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Hillcrest Elementary School

October 2026 Newsletter

Posted Date: 10/01/26 (08:42 AM)
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Cardinal

Hillcrest Newsletter

October 2026

From the Principal

Camp Hillcrest…….
It was a great morning to share with staff and students our first campfire on the front lawn of Camp Hillcrest.  Events like this really have a way to kick off the day and make us realize how great it is to be a part of a school community such as ours.  The staff and students had a great time celebrating our Homecoming week with dress up days and activities. 

Looking Ahead….
1. Conscious Discipline- On Monday, Oct. 5 our staff will be involved with more Conscious Discipline training.  We will continue to look for ways to connect with our students and provide a safe learning environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued while at school.  Our school family photos, wish you well board, family time and other school wide and classroom activities will be coming throughout the next few weeks.  

2. Fall is here - The Fall season is upon us and we have definitely been enjoying the cooler mornings to kick off our day. Please remember as the weather changes to make sure your child has the necessary items to stay comfortable while both in class and outside at recess.

3. ParentSquare - just a reminder to sign up/download the app for ParentSquare, our new communication tool.  We will use this to keep you all informed on what is happening inside and outside of the classroom. 

4. School Events - please remember that while attending school events whether at Hillcrest or any other school building in the District, all elementary students MUST be supervised by an adult during the event. 

Reminders
  • There is a PTO meeting scheduled for Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. in the school library. All are welcome!


Go Cardinals!
Doug Dieckman
Principal, Hillcrest Elementary
 

Important Dates


October
  • 2 - Vision Screening 
  • 5 - No School 
  • 6 - Comfy/Cozy Day 
  • 6 - Culver's Fundraiser Night 4-7 pm 
  • 12 - PTO Meeting @ 6 pm (HC Library) 
  • 16 - Hearing Screening (KG & 2nd Grades)
  • 18 - Hillcrest apparel orders due 
  • 27 - Flu Immunization Clinic (Signups went home)
  • 20 - RCU Starts
  • 22 - Butter Braid Orders & Money DUE
  • 23 - Halloween Dance 6-8 pm 
  • 27 - RCU  
  • 30 - Halloween Celebrations
November
  • 2 - No School 
  • 2 - Toppers Fundraiser Night 
  • 3 - Toppers Fundraiser Night 
  • 3 - Culver's Fundraiser Night 4-7 pm 
  • 3 - RCU 
  • 3 - Comfy/Cozy Day 
  • 5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3-7 pm (sign up with teacher)
  • 5 - Book Fair during conferences
  • 5 - Butter Braids Fundraiser Pick Up 
  • 9 - Picture Retakes 
  • 9 - PTO Meeting at 6 pm 
  • 10 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 3-7 pm (Sign up with teacher) 
  • 10 - Book Fair during conferences
  • 23 - 27 - No School 
  • 30 - Comfy/Cozy Day 
 

Notes from the Office

OFFICE PROCEDURES:
If your child is going to be absent or tardy for any reason, please call the office by 8:30 a.m. (715) 726-2405. Any student who arrives at 7:45 am or after is considered tardy.

If you need to change your child's transportation for the end of the day, please send a note to your child's teacher. Phone calls are discouraged but if a change needs to be called in, PLEASE call the office by 1:30 pm to insure that the message gets delivered to the classroom.

If you need to pick your child up early or for an appointment, parents should use our sign out sheet located in the main office. We will then call your child down to the office. Students will not be waiting in the office so make sure to give yourself enough time prior to appointment.

**NEW ABSENCE REQUESTS ON INFINITE CAMPUS
For your convenience, we have added the new absence request feature to the Campus parent portal. Instead of making a phone call to your school, you can request absences right from your Campus parent portal. If you have students at multiple schools, you can make one request for all of your students in one step.

Please review this help document or get started by selecting the More menu option and then Absence Requests.

MEDICAL NOTES FROM DOCTORS RECOMMENDED:
If your child(ren) miss school for a medical appointment, please ask for a doctor's note to excuse the absence. This way, it can be marked medical and will not go against attendance policies.

