Hillside Fellowship

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

This month we recognize the historical and cultural contributions of individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage descent to the United States.  The fields of science, medicine, arts, activism, and many more are all stronger due to the significant contributions from those of AAPI heritage.  Today Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing racial group in the United States.  The 5th and 6th grade students researched well-known members of AAPI descent and presented their work.

Climate Stories 

The 5th-8th grade students recently tackled the ever present issue of climate change by writing fictional stories about what the world could turn into if the issue is not addressed.  Each story allows the students to express their worries, dreams, and hopes.  Stop by and check out the bulletin board if you want to read the creativity shown by our amazing students. 

Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6

(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 2-6.

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!

Electives

Upper school electives begin on Thursday, May 5th! Some of our awesome electives this year are forestry, bouldering, drama, robotics, and visual arts.

Birthdays!

Happy birthday to all of our May birthdays: Sarah and Nick.  May your days be filled with delicious cake and lots of fun!

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

Events Calendar

Monday, May 2
Art Club 3:20-4:45

Monday, May 2-Friday, May 6
Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, May 3
Fencing 3:20-4:50

Thursday, May 5
Spring Electives begin
Open House 7:00

Friday, May 6 
No School – Weather Make-up Day

Monday, May 9
Art Club 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, May 10
Tuesday 3:20-4:50

Thursday, May 12
Fencing 3:20-4:50

Friday, May 13 
D&D 3:20-4:45

Monday, May 16
Art Club 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, May 17
Tuesday 3:20-4:50

Thursday, May 19
Fencing 3:20-4:50

Friday, May 20 
D&D 3:20-4:45

Monday, May 23
Art Club 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, May 24
Tuesday 3:20-4:50

Thursday, May 26
Fencing 3:20-4:50

Friday, May 27
D&D 3:20-4:45

Monday, May 30
No School – Memorial Day

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.**

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

_____________________________________________

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!

_________________________________

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

What’s Happening at Hillside

Spotlight On…

In the Classroom

As students settle in at Hillside, we are hard at work in the classroom expanding our knowledge and working hands-on in multiple mediums.  From experimenting in science class to getting creative with cognates and props in Spanish, Hillside students are developing their critical thinking skills each day.

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 7th 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: Lola, Ausby, and Frances!  We hope you have wonderful birthdays and delicious cake to celebrate!

____________________________________________________________________________

Community Building Day

Students and families in all grade levels came out for a hike on the Coal Creek Trail near campus.  After the vigorous hike, we gathered at campus for a socially distanced picnic and socializing.  We were also graced with the presence of our local barred owl. What do you think we should name the owl?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Halloween Party

The annual Hillside Halloween Party is a go this year!  We will be celebrating on Saturday, October 30th.  Please stay tuned for additional details as we get closer to the date.

Events Calendar

Friday, October 1
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, October 4
Art – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 5
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 6
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 7
Open House 7-8:30

Friday, October 8
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, October 11
Art – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 12
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 13
PSAT/NMSQT – on campus
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 14
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Fiber Arts – 3:20-4:45

Friday, October 15
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, October 18
Art – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 19
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

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

Thursday, October 21
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Fiber Arts – 3:20-4:45

Friday, October 22
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Monday, October 25
Block IB begins
Art – 3:20-4:45

Tuesday, October 26
Fencing – 3:20-4:50

Wednesday, October 27
Drama Club – 3:20-4:45

Thursday, October 28
Fencing – 3:20-4:50
Fiber Arts – 3:20-4:45

Friday, October 29
Model UN – 3:20-4:45

Saturday, October 30
Hillside Halloween Party

Sunday, October 31
Halloween

What’s Happening at Hillside…

Spotlight on…

The First Month back!

Welcome back to Hillside – we are so glad to commence our 53rd year with you!  We began this year spending a few days getting to know some new faces, renewing old acquaintances, and figuring out how to grow as a community (while maintaining social distance).

Birthdays, birthdays!

Happy September birthday wishes to:  Isaac, Ryan, Kael, Julia, Kyle, Julie, and Amelia!  We hope you have wonderful days filled with happiness and delicious cake.

Curriculum Night

Curriculum night will be online this year. Expect an email later this month with links to curriculum videos from staff. Watch curriculum night at a time that suits you best!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th-October 15th.  We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.  Here is a great article from the Pew Research Center on the Latino population in the U.S.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Open House

The next open house is scheduled for October 7th at 7pm.  Due to continued Covid-19 restrictions, masks are required.  To RSVP, please sign up here.

Please remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with what is happening on campus.  Also please upload a photo to your Jupiter profile (parents and students).

Clubs

Clubs begin the week of September 13th. For information about signing up, please contact Lizeth or the club sponsor.

Mondays-Art Club
3:20-4:45 with Leslie
Grow as an artist! Students will select themes, concepts, idioms, and mediums to execute a number of pieces that execute their goals. Click here to read more!

Tuesdays—Hillside Cavalier Fencing Club
3:20-4:45 with Kael
Learn the art of the sword!
It challenges the mind and body, and develops athleticism, problem solving, and sportsmanship. Hillside Cavaliers focuses on the Olympic sport of Sabre, the fastest, subtlest, most athletic, and, to its practitioners, the most fun of the three fencing weapons. Click here to read more!

Wednesdays—Drama Club
3:25-4:45 with Jean
We will begin with intensive improv workshops and exploratory scene work, dipping into a wide range of dramatic works. Before the winter break, actors will choose monologues and one-act plays to rehearse and perform in our February showcase. Click here to read more!

Thursdays—Fiber Arts
3:20-4:45 with Leslie
Explore creating 2-D and 3-D images using fibers. We’ll explore using a variety of techniques such as sewing, weaving, felting, and more. Click here to read more.

Fridays—Model UN
3:20-4:45 with Jenn
Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action, global health, and more.  Click here to read more.

September Events Calendar

Monday, September 6
No School – Veteran’s Day

Monday, September 13
After school clubs begin

Thursday, September 16
Curriculum videos posted

Thursday, September 23
Block IA begins

Saturday, September 25
Hillside Social hike @ Cougar Mt. (Red town trail head)-begins at 1pm followed by a picnic @ Hillside