3-9-21

 

MDHHS Updates for Sports

The state of Michigan updated the pandemic health orders on March 2.  There are a few things in the update that apply directly to the schools.  The spectator limits for indoor and outdoor events has been increased: Home basketball games held at the HHS gym, we may have 6 guests per player moving forward.  For home wrestling matches, it depends on how many teams/players are participating. Coaches will relay that specific information through the team members.  We will continue to give priority to the family/invited friends of each player when selling tickets for these events.  The indoor spectator limit is capped at 375 total participants.  

 

MDHHS Updates for School Board Meetings

The school district’s Board of Education will resume meeting in person for the monthly school board meetings in accordance with the updated MDHHS orders.  Because the group size for indoor gatherings remains a capped amount of people, these meetings will continue to be accessible for public participation through ZOOM.  The open to the public ZOOM link is posted on Calendar of the district’s website, www.hillsdaleschools.org.  Members of the public may participate during the “public comment” portion of the meeting.  Specific guests may be invited to attend in person when they are involved in an agenda item or planned board presentation.  

 

Kindergarten Roundup for Next Year

Gier Elementary School is now scheduling appointments for students attending kindergarten in the fall.  Call the school office at 437-7347 to schedule your child’s personal appointment.  The kindergarten teachers and educational assistants are terrific educators.  The staff is highly skilled in teaching young children with developmentally appropriate lessons. Gier Elementary School is a great school for K-4 students.  The new building renovations have really improved the school’s front entrance, service center and front office spaces.   The classrooms and larger gym added just a few years ago were much needed and provide the students with great space to learn.  

 

In addition to the traditional program, the district also offers a Developmental Kindergarten program.  This is also a full time program, five days a week.  However, it is designed for children who will benefit from a longer on ramp to the school experience.  Most children in this program attend the DK classroom for a year and then enroll in a traditional kindergarten classroom the following year.  The class size is kept smaller so the teacher and educational assistant can provide a lot of personalized and small group experiences.   

 

Statewide Academic Testing Programs begin April 13

The academic testing program for students will resume this spring for students across the state.  The window for testing varies for each grade level and because students test in multiple subject areas, there are a couple of testing days for most grade levels.  The process begins on April 13 with the SAT and PSAT tests in grades 8, 9, 10 and 11.  MSTEP testing also begins that week for students in grades 5, 8 and 11.   For students in grades 3, 4, 6, and 7 the MSTEP testing may begin the week of April 26. 

 

Virtual Students: The state testing process will be completed in person at school for all students.  This includes virtual students. Taking the tests at home are not allowable for the statewide testing program..  Each school (Gier, Davis, HHS, Horizon) will contact families with virtual students to schedule specific times/dates for students to be at school and complete the assessments.  

 

Upcoming Calendar Reminders

March 16-17 - Kindergarten Roundup for Next Year @ Gier School 

April 1 - ½ Day of Virtual School for All Students   

April 2 - No School for Spring Break

April 5-9 - No School for Spring Break

April 13 - Statewide Academic Testing Program Begins 

April 21 - Preschool Roundup @ Bailey Early Childhood Center 

May 31 - No School for Memorial Day

June 3 - Senior Class Night @ HHS

June 4 - Freshman Orientation @ HHS

June 5 - (Saturday) - Horizon Alternative High School Graduation 

June 6 - (Sunday) - HHS Graduation @ 2PM at Baumgarten Stadium (Make up date - Sunday, June 13)

 

End of Update