Hillside Student Community School

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

Building Community

Whether inside the classroom or out in the world, here at Hillside we are a community.  This can be seen in the classroom as students show off their talents or during electives when they create beautiful art.  Our community hike and party allowed us to catch up with each other and to strengthen our bonds to the land and the school.

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

According to the National Hispanic Heritage Month  website  we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.  Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th-October 15th, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.  The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.  It was enacted into law on August 17th, 1988.  The day of September 15th is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and 18th, respectively.  Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12th, falls within this 30 day period.

Open House

The open house will be held Thursday, October 13th from 7:00-8:30 pm. We encourage you to share Hillside with any families looking for the right fit for their students. Our community members are our best ambassadors, so please feel free to extend an invitation to those you know to come learn about Hillside!

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Happy October birthday wishes to: Flora, Harry, Lola, Ausby, and Frances!  We hope you have wonderful birthdays and delicious cake to celebrate!

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Halloween Party

The annual Hillside Halloween Party is coming up at the end of the month!  We will be celebrating on Saturday, October 29th from 7-10pm.  Please stay tuned for additional details as we get closer to the date.

Events Calendar

Monday, October 3
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 4
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 5
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 6
Cuddly Creatures Club – 3:20-4:45

Friday, October 7
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Monday, October 10
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 11
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 12
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 13
Open House – 7:00-8:30

Friday, October 14
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Monday, October 17
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 18
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 19
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 20
Cuddly Creature Club – 3:20-4:45

Friday, October 21
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Monday, October 24
Block IB begins
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 25
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 26
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 27
Cuddly Creatures Club – 3:20-4:45

Friday, October 28
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Saturday, October 29
Halloween Party – 7:00-10:00

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

Student Achievements

Hillside family!  We have some exciting news to share with you!  Bellevue College recently selected Amelia’s art to be installed as a mural on their campus.  Amazing news, right?  Amelia is currently a senior at Hillside and is expected to graduate in June.  Her art design was inspired by a quote from the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who reminded her of the interconnectedness between students around the globe and the power of education.  The goal of the artwork, as Amelia explains, highlights the themes of diversity and social justice around the Bellevue College campus.

Below is the statement she wrote along with her submission of the design:

“My design is inspired by a quote from Ghanaian diplomat Kofi Annan (1938-2018) who famously said that ‘Knowledge is power.  Information is liberating.  Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.’

This quote speaks to the invaluable presence of students from all families and backgrounds on campus at Bellevue College, as well as the institution’s dedication to providing accessible education to better our world and deepen our understanding of each other.  Annan emphasizes the importance of our schools in society, in that students will guide us toward a better future.

I hope my work of art will encourage fellow students to not only be empowered by their education, but also value the diversity of Bellevue College and their peers on campus.”  Amelia is excited to continue her love of drawing and her passion for language-learning at the University of Washington (UW).  She was awarded the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship by UW to continue her Farsi studies.  She hopes to cultivate a career in the Seattle area and run a business for her art.  We are incredibly excited for what the future holds for Amelia and are so happy to see her in a role perfectly suited for her strengths and passions.

Spring Break

Just a reminder spring break is April 11-15 this year.  Make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation so we can push through the last months of the school year strong.

History Feast

On April 30, 2022, 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 a myriad of personalities from the last four hundred years of Modern World History. Keep an eye on your email for further information regarding this amazing event.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Happy April birthday to Sam!  May your day be filled with cake and lots of fun.

Spring Electives

Upper school electives begin Thursday, May 5.  This year these classes alternate between Tuesday/Thursday and Monday/Wednesday/Friday.  Drama (play production), however, meets every class day.

When selecting an elective, we ask students to consider these courses as an opportunity to try a new area or to further develop an earlier skill.  If a student chooses an independent study, they will need to check in periodically with a teacher to discuss their goals and their progress.  Electives are usually graded pass/fail unless strong, extra effort merits another option.

Please know that we do our very best to give all of our students their top choices.  We initially offered thirteen possible options for electives this spring.  We were able to narrow the list down to six options.

OPTION 1: Drama with Jean (M-F)
OPTION 2: Bouldering at Edgeworks Bellevue with Wis and Julie (T/Th fee of $100)**
OPTION 3: Forestry with Kalan (T/Th)
OPTION 4: Sewing with Leslie (M/W/F)
OPTION 5: Probability and Poke with Wis (M/W/F)
OPTION 6: Robotics and Computer Science with Julie (M/W/F fee of $150)**
**Please note that students wishing to participate in electives that require external fees or additional supplies must provide Hillside with a check no later than Friday, April 20. You can mail the check to the school or have your student drop it off.**

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Events Calendar

Friday, April 1
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Monday, April 4
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, April 5
Fencing – CANCELED

Wednesday April 6
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, April 7
Open House – 7:00-8:30

Friday, April 8
D&D – CANCELED

Monday, April 11-15
SPRING BREAK- No School

Monday, April 18
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, April 19
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, April 21
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, April 22
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Monday, April 25
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, April 26
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, April 28
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, April 29
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Saturday, April 30
History Feast

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On… Womxn’s History Month 

March is Womxn’s History Month, a time meant to commemorate and recognize the contributions womxn have made to the United States and to recognize the specific achievements womxn have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.  Here at Hillside we give thanks to all of the important womxn in all of our lives and celebrate their impact on us all.  Students created pieces of artwork to recognize a few of these womxn.

Birthdays, Birthdays! 

Happy March birthday wishes to: Pierce, Elliot, Lucas, and Andrew!  May your day be filled with cake and lots of fun!

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Reminder: SAT at school for juniors, March 23rd

The juniors signed up for the SAT will be taking it on Wednesday, March 23rd.

Events Calendar

Tuesday, March 1
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, March 2
SAT at school
Drama – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, March 3
Fencing – Canceled for Open House

Friday, March 4
No School – Weather Makeup Day

Monday, March 7
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, March 8
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, March 9
Drama – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, March 10
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, March 12
D&D Club – 3:20-4:45

Monday, March 7
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, March 8
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, March 9
Drama – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, March 10
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, March 11
D&D Club – 3:20-4:45

Monday, March 14
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, March 15
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, March 16
Drama – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, March 17
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, March 18
D&D Club – 3:20-4:45

Monday, March 21
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, March 22
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, March 23
Drama – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, March 24
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, March 25
D&D Club – 3:20-4:45

Monday, March 28
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, March 29
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, March 30
Drama – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, March 31
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

The Learning Outside the Classroom

Here at Hillside we take the time to experience our surroundings as often as the unpredictable February weather allows.  Students in Kalan’s literature class jumped into a study of the ancient text Beowulf.  As the original dates from sometime in the 11th century, students gathered around a campfire to experience that magic found in our woods and in the text.  Students in grades 5-8 also recently went to the Seattle Art Museum to get to know what artistic movements are happening in the Pacific Northwest.

Spring Conferences – Friday, February 18. Save the Date!

Spring conferences are coming up, and we are looking forward to meeting with students and parents to discuss classes, the year so far, and what is upcoming. You will receive an email via Jupiter in the coming days with the link to sign up for fifteen minute virtual slots. Just as in November, conferences will be held on Zoom. If you will be unable to attend conferences, please contact teachers individually to make alternate arrangements.

February is Black History Month!

During the month of February, we are observing Black History Month. Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The Black History Month 2022 theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” explores “the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well.”

Ways to support:

Locally – One simple way to honor the continuing struggle for racial justice is by supporting local Black-owned businesses, of which here are two preliminary lists (Seattle) (Western WA) — if you have more ideas, let us know!

Nationally – The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. at https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/nmaahc-digital-resources-guide is a fantastic resource for information, and includes digital tours.

Birthdays, Birthdays! 

Happy February birthday wishes to: Eli, Sil, Norah, Leo, and Rebecca!  May your birthdays be filled with fun and delicious cake!

