is also on our classroom.  On our classroom page you will find additional documents such as a scorecard, how to access our Field Day Music Playlist, and the list of activities students can choose from.  Please note, there is no specific time on Friday to begin Field Day.  We wanted to make this day as flexible as possible to make it your own.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.  

 

Amanda Bassman

Michael Chappas

Ericka Melvin

Hillside PE Department

 

 

 Student Field Day Intro Letter

 

Email: June 8, 2020

 

Subject: Reminder - Hillside School Theme Proposal

 

Reminder!!  Due date is June 10th!

 

Dear Families,

Please click here for our letter about how students can submit a School Theme Proposal.  We cannot wait to see our Hillside creativity!

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

 

 

Email: June 5, 2020

 

Dear Hillside Families - 

 

I've received a few inquiries regarding summer birthdays.  Summer birthdays were celebrated during the school year on the half birthdate.  However, if you woul like to send in a birthday photo, please email it to Mrs. Cazes or send it to the Announcements Google Classroom today.

Thank you.

 

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

- - - - - - - -

 

Email: June 5, 2020

 

Dear HillsideFamilies, 

 

Our final Morning and Afternoon Announcements will be shared on Friday, June 12th.  Please send all June birthday photos (including those birthdays up to June 30th!) to our Announcements Google Classroom or email them to Mrs. Cazes by Friday, June 5 so that we can be sure that all of our birthday children are celebrated this school year.

 

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

Email: June 4, 2020

 

Due date is June 10th!  Get your creative minds thinking!!

 

Dear Families,

Please click here for our letter about how students can submit a School Theme Proposal.  We cannot wait to see our Hillside creativity!

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

Email: June 3, 2020

 

Dear Hillside Families -

Please click here for details about Hillside Spirit week next week!

Time to show your Hillside spirit!

 

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

 

Email: May 29, 2020

Dear Hillside Families,

 

Wow!  I have been so thrilled with what has been completed and shared by so many of the students at Hillside.  They are doing very creative & fun work under very challenging circumstances. Today marks the final week of art projects for report card purposes.  So today, I have also added a Portfolio Creation page to the Art Classpage.  If students finish their assignment this week and are feeling ambitious, they can submit their portfolio this week if they like. 

 

Check out the Art classpage for this week’s instructions.  The class code is = w3qweue .

 

VISIT THE CLASSWORK PAGE AND CLICK ON THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE. That will give you links to the final Grade Level Projects and Portfolio/Exhibition instructions.

For this final report card period, grading will be very simple.  Students who submit a portfolio will be given a Meets Expectations (ME) and students who are unable to submit a portfolio will be given an Approaching Expectation (AE).  The final day to submit a picture of the portfolio will be Monday, June 15.

 

As I have been saying to the students throughout this remote learning experience…HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVE!

 

Thank you for all that you are doing.

 

Respectfully,

Nate Morgan

morgann@hohschools.org

Art Teacher

Hillside School

 

Email: May 28, 2020

 

Dear Families,

 

It is hard to believe, but June is right around the corner!  To that end, we will be having End of Year celebrations for each grade level according to the schedule below:

 

Monday, June 15th

• Kindergarten AM

• Third Grade PM

 

Tuesday, June 16th

• Second Grade AM

• First Grade PM

 

Wednesday, June 17th

• Fourth Grade Virtual Moving Up at 10 AM (Details TBA)

• Fourth Grade Moving Up Send Off Drive-By in Hillside’s Circle for students to receive Moving Up certificates, yearbooks, 4th Grade t-shirts, and Hillside love!  

 

All classroom teachers will be communicating the details of their End of Year celebration including specific timing in the coming days.  We look forward to a joyous end to our school year together!

 

Warm regards,

 

Amy Cazes        John DeKams

Principal        Assistant Principal

 

File attachments:
End of Year Celebrations.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

Email: May 8, 2020

 

 

Dear 4th Grade Families,  

 

Please see below for a schedule for next week’s live google meet for our lesson on the Transition to Farragut Middle School. Please note your child can click on the link highlighted in blue to join the meeting. If your child has not done so, please make sure they have joined the “4th to 5th Grade Transition to FMS” google classroom using the code jxjbwmx. Once students have joined the classroom, they will have access to a survey, which can be found under the classwork section. We ask that all students complete this brief survey by Sunday, May 17th, so we are able to prepare for our live session.

 

Monday, May 18th:

2:30-3:00 Peisel

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/peo-ipju-ugg · 

 

Tuesday, May 19th:

1:30-2:00 Vaccaro

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/fgz-hvos-fwh · 

 

2:30-3:00 Barca/Sokol

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/gns-dkhd-vtw · 

 

Wednesday, May 20th:

10:00-10:30 McCabe

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/emr-baoc-fnd ·

 

1:00-1:30 Troop

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/hfn-bofa-apb · 

 

1:30-2:00 Magnatta/Davies

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/dfa-tskv-uoj · 

 

2:30-3:00 Tam

Join with Google Meet

meet.google.com/suz-wvht-zmv · 

 

Warmest regards,

 

Mrs. Snyder, Elementary School Counselor

Ms. Perez, Middle School Counselor 

Ms. Bellas, Middle School Counselor

 

Email: May 18, 2020

 

Please click here or see attached for our Hillside Huddle on 5/26/20.

