Hello, Hillside Families!

 

I hope this message finds you enjoying the long weekend!

 

As we enjoy the additional day away from school and work tomorrow, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s mission of ensuring equality and human rights for all.  Dr. King spoke a great deal about character, and one of my favorite quotes of his is:  "Intelligence plus character–that is the true goal of education."  

 

At Hillside, we value both academics and character, and remain committed to ensuring that our students acquire important skills to be productive members of their school, community, and greater society, who strive to make a difference while respecting diversity and accepting differences.  We are grateful for your continued support of our character education program and school, and will continue to work towards Dr. King's true goal of education! 

 

REMINDER:  The Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion will be hosting the township's annual MLK Day of Service on January 20, 2025 from 9:30 to 11:30am. Please see this flyer for information.  

 

On behalf of the Hillside PTA and school, I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the students and families who participated in the Read-a-Thon.  Not only were our students encouraged to read and grow their literacy skills, we were also able to raise needed funds for the school.  Your generosity yielded just over $5,000 in funds!  Amazing!  Special thanks to the Read-a-Thon Committee co-chaired by parents, Mrs. Rodriguez and Mrs. Miller, for all its work and efforts.  Some of our students were able to receive wonderful prizes, including vouchers to the School Store, a Kindle for the top fundraiser, Barnes and Noble gift cards for the second and third top fundraisers, and special visits with authors for the top fundraising class from each grade level.  

 

Read-a-Thon Fun Facts:

• The top fundraiser was Sakshi J.  She won the Kindle!

• Our second and top fundraisers earned Barnes & Noble gift cards!  Congratulations to Nicholas T. and Luca A.!

• 37 students raised $50, or more, earning the $5 voucher to the School Store.  That's 10 more students than last year!

• Classes who raised the most by grade will receive a special visit from an author.  They are:

  • Kindergarten:  Miss DiGiacomo

  • First Grade:  Miss Sadowski

  • Second Grade:  Mrs. Williams

  • Third Grade:  Miss Reid

  • Fourth Grade:  Mrs. Micone

  • Fifth Grade:  Miss Begega

 

Congratulations to our top fundraisers and all winners!  Thanks to all who supported!

 

We have our Winter Concert on Thursday, and look forward to amazing performances from our fourth and fifth graders enrolled in band, orchestra, and chorus.  We will have a rehearsal for the student body that morning, and the concert for families and friends at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Middle School auditorium.  Special thanks to our band, orchestra and chorus directors, Mr. Hegedus, Miss Jo, and Mr. Battista, respectively, for their work with and guidance of our musicians.  And, thanks to our students and families, of course, for their commitment to practicing and bringing students in for early morning rehearsals.  It will be a great show!

 

REMINDER:  The PTA is hosting its annual Skate Night on Thursday, January 30th.  Registration is underway.  Information can be found in this flyer.  Please note that space is limited, and registration is first-come, first-serve.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

PTA Spring Fundraiser 2025!  The biggest fundraising event of the year will be held on Thursday, May 1st!  In keeping with the year's 70th Anniversary theme, the Hillside PTA invites families and friends to "get into the 70s groove" and enjoy an evening of fun and prizes.  A flyer with information can be found here.  Family Sponsorship information can be found in this document.  We hope you will join us, and thank you for your anticipated support!

 

Thank you, and enjoy the rest of the weekend and the snow!

 

Best regards,

Mr. Gramata

 

P.S. These weekly messages are also posted on the school's site for your convenience. 

P.P.S. Follow Hillside School on X at @Hillside_Elem!

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Upcoming Dates to Remember!

 

Week of January 20, 2025

 

Monday, 1-20: MLK, Jr. Day; Schools Closed

Inauguration Day

 

Tuesday, 1-21: ASEs: Science & Dance

 

Wednesday, 1-22: Student Council Meeting, 11:03 a.m.

Fifth Grade Musical Practice, 2:45 p.m.

 

Thursday, 1-23: Winter Concert School Rehearsal Performance, 9:00 a.m., Upper Gym

ASEs: Robotics & Fitness

Winter Concert Performance, 7:00 p.m., HMS Auditorium

 

Friday, 1-24: Safety Patrol Meeting, 11:03 a.m.

Student Council Assembly, 1:30 p.m.

ASEs: Engineering & Basketball

 

Week of January 27, 2025

 

Monday, 1-27: ASEs: Art & Golf

 

Tuesday, 1-28: 12:00 PM Dismissal for Students; Staff PD in PM

Lunar New Year School Assembly, 9:00 a.m.

BOE Retreat/Workshop Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, 1-29: Happy Lunar New Year!  Schools Closed

 

Thursday, 1-30: First Marking Period Ends for Kindergarten

Caring Communities Session 3, 9:45 a.m.

ASEs: Robotics & Fitness

PTA's Skate Night @ Florham Park Rink, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

 

Friday, 1-31: Second Marking Period Begins for Kindergarten

Lunar New Year Staff Luncheon (thank you!)

ASEs: Engineering & Basketball

 

Sunday, 2-2: Groundhog Day

 

Week of February 3, 2025

 

Monday, 2-3: Caring Pillar Unit of Study Begins

ASEs: Art & Golf

Winter Concert SNOW DATE

 

Tuesday, 2-4: LYCS Leaders Grade 5, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

ASEs: Science & Dance

 

Wednesday, 2-5: World Read Aloud Day

Second Grade Trip to Liberty Hall in Union

LYCS Leaders Grade 4, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Fifth Grade Musical Practice, 2:45 p.m.

 

Thursday, 2-6: LYCS Leaders Grade 3, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

ASEs: Robotics & Fitness

 

Friday, 2-7: Student Council School Spirit Day-Wear Colors/Gear of your Favorite 

Superbowl/Football Team!

Instructional Aide, Mrs. Mead's, Last Day at Hillside

ASEs: Engineering & Basketball

Kindergarten First Marking Period Report Cards Available to Families 

after 4:00 p.m.