Hillside Student Community School

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

For this year’s GiveBIG fundraiser, which kicked off on April 20, and culminates with a 48 hour giving event on May 4-5, we want our campaign to reflect our community’s resilience.

This year, we are excited to announce that a generous Hillside family has decided to match any donation up to $20,000! We hope you will consider contributing a tax-deductible donation to help us reach this goal. Your contribution will help us continue to improve the efficiency of our current spaces. You can donate at hillsidesc.org/giving/

We also want to encourage you, if you are in a position to do so, to consider a gift to the Low Income Housing Institute, an organization committed to programs such as “Tiny Houses,” which aims to address homelessness in Seattle by building tiny homes.  If you are interested in learning more about their program please visit: lihi.org/donate/

Our school grows and flourishes academically through the students and families that participate in its vision. Your contributions help keep alive the dream of education as we believe it should be. We appreciate all of you.

High School History Feast

On Saturday May 1, 2021, 7:00 pm PST, Hillside will again bend the rules of time and space to bring notably historical figures to life and together for the annual History Feast! This year will feature politicians, a pirate, revolutionaries, writers, scientists, and artists from the last four hundred years of Modern World History! P.S. Some content of this presentation might be considered PG.

Join our Modern World History Feast Webinar on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/96748777142?pwd=Um4yVWJJQTBtUDJmNkFkS1ZCd05jUT09

Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7

(from pta.org)

Let’s face it. This school year has been weird. But we’re getting through it, in part thanks to our nation’s amazing educators. Take a moment to #ThankATeacher during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-7.

Teachers change the lives of millions of children every day—and in a year where instruction could be virtual, in-person or a mix of both, their immense work and impact have provided a much-needed sense of community and connection. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators across America are working hard to ensure every student has the tools they need to reach their full potential.

Thank you Hillside educators and staff for all that you do!

Back to School!

From Kalan – This week has been a wonderful rush: the old building is coming to life again, blood pumping and flowing through the veins of our living community. We grow and grow. In person school has brought me the joy be finally able to put my forest-classroom to greater use as I expand and embellish it. It has always been a dream to be able to teach Socratic literature seminars in the spectacular Hillside woods, and to begin this work as maple leaves unfold like baby bat wings and animal song flows gently around us has been truly incredible. I sincerely hope you can visit our plein air educatorium before the year is out.

Electives

Upper school electives begin on Thursday, May 6th! Some of our awesome electives this year are forestry, chess and go, drama,  computer science, and visual art.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Happy birthday to our May celebrants: Laura, Nick, Jean, and Sophia!

Open House 

Hillside will be hosting its final virtual open house on Thursday, May 6th! Help us spread the word about Hillside and all the school has to offer.

Help keep Hillside up-to-date on Niche.com

Niche is a digital marketing company that helps schools recruit and enroll students by providing families with information on school rankings, report cards, and in-depth profiles. Help Hillside attract new families to our beautiful campus by providing your honest review.

Check out our Niche profile: https://www.niche.com/k12/hillside-student-community-school-bellevue-wa/

Rate your experience here: https://www.niche.com/k12/survey/start/?t=k&e=hillside-student-community-school-bellevue-wa

What’s your spirit animal?

5th and 6th graders pondered this question, and turned to ancient Chinese myths for inspiration. Perhaps a strong and resilient phoenix? Or the mighty and adventurous Monkey King? Possibly the gluttonous Taotie, who enjoys savory soups? Or maybe the innocent and just unicorn Chi Lin? Check out their choices below!

Events Calendar

Saturday, May 1
History Feast

Monday, May 3-Friday, May 7
Teacher Appreciation Week

Monday, May 3
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Tuesday, May 4
GiveBIG Campaign

Wednesday, May 5
GiveBIG Campaign
Community Building at Hillside – 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 6
Spring Electives begin
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20
Virtual Open House – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 7 
No School – Weather Make-up Day

Monday, May 10
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, May 12
Community Building at Hillside – 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 13
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, May 14 
Fiber Arts 3:05-4:20

Monday, May 17
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, May 19
Community Building at Hillside – 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 20
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, May 21 
Fiber Arts 3:05-4:20

Monday, May 24
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, May 26
Community Building at Hillside – 9 a.m.

Thursday, May 27
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, May 28
Fiber Arts 3:05-4:20

Monday, May 31
No School – Memorial Day

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

Return to School!

We are so excited to welcome students back to on-campus learning on Tuesday, April 20th! Please keep your eyes open for more detailed communication from the office as the date draws nearer.

Lower School Drama Production

You’re invited! 

Please join us this Friday at 7:30 p.m. to enjoy the 5th and 6th grade production of “Shehera-Zoom”, a virtual interpretation of stories from the celebrated Arabian Nights. Students will be acting out classics such as “Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves”, “Es-Sindibad the Sailor” and “How Abu Hassan Broke Wind”. It is promised to be a wildly fun evening!

History Feast

On May Day, 2021, Hillside will again bend the rules of time and space to bring notably historical figures to life and together for the annual History Feast! This year will feature politicians, a pirate, revolutionaries, writers, scientists, and artists from the last four hundred years of Modern World History! Keep an eye on your email for further information regarding that evening’s webcast.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Happy April birthday wishes to: Keegan, Sam F. & Leslie!