File attachments:
Hillside Huddle.pdf

 

Email: May 18, 2020

Dear Hillside Families,

 

I hope that you are coping as best you can with the current stay-at-home directives.   I find myself in a similar situation to many of you in trying to juggle work responsibilities and managing  my own children’s remote learning experience.

 

I want to take a moment to thank parents & guardians for helping your child along with their art projects.  While it is not required yet, many students are posting their artwork and there is so much creative energy happening right now.  I am very impressed with what students are creating and am very excited to see the “porfolios” when they are submitted during the week of June 8.

 

Below is a reminder of what students should be doing over the next few weeks to complete their artwork for submission:

 

VISIT THE CLASSWORK PAGE AND CLICK ON THE WEEKLY SCHEDULE. That will give you links to the Grade Level Projects and the Daily Drawing Projects.

Students who need to do the grade level assignments should complete those projects listed in their grade level. There will be four art projects in total. Students will put this work into a portfolio, which will be submitted the week of June 8.

 

AND/OR

Students who have already completed the grade level assignments can work along with Mr. Morgan on an art project involving the artist Herve Tullet. Students will put this work into a portfolio, which will be submitted the week of June 8.

 

As I have been saying to the students throughout this remote learning experience,…HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVE!

 

Thank you for all that you are doing.

 

Respectfully,

Nate Morgan

Art Teacher

Hillside School

 

Email: Fri, May 15, 2020

 

Dear Families,

If you missed the opportunity to pick up your child's belongings/supplies, it is not too late.  Belongings/Supplies for all grades will be distributed in the Hillside circle again on Monday, 5/18/20 between 10 AM-12 PM by our Buildings and Grounds team.  

If you are out of town or unable to pick up on Monday, you are also welcome to come into the office to pick up student belongings/supplies between the hours of 8 AM- 5 PM on weekdays through May 29th.  We ask that you please wear a mask if you come into the building.  

After May 29th, all student belongings/supplies will be donated.  

Thank you for your cooperation,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

Email: Wed, May 13, 2020

Please click here for our Special Area Communication.  

File attachments:
Parent Communication 5.13.20.pdf

 

 

Email: Mon, May 11, 2020 at 9:38 AM
Subject: Hillside Student Medication Pick Up

Dear Hillside Families,

As the building is closed for the remainder of the school year, we would like to offer parents the opportunity to pick up any medications stored in the Health Office during your scheduled supply pick up time.  Please contact the Health Office directly at 914-478-6280, Monday - Friday 8am-5pm, to let one of our nurses know when you plan to arrive.  

Medications will be placed in bags and brought to your vehicle.

 

Stay safe and well,

 

Gina Kowalski, RN

 

Email: Fri, May 8, 2020 at 11:55 AM
Subject: Student Supply/Personal Item Pick Up @ Hillside

Please see attached regarding student supply/personal item pick up scheduled at Hillside.

File attachments:
Parent Communication 5.8.20.pdf

 

Email: 4.20.2020

 

Dear Families,

Please click here or see attached for our Hillside Parent Input Form for student placement in the 2020-2021 school year.  Please do not feel obligated to complete this form, as we will work to do what is best for all children regardless of whether parents/guardians provide input. 

Please note: All input is due today by 9 PM.  We cannot guarantee that late submissions will be given full consideration, especially in this digital environment.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

 

Email: 4.20.2020

 

Please click here for Hillside's Earth Week Video.  Our staff will teach you about ways that you can help protect the Earth!  We would like to thank Hillside parent, Heather Ben-Zvi for sharing her talent with us and creating our Hillside Elementary Earth Week logo!

 

Email: 4.17.2020

Dear Families,

Please click here or see attached for our Hillside Parent Input Form for student placement in the 2020-2021 school year.  Please do not feel obligated to complete this form, as we will work to do what is best for all children regardless of whether parents/guardians provide input.  All input is due by April 20th for full consideration.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 4.16.2020

Dear Families,

Please click here or see attached for our Hillside Parent Input Form for student placement in the 2020-2021 school year.  Please do not feel obligated to complete this form, as we will work to do what is best for all children regardless of whether parents/guardians provide input.  All input is due by April 20th.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments:
Parent Input Form 2020-2021.pdf

Email: 3.30.2020

Dear Hillside Families - 

If you need to access the Counseling Google Classroom, you can join with code jnne6et.  Our psychologists and Ms. Snyder collaborate on this page. Please feel free to communicate any anxiety issues/mental health needs to Ms. Snyder, as she is here to support all of our youngsters.  

Email: 3.24.2020

Please Click Here for today's Hillside Afternoon Announcement.

Email: 3.23.2020

Please Click Here to view Hillside's Afternoon Announcements! 

Email: 3.23.2020

Dear Families,

Please click here for our Morning Announcement 3-23-20.  Students can also log into our Google Classroom (Announcements) and click on the announcement in the Class Stream.  As a reminder, our Announcement Class Code is 6bshvpp.

Have a great day!

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 3.20.2020

Dear Families,

The report cards will be viewable beginning at 8 AM on Friday, March 20th on the Parent Portal.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 3.20.2020

March 20, 2020

Dear Families,

They always say that March feels like a long month, but this month has certainly been like no other!  We miss our children, our staff, our community, and our happy Hillside routines.  

As you know, we have been working tirelessly to get Google accounts working, distribute Chromebooks to students needing access, open a childcare program for health care professionals and first responders, provide support to teachers and families and manage the daily challenges that we are all facing both personally and professionally.

We have met with our Hillside Leadership Team multiple times this week (virtually, of course!) to plan steps forward.  Thank you for your patience as we work to provide instruction to students, develop systems for teachers to meet and collaborate, better understand how an online learning environment works and the professional learning necessary to maximize its potential, and maintain both calm and positivity in our Hillside community.  There has never been a time like this before and it is critical that together, we recognize the efforts of our teachers, parents, students and community members in finding a new normal. Everyone is working at maximum potential, juggling work and family responsibilities. It is not easy!

As we move into a new week, our team has planned the following to digitally help create the routine that both our staff and students require:

1. Morning announcements with Ms. Cazes.  Join our Announcements Classroom with the following Class Code:  6bshvpp

2. Model daily schedule to be customized by families

   1.  

3. Daily messages from the grade-level teachers with clear expectations of the assigned work for the day.  Students are expected to complete all assignments. We are working toward submitting assignments through Google Classroom where teachers can mark them as complete and provide feedback.

4. Messages for each grade level from the special area teachers so that assignment expectations are clear.

5. Further development of MTSS and Special Education supports for students 

6. Office hours posted in their Google Classrooms

7. Closing remarks with Mr. DeKams

In addition, we are also looking into tracking attendance and are fortunate to have a Google team committed to figuring out a workable solution.  Please know that we will continue to grow our online learning experience in the coming weeks as we become more skilled at the digital platform.  

Finally, you may have already heard that our NYS Assessments have been suspended.  This includes:

• New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Tests 

• New York State Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests 

• New York State Grade 4 Elementary-Level Science Test 

• New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) in Grades K-12 

• New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) for students with severe cognitive disabilities in Grades 3-8 and high school 

British writer, Vivian Greene said, “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass.  It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” We encourage you to join us in this dance, in celebrating the small moments of success in our Hillside community.  Whether it is commending a child for demonstrating a commitment to their studies, thanking a teacher for trying out a video conference for the first time, or recognizing a community member for their service during these unprecedented times, know that each “dance” we take together will only strengthen our very special community.  

We look forward to dancing with you!

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments:
Communication 3_20_20 (1).pdf

Email: 3.18.2020

Email: 3.18.2020

Email: 3.13.2020

Dear Families,

Please find the following attached:

Google Classroom Directions

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 3.12.2020

The Hillside Parent Meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16, has been cancelled. If you have any questions or suggestions that you'd like to offer until we (hopefully) reconvene in May, we are always available to answer them via email, or direct you to the best person who will be able to help. 

Email: 3.12.2020

Dear Hillside Families,

As you know, social distancing minimizes the possibility of student and staff exposure and containment.   Consequently, our PTSA Pizza Friday is cancelled for tomorrow and going forward until further notice. Out of an abundance of caution, in addition to the items outlined in Dr. Henning-Piedmonte’s communication on 3/11/20, we will also be cancelling the following Hillside experiences:

• Multi-class reading buddies

• Kindergarten Mystery Readers

• Parent/Special visitors for birthday celebrations

• PTSA/SEPTA Parent Meetings

In addition, it has come to our attention that student handwashing is causing some irritation and dry skin.  Our Building Safety Team met today to discuss the best way to combat this situation. Our team determined that continued handwashing upon arrival, before snack, before lunch and after recess are necessary to maintain good health.  However, it is recommended that if your child is experiencing dry skin, please send in a lotion or moisturizer (like Aquaphor or Eucerin) that your child can use immediately after washing.  

Thank you for all of your continued support and understanding during this unprecedented time.  

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 3.12.2020

Dear Families,

Pizza Friday will be cancelled beginning tomorrow, Friday, March 13th until further notice in our continued efforts to maintain a healthy learning environment at Hillside.  Please send all children to school with a packed lunch tomorrow and each Friday going forward.  