A fax from the doctor's office can be sent to (715)720-3754

BUS TRANSPORTATION CHANGES:
All student rerouting requests will originate at Go Riteway Bus Company. A rerouting request is a form that allows a student to ride a bus to a location other than their home. (daycare, grandparents house, etc) Student rerouting requests require a 24 hour notice and approval by the bus company. This includes one time and/or occasional rerouting requests. Please call 715-726-2454 if you have any questions or concerns. Please click here for more information regarding rerouting requests.

If a student's afternoon transportation plans vary week to week, please provide the teacher and the office with a monthly calendar to insure that your child gets to their intended location.

ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER OR CONTACT CHANGE:

Has your address, phone number or emergency contacts changed? If so, log into the Infinite Campus Parent Portal and make changes. Having this updated is important should an emergency arise.
Bus Rerouting Requests
Infinite Campus
 

Morning Drop Off

Students who ride a bus to school:
All buses will be parking on the northwest end of Miles Street and release students at 7:20 a.m. We will have adults present to escort the students to the playground area.

Students who get dropped off or walk to school:
Student drop-off and student walkers will have from 7:25 - 7:45 to report to school. Please do not park on the northwest side of Miles Street until after all buses have left. All students should report directly to the playground immediately upon arrival. Students who arrive after 7:45 should enter through the front doors.

Bike Riders: Once you reach the sidewalk in front of door #1 (main door) or the sidewalk in front of door #6, please get off bikes and walk the rest of the way to the bike rack.

The main doors lock at 7:45 and any student entering the school at that time will need to come through the office and get a tardy pass.
 

Breakfast Routines

Just as a reminder our breakfast routinues for grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 have changed slightly from previous years. This year we are having the students come to the cafeteria to get their breakfast items and return to their classrooms to eat. 2nd grade students will remain in the cafeteria to eat breakfast. Here are the times:

Grade 5 will have breakfast starting at 7:30. 
Grade 4 will have breakfast starting at 7:35.
Grade 3 will have breakfast starting at 7:40.
Grade 2 will have breakfast starting at 7:45.

This schedule requires our 5th graders to come in from morning recess a few minutes early. For those 5th graders that arrive after 7:30, they can come directly in the building through the front doors and go to the cafeteria to get their breakfast items. 
 
School Times
 

Outdoor Recess Guidelines

Outdoor recess guidelines
 

Halloween Celebrations

On Friday October 30, classrooms will have Halloween Celebrations.

Reminders:
  • Students should come to school in their costume
  • Costume masks, blood, gore and violence are not allowed
  • Weapons or imitation weapons will not be allowed
  • Teachers will not be assisting with face make up for students, this should be applied at home
  • Be sure that students are able to stand and sit easily in their costumes.

Watch for more celebration information from your child's teacher.
 

Parent Square Replacing Class DOJO

We're excited to share that we've adopted a new communication platform called ParentSquare (replacing Class DOJO) to help us keep you better informed and more connected with your school community.

With ParentSquare, you'll receive school and classroom messages in one place and translated into your preferred language-whether by email, text, app, or web. You'll also be able to:

  • Stay up to date on news and events
  • Send and receive messages with teachers and staff
  • View calendar items and photos from your school
  • And more great tools as they become available!

The district has sent out invitations to set up your accounts. Check your emails and get this set up if you haven't done so yet. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student's success.

If you are having trouble with Parent Square, email the help desk at helpdesk@chipfalls.org.

Helpful Links 



 

Pay Student Fees

Fees
 

From The Nurse

Immunization Reminder

State Law requires that all students be up to date on their required immunizations within 30 days of entering the school system. Any student who is not up to date on their immunizations by the end of the first week of October or does not have a signed waiver on file may be subject to exclusion from school. Waivers for personal, religious, or health reasons remain an option for parents.