Spring Electives

Upper school electives begin Thursday, May 6.  This year these classes alternate, with one class two days per week.  Drama (play production), however, meets every class day.  Electives are usually graded pass/fail unless strong, extra effort merits another option.

These afternoon classes are your choice—an opportunity to try a new area or to further develop an earlier skill.  Although classes will be on campus, a few students will likely still join us online.  Below are some choices proposed by the staff.  Students should also think about what they would be excited to explore on their own.  If they choose an independent study, they will check in periodically with a teacher about their goals and progress.

Students:  Let us know your choices and rank them #1 through #4!

**Please note that B and C classes are on Monday and Thursday, and must be combined with D and E classes on Tuesday and Friday.  Any of them may be combined with an Independent Study. **

OPTION A: Drama (with Jean & Leslie; M,T,TH,F & possible extra sessions)
OPTION B: Learning Strategy in Go and Chess (with Wis & Julie; M & TH)
OPTION C: Forestry (with Kalan; M & TH)
OPTION D: Computer Science (with Julie; T & F)
OPTION E: Visual Art (with Leslie; T & F)
OPTION F: Independent Study (with teacher advisor; schedule TBD)
**Fencing – if you are interested in a bit of fencing for the last part of the year, contact Kael! It may be possible to start playing with sabres!**

Back to School Campout

Save the date – Friday, April 16th! To celebrate our return to school, Hillside will be hosting a back to school campout in the woods, complete with campfires and a movie screening. More details to come.

Volunteer Opportunity – NPH Northwest

Since December, Hillside student, Norah, has been a part of the NPH Northwest youth group. NPH, or Nuestros Peqeños Hermanos, is a non-profit organization that supports children overcoming poverty in Latin America

The youth group is looking to expand its membership, and is open to ages 13 and up. If interested, please fill out this quick form:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaNQ2xDigizz24mzpd6T0-qXpiKYsHBoSZsjvKgnCc0b9YaA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Events Calendar

Thursday, April 1
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, April 2
Fiber Arts – 3:05-4:20
Lower School Drama Performance “Shehera-Zoom”  – 7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 5 – Friday, April 9
No School – Spring Break

Monday, April 12
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, April 14
Community Building @ Hillside – 9 a.m.
On Campus PSAT Exam

Thursday, April 15
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, April 16
Fiber Arts – 3:05-4:20

Monday, April 19
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Tuesday, April 20
In-person School Begins

Wednesday, April 21
Community Building Day CANCELLED

Thursday, April 22
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, April 23
Fiber Arts – 3:05-4:20

Monday, April 26
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, April 28
Community Building @ Hillside – 9 a.m.

Thursday, April 29
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, April 30
Fiber Arts – 3:05-4:20

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On… Conferences

Conferences are the perfect time to talk with your child’s teachers about their progress, setting goals, and to celebrate all of your child’s successes this year! Conferences will be held via Zoom between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, March 5th. To sign up for a 15 minute slot with each of your child’s teachers, please use the Signup Genius link that Leslie sent out via email last week, also available under “Materials” in Jupiter. Hope to see you Friday!

Open House – March 25th

Hillside will only be hosting TWO more virtual open houses during the 2020-21 school year! Be sure to let your friends and neighbors know about us, should they be looking for a supportive, rigorous, and fun school for their child. Please sign up at this link (https://hillsidesc.org/open-houses/) for our next open house on Thursday, March 25th.

Birthdays, Birthdays! 

Happy March birthday wishes to: Pierce, Ada, Elliot, and Lucas! 

Continue Supporting Black Owned Businesses

Even though Black History Month has come to an end, it is always the right time of year to support local and national black owned businesses. Not sure where to start? These two websites have got you covered. Explore over 150 nation-wide businesses, (https://bit.ly/37Qak7z) ranging from art and design to books and fitness. Wondering about where you can shop locally? Seattle Refined (https://bit.ly/3dNxoYf) has a comprehensive list of black owned businesses in the Seattle area.

Reminder: No School Friday, March 26th

Friday, March 26th is reserved as a weather make-up day. Considering there is no inclement weather this month that will keep us out of school, please expect there to be no school on that day.

Events Calendar

Monday, March 1
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, March 3
Community Building @ Hillside – 11 a.m.
SAT at School – time

Thursday, March 4
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, March 5
No School – Parent Teacher Conferences

Monday, March 8
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, March 10
Community Building @ Hillside – 11 a.m.

Thursday, March 11
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, March 12
Fiber Arts – 3:05-4:20

Monday, March 15
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, March 17
Community Building @ Hillside – 11 a.m.

Thursday, March 18
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20

Friday, March 19
Fiber Arts – 3:05-4:20

Monday, March 22
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, March 24
Community Building @ Hillside – 11 a.m.
SAT at School – time

Thursday, March 25
Social Justice Club – 3:05-4:20
Virtual Open House – 7 p.m.

Friday, March 26
No School – Weather Make-up Day

Monday, March 29
Portfolio Club – 3:05-4:20

Wednesday, March 31
Community Building @ Hillside – 11 a.m.
Block IIIB Begins