We would like to extend a big thank you to our PTSA for their continued partnership in ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 3.12.2020

Dear Hillside Families,

Please click here for the latest newsletter from the counseling department.

Warm regards,

Counseling Department:

Dr. Bloom, School Psychologist

Mr. Forcinito, School Psychologist

Mrs. Snyder, School Counselor

Email: 3.4.2020

Dear Families - 

Please see the attached flyer regarding the Race Matters Committee 2020 Art Competition.  

For Hillside students, our art teacher, Mr. Morgan, will open his Art Studio from 8-8:30am during the week of March 9-13 to give students a chance to work on submissions for the project.   Project due date is Friday, March 13th.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams 

File attachments:
Multicultural Book Fair Contest.PDF

Email: 2.26.2020

An email was sent from the PTSA regarding ordering school supplies. To order supplies, visit: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/hillside-school-supplies-2020-21

Email: 2.10.2020

Dear Hillside Families,

Please click here for the latest newsletter from the counseling department. Please note we will be celebrating Kindness Week next week at Hillside. Please note a memo is going home today with information on this exciting week. You can also view the memo here .

Warm regards,

Counseling Department:

Dr. Bloom, School Psychologist

Mr. Forcinito, School Psychologist

Mrs. Snyder, School Counselor

Email: 2.5.2020

Dear Hillside Families - 

As per the recent district communication, please note that tomorrow's late start (February 7th) is canceled.

Please refer to the email for further information.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 2.3.2020

File attachments:
STEAM Fair Family Letter Feb2020 PDF.pdf

Email: 1.31.2020

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Pizza Friday is made possible thanks to parents/guardians like you!  If you would like to serve pizza on Fridays (typically a volunteer will serve pizza about 3-4 times over the course of the session), please sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/AXRXR   For questions about volunteering, please email Jennifer Angell-Greene at angellscafe01@gmail.com 

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 1.30.2020

Dear Hillside Families,

Tomorrow Friday, January 31st, all students are invited to wear Green to show perseverance. Even when things get hard, we never give up. We will be holding a Social-Emotional Learning assembly to review all that we learned this month about having a growth mindset, perseverance, and the Power of YET.

Thank you for your continued support!

Warm regards,

Counseling Department:

Dr. Bloom, School Psychologist

Mr. Forcinito, School Psychologist

Mrs. Snyder, School Counselor

Email: 1.30.2020

Hillside PTSA Parent Meeting MINUTES  Monday, January 27, 2020 - 6:30pm - Hillside Library 

1. Juliann Snyder presentation (10min.) - ttps://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11VyvHrPfXs8QuPoFmFQ3rO-sOGKXnOSKzYOgfTKkANA/edit?usp=sharing

2. PTSA Announcements (15 min.) 
3. Family Dance Night - Feb. 7, 6-7:30 - Logowear will be for sale by the PTSA, and water will be provided with compostable cups.  Families are also encouraged to bring their own water bottles. 
4. The Used Book Fair is coming up - collection is ongoing for the month of February at Hillside.  Drop off begins this week - in Hillside lobby 
5. Help us with The Big Sort, Saturday 2/29! If you love books, it's fun for 

parents and kids. 

1. More volunteers will be needed for the book fair on 3/3 - 3/6, and for 

cleanup on 3/7 

iii. If you have ideas for getting rid of leftover books, or work with charities / 

organizations that can use them, please let us know. 

1. Pizza Friday Session 2: sign up online by Friday, 2/21 
2. Hillside Yearbook order forms went out, due Wednesday, 2/12 
3. Fundraising (ongoing) 
4. Oliver’s Labels: Hillside will receive 20% off the purchase price of any 

clothing labels purchased through w ww.oliverslabels.com/hohptsa 

1. DeCicco’s grocery: Hillside earns about $5-7,000 each year from 

DeCicco’s shoppers. Register your frequent shopper card as ‘Hastings PTSA’ 

iii. Box Tops have gone Digital, and we need more parents to sign up and 

start scanning their receipts! Download the app on the app store. Paper Box Tops will still be collected as long as they are not expired. 

3. Committee Updates (10 min.) 
4. The Green Team has their first big kick-off meeting with the assistant superintendent on 1/30. More details to come at the next Hillside PTSA mtg. 
5. The First Day film screening and panel discussions at HHS were well received and important conversations have been sparked. The PTSA looks forward to following up with this and related events in the future. 
6. School Supply Presentation and Q&A, Emma Sollars - 

1. 20/21 school year consumable supplies (crayons, notebooks, paper towels, etc) will be ordered  through the PTSA and Hastings Stationery. 
2. Orders will be placed through Cheddar Up from February 1 - May 15. Supplies delivered to classrooms last week in August. 
3. Parents purchase reusable items (backpacks, headphones, etc)
4. We need help promoting to incoming Kindergarteners -  will also be at K registration. 
5. WILL CONFIRM THAT SUPPLY LIST NOT INCLUDED IN SUMMER MAILING LIST
6. Anonymous scholarships will be available via Amy recommendation (same as Pizza Friday)
7. Look into adding a link on Cheddar Up for someone to sponsor a box per classroom. Explore opportunity to expand brands/ types of supplies (colors/diverse mix of items)  

