April 2026 Newsletter

Good Afternoon Hillcrest Families and Friends,

I hope that this message finds you and your family doing well!  We are preparing for a busy couple of months coming up!

CMAS Testing - Grades 3, 4 and 5

CMAS testing will begin next week.  This state test is given to all  3rd, 4th and 5th graders and is an important measurement of all their academic growth and overall learning.  Students will complete three math tests and three language arts tests; additionally, fourth grade students will take a social studies test and fifth grade students will have an additional three science tests.  It is important that your students are here all day, every day during the testing window.  Please schedule any outside appointments after school hours to ensure that your students are here.  Each testing day, students in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win an ice cream party with Mr. Peterson and Mrs. Fiorenza!

• 3rd graders will test on April 7, 8 and 9
• 4th graders will test on April 7, 8, 9, and 15
• 5th graders will test on April 7, 8, 9, 15 and 16

If you have any questions about CMAS, please reach out to Mr. Peterson, the Assistant Principal at 720-972-5380. 

April Attendance incentive

For the month of April, we are encouraging all students to be here 95% of the time - this means that students can only miss one day for the month of April!  For all students who meet the 95% goal, they will get a cool “backpack brag tag” and will be entered to win a gift card!

Hillcrest Focus of the Month - Growth Mindset

This month at Hillcrest, we are focused on “Growth Mindset” both at school and beyond!  We describe “growth mindset” as, “When you believe your abilities can be developed and changed through dedication and hard work.”

KINDERGARTEN AND FIFTH GRADE CONTINUATION PICTURES

Traditionally, the transition from kindergarten to first grade, and fifth grade to sixth grade is marked by a small celebratory event, known as “continuation”. On Tuesday, April 7, all kindergarten and fifth grade students will get their pictures taken for continuation certificates.  Students will not be wearing caps and gowns for pictures, so please plan accordingly.

YEARBOOKS!

Don’t miss out on purchasing a Hillcrest yearbook this year!  You can visit MYMJTHOMAS.COM, Yearbook ID code: HILLCRESTYB26 to purchase by May 5!

Upcoming Dates:

• April 8 - 1st grade field trip to the Museum of Nature and Science
• April 8, 5:00 - 6:00 pm - 5th grade parent “Healthy Choices, Healthy Bodies” information night
• April 13 - No school for students
• April 22 - 3rd grade field trip to the Museum of Nature and Science
• April 23 - Take your child to work day (more information coming soon!)

Looking ahead to May!

• May 1 - 4th grade field trip to the Denver Capital
• May 4 - No School for students
• May 8 - Field Day
• May 14 - 5th grade field trip to the Westminster Water Festival
• May 18 - Field Day back up
• May 19, 5:30-7  - Celebration of Learning
• May 21 - Last day of school for all students
  • 8:30 - 9:30 - Kindergarten continuation
  • 10 - 11 - 5th grade continuation

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership.  If you have any questions, concerns, suggestions or feedback, please reach out to me directly.

Sincerely,

Erika