With the new school year underway and winter on the horizon, we encourage you to protect yourself and your family by getting up to date on your recommended and routine vaccinations. It’s never too early or too late to get your vaccinations. Vaccination is especially important for children with health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, that can put them at a higher risk for severe respiratory illness. Staying up to date on vaccinations can protect against the serious consequences of respiratory viruses and other diseases to keep your child safe, healthy, and in school. 

Free Flu Vaccination Clinic

CFAUSD Health Services is partnering again with Chippewa County Public Health to offer Free Flu Vaccinations to elementary students at school in an effort to keep our students safe and healthy this school year.

This is an OPTIONAL offer and is not a required vaccination for CFSD students.

If families choose to utilize this resource, they have the option to have their students receive
either the Influenza (Flu) Mist or Influenza (Flu) Shot.

  • Influenza (Flu) Mist will be the primary vaccine used this year. It protects against seasonal influenza.
  • Influenza (Flu) Shot will be made available for those that need it. This includes those with asthma, underlying medical conditions, on an aspirin regimen, for those that live/care for someone that is immunosuppressed, or per parent request.

If you would like your child to participate in this free immunization clinic at their school, please complete the consent form and return to your student’s school by: Tuesday, October 20th

Bright Smiles

What is Bright Smiles? 

A nonprofit school-based preventive dental health program funded by the Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile, a program of the Children’s Health Alliance, and other community businesses.  This is offered at no charge to you or the school. It is a comprehensive service including classroom education, dental screenings, teeth cleaning, dental sealant placement and fluoride varnish applications. If you would like your student to receive this free dental service during the school year, please complete the consent form included in the link below if you have not done so already or have not turned in a paper copy to the school. 

Link to Consent Form: 

CFSD Illness Protocol

Students are required to stay home if any of the following apply:

  • Temperature of 100.4 or higher. Need to be fever-free for 24 hours without any fever-reducing medication (Tylenol, Ibuprofen) before returning to school.
     
  • Vomiting in the last 24 hours - Must be asymptomatic for 24 hrs before returning to school.
     
  • Diarrhea (3 or more loose stools in a 24 hr period) - Must be asymptomatic for 24hrs before returning to school.
     
  • Diagnosed with a contagious disease (strep throat, impetigo, etc) and have not been on antibiotics for 24 hours.
     
  • Has an unexplained rash that is widespread or is draining and unable to be covered by a bandage.

DOCTOR NOTES FOR LIMITATIONS/RESTRICTIONS IN SCHOOL:
If your child has an injury or a health issue that requires limitations or restrictions while in school, the district requires a note from the doctor with the restrictions. If the note does not have a date when normal activities can be restarted, a note will also be required to allow the student to again participate in activities.

Treats in the Classroom

The health office requests that any treats brought in to school for birthdays, parties, or any other special occasions should be store bought with a clear nutrition label. There are certain students and staff with health conditions that may require dietary accommodations and it's important that they are able to review a food's nutrition label before choosing to omit or consume certain foods.

Please also be mindful about choosing treats that may contain tree nuts and/or peanuts for your student's classroom. There may be other students in your child's classroom who may have a severe nut allergy. If you are wondering whether your child is in a nut free classroom, please inquire with your student's classroom teacher or the health office.
 

Breakfast / Lunch

Meal prices for 2026/2027
Elementary Breakfast: $0.50
Elementary Lunch: $2.40
MILK is served with all meals or can be purchased separately for $0.50

**If you qualify for free or reduced price lunches there is no charge for breakfast or lunch.

The Free and Reduced Meal Application is now available online! To apply for meal benefits for the 2026-2027 school year, log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account and click on the More option in the left hand menu and then Meal Benefits.

If you received a letter this school year saying that your children are already approved for free meals, then you do not need to complete an application.

All families are encouraged to complete the online application. Paper applications are available to be picked up at your child's school or at the Central Board Office at 1130 Miles Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. If none of these options work for you please contact Kirsten Nesja to have one mailed to you at (715) 726-2581 or email nesjakj@chipfalls.org.

