The School Site Council is an important forum to help make a difference in your child's educational growth and success. However, we realize that not all parents have the opportunity or time to attend the monthly meetings. We still would like your input.

You can stay involved and provide important input to keeping Hillview Crest a successful school by taking advantage of the extensive communications options available. The following are all vital avenues of communication.

Thursday envelope. We use the weekly envelope to notify you of upcoming events and other important items of interest to you and your child. Please feel free to send back comments or suggestions.

Web site. The New Haven Unified School District has established a web site for the district and one for Hillview Crest. The sites provide valuable information. The district's site is located at www.nhusd.k12.ca.us.

E-mail. Each of the teachers, as well as the principal and other support staff, have an electronic mail account. Please check with your teacher for his or her e-mail address or go to our online staff directory. The teacher also can let you know how often the mail is retrieved.

Telephone. Each classroom is equipped with a telephone, so your child's teacher is just a call away. Calls are restricted to the classroom during instructional periods. Please leave a message on the teacher's voice mail.

---

The office is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - (510) 471-5720

Grades 1-5	9:10 a.m.	to 3:20 p.m.
Kindergarten AM	8:35 a.m.	to 11:55 a.m.
Kindergarten PM	12:00 p.m.	to 3:20 p.m.

Adult Education Classes at Hillview Crest

The New Haven Adult School program continues to offer English as a Second Language classes to any parent who would like to learn how to read and write in English. There is no cost for the class. Please contact the Adult Education School at (510) 423-8185, for additional information.

Introducing Soul Shoppe

Our school is participating again in a great program this year to help create an even better learning environment for our students. Soul Shoppe is an interactive program that teaches students important skills that will support them academically and emotionally through life. Each month Soul Shoppe will visit our site and will focus on a character theme that is introduced through story telling, brainstorming and fun activities.

In addition to monthly character lessons, Soul Shoppe will be training 15-30 student Peacemakers (grades 3-5) who will support their student peers in resolving conflicts in and out of the classroom. The Peacemakers will receive special leadership training, learn communication tools and conflict resolution skills.

All Students are Encouraged to Wear the School Uniform

The uniform colors are navy blue and white. Tops may be white, navy, light blue or burgundy. Free dress will be every Friday. Since this is a public school, we cannot require students to wear the uniform, but we strongly urge parents to have their child wear the uniform. Parents electing not to comply with the uniform policy are asked to complete an exemption form in the school office. Shoes must be suitable for physical education and activities at recess. Open toe shoes and sandals can be a safety hazard on the yard.

Safety of All Students - #1 Priority

To ensure the safety of all students and staff, drivers are asked to use the drop-off/pick-up lane. Parents driving their students to school should use this special lane. Drive into the lane, drop-off/pick-up your student(s) and drive out of the lane. At no time should this special lane be used for parking. Drivers who are planning to stay on campus are asked to park on the street and walk in with students. The parking lot is for employees. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but our concern and responsibility is for the safety of students and the staff of Hillview Crest.

Absences

Please call the school office at (510) 471-5720 ext. 300, if your child will be absent from school. Please tell the attendance clerk the student's first and last name, grade, room number and reason for the absence. Please try to schedule medical appointments after school hours or plan to send the student to school for part of the instructional day.