Dear Parents,

The month of January is slipping by, but not without a tremendous amount of learning taking place at Hill School!  We are in the midst of finishing Science Fair projects, as you may well be at your home , in preparation for our school-wide Science Fair on February 2.  Teachers at Hill teach science as a process. Students make hypotheses/predictions, test their hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and then draw conclusions.  The most important steps are the stages where the student is discovering that they can change outcomes in predictable ways.  They construct understanding by testing what causes change.  Teachers help students develop a vocabulary to understand and communicate about their learning. Vocabulary is critical for our students – exposure to word meaning both in and out of context.  This is why you will see Science Word walls in every science classroom at Hill.  Students must know and use these words in their daily lives.  This is a great opportunity for parents.  Ask your student to explain their work in science.  Support their use of academic vocabulary.

Children are naturally curious about their world and science is how we help them discover that world. Support your child’s inclination toward inquiry by providing hands on opportunities. You may make a few discoveries, too. Because we do such a good job teaching science at Hill, and our families extend that at home, our students naturally do quite well on 5^th grade Science Assessments.  These assessments measure scientific knowledge and skill, and critical thinking in grades k and up, with our students last year scoring at 99% passing and 81% commended. It’s a partnership and let’s face it, teaching science is REALLY fun!

We want to welcome a few new staff members to Hill School.  We have recently hired Pamela Irwin as a Teaching Assistant with our special education resource/inclusion program and Ali Baucom as a Teaching Assistant within our PPCD program.

The 100^th day of school is approaching next week!  We can hardly believe it.  If we could list all of the things your children have learned in the past 100 days, I am certain it would take a ream of paper.  Students are learning the curriculum, and also the character building skills to be a friend to others.  This week, during No Name Calling Week, we are especially focused as a campus on appreciating others and not putting others down.

Your Proud Principal,

Beth Ellis