If you have questions on completing the application please call Kirsten Nesja (715) 726-2581 or email nesjakj@chipfalls.org.



**You can use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to put money onto your child's lunch account or you can send exact cash/check to the Main Office.
School Lunch Menu
School Breakfast Menu
 

PTO

The clothing store will close on October 18.


Order Your Hillcrest Apparel
Clothing Order
 

Culver's Night

Join us on Tuesday October 6th between 4pm and 7pm at either Culver’s Chippewa Falls or Lake Hallie location! Culver’s will be donating 10% of sales from each monthly Culver’s night to our PTO! Drive thru or dine in. If you dine in you may be served food from some of our amazing Hillcrest staff members! Be sure to mention Hillcrest when ordering!
Culvers
 

Butter Braids Fundraiser

Butter Braids
 

Halloween Dance

Mark your calendars for Friday October 23 for the Hillcrest Halloween Dance! The dance will be from 6-8pm in the gym for Hillcrest Families! 
Halloween Dance
 
Northwestern Bank
 

Book Fair

Book Fair
 

Music

Winter Concerts
 

RCU

Open RCU Account
Request a pouch from RCU
 

Updated School Volunteer Requirements

Please read the updated volunteer requirements. There are additional steps that need to be completed before you come to volunteer at Hillcrest or on field trips.
Volunteer
 

On Site Chiropractic

Chiropractor
 

Speech & Language/Early Childhood Screening

Speech Screener
 

Community Conversation 2026

“We are launching our "Community Conversation 2026" to gather feedback that will help shape our next three-year strategic plan. We want to make sure our schools are serving our students and community as well as possible, and we cannot do that without our CFAUSD families and community members’ input. 
You can choose one of three ways to share your thoughts, based on whichever option is most convenient and works best with your schedule: 
  1. Take our brief survey right now: It only takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. 
  1. Request an Interview with one of our team members. Submit this request form and someone will reach out to you to schedule a time convenient for you. 
  2. Join a Mini-Session: We are hosting short, interactive drop-in meetings throughout the community where we can talk directly about our future. Upcoming sessions include:
  • October 2: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Chippewa Falls Public Library 

Thank you for your partnership, your time, and your commitment to the success of our students. You can find out more about this process, past Community Conversations, and the results of our last strategic plan on THIS webpage.”
Community Conversation
 

Mentor Chippewa

The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is proud to partner with Mentor Chippewa for the 2026-2027 school year and bring their school-based mentoring program to our students!
You don’t have to have all the answers — just the time to listen.

Mentor Chippewa is calling on everyday people to do something extraordinary:
📍 Show up once a week
📍 During the school day
📍 For just 30 minutes
📍 To support one local student

✅ Retired? Share your wisdom.
✅ Working? Ask your employer about volunteering during your lunch break.
✅ New to the community? This is how you connect.
✅ Never mentored before? We’ll support you every step of the way.

You can change a student’s life — and it might just change yours too!
One student. One day a week. 30 minutes. That’s all it takes.

📅 Now accepting mentors for the 2026-27 school year!
📍 Apply today at mentorchippewa.org
📣 Tag someone who’d make a great mentor!
@MentorChippewa
#MentorChippewa #BeThatSomeone #SmallMomentsBigMomentum #MentoringMatters #BeTheDifference
 
Board of Education Updates
Next board meeting is on October 27, 2026.
 
26/27 Back 2 School Newsletter
Family Connections
26/27 Elementary Parent Handbook
Hillcrest Calendar of Events
26/27 School District Calendar
Cardinal Care
Speak Up Speak Out Wisconsin
Annual Special Education Notice
CFAUSD Annual Notices 26/27
 

About Us

MISSION STATEMENT: Hillcrest Elementary School, in partnership with the community, is committed to excellence in a safe, respectful, and child-centered environment in which all students are empowered and challenged to be life-long learners.
Phone: 715-726-2405   Fax: 715-720-3754