4. School Updates (Ms. Cazes, 15 min.) 
5. Writing - First year in initiative, Writing Night in Spring after board presentation; parent representatives on committee to plan it - working with reps from PTSA and SEPTA to sit on committee in developing writing night. Please tell the VPs if you are interested in participating.
6. Diverse Book Committee - Coming back together, some money being allocated to Hillside for special presentations to come into the school - putting together a team (3 parent members) to sit on committee 
7. Instruction & Professional learning   - Readers Workshop, ELA, teachers working with consultants, Teachers are constantly doing professional development; this week beginning work on science and on Feb 12 to break down next generation of science standards. 
8. Master Scheduler - Scheduling 30 minutes of each day for pull-out time for kids who need extra help and not impede on instructional time. 
9. Building Leadership Team (BLT) update - Kids joined the meetings this week for the first time with adult members - 27 3rd graders applied, how to bring construction project into classroom instruction - findings released soon . 
10. Outdoor Classroom - PTSA money from the summer, had a committee on instructional process; design committee took recos and created designs - mockups on design, multiple phases, renderings presented at BoE meeting this week. In process of Phase 1 - excavating land. Presentation will be in board docs.  Spring 2020 (late April) is goal.
11. Community forum about the Bond Wednesday at 6PM 

5. Q&A - Ms. Cazes & Mr. DeKams (5 min.) 

6. Q&A - PTSA & community (5 min.) 

Minutes from this meeting will be posted on the Hillside web page

Email: 1.29.2020

Email: 1.24.2020

Hello Families!

We are excited to announce that we will be holding our first Career Day the week of May 11th-15th. Early elementary years is a time of opening career doors. If you would be willing to teach our students more about your career during that week, please include your name, contact information, and career to the attached file by February 14th.  Please click here for the file. Please note that more detailed information will be sent out to those willing to participate. If you have any questions, please feel free to email or call Mrs. Snyder at 478-6276. Thank you so much for helping to make our Career Day a success!

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes, Principal

John Dekams, Assistant Principal

Juliann Snyder, School Counselor

Email: 1.21.2020

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Please see the attached for the Pizza Friday Session 2 sign up.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments:
PIZZA FRIDAY_SESSION 2.pdf

Email: 1.13.2020

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Our first 4th grade string orchestra rehearsal will be held this Wednesday at 7:45 am in the Hillside Cafe.

Sincerely,

John Carini

Email: 1.10.2020

Please click here for information about our STEAM Fair on February 26th!

Email: 1.10.2020

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please click here for the latest newsletter from the counseling department. 

Thank you for your continued support!

Counseling Department:

Dr. Bloom, School Psychologist

Mr. Forcinito, School Psychologist

Mrs. Snyder, School Counselor

Email: 1.10.2020

Dear Parents/Guardians -

This morning, the Hastings Police Department and Hillside conducted our third lockdown drill.  The purpose of this drill is to ensure our preparedness in the event of an emergency.  New York State requires us to complete four lockdown drills each year.

Our staff received training in basic protective actions at the start of the school year and worked to not cause any sense of concern for students.  Like a fire drill, we practice each protective action and hope that we will never need to use them.

All of our students and staff did a wonderful job following the safety protocols that we have in place at Hillside.  We thank the Hastings Police Department for their partnership in this drill.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 1.10.2020

Email: 1.6.2020

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Just a reminder that any submissions for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay and Art Competition are due to the office tomorrow, 1/7.  Please see the attached for details.

Thank you.

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments:
Dr. MLK Jr. Competition.PDF

Email: 12.19.19

Dear Families,

We are writing to make you aware that we conducted a Hold-in-Place this morning, 12/19/19.  A Hold-in-Place is one of our basic protective actions where students are kept in classrooms until the issue that led to the Hold is rectified.  In a Hold, it is necessary to keep the hallways cleared to facilitate our ability to address the situation at hand safely and efficiently. Many parents were at Hillside today during our Hold-in-Place and we thank you for your cooperation this morning.

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 12.12.19

This Friday, December 13th  is a late start day. 

• Hillside will begin at 9:30 am.
• Supervised drop off is available at 7:50 am.  Please do not drop your children off any earlier.
• Bus pick up will be one hour later than your regular pick up time.

Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email:12.10.19

Please click here for our Hilside Library Newsletter!

Email: 12.8.19

Email: 12.2.2019

This afternoon, the Hastings Police Department and Hillside conducted our second lockdown drill.  The purpose of this drill is to ensure our preparedness in the event of an emergency.  New York State requires us to complete four lockdown drills each year.

