Hillcrest Elementary School

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.

Here is our District MTSS Update following the 1st Trimester. We’re excited to share the many great things happening across APS and highlight the incredible work our staff and students are doing every day!

https://www.canva.com/design/DAG3YijKqoY/OO83276wKpMoitA805CplQ/edit?utm_content=DAG3YijKqoY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Thank you Michigan One Credit Union for donating $500 to Alma High School, DLPMS, Pine Ave, and Hillcrest.

Alma Public Schools is on a fog delay today, Tuesday, December 2nd. Please follow the late start schedule. Luce Road Childcare will be open to pre-registered children.

At APS, we value your feedback!
Please take a few minutes to complete our Parent Perception Survey. Your input helps us better understand your child’s experience and guides our work to continue improving our schools! Our goal is to have over 500 responses.

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.

Our newsletter is filled with updates, celebrations, and resources to keep families connected. This week we highlight our Character Strong focus on empathy, along with classroom events and school-wide activities. We’re excited to share our December Spirit Days, where students can show Panther pride and holiday cheer.
https://secure.smore.com/n/gk5hp-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

This past week, both Hillcrest and Pine Avenue celebrated our Trimester Awards, honoring students for their hard work, growth, and character. Our first graders also gathered for Friends-giving, sharing food, laughter, and gratitude with classmates. These moments remind us of the joy, community, and partnership we share in educating your children.
https://secure.smore.com/n/hb7m3-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

This week is full of exciting updates! On Friday, both buildings will host Trimester Award Ceremonies—parents are invited to attend and will be welcomed into the foyer before heading to classrooms. Report cards and updated Math Progress Reports will also go home, reflecting progress on current learning goals. Please remember Friday is a full school day, and early checkouts are discouraged. There’s still time to complete the Education Benefits Form, which helps secure Title I funding for small group instruction and student supports. And don’t forget—our next PTO meeting is Monday at 6:30 PM at Hillcrest! https://secure.smore.com/n/73drq-the-weekly-update-panther-pride

Our students are making a difference! Pine Avenue Student Council food drive is in full swing—thank you for helping us stock the shelves for families in need. Hillcrest Coins for a Cause continues to support local homeless shelters, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. Don’t forget: we have an early release on Friday, November 14. Let’s finish the week strong with generosity, gratitude, and Panther pride!