Although we are in the winter season, the year 2007 was ushered in with balmy spring like weather.  The students are truly enjoying our recess periods outside, and they hope that the good weather will continue throughout January and February.  I know many adults who are hoping for that also!  The staff and I hope you enjoyed a happy winter break and wish you all good things in the coming year.  I look forward to working with Nancy Cielo and Dianna Paradise, our HPTC co-presidents, the executive board, all our parent volunteers, and enthusiastic staff, who are working on so many projects to enrich our students’ lives.

Our “Deal or No Deal” game show and our staff dress down day on December 22^nd raised $1,000.00 for a Hilldale alumnus, who was injured in an accident on Changebridge Road. Hopefully, it will help defray some costs as the student recuperates.  I want to thank the Student Council, our fifth graders, Mrs. Przestrzelski, Mr. Haugh and Mr. Jones for this special event.  Our other charitable event, the mitten collection, was very successful, too.  The front hall tree was covered with mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves for children in need.  We also had 2 large bags filled with the mittens that arrived a day before the drive ended.  I want to thank Mrs. Bio and Mrs. LaMorte, who organized the event and delivered the mittens.

Now is a good time to review your emergency plans with your family for snow days.  Remember, you will only be called if school closes when the students are here.  Information is posted on the district’s website and on the radio and TV stations listed below, if it is snowing before school begins.

We welcome several student teachers to Hilldale this month.  Joan Jobes will be joining Mrs. Mancino’s class, Jessica Miller is returning to Mrs. Reinknecht’s class, Lauren Ruccio will be working with Mr. Haugh, and Beslira Vejseli is joining Mrs. Larangeira’s class.  The staff and I have met with the student teachers and look forward to having them interact with our students.

In meeting its mandate to make maximum use of its human resources, the Montville administration has made the decision to transfer Stacey Maciorski, one of our full time BSI teachers, to a fifth grade position at Woodmont School.  In addition, Lucille Maccagnan, currently a Cedar Hill BSI teacher, has been transferred to Hilldale.  The parents of the present BSI students have already received letters to this effect.  I have worked with both teachers in the past and know they will do outstanding jobs at their new schools. 

The electronically formatted report cards will be sent home with the students on January 22^nd.  The staff has been in-serviced and has been working diligently with the program, since September, 2006.  Look for the new report card in your child’s backpack on January 22^nd.  It will be the first report card that the kindergarten students will receive.  Kindly contact your child’s teacher, if you have any questions.

The new Smartboard in the media center is up and running.  Our new computer room is almost ready.  We just need to complete some electrical work.  The new tables and computers have arrived and in the very near future, we’ll be enjoying our new computer lab.

I eagerly anticipate a rewarding 2007 and wish you all the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Marianne M. Dispenziere
Principal                    

Dates to Remember
January 8-19 Lunch Forms for Feb-Mar-April available on line