Our staff received training in basic protective actions at the start of the school year and worked to not cause any sense of concern for students.  Like a fire drill, we practice each protective action and hope that we will never need to use them.

All of our students and staff did a wonderful job following the safety protocols that we have in place at Hillside.  We thank the Hastings Police Department for their partnership in this drill.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 11.13.2019

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Please see attached for a take home family project supporting our One Book, One School - Say Something! initiative.

Sincerely,

Jamie Nedwick

Hillside Librarian

File attachments:
Say Something! Kids.pdf
Say Something! Take Home project.pdf

Email: 11.13.2019

Dear Families,

Picture order forms were sent home last week and showed  multiple images of your child.  Please go online to allstarphoto.hhimagehost.com to view the images.  Your unique password for each child is listed on the picture order form.  Once online, you will be able to see each image in different backgrounds to order.  All photos should be ordered online unless you are paying by check or cash. 

All orders must be submitted by November 15th, as we are hopeful that pictures will be delivered before the December Winter Recess.  Each child will also receive a class photo on the day that pictures are delivered to Hillside.

Please note:  Prices will increase on November 15th, and shipping costs will be incurred.

Retakes will be taken on November 20th.  If you would like a retake of your child's photo, please send the proof sheet and a $5 sitting fee to school with your child on that date.  Students will be called by grade level to have their photos taken.

Students who were absent on photo day will also have their photos taken on November 20th.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email 11:12.2019

Dear Families,

Picture order forms were sent home last week and showed  multiple images of your child.  Please go online to allstarphoto.hhimagehost.com to view the images.  Your unique password for each child is listed on the picture order form.  Once online, you will be able to see each image in different backgrounds to order.  All photos should be ordered online unless you are paying by check or cash. 

All orders must be submitted by November 15th, as we are hopeful that pictures will be delivered before the December Winter Recess.  Each child will also receive a class photo on the day that pictures are delivered to Hillside.

Please note:  Prices will increase on November 15th, and shipping costs will be incurred.

Retakes will be taken on November 20th.  If you would like a retake of your child's photo, please send the proof sheet and a $5 sitting fee to school with your child on that date.  Students will be called by grade level to have their photos taken.

Students who were absent on photo day will also have their photos taken on November 20th.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 11.8.2019

Dear Families,

We had a wonderful morning at Hillside today celebrating our veterans.  Our Hillside community demonstrated our core value of respect, thanking our honored guests for their service to our country.  Please click here to view the News12 piece about our very special assembly.  

Enjoy the weekend,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 11.4.2019

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Just a reminder that tomorrow, November 5th and next Tuesday, November 12th are half days for students due to parent/teacher conferences.

Please note:

-  Dismissal is at 11;55

-  Bus drop off will be three hours earlier than the normal drop off time

- There is Aspire, Add Water & Stir, and Beginner's Club

- There is not PI Kids, Urban Illustration, and Rec programs

- Please make sure you send a note to your child's teacher with their dismissal plans if it has changed.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 11.4.19

Veteran's Day Celebration

Dear Families,

On Friday, November 8th, we will be having a special assembly entitled,  A Tribute to Our Veterans.  We invite all of our HIllside students and staff to wear red, white and/or blue in honor of these important people in our community.

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email: 11.1.19

November Newsletter

Dear Families,

Please click here for our November 2019 edition of News from the Hill!

Enjoy!

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email 11.1.19

Dear Families,

Picture order forms were sent home this week and showed  multiple images of your child.  Please go online to allstarphoto.hhimagehost.com to view the images.  Your unique password for each child is listed on the picture order form.  Once online, you will be able to see each image in different backgrounds to order.  All photos should be ordered online unless you are paying by check or cash. 

All orders must be submitted by November 15th, as we are hopeful that pictures will be delivered before the December Winter Recess.  Each child will also receive a class photo on the day that pictures are delivered to Hillside.

Retakes will be taken on November 20th.  If you would like a retake of your child's photo, please send the proof sheet and a $5 sitting fee to school with your child on that date.  

Thank you,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

Email 10.28.19

Please see attached for our Halloween 2019 parent letter.

File attachments:
Halloween 2019 (2).pdf

Email 10.28.19

View the S.T.E.A.M. newsletter here. https://www.smore.com/p7tec

Email 10.25.19

Dear Families,

On Monday, October 28, as part of our capital bond construction work at Hillside Elementary School, soil samples and boring work will be done where the addition is to be located. The work is expected to take 8 hours and will commence once the students are in the building and the school day has begun.

The sound, something similar to a hammer hitting steel, will be continuous throughout the day. It is expected that the noise inside the school will be minimal. Students will have a combination of indoor recess and recess on the back playground.

Again, the drilling work should not interrupt the school day.

