Fall Frenzy

 

Autumn finds Hillside students engaged in a wide variety of activities in addition to their normal academic workload. October witnessed the start of a new House Program. HSCS students now belong to one of four Houses:

Cerberus                Epona                     Sparrows               Sphynx

These groups will participate in school-wide community building activities, service projects, and intramural competitions. The first major event of the school year is a food drive to support disadvantaged families during the holiday season. Specifically the drive will support Hopelink Bellevue Thanksgiving Hopelink Drive 2023.
The houses will compete for points. They will earn one point for any non-perishable item. Two points for items on the list. Points will be rewarded for gross weight as well.  All donated non-perishable items must be unopened and unexpired.
The food drive runs through November 16.
Students in grades 6 to 8 traveled to the Pioneer Farm Museum for an overnight, experiential learning adventure. The clear and cold weather provided a realistic pioneer experience that included a feeding farm animals and cleaning their stalls, making food by hand, cleaning their rustic accommodations and learning about entertainment without electricity.  On a short, guided walk the Hillside Pioneers explored the four Nisqually camps, one for each season of the year. Please find the some images here and videos below.
The month of October comes to a close with the annual Halloween party in the gymnasium. This event includes the customary costumes and candy, piles of pizza, and staple of Hillsides events, musical chairs.
Hillside Student Community School: a safe place for finding your gifts.

October – Outdoor Education Inspiration

October 2023 Blog – Outdoor Education Inspiration

At Hillside, we believe that sometimes one of the very best things you can do is get out of the classroom and into spaces where you can explore and create as you learn. Since Hillside is situated on 5 acres of Cougar Mountain’s beautiful forest, there are trails, tons of native plants to examine, perfect spots for camping, and even an outdoor classroom. This past month our learning has been deeply inspired by the woods around us. 

The 5th and 6th grade students are studying Native American tribes in US History class this month, and learning how to live a little closer to the land our school is built on. We’re fortunate enough to have a wilderness survival expert on staff, who helped the class learn how to build a tipi survival shelter, including how to gather materials in the forest that are safe to use, and that don’t damage the forest. 

We also had our Community Building Day Hike recently! Exploring the forest together and helping each other overcome obstacles is just one of many ways nature helps strengthen our community. 

Art classes at all grade levels have been drawing inspiration from our forest this month, as well – the 5th/6th grade students have been enjoying plein air sketching, and our older students learned to sew forest critters. Those hand-stitched squirrels are adorable!

       

 

Our science classes often do experiments involving the forest – but this month, did some in-classroom experiments with one of the most important things we find in nature and our forest – water.

   

 

By spending class time outdoors, our students have learned to appreciate the world around them through art and survival skills. They’ve also learned important teamwork skills through science, hiking, and tipi construction. We can learn so much from stepping outside of our classrooms – it’s such a gift for our students to have the forest around us!

 

Looking Ahead:

  • October 12th – October Open House at 7PM
  • October 23rd – Start of Block IB
  • October 28th – Halloween Party at 7PM

October Birthdays:

  • Flora
  • Harry
  • Ausby
  • Frances

September: an exciting start to a new school year!

The start of the school year means the return to a familiar environment for some members of our community. But it also means the start of a new adventure for a large number of our students. Eleven new students joined Hillside Student Community School this year. That’s a third of our student body.

Greeting friends old and new consumes the first few minutes of day one, but soon the attention shifts to organized activities designed to strengthen relationships. Social emotional well-being remains a fundamental component of education particularly in a small school setting that relies heavily on social constructivism. 

The term ‘social constructivism’ shapes how we learn together. It is through our interaction with each other that we build our knowledge of the world. That can mean a large group of students standing on a tarp with the goal of turning it over without using their hands and avoiding stepping on the floor. 

In a pair-work it means one blindfolded student being guided by another through the process of building a house. With the verbal instructions provided by the sighted partner, the temporarily non-sighted individual puts together the Leggo pieces. The end products vary in size and shape. Some have trees. Others have long corridors and still another has a slide. 

Placed together in a neighborhood the creations reflect the diversity of a real human community. The parallels are plenty. Some are large. Others are small. Some are in need of repair. 

Exploring the world beyond our walls includes field trips. In the first week of school two groups of students traveled to the Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.  This trip allowed students in our elementary section to use descriptive language featuring their five senses to describe the iconic location.

Older students in the videography class went to the Pike Place Market in search of footage to tell short video stories of a special place in the NW. From shopkeepers, to tourists, to street performers, the Market provides a visual feast.  

While we know the value of traveling together to explore our environment and working together to create a new product, we are mindful that humans often need the serenity of silence to work alone to transform small ideas into large realities. Our job as parents and teachers is to find the right balance of group work and individual work. If we find that right harmony, the possibilities are almost unlimited. It’s going to be a great year!

Looking ahead:

  • Thursday, 7 September Curriculum Night
  • Saturday, 16 September Community Building Day
  • Wednesday, 20 September Last day of electives
  • Thursday, 21 September Start of Block 1A
  • Tuesday, 26 September School Photo Day

Summer Birthdays

  • Graeme
  • Hazel
  • David
  • Alexander
  • Zachary
  • Oakley
  • Ashton
  • Giovanni

September Birthdays

  • Isabel
  • Isaac
  • Ryn
  • Shadow

June Bulletin

Spotlight On…

As we culminate this academic year and embark on the exciting adventure of summer break, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Read More

May Bulletin

Spotlight On…

Get Ready for Hillside’s Last Open House!

