September Edition of The Heron Nest

SEPT. 8: PTA Meeting | 3:45 PM | HCE Library

SEPT. 10: Fall Fundraiser Kick Off

SEPT 15-21: Fundraiser Coupon Exchange 

SEPT. 24: School Picture Day

SEPT 26: Green Apple Day of Service | 10:00 AM -Noon | Hillcrest and Joseph Whidbey State Park

It has been so great to see our Herons back in the building and settling into a new school year. Thank you for helping make our first days and first week such a positive start. We know the beginning of a school year comes with a lot of moving parts, and we appreciate your patience, support, and encouragement.

As we get into the rhythm of the year, I want to remind you that you are an important part of your child's educational team. What happens at home matters. Reading together, talking about what your child is learning, helping with homework, getting to school on time, and simply asking about their day all make a difference. Additionally, staying informed about what's happening in your child's classroom and at our school is so important. Please be sure you are checking email, ParentSquare messages, and our Facebook page. Ask your child if they have any notes from school in their backpacks. We appreciate the many ways you support your child and our school each day.

I am asking every Hillcrest family to take a few minutes to complete a Free or Reduced Meal Application, even if you aren't sure your family will qualify and even if you don't plan on on eating school meals. Right now, Hillcrest is the only elementary school in our district that does not have free meals for all students everyday.  Every application matters, and we would really appreciate your help.

Finally, if you haven't connected with our PTA, this is a great time to jump in! Your PTA Membership does so much for Hillcrest students. They help fund field trips, assemblies, and extra learning opportunities in the classroom. Our PTA organizes fun family events that give us a chance to come together and enjoy being part of the Hillcrest community.

You don't have to attend every meeting or take on a big volunteer role. Every bit of support helps, whether that means joining the PTA, volunteering at an event, or simply showing up and participating with your family. Hillcrest is so grateful for classroom volunteers as well. Please be sure to fill out OHSD Volunteer Application to receive your volunteer badge.

Thank you for being part of our Hillcrest family. We look forward to another outstanding year of learning, growing, and making memories together. Go Herons!

Respectfully.

Principal, Hillcrest Elementary.

School Picture Day is right around the corner. Students will be photographed by O'Connor Photography Studio for their school record on Thursday, September 24. If you would like to purchase your student's portraits, click the link to pre-order their portraits today! O'Connor Photography 2026-27 Hillcrest Portraits

You can also purchase portrait packets at www.oconnorphotographystudio.com

If you have any questions or need assistance, please give the studio a call at 1-800-993-4929

As a National Green Ribbon School and Washington State Green School, Hillcrest Elementary is committed to giving back and caring for our community. One way we do this is through our annual Green Apple Day of Service. 

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM - Noon, Hillcrest staff, students, and families are welcomed to come together as a community for our 12th Annual Green Apple Day of Service. This is a national service program dedicated to teaching kids about being active members of their communities and stewards of the planet by beautifying their campus or community.

This year we will be working in the Hillcrest Community Garden and with the Garry Oak Society at our Adopt-a-Park partner, Joseph Whidbey State Park. Choose your location (or plan on splitting time between each location)  and be sure to bring work gloves and shovels.

We are excited to announce that orders for our yearbook are now open!

Soft-cover yearbooks are $20.69 and a hard-cover version for $27.04. Additionally, all yearbooks come with 2 complimentary pages which are customizable so that parents can upload family photos of their choosing from the school year. Act now through Oct. 31 and receive 10% off all purchases. Click here to purchase today!

Hillcrest is pleased to continue the implementation of the Character Strong/Purposefull People curriculum. Each month, students take part in a series of lessons and activities focusing on character traits including responsibility, cooperation, honesty, courage, gratitude, empathy, creativity, perseverance, and September's focus on kindness and respect.

Learn more about Purposefull People Pursuits for Home in these Family Connection Newsletters: