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About Our School

Hillside Elementary School is one of five K-4 elementary schools in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District. It is located in historic Chester County and fifteen miles from metropolitan Philadelphia. Our students enjoy the benefits of a community rich in historical and cultural influences.

Hillside provides experiences that will develop intellectual excellence and promote a positive understanding of one's self and others. We encourage each child to develop his/her maximum potential and to acquire skills in ways that stimulate curiosity, foster creativity and develop self-discipline.

Individual progress is highlighted and supported in the reading/language arts and mathematics programs, and by the many support services available. Children also have the opportunity to develop their talents in social studies, science, technology, foreign language, the arts and in physical activities.

ABSENCES

Attendance Report Line: (610) 240-1530
Direct line to the attendance voice mail

Call the main office (610) 240-1500 after 9:00 am

The Pennsylvania School Code allows the following reasons for a child to be excused from school for all or part of the school day:

At the beginning of the school year each student will receive a supply of excuse cards. When a child is absent or late the excuse card must be completed by the parent and sent to the teacher the day the child returns to school. If additional excuse cards are needed please contact the teacher or the school office.

Whenever possible please try to schedule medical and dental appointments after school hours. If it is necessary to take your child out of school for a medical appointment a note should be sent to his/her teacher that morning. Parents should report to the office to ask the secretary to call your child to the lobby.  Be sure to inform your child of the time you will be picking him/her up for the appointment. If a child comes into school late an excuse card should be sent to school with the child.

Student travel will only be excused if the trip has prior approval by the Principal for absences of less than five days or the Superintendent for absences of five or more days.
Parents should download or contact the school office two weeks prior to the date of absence to obtain an Educational Trip Form. The responsibility for the completion of any assignments rests with the individual student and the discretion and convenience of the subject teacher.
The request for educational travel will be reviewed by the child's teachers and then a decision will be made by the teachers, principal and/or superintendent.

Download the
Educational Trip Form
You can type or write in the necessary information.

ABSENCE REPORTING

Attendance Report Line: (610) 240-1530
Direct line to the attendance voice mail

From the menu press 1 for attendance reporting. State your child's name, classroom, and the reason for the absence/lateness.  To report an absence or lateness after 9:00 am, call the school phone number (610) 240-1500.  

Parents should call the voice mail system to report a child's lateness or absence. You can report your child's absence or lateness the night before or early in the morning. Your call must be made before 9:00 a.m. when using the voice mail system. After 9:00 a.m. calls should be made to the school office. Absence and lateness for PM Kindergarten students should be called directly to the school office.

The absence reporting system has been set up for your child's safety. If a parent does not call to report an absence or lateness, the school will call the parent.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Student accident insurance is available to cover your child during his/her school activities. Application forms are sent home for each child at the beginning of each school year.

ART GOES TO SCHOOL

Art Goes to School is an art enrichment and appreciation program for elementary school children. The purpose of the program is to enrich children with experiences in art appreciation and motivate them to be aware and interested in art through all its periods.

Volunteers from the community with a genuine interest in art and working with children visit the art classes once a year. Art Goes to School classes are held during regularly scheduled art classes.

Check out the link for Photos to see all the pictures we have selected from the Art Goes to School program.

BROWNIES/CUB SCOUTS

Several Brownie and Cub Scout troops meet at Hillside after school. Information on membership is sent home at the beginning of each school year.

See also: Code of Conduct and Discipline

BUS PASSES

Children are to ride only the bus to which they are assigned and get on and off the bus at their assigned stop. No exceptions can be made unless approved by the building principal following the Transportation Department guidelines.

Two notes are required when a child goes home with another student. The parent requesting the change must send a note stating the bus number the child will be riding, the name and address where the child will be going, and the reason for the change. A note is also necessary from the parent who will receive the child.

. The number of bus passes issued is dependent upon the number of students assigned to the bus. If a bus roster is at the maximum level bus passes cannot be issued for that bus.

If your child is to walk home, if you plan to pick your child up after school or if your child is to go home in a private car with someone else, a note should be sent to the teacher informing the school of this change.

LONG TERM, Exceptions to Bus Assignments

Parents who desire a long-term exception to bus assignments specifically for the purpose of child care must complete a Request for Long-Term Alternate Bus Assignment Form.  Consideration will be given only to requests for alternate transportation for child care within a student's attendance area on a regular basis for a semester or academic year.  All exception are subject to space availability.  All requests are to be returned to the principal who will send them to the Supervisor of Transportation.

See also: Transportation

CHILD CARE

On site child care is available on a contractual basis through A Child's Place, an independent child care agency. The phone number is (610) 687-4999.

CLOTHING

CODE OF CONDUCT

Philosophy / Mission

The goal of each elementary school in the T/E School District is to provide the highest quality of educational programs for our students.  The cornerstone of school discipline lies in the development of responsible behavior in each child.  All five schools utilize the Bache "Pro Social Skills" model which emphasizes the responsibility of students to make proper choices for their behavior.  When a choice is made, a student must reflect and evaluate it with an awareness of direct consequences.  To facilitate these skills, guidelines are established which are consistent at all grade levels.  All school members are trained to employ this model if and when a confrontation occurs.

Student behavior on buses, in hallways, cafeteria, and recess areas is expected to comply with established guidelines.  In addition, rules for behavior are in effect at school sponsored events during or after school hours, on or off the building premises.

We believe that a climate conducive to learning is established through the consistent application of disciplinary guidelines, staff expectation and parent support.  The Elementary School Code of Conduct reflects a strong sense of community and partnership exemplified through the responsible behavior and academic excellence of our elementary students.

Pro-Social Skills Overview

Behavior psychology indicates that internal language is the key to self-control  The Pro-social Skills Program includes a five-step system that provides language to help children control impulses and make constructive choices.  initially, this language is externally impressed by parents and visual icons.  Through modeling, rehearsal, and application, this language is internalized by children and used to exercise self-control and social responsibility.  The following is a list of the five steps:  

1. Stop and think
2. Good Choice/Bad Choice
3. Steps to make a good choice
4. Just do it!
5. How did I do?

In addition to the five-step sequence for addressing challenging child behaviors, the Pro-social Skills Program offers a problem-solving system that is adaptable across ages and situations.

See also: Discipline and Bullying Prevention

GENERAL BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

I make this pledge with all my heart to try 
my best and do my part.

A Kid for Character I will be to make Hillside
better for you and me.

1. Come to class prepared with all materials.
2. Follow the directions the first time they are given.
3. Keep your feet, hands, and objects to yourself.
4. Raise your hand and wait to be called on.
5. Do not disturb anyone’s learning.

See also: Discipline and Bullying Prevention

CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences are held each year in the fall and spring and are listed on the school calendar. Home and school communication is highly encouraged and additional conferences may be scheduled by contacting your child's teacher.

For conference dates, check out the district calendar.

CORE PARENTS

Core Parent volunteer for each Core classroom in the beginning of each school year. Duties include:
1. Assisting with refreshments, treats and decorations for special holiday parties
2. Communicating with parents concerning emergency closing of school, early class dismissals and volunteers.
3. Assist with volunteer staffing for the Spring Fair.

CULTURAL ARTS COMMITTEE (District)

The Cultural Arts Committee was formed in 1966 as a nonprofit service organization to the elementary schools in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District. The purpose of the committee is to provide quality professional programs that are designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of the arts.

The District Committee serves as a forum for the exchange of information among the five elementary schools about enrichment programs presented independently within each school. In-school assembly programs are selected by each school's Cultural Arts Committee and sponsored by each PTO.

For more information about this year's programs, check out the Hillside PTO page.

DENTAL CLINIC/PROGRAM

DENTAL CLINIC

The Children's Dental Clinic, housed at T/E Middle School, is a community organization which provides dental treatment for eligible students. The clinic, which is open one day per week, is a non profit charitable organization sponsored by fund-raising events and contributions. For more information contact the school nurse.

DENTAL PROGRAM

A dental hygienist is employed part-time for an educationally based state-mandated program in kindergarten through fourth grade. Local dentists act as resource persons and consultants to the program.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

To ensure the rights, privileges and safety of all elementary students, the following guidelines are in place to some degree in each school.  The listing is not inclusive, but meant to be a guide for fair and equitable treatment of students.  The administration will exercise its discretion in making judgments regarding behavioral issues not listed within these guidelines.

The Elementary Code of Conduct, Guidelines for Behavior and Disciplinary Activities exist to ensure the safety of each child in our schools.  These protective measures are in effect during school hours, field trips, on bus routes, and at after-hours school and PTO sponsored events.

See also: Code of Conduct and Bullying Prevention

EDUCATIONAL TRIPS/STUDENT TRAVEL

Student travel (educational trips) will only be excused if the trip has prior approval by the Principal for absences of less than five days or the Superintendent for absences of five or more days.

Parents should download or contact the school office two weeks prior to the date of absence to obtain an Educational Trip Form. The responsibility for the completion of any assignments rests with the individual student and the discretion and convenience of the subject teacher.

The request for educational travel will be reviewed by the child's teachers and then a decision will be made by the teachers, principal and/or superintendent.

Download the
Educational Trip Form
You can type or write in the necessary information.

ELECTRONICS AND CELL PHONES

HALLOWEEN

Participation in the Halloween party and parade is optional. Guidelines for the parade are as follows:

Students are asked to wear costumes that do not include:
 

With your assistance this will be a safe and wonderful experience for all children.

HOMEWORK REQUESTS

If you desire homework for a child who has been absent, leave a message on the teacher's voice mail or email. Allow one day for the teacher to gather materials and books to be sent home. If the child is absent for only one day, please do not request assignments.

Many students have a "Study Buddy" listed on their homework folder or assignment book that they can contact for missed assignments.

HOMEWORK/STUDY SKILLS

The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District believes that homework consists of any instructional requirement assigned by a teacher to be completed by the student as a continuation and/or extension of classroom instruction. Homework is a necessary part of the curriculum and vital to the learning process.

Homework assigned should be suited by amount and task to the age and ability of the student and should be consistent with instructional objectives at every grade level. Homework provides the necessary practice of skills, enriches and enlarges upon classroom experiences, and utilizes school and community resources. In addition, carefully planned assignments foster responsibility, help students work independently, and require the development of good study skills and work habits. Homework can also provide an opportunity for the teacher, parent, and student to work together in the learning process.

Homework varies according to the teacher and grade level involved. Typical assignments for homework might be reading, follow-up or review in any subject area, projects, and drill work in math computation. Homework time allotments are as follows: primary division - 10 to 20 minutes per night, upper division - 20 to 40 minutes per night.

The PTO provides each third and fourth grade student with a homework assignment book. Students are taught how to use their homework book effectively. A blue and white Hillside folder is required for first and second grade students. The folder is used for homework, completed work and notices to parents. The first folder is provided by the PTO. Additional folders can be purchased in the School Store.

HOURS

The school office opens at 7:30 a.m. and remains open until 4:00 p.m.

For students in grades 1 through 4 the school day is from 8:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Dismissal time on 1/2 day early dismissals is 12:20 pm.

Morning kindergarten students come to school every day at 8:50 a.m. and are dismissed at 11:40 a.m. 

Afternoon kindergarten students come to school every day at 12:30 p.m. and are dismissed at 3:20. 

AM kindergarten parents must transport their children home from school
and
PM kindergarten parents transport their children to school.
 

Delayed Openings

In the event of a two-hour delayed opening, school will begin at 10:50 am.

Morning kindergarten will not attend on days with delayed openings.

Afternoon kindergarten will be held at the regular time.

For more information about school closings, check out the emergency closings link.

INFORMATION HOTLINE (TESD)

Call (610) 240-1970 to hear general information regarding announcements, events, and meeting dates in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District. Individual schools can also be reached via this telephone number.

INTERSCHOOL COUNCIL

The primary purpose of the Interschool Council is to serve as an interchange for ideas and information among parent-teacher organizations in the district. In addition to PTO functions, areas of mutual interest include the educational process, legislation, student behavior and activities. The goal of such sharing is to continue to improve education for our children and provide a forum for discussion and possible resolution of areas of concern.

The secondary purpose is to increase the awareness among the respective parent-teacher organizations as well as the community regarding matters affecting the quality of education in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District.

Meeting dates are listed on the district calendar.  For more information, check out the Hillside PTO page.

LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found box is located near the stage in the school cafeteria. Students and parents should check this area often during the school year.

It would be helpful if parents would label their children's clothing and belongings.

MESSAGES TO STUDENTS

We request that classes not be interrupted during school hours. If it is necessary to deliver a message or drop something off for your child or a teacher, please go to the school office.

Messages about changes in transportation will be given to the child's Core teacher by 2:55 pm.   Calls must be received by 2:45 pm.

Children are permitted to call home only in emergency situations. Forgotten lunches or homework are not normally considered emergencies. Students will be helped in handling these situations responsibly.

PRIVATE CARS

If you are driving your child to school drop-off time is between 8:40 and 8:50 a.m.  Please do not bring students to school before 8:40 as the school cannot assume responsibility for supervising children before teachers are on duty.

Please pick up or drop off students at the curb of the lower entrance to the school.  Students should get in or out of the car on the curb side only.

When a student is going to be picked up at dismissal to go home in a car, a note must be sent to the school office in the morning.

For security reasons no child will be dismissed directly from a classroom during the school day. Parents coming to pick up students early must stop in the office and have the child called from the classroom.

Parents picking up students in private cars are asked to form a single line of cars. Students should not be dropped off or picked up in the left lane of the lower driveway in front of the lobby Students are not to walk up or down the driveway at any time.

Students will be dismissed from the lower lobby doors and will be instructed to wait until their rides pull up to the curb. Please do not park your car in the lower driveway and leave it. Parents are asked to stay with their cars at all times.

Parents should not go directly to a classroom to pick up a child.  Stop in the office and the child will be called.    All children are dismissed through the office.

PROGRESS REPORT CARDS

Progress report cards for grades K-4 are issued three times during the year in November, March, and in June. 

For more information, check out the T/E Elementary Progress Report Page.

PUBLISHING CENTER

The Publishing Center offers students the opportunity to publish their own books. Students work with volunteer parents to plan, type, illustrate, and assemble their original stories and poems. Students sign up to go to the Publishing Center once they have a written piece in final form. Children make two copies of their books - one for their home library and one for the school library.

REGISTRATION

When registering your child for school, you must bring the following original documents:

A birth certificate or acceptable proof of age

Child’s immunization record

Child’s social security number

Proof of residence

Before entering school, your child must have a physical examination. Forms, to be completed by your personal physician, are provided at registration.  You can find more information on our Health Services Website.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The Board of School Directors of Tredyffrin/Easttown School District meets in regular session on the fourth Monday of each month (except July and December) at 7:30 p.m. in the Educational Services Center. During August and June an additional regular business session is held on the second Monday of each month. When a holiday occurs on the fourth Monday of the month, the Board may reschedule the session. The annual Organizational Meeting is held on the first Monday of December. All meetings are open to the public and public notice is given, as required by law, of all regular and special sessions.

For more information, check out T/E School Board link.

 SCHOOL STORE

The School Store is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:40 to 8:50 am. Supplies such as pencils, pens, eraser, notebooks, etc. can be purchased at that time.

Student workers should check the Scoop for the work schedule. 

SECURITY

A number of safeguards are in existence at Hillside Elementary School in order to provide a safe environment for children:

1. When a child is going to be absent or late to school parents are to call the attendance voice mailbox to report this information. If the office does not receive a phone call from the parents of an absent or late child, the parent will be called by the school.

2. ALL visitors (including parents and volunteers) must report to the greeter's desk to sign in and receive an identification badge every time they enter the building. Badges are to be worn at all times while in the building. When ready to leave the building you must return to the office and sign out.

3. All outside doors in the building will be locked at all times except the main door on the lower level near the office. The door leading to the bus ramp will be locked after buses arrive in the morning. 

4. If you wish to drop something off in the office, please pull your car up to the end of the student drop-off area so that delivery and mail trucks have monitored access to the office.

SPORTS

After School Sports
Hillside Elementary School offers an intramural after-school program for third and fourth grade students. The program is conducted one day a week for each grade level. The program is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Students participating in the after school sports, must have written parental permission and must have school insurance or an insurance waiver form signed by his/her parent.

Parents are responsible for providing transportation home from the after school sports program. Students should be picked up promptly at 4:30.

If after school sports is canceled during the school day, parents should have a contingency plan set up so that the child will know what to do after school. It is not possible for all students to call home.

The emphasis of the program is placed on providing activities to complement and supplement the regular physical education program for all children who desire to participate. The activities provide opportunities for the children which involve physical action, social interaction, and pleasure. Cooperative attitudes and sportsmanship are encouraged throughout the activities.

Tennis Club
Tennis club will be held on Mondays this fall at Teegarden after school.  This is not organized by Hillside, so please contact Kim Gibney if you have any questions.

TRANSPORTATION

The Supervisor of Transportation of the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District shall provide a safe, efficient, economical system of transportation for students to and from school in accordance with the School Law of Pennsylvania; the Vehicle Laws of Pennsylvania, and Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.

Students residing in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District shall be transported to and from elementary and secondary schools and other educational centers established and/or approved by state and local government bodies having jurisdiction in accordance with state law.

Transportation shall not be provided for those students residing less than one mile from the school attended unless the route is considered by the district and the Commonwealth to be hazardous and unsuitable for walking. Where possible elementary students shall be transported directly to school. In the case of shared child custody, the student shall be transported to and from the primary residence as designated by the parents.

The transportation of kindergarten children is a responsibility shared jointly with the parent. The district shall provide one-way transportation of kindergarten children.

A schedule of bus routes shall be published annually and made available at each school and at the Transportation Department.

Children are permitted to ride only the bus to which they are assigned and get on and off the bus at their assigned stop. No exceptions can be made unless approved by the building principal following the transportation guidelines. Two notes are required when a child goes home with another student. The parent requesting the change must send a note stating the bus number the child will be riding, the name and address where the child will be going, and the reason for the change. A note is also necessary from the parent who will receive the child. Each request is subject to space availability on the bus.

Parents who desire a long-term exception to bus assignments specifically for the purpose of child care must complete a Request for Long-Term Alternate Bus Assignment Form. Consideration will be given only to requests for alternate transportation for child care within a student's attendance area on a regular basis for a semester or academic year, subject to space availability. After conferring with the Supervisor of Transportation to assess the feasibility of the alternate assignment, the principal shall be responsible for acting upon the request. In this regard, the following specific considerations shall be in effect:

1. Long-term alternate bus arrangements shall be considered only for the purposes of child care and employment for high school students.
2. Bus exceptions shall be granted only within the student's attendance are; students shall not be transported across attendance boundaries.
3. A change of bus assignment shall be granted on a regular basis for a period of no more than one academic year nor less than one semester (or to the end of the school year).
4. Each request is subject to space availability. A bus of 60 or more students assigned to it shall be considered "filled".
5. Once given, permission will be rescinded should space be needed to accommodate new students living along the bus route. In that event, the last exception granted will be the first to be rescinded.
6. Students granted exceptions shall use existing bus stops; no new stops shall be added nor established stops relocated. No bus shall be rerouted to accommodate an alternate bus assignment.
7. No request for an exception shall be granted which, in the opinion of school personnel, may in any way endanger the safety of the student.
8. No request for an exception shall be granted which causes the district to incur additional expense.

No student riding a school bus will be permitted to conduct himself/herself in a fashion that could endanger his/her safety or the safety of other students. In order to insure the safety and well-being of all students, the following rules and regulations have been established by the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District:

AT THE BUS STOP
1. Wait off the highway out of the way of traffic
2. Do not play games or chase anyone
3. Be sure the road is clear and wait for the driver's signal before you cross the road. Always cross in front of the school bus.
4. Enter the bus promptly in an orderly manner after the bus has come to a complete stop.

ON THE BUS
1. Pupils must remain seated and keep their hands, heads, and feet inside the bus.
2. There is to be no eating or drinking on the bus at any time as well as no throwing of anything out of bus windows.
3. Smoking and spitting are prohibited.
4. The emergency exit is for emergency use only.
5. Do not tamper with the bus or any of its equipment.
6. Ride only on your assigned bus and get off only at your assigned stop unless given prior approval through the principal's office and the transportation office.
7. Observe the same conduct as in the classroom.
8. Be courteous, use no profane language.
9. Keep the bus clean
10. Cooperate with the driver
11. Playing with toys is not permitted on the bus.

Bus safety depends upon pupil cooperation with the driver. It is impossible for the driver to give full attention to the road when pupils are misbehaving.

The bus driver is expected to handle routine problems but when mis-conduct continues, the problem will be referred to the school administrator using the established reporting system within 48 hours of the occurrence.

Bus transportation is a privilege which may be withdrawn for certain specified periods by the appropriate administrator. Recurrent misbehavior will be dealt with according to policy in conjunction with the Superintendent's office.

See: Bus Passes

VISITORS

All parents and visitors to Hillside Elementary School must sign-in at the greeter's desk upon entering the building and prior to conducting any business in the school. No one should be in the building without a badge from the office.

VISITING THE CLASSROOM

Please check out the Guidelines for Volunteers.

The following guidelines have been developed to allow classroom visits with the least amount of disruption to the classroom program:

1. An appointment should be made through the school office to avoid the possibility of visiting on a day when conflicting activities are scheduled.

2. Report to the school office prior to visiting the classroom.

3. Please enter the classroom quietly and take a seat. Only visit the classroom where you are scheduled.

4. Feel free to walk around while observing but do not engage the children in conversation as it distracts them from their classwork.

5. Textbooks and student materials as well as materials on the teachers' desks are often confidential. An opportunity to review student text materials can be arranged in the school office.

6. If you have questions you would like to ask the teacher an appointment can be made after the classroom visit. Please arrange this in the office.

7. When your visit is completed please exit the classroom quietly.

8. Return to the school office when you have concluded your visit.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Please check out the Guidelines for Volunteers.

Good schools do not just happen. They are the result of many factors. One facet that is important is the involvement of parents in the everyday life of the school. Many of the enrichment activities we are able to provide the students at Hillside are a result of not only cooperation between staff and parents, but also a willingness of our parents to give of their time to participate and conduct many of these activities. You are needed at Hillside School.

The advantages of a school volunteer program are three-fold:

1. The assistance provided to the teaching staff results in benefits to the student.

2. A feeling of satisfaction through a commitment to today's youth on the part of the volunteer.

3. A better understanding of the educational program throughout the community because of the involvement of the citizens in the community.

Volunteers are used as classroom and library aides, tutors, and organizers of activities depending upon the needs of the school and the talents of the people volunteering. If interested please call the PTO In-School Volunteer Coordinators.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  Information you may see or hear can affect the lives and futures of individual students. Volunteers must respect the privacy of this information and maintain the same in strict confidence. This same standard of confidentiality applies to policy statements, school procedures and district reports.