Hillside International Elementary School
Main Page - Enroll at Hillside - Event Calendar - Parents - Hillside News

About Hillside

Philosophy
It is the belief of Hillside International School that the child learns best through a structured and positive learning environment. We seek to develop within the student maximum individual potential and positive self-concepts through the promotion of a sense of responsibility, confidence, pride in accomplishment, good citizenship and mutual respect.

A specific behavior policy has been designed to maintain a positive classroom environment where children are encouraged to do their best work with a minimum of disruptions.

Hillside endorses homework as a valued learning experience, which encourages individual growth. Homework emphasizes to the student that learning is more than a classroom activity.

We believe that self-contained classrooms provide a stable environment, promoting continuity of teaching and learning, while utilizing a maximum of instructional minutes per day.

Accountability Triad
Teachers ~
· Maintain a sound educational program, which is in agreement with the philosophy and goals of the school.
· Maintain open communication with the parents.
· Maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning in the classroom as outlined in the philosophy and goals of the school.
· Encourage each child to achieve the highest potential while recognizing his/her individual value.

Students ~
· Be responsible for their actions.
· Strive to attain their maximum potential in all areas.
· Be respectful of others rights and property.
· Complete assignments on time.
· Make up work missed when absent from school.

Parents ~
· Agree to the philosophy and goals of the school.
· Agree to adhere to the behavior, homework and other polices of the school. · Maintain open communication with the school.
· Place a high priority on any assigned work to be completed at home.
· Take an active part in the Hillside Parent Organization.
· Send their child to school adequately fed and rested.
· Respect each individual and their rights.

Academic Expectations
Hillside emphasizes advanced skill development in the basic academic core subjects in order to best prepare our children to meet the challenges of our complex society, and to best prepare them for continued success in education in middle school, high school, and beyond. Hillside students are allowed to meet success and failure and learn to cope with both.
The Hillside student becomes an active reader, writer, information seeker, creative problem solver, and responsible citizen. By maintaining high expectations for success, behavior, and academic performance, students are engaged, invested, connected, and active in their own education.

Homework
Hillside endorses homework as a valued learning experience, which encourages individual growth. Homework emphasizes to the student that learning is more than a classroom activity, serves to extend the school day, reinforce academic skills and content and develop organizational skills. The accountability triad of teacher-student-parent responsibility distinguishes Hillside and permeates our homework program.

Approximate Weekly Homework
Kinder up to ½ hour - Grade 3 2-3 hours
Grade 1 ½ to 1 hour - Grade 4 3-4 hours
Grade 2 1-2 hours - Grade 5 4-5 hours

Curriculum Highlights
· Emphasis on core academic areas of reading, writing, spelling, grammar and mathematics
· Straight grade - self contained classrooms
· Structured Literacy Program - phonics and literature-based instruction; Primary-Intermediate reading partners; Get Excited About Reading; Sustained Silent Reading
· Project learning experiences
· Excellent technology program
· SKY Camp (Outdoor School)
· Integration of world cultures in all subjects
· Harvest Festival
· National Geographic Bee
· Progressive development of public speaking skills
· Vertical alignment and integration of subjects and lessons
· Community service projects

Our Staff
Our caring, capable staff is committed to regular communication and meets to maintain effective and dynamic articulation throughout all grades.