Hillside Elementary School

Caring Communities at Hillside School

To further a school-wide sense of community, Hillside has developed a program called Caring Communities.  Based on the knowledge that personalization and a strong sense of belonging are two of the most salient factors contributing to high student and staff achievement, Caring Communities creates opportunities for small cross-sections of students (K-5) and staff to meet approximately once a month throughout the year.  Time is spent working together on various activities that create this desired sense of belonging.  Ultimately, our goal is to help support the development of character, using the six pillars as the basis, and a sense of community that involves all staff members and students across all grades.

How does it work?

The entire student body, over 400 students in grades K-5, is redistributed among building staff.  Each staff member is responsible for a group of children that represents a cross-section of the building; that is, each group contains students ranging from grades K to 5.  It is our goal to involve as many staff members as possible in order to help spread a sense of greater sense of community at Hillside School.

When do we meet?

Caring Communities groups will meet approximately once per month starting in November and through the end of the school year.  Students also participate in other school activities, including Field Day, in Caring Communities groups.

Caring Communities group leaders have the opportunity to facilitate activities with students that help promote the ideals represented in the six pillars of character:  trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship (T-R-R-F-C-C!). 

Activities are cooperative in nature and designed to help build and support group solidarity and a greater sense of school community.  Group leaders are provided with sample activities and ideas in advance of each meeting, but have the liberty of choosing and designing activities of their own.  Creativity is welcomed and encouraged!