Hillcrest Elementary School

January is School Board Appreciation Month! APS would like to recognize the dedicated and caring members of our School Board. This month and every month, thank you!

We are looking forward to seeing all of our Panther families at Hillcrest for the Hillcrest and Pine Avenue Family Engagement Night! Join us for snowflakes, smiles, and quality family time. We’re going to have snow much fun!

Congratulations to APS's Chris Brown, this week's Michigan One Community Credit Union Salute to Education Teacher of the Week!

Hello, APS parents, staff & community members! My name is Alivia Giles, and I am the school's new Communications and Marketing Coordinator. I am a graduate of Alma College (BA in English) and Northwestern University (MS in Journalism). I am looking forward to sharing all the awesome things going on at APS!

Students across Hillcrest and Pine Avenue are building positive peer relationships every day, and we’re seeing real growth—especially with the added recess time. Our focus on perseverance and growth mindset is helping students navigate challenges and support one another with confidence. Classrooms have been buzzing with hands‑on learning, from STEM exploration in first grade to active math stations across the building. We’re proud of our Panthers and the way they’re growing both academically and socially.
https://app.smore.com/n/sm6eb-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

At APS, we know students' attendance matters! Small daily actions add up to BIG achievements!

Luce Road will be offering Child Care for kids preschool through 5th grade on February 9th! If you are interested please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/ty8CmxjaPkxJndns7

Fill out one form for each child you wish to attend. If you have any questions reach out to Kimberly Hamad at almachildcare@almaschools.net

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.