Events Calendar

Tuesday, February 1
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, February 2
Drama Club – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, February 3
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, February 4
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Monday, February 7
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, February 8
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, February 9
Drama Club – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, February 10
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, February 11
D&D – 3:20-4:45

Monday, February 14
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, February 15
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, February 16
Drama Club – 3:20-4:50

Thursday, February 17
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, February 18
Spring Conferences

February 18-25
No School – Mid-winter Break

Monday, February 28
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

Get Ready for Hillside’s Annual Winter Ball

After the long winter break, students and staff returned to Hillside with renewed spirits and excitement for what this year has in store.  As always, in case there is severe weather, please check your Jupiter messages and our website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on any delayed starts or canceled school days.

Hillside will be hosting the Annual Winter Ball on January 21st from 6:30-9:00 p.m.  This is an event organized by students with teacher/parent supervision.  There will be games, food, music, and more! This event will be held in the gym.

Birthdays, Birthdays! 

Happy January birthday wishes to Will!  May your day be filled with happiness and delicious cake!

Virtual Open House – January 28th, 7-8:30 p.m.

Now that 2022 is here, many families are looking at their school choices for the fall, and we are eager to tell them about Hillside. Thank you, as always, for spreading the word about Hillside to those you know looking for a supportive school community!

Events Calendar

Monday, January 3
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, January 4
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, January 5
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, January 6
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, January 7
Dungeons and Dragons – 3:20-4:45

Monday, January 10
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, January 11
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, January 12
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, January 13
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, January 14
Dungeons and Dragons – 3:20-4:45

Monday, January 17
MLK Jr. Day – No School

Tuesday, January 18
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, January 19
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, January 20
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, January 21
Dungeons and Dragons – canceled
Winter Ball – 6:30-9:00

Monday, January 24
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, January 25
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, January 26
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, January 27
Open House – 7:00-8:30

Friday, January 28
Dungeons and Dragons – 3:20-4:45

Monday, January 31
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight on…

Learning through Exploration

Here at Hillside, we take our learning seriously, but we also know the importance of having fun within that learning.  Over the last month, students have gone on various field trips to better understand the community around us.  The 5th and 6th graders explored Pike Place Market with our resident local history expert Jean.  They heard stories about the founding of the Market, as well as the part Indigenous people have played in the growth of Seattle.  The 7th and 8th graders went to the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma to broaden their understanding of state history with respect to the Indigenous peoples and immigrant growth found throughout our state.  Here on campus, many of our students took part in a lesson on el Día de los Muertos to appreciate the growing influence of Hispanic culture in our society.  Students also continue to grow our community in extracurricular activities, such as fencing and Model UN.

Calendar Reminders

School will be closed on November 11th in observance of Veterans’ Day.  Thank  you to all of our veterans for all you do.

Our next open house will be held on Thursday, December 2nd at 7pm.  Thank you to everyone who has participated in our prior successful ones here at Hillside.

Picture Day will be on November 22nd so remember to bring your best smiles that day.

Conferences will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, November 24th.

Birthdays, Birthdays!

Hillside wishes the happiest of birthdays to Lily, Jenn, and Liam!  May your day be filled with delicious cake and lots of fun!

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Conferences

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is when we have our Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences. We request that students participate in the conferences so that we can all work as a team to support their education and school experience. Conferences this year will be held virtually on Zoom. You will receive an email shortly with a link to the Sign Up Genius schedule. Please sign up for the teachers whom you would like to see; sign up slots are first come, first serve. If none of those times work for you, please contact teachers directly to schedule something.

Events Calendar

Monday, November 1
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, November 2
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, November 3
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, November 4
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, November 5
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, November 8
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, November 9
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, November 10
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, November 11
NO SCHOOL – Veteran’s Day

Friday, November 12
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, November 15
Art Club – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, November 16
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, November 17
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, November 18
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Friday, November 19
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, November 22
Art Club – 3:20-4:45
Picture Day

Tuesday, November 23
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday,  November 24
Conferences via zoom
Block IIA begins

Thursday, November 25
NO SCHOOL – Happy Thanksgiving

Friday, November 26
NO SCHOOL – Happy Thanksgiving

Monday, November 27
NO SCHOOL – Happy Thanksgiving

Tuesday, November 28
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, November 29 
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, November 30
Fencing – 3:20-4:50