From the Desk Of: Danielle Lacroix, HPS Executive Director

For me, the start of school – and this whole season – reminds me of dinner times discussing the day's school activities as my children found new friends and got to know their teachers, apple picking as a family, fall little league, and cuddle times in front of the fireplace as the weather started to turn. Since joining HPS in 2015, it has been important to me that my students’ families know that I'm a Mom – it is the lens that I see things through. Each day at the school, I ask ‘Would this be okay if my son were here? Would I want a situation handled this way if it involved my child?’ I’m not going to settle on treating our students any differently than I would treat my own children and that is the standard set throughout the school.

If asked, I am certain that my staff would share that they've heard far too many stories about Quincy and Carter. They remain my favorite topics!  Even though they're now 17 and 20, I remember my boys as preschoolers and how important it was to me that their first learning environments were filled with opportunities for joy and self-expression. I chose preschools where I was confident that they'd receive love and be encouraged to demonstrate love and kindness; preschools that would focus on their social-emotional development, knowing well that the development of strong prosocial skills and self-regulation were the most important indicators of both academic and life success. I know that you have chosen HPS for these reasons, and we honor that in everything we do.

Though my boys are now older and experiencing adventures often far from home, fall remains my favorite time of the year. Before we know it, this season will pass and the school year will no longer be new. We will look forward to the holidays, times of rest, spending days with our loved ones, giving back to those around us, and just an overall feeling of joy. 

If you are new to our school community this year, I want to extend a sincere welcome! We are so glad that you are here and look forward to upcoming opportunities to get to know your family. If you are returning to our school community, welcome back! Thank you for sticking with us through even the most difficult of times and joining this new year where we can say as a team "We made it!" D.L.

In This Issue

From the desk of Danielle Lacroix

Curriculum Corner with Jill Barefoot

Giving at HPS
Ways to Support

“T” Time
Nisha Murphy &
Ceaira Richardson

Reminders

Preschoolers Past - Teachers Present!

DON’T FORGET!

‘Tis the season to fill cubbies! Children should have:

• A stash of 5 clean masks. Please send a clean replacement when a backup comes home dirty.

• A full change of clothes that fit the season.

Giving at HPS

The Hill Preschool Annual Fund is our most important tool to support the HPS Scholarship and the ongoing needs of the program that exceed what is possible with tuition driven revenue.

Like other non-profit organizations, HPS uses the annual fund to cover the costs of projects big and small. This year, that will include everything from the construction of a children's garden, to all that comes with maintaining a beautifully renovated space in a very old building.

The annual fund will also have a significant impact on our long-term planning for an important employee benefit. We are proud to announce that this year, we are setting the groundwork to eventually include as a benefit of employment with HPS a spot for all preschool-aged children of our staff members. The board of HPS believes that this is the next step in providing a package of benefits to our teachers that is reflective of the level of professionalism and care they provide to our students and families each day.

Watch this space for fundraising updates and opportunities to provide support!