Hi prospective families! Are you ready for an adventure? Explore Hillside, where learning is always an adventure! Join us on Thursday, May 11 at 7pm for our Open House event.
Hillside is a place where kids can discover their passions, explore new ideas, and make lifelong friends. Our website is filled with exciting information about our school, including our fantastic programs, talented teachers, and dedicated staff.
Whether you’re looking for an Intermediate level program or seeking a challenging middle school or high school curriculum, Hillside School has something for everyone. Our website is a treasure trove of information that will help you explore all of our amazing programs and find the perfect fit for your family.
So grab your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and dive into the world of Hillside. We can’t wait to show you everything that Hillside has to offer, so visit us today at https://hillsidesc.org

Hillside’s History Feast 

This year our History Feast event was held on Saturday, April 29th from 5pm-8:30pm. Our performers did a wonderful job researching and acting their characters-and throwing a little humor into the mix! We are very proud of them!

If you would like to see the entire performance, please click on our YouTube. Enjoy!

Read More

Frances’ Hillside Benefits: Dance Party Blowout & Raffle!

From Junior Frances Alls:

Hello Hillside Family and Friends!
For my junior project, I’m hosting two events, the proceeds from which will go toward new lighting at Hillside!

Dance
Are you ready for the 1960s,’70s, and ‘80s-themed dance party of the year?!
For part of my Junior Project, I’m hosting a Dance Party Fundraiser and Blowout benefitting Hillside on Friday, May 12th, 2023, 7-10 pm. I encourage you to join the festivities dressing in your grooviest 60s, 70s, and 80s fashion so you can boogie down to the music as they did back then!

• All proceeds will be used toward getting new lighting at Hillside.
• Get additional information and purchase tickets with the attached link!

Raffle
In addition to the dance, I’m running a Raffle, also to benefit Hillside, with chances to win one of three spectacular prizes!

• Check out the prizes and purchase raffle tickets with the attached link.
• You must be 18 or older to purchase tickets!
• Please share the information with people in your life who want to support you and your school!
Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 10th, drawing is at dance on Friday May 12th.
• All proceeds will be used toward getting new lighting at Hillside.

Note: You do not have to attend the dance if you wish to participate in the raffle, and you don’t have to purchase raffle tickets to go to the dance! Raffle winners will be drawn at the dance.

PLEASE: Share the link(s) below with anyone in your life who wants to support you and your school!

Dance Party Benefit 

Hillside Raffle

April Bulletin

Spotlight On…

Get Ready for Hillside’s Next Open House

Hi prospective families! Are you ready for an adventure? Explore Hillside, where learning is always an adventure! Join us on Thursday, April 20th at 7pm for our Open House event.
Hillside is a place where kids can discover their passions, explore new ideas, and make lifelong friends. Our website is filled with exciting information about our school, including our fantastic programs, talented teachers, and dedicated staff.
Whether you’re looking for an Intermediate level program or seeking a challenging middle school or high school curriculum, Hillside School has something for everyone. Our website is a treasure trove of information that will help you explore all of our amazing programs and find the perfect fit for your family.
So grab your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and dive into the world of Hillside. We can’t wait to show you everything that Hillside has to offer, so visit us today at https://hillsidesc.org
We hope to see you soon!

Read More

March Bulletin

Spotlight On…

Get Ready for Hillside’s Open House!

Hi prospective families! Are you ready for an adventure? Explore Hillside, where learning is always an adventure! Join us on Thursday, March 16 at 7pm for an Open House.

Read More

January Bulletin

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 February 3rd from 7-9 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!

Open House – January 26th, 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 2
No School
Tuesday, January 3
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Wednesday, January 4
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45
Thursday, January 5
Art Club – 3:20-4:45
Friday, January 6
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, January 9
D&D – CANCELED
Tuesday, January 10
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Wednesday, January 11
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45
Thursday, January 12
Art Club – 3:20-4:45
Friday, January 13
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, January 16
MLK Jr. Day – No School
Tuesday, January 17
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Wednesday, January 18
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45
Thursday, January 19
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Friday, January 20
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, January 23
D&D – 3:20-4:45
Tuesday, January 24
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Wednesday, January 25
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45
Thursday, January 26
Open House – 7:00-8:30
Friday, January 27
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, January 30
D&D – 3:20-4:45
Tuesday, January 21
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

December Bulletin

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight on…

Winter Ball

Plans for the Yule Ball are underway here at Hillside.  Students are organizing their ideas and concepts.  Keep an eye here for details!


A Spooky Holiday Story from Jean 

Greetings, Hillsiders, I’ve long admired the English seasonal tradition of spooky stories told at Xmas. Here’s my original tale of horror – handy for cutting through cloying layers of holiday cheer – called ‘Watch the Box!”

Also, please join the Drama Club for our program of holiday readings on December 14, featuring Dicken’s ‘Christmas Carol’ and O. Henry’s ‘Gift of the Magi’!


Gifts of Light

On the morning of Friday, December 16, Hillside will be holding our annual Gifts of Light gathering.  This is a short written wish for each person where you wish to give symbolic boons or magical talismans-like those in fairy tales or myths.  The idea is to think of a symbol in nature or a simple handmade object that could represent something about that person’s gift or something that person could use on his or her own adventure in life.   Start thinking about what sort of wishes you want to bestow on those around you. 

Birthdays, Birthdays! 

Happy December birthday wishes to:  Liam!

Events Calendar

Thursday, December 1
Art Club – 3:20-4:45
Friday, December 2
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, December 5
D&D club – 3:20-4:45
Tuesday, December 6
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Wednesday, December 7
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45
Thursday, December 8
Art Club – 3:20-4:45
Friday, December 9
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, December 12
D&D – 3:20-4:45
Tuesday, December 13
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Wednesday, December 14
Drama Performance 7:00
Thursday, December 15
Art Club – 3:20-4:50
Friday, December 16
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Monday, December 19-Monday, January 2
No School—Winter Break