Sincerely,

Hastings-on-Hudson School District

Email 10.25.19

Email 10.23.19

Email 10.16.19

Dear Parents/Guardians:

We would like to inform you that Ms. Jada Dickens, our Math Interventionist, has been reassigned to
Ms. Rubino’s classroom while Ms. Rubino is out on leave. In her absence, our classroom teachers will
be providing math intervention to our students.  Additional support will be assigned to the classrooms.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes        John DeKams
Principal             Assistant Principal

10.7.19

10.4.19

Dear Parents/Guardians - 

Click on the link below to read the latest Counseling Newsletter.

https://www.smore.com/5an2d

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

10.4.19

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Just a reminder that this Monday, October 7th is Hillside School PIcture Day!

Also, we are still looking for a few volunteers to assist the photographers on Monday afternoon, beginning at approximately 12 noon

If you are able to help, please call the office at 914-478-6270. 

Thank you and have a great weekend!

10.3.19 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This email is to inform you that we had our first scheduled lockdown drill today at Hillside at 9:30 AM.  Our students and staff were AMAZING in following our safety protocols.  In addition, we would like to thank the Hastings Police Department for their help in the drill.  Thank you for all of your partnership as we continue to ensure that Hillside is a safe place for all.

Best,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

9.24.19 (Email Communication)

Colored in Character letter and schedule

9.19.2019 (Email Communication)

Dear Hillside Families, 

As you may already know, students and adults from across the globe will rally for immediate action on climate change tomorrow, September 20th.  In order to help our children better understand the Global Climate Strike and the concerns around climate change, our S.T.E.A.M. teacher, Ms. Robin Farrell, will be making a morning announcement about the climate crisis and sharing a picture book entitled, Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming by Jean Davies Okimoto.  This children’s book “draws attention to the polar bears’ plight and helps children understand that in the face of global warming, everyone must do their part, no matter how small.” (Amazon.com)  We look forward to a thoughtful morning together!

Warmly,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

9.18.2019 (Email Communication)

Dear Hillside families - 

 A few reminders  -

 This Friday, September 20^th is a late start day. 

• Hillside will begin at 9:30 am.
• Supervised drop off is available at 7:50 am.  Please do not drop your children off any earlier.
• Bus pick up will be one hour later than your regular pick up time.

 Please remember to send lunch and snack this Friday.

The PTSA would like to remind you that Pizza Friday begins on Friday, September 27th   The deadline for signing up your child to receive pizza is Monday, September 23rd.   You can find the link in the Summer Mailing which is on the Hillside webpage.  

The PTSA is also looking for volunteers to help serve.  There is a sign up link for this on the Pizza Friday information sheet in the Summer Mailing.

 Class Lists/Family Directory

This Friday, September 20th, is the deadline to input your information to the class lists and family directory. 

See the attachment below for further information.   After Friday, the document will be closed and you will not be able to access it.

 Hastings Recreation Department After School Programs begin this Monday, September 23^rd

If your child is attending one of the after school programs, please send a note to the teacher stating that that will be their dismissal.

 Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments:
Class List Letter to Parents.doc

9.16.2019 (Email Communication)

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Just a reminder that this Friday, September 20th, is the deadline to input your information to the class lists and family directory. 

See the attachment below for further information.   After Friday, the document will be closed and you will not be able to access it.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments: Class List Letter to Parents.doc

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Just a reminder that this Friday, September 20th, is the deadline to input your information to the class lists and family directory. 

See the attachment below for further information.   After Friday, the document will be closed and you will not be able to access it.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments: Class List Letter to Parents.doc

9. 13.19 (Email Communication)

Dear 3rd and 4th Grade Parents/Guardians - 

Please see the attached regarding sign up for 3rd and 4th grade chorus.

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments: Hillside Chorus Fall 2019.pdf

9.10.19 (Email Communication)

Dear Hillside Families - 

The PTSA would like to remind you that Pizza Friday begins on Friday, September 27th   The deadline for signing up your child to receive pizza is Monday, September 23rd.   You can find the link in the Summer Mailing which is on the Hillside webpage.  

The PTSA is also looking for volunteers to help serve.  There is also a sign up link for this on the Pizza Friday information sheet in the Summer Mailing.

9.5.19 (Email Communication):

Dear Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

Just a reminder to send lunch and snack tomorrow, Friday, September 6th, as the first session of Pizza Friday does not start until September 27th.  

Thank you!

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

9.3.19 (Email Communication): 

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Our morning was a great success and all of our children are busy in their classrooms learning new routines, meeting new friends and experiencing the joys of a new grade!  What more could we ask for?

