Hillcrest Elementary School

Today is the last day to sign up for Early Release Child Care at Luce Road.

Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/4XxxcEiR4g9YoRDU8

Mark your calendars! Our next Family Engagement Night: Snow Much Fun is coming up on January 22, 2026. Join us for an evening filled with hands‑on activities, winter‑themed fun, and time to connect as a school community. We can’t wait to share this cozy night of learning and laughter with you.

As we welcome everyone back in 2026, we want to ensure our school community stays safe and healthy. This is a helpful reminder about when a student is too sick to attend school.

Apologies! The previous link for the Early Release Child Care did not work. Here is the corrected one!

https://forms.gle/Nh4KenUmPaJ1PbHh9

Friday January 9th is an Early Release day! Need child care for your preschool through 5th grade student? Luce Road offers it!

Students will be transported from their home school to Luce Road.

New to the program?
Reach out to almachildcare@almaschools.net to get the forms required.

Fill out a form for EACH student https://forms.gle/MM46pTS6PMGQETFD8t you need to have signed up:

We’re kicking off the new year with exciting learning and lots of Panther Pride. NWEA testing begins January 6, and our school‑wide Character Strong focus for the month is Perseverance and Grit. Students will be learning how to stay focused, work through challenges, and celebrate their effort as they grow. Thank you for partnering with us to support a strong and positive start to 2026! https://app.smore.com/n/30xst-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

We’re excited to share that we are getting ready to open a new child care room at Luce Road designed for children 18–30 months! While we don’t have an official opening date just yet, preparations are underway and we are now accepting pre-registrations.

Tuition Rates:
• $45 per day for 4 days or fewer
• $40 per day for all 5 days

Spots will be limited, so we encourage families to pre-register early. More details, including the opening date, will be shared soon!

Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/89UFKj5ohQWAc1zq8

Students are building strong connections as they share meals together, practicing kindness and respect in the lunchroom. These moments of friendship highlight the joy of community and the Panther Pride that shines even during lunchtime.

Students are building strong friendships as they enjoy winter play and create a cheerful snowman together. These moments of joy highlight the power of teamwork, imagination, and Panther Pride in every season.

Winter break is just around the corner, but our students are still giving their best effort each day. They continue working hard to achieve their grade-level standards, showing determination and Panther Pride. Their focus and perseverance make this season of learning truly shine.

Students at Hillcrest Elementary have been enjoying a special experience this December by practicing lunchroom etiquette in the Hancock Café. Through these lessons, they are learning their lunchroom ROARS and building important life skills. The café setting makes the learning fun and memorable, helping students grow in both respect and responsibility.

Our first graders were thrilled to welcome AHS students, Officer Mueller, and his dog, Blue, into their classroom. Blue loved listening as students read aloud, making the visit a joyful reminder of how reading connects us, builds confidence, and brings our community together.

We are excited to share some snap shots of staff and students proudly showing their Panther Pride and team spirit during Pine Avenue December Days. These festive activities highlight the creativity and enthusiasm of our school community. The themes are developed by our student council as part of their important role in school leadership.

This week Hillcrest and Pine Avenue are highlighting how we blend academics, celebration, and empathy to nurture the whole child. From festive December Days to hands-on lessons in math and science, students are learning with joy and creativity. Team Time added powerful reminders about self-control and empathy, helping students grow not only in knowledge but in character. All this and more are captured in this week’s Panther Pride!
https://app.smore.com/n/zw68b-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

Alma Public Schools will be closed today, Wednesday, December 10th due to weather conditions. Luce Road Childcare will be open to pre-registered children

When school calls a snow day or late start, we’ve got you covered.
❄️ Pre-register now for Drop-In Care so your child has a safe, fun place to spend the day—no scrambling, no stress.

To pre-register fill out the form below. Please fill out one form for each student. Students MUST be pre-registered to use the drop-in service.

Click here for pre-registration: https://forms.gle/9XAc3VzegUonLy9m8

Our parent newsletter is full of exciting updates and celebrations from across our school community. This week’s School Highlights feature creative projects, special performances, and hands-on learning that showcase the joy of student growth. We continue to recognize our Student of the Week, celebrating their hard work and positive contributions. Please remember that we have a late start on Wednesday, and we appreciate families planning ahead to support a smooth day. Together, these updates reflect the pride we share in our students and the strong connections between home and school.
https://app.smore.com/n/jmh09-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

Got 5 minutes? If you haven't taken the survey yet, we would love your feedback!

Our goal is to have over 500 responses and we are off to a great start at about 150 so far!

Use the link provided or the QR code on the flyer.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScd9YOdEqtURo7PPf8whDvfHA5JaqnSAcfEHZpJPkBHrgZfMA/viewform

The survey will close on Friday, December 12th at 4 pm.

Now Offering Fog Delay & Snow Day Child Care! ☃️

Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is now providing child care during fog delays and snow days!

🕖 Snow Day Care: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM ($50 per child)
🕖 Delay Care (Fog/Snow): 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM ($20 per child)
⏰ Extended Care:

Before Care 6:00–7:00 AM

After Care 3:00–6:00 PM
($15 Before OR After | $20 for both)

🍎 Meals Provided
Families must be pre-registered to use Fog Delay and Snow Day Drop-In services.

📍Luce Road Early Childhood Learning Center ECLC
Where little Panther Cubs begin big journeys.

Register here: https://forms.gle/fQkmUyRY7u1wvtZPA

Please do one (1) form for each child.
You are not required to bring your child EVERY snow day/fog delay. But pre-registration is required to use the drop-in at Luce Road ECLC (535 N. Luce Rd) services. It is available for all students preschool through fifth grade.