December Mid-Month Reminders

Good morning Hillcrest Families and Friends,

We are enjoying these final weeks leading up to winter break!  There’s a lot of excitement and joy in the air as we celebrate all that students have learned so far this year!

JOIN our FACEBOOK page for “HCE Family Friday”

Want a peak into what happens throughout the day here at Hillcrest?  Join our facebook page for weekly updates and spread the word with your family and friends!  Join our Facebook page here.

Adams 12 School Choice

The Adams 12 School Choice window is open and the deadline for priority consideration is January 2, 2026. Please review our district’s updated Choice Policy.  At Hillcrest, we will be open for choice for the 2026-2027 year at all grade levels which means spreading the word to your family and friends - we love to continue to add new students and families to our Hillcrest community!

Exclusive Event for Incoming Kindergarteners!

Do you know any families with preschoolers who may be interested in attending Hillcrest next year for kindergarten? If so, we are hosting an exclusive event for families to learn more about kindergarten on Tuesday, December 16th from 12-1 pm.

Holiday Classroom Parties

On December 18th, teachers will be hosting small classroom parties to mark the end of the 1st semester and to celebrate the upcoming Winter Break.  The parties are intended for classroom communities only and will not include parents. Teachers value the time to spend with students in non academic ways and this allows them that time to build relationships with students.

Teachers may send out a sign up for snacks to enjoy in the classroom and although we typically don’t allow “sweet treats” in the classroom for any other occasion (such as birthdays), we will be allowing them for holiday parties.  While this seems contradictory to our wellness policy, because holiday parties happen at a predetermined date and time, families can have conversations and plan accordingly prior to the event.  Birthday treats, on the other hand, are unannounced and inequitable for various reasons in a school setting.

SPIRIT WEEK - next week!

Our Student Council has a spirit week planned for next week!  It is completely optional and a fun way for all students to engage in school spirit!

• Monday - Mismatch Day - wear clothes that don’t match!
• Tuesday - Cozy Day - wear your sweats or pajamas or just wear something that is comfy!
• Wednesday - Sports Day - wear your favorite jersey or sports gear!
• Thursday - Twin Day - dress like a friend! (Or wear your Hillcrest Hoody and have lots of matching friends!)

Staff Update

We wanted to let you know that our music teacher, Ms. Angela Gesicki, will be on medical leave upon returning from break.  In her place, we will have a guest music teacher continuing to provide instruction to all students.  We wish her well and can’t wait for her return in February!

WINTER READING CHALLENGE

Extended breaks are a great time to keep up on reading!  We know that when students spend time reading, they continue to grow as readers!    All students will have the opportunity to participate in a reading challenge over break which will be sent home on Wednesday, December 17.  Please encourage your child to keep up with their reading and return their “Reading Challenge” paper when we return, to be recognized here at HCE! 

Community Resources

We recognize that the holidays can be a difficult time for many families. For individuals interested in obtaining holiday assistance or information about clothing and food resources, please reach out to our Family Outreach Liaison  at 720-972-8244. She is available to help connect you with the necessary resources. You can also visit this link to find food banks near you.

UPCOMING DATES:

December 19 - January 5 - Winter Break

January 6 - All students return from break

As always, thank you for your partnership.  What an amazing first semester it has been at Hillcrest and we are grateful for YOU.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or compliments.

Sincerely,

Erika Fiorenza

Principal, Hillcrest Elementary