We know that you, too, are looking forward to meeting your child's teacher.  Our Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, September 5^th for all grades. Our schedule for the evening is below:

6-6:30 PM Grade 3-4 Session 1

6:40-7:00 PM Welcome Session in APR

7:05-7:35 PM All grades Session 2

7:45-8:15 PM Grades K-2 Session 3

7:05-8:15 PM Hillside Gallery in the Cafe

Each classroom teacher will share identical presentations in Session 1 and Session 2 (for Grades 3 and 4) or Session 2 and Session 3 (for Grades K-2) to allow for parents with multiple children at Hillside to meet our teachers.  We ask parents to only visit for one session.  Our special area teachers will be available in their classrooms for you to visit before or after your classroom session.  In addition, Hillside support service providers and Hastings community groups will be seated at tables in the Cafe at our Hillside Gallery for you to learn more about their programs.  

Because so many parents will be joining us for this special evening, we ask that you consider carpooling or walking to Hillside.  The parking lot will be for staff parking only.  In addition, the Hastings Police Department has asked that we adhere to the following safety guidelines:

1) No parking in the traffic circle.  This is a fire lane.

2) Please park only on one side of Lefurgy Avenue, as guided by signs.

3) There is no parking on the east side of the Chemka pool lot.

4) Chemka pool is open until 8 PM; therefore, parking will be on a limited basis.

5) Please follow all posted parking signs.

Please note that this is not an evening for individual conferences.  Instead, it is an opportunity for you to get a feel for our very special learning community.

We look forward to welcoming you to Hillside!

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

8.29.19 (Email Communication):  Dear Families,

We are so excited to welcome your children to Hillside on September 3rd for our first day of school.  Classes will begin at 8:30 AM and supervision begins at 7:50 AM.  Please do not drop off your child before this time. 

Our Transportation Procedures at Hillside are attached to this email as a reminder.  In addition, on these first two days of school, kindergarten parents may escort their children to the library to say their goodbyes.  However, no parents will be permitted down to the classrooms.

Our PTSA has partnered with us on Circle Safety and has helped to create the attached Hillside Circle Safety Cheat Sheet for your consideration and convenience. Please look over these rules and share it with anyone who drops off or picks up your child, may it be your partner, parent, babysitter, nanny or friend. This is to ensure that all of our children and drivers remain safe and that we work together as efficiently as possible.

Our PTSA is looking for volunteers who can dedicate their time in the mornings and afternoons during drop off and pick up to help assist our aides in ensuring the circle moves efficiently, and that all driver's follow protocol.  Volunteers are needed from 7:45-8:25 AM and 2:55-3:25 PM, Monday through Friday, for the first couple of weeks of school.  If you would like to volunteer your time, please email hillsidecirclesafety@gmail.com to sign up. 

Also, we received a helpful suggestion and are requesting that each Circle Pick Up car place a sign on the passenger side dashboard with the names of the children that are being picked up.  This will help in moving along our dismissal and in alleviating longer wait times for parents. 

Lastly, please be sure to send a note to your child's teacher on the first day of school with his/her dismissal plans for each day of the week.  This will help us make sure that your child gets to the right place.

As you know, safety is our top priority.  We appreciate your partnership and patience next week, as we work together toward a safe arrival and dismissal of our children.

Warm regards,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments:
Transportation Procedures at Hillside 2019.pdf
Hillside Circle Safety.pdf

8.27.19 (Email Communication): 

Good morning Hillside Parents/Guardians - 

The parent portal will be open at 9:00 am for you to receive your child's class placement.  If you have not registered for the portal, please email Susan Day at days@hohschools.org for your child's student ID number.  If you are having trouble with the portal, please email Michele Porter at porter@hohschools.org.   

Once you receive your child's placement, please click on the link below to put in your information for the class lists/Hillside family directory.  

We look forward to seeing all the children on Tuesday, September 3rd!

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdiKwwIu1kjKxKT4oDjGrte43k5fqNnQlv8P54KU56eG-BObQ/viewform

8.23.19 (Email Communication):

The transportation portal (bus assignments) will open at 4:00 pm today (Friday) - see the two attachments for details.  If you need your child's student ID number to register for the portal, please email Susan Day at days@hohschools.org .   For any questions regarding the portal, please call the Transportation office at 914-295-5544 or at tranportation@ardsleyshools.org .

Thank you.

Amy Cazes and John DeKams

File attachments: Transportation Information '19-20.pdf Transportation Portal Instructions.pdf

8.23.19 (Email Communication): 

Hillside student class placement will be posted to the parent portal on Wednesday, August 28th.  If you have not done so already, please make sure you are registered for the portal (instructions are included in the Summer Mailing on the Hillside website) so that you can access this information next week.  If you haven't registered yet, and need your child's student ID number, please email Susan Day at days@hohschools.org   If you are having issues with or have questions regarding the portal, please contact Michele Porter at porter@hohschools.org   As you know, the transportation portal is now open for you to receive your child's transportation information (instructions also included in the Summer Mailing).  If you have any questions regarding the transportation portal, please contact the Transportation office at transportation@ardsleyschools.org or 295-5544.  

We look forward to seeing all our Hillside students on September 3rd!

Sincerely,

Amy Cazes and John DeKams