Spring Howler

03-29-2025

Important dates:

4/7-4/10 - ELA MCAS (Grade 4, then Grade 3)

4/10 - K Literacy Night from 6-7pm

4/11 - PD early release day

Week of 4/14 - Read Across Hill-Roberts

4/18-4/25 - April Break

5/1 - 4th Grade, Spring Concert

5/17 - Someone Special Dance

5/31 - Art Show at BOGO Book Fair Family Night

5/12-5/15 - Math MCAS (Grade 4, then Grade 3)

6/7 - Projected last day of Kindergarten

6/20 - Projected last day of school and Grade 4 Step Up Day

Dear Hill-Roberts Families,

This week at Hill-Roberts was filled with celebrations and exciting moments! At our CREST Assembly, we honored the winners of our March Madness Reading incentive, held in memory of Mrs. Young’s father. We also introduced the beautiful new recess equipment generously donated by our PTO and recognized our Golden Huskies who exemplified Excellence this month. It was wonderful to celebrate these achievements as a school community!

We’re also incredibly proud of our third-grade students (pictured below) who were honored at the school committee meeting for their fantastic work with Mrs. Dalpape. Using Canva, they created impressive presentations on countries of interest—an amazing display of creativity and learning!

Please take a moment to check out important updates in this week’s newsletter, including:
✅ MCAS expectations for the upcoming tests
✅ Kindergarten Literacy Night details
✅ An optional family survey for next year’s class placements

Thank you for your ongoing support—we’re grateful to partner with you in your child’s education!

Dr. Paul Madden, Principal
Ms. Julie O’Boyle, Assistant Principal

School Committee Presentation

Tip of the Week! 7 Simple Springtime Outdoor Activities

Spring is here—let’s get outside! 🌸🌞 Check out this week’s Tip of the Week for 7 Simple Springtime Outdoor Activities that make it easy to enjoy fresh air and family fun. Click below for creative, screen-free ways to explore the season together! 🍃🎨🏃‍♂️

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/7-simple-springtime-outdoor-activities

Winter School Husky

Optional - HRES Class Placement Information

First Posted: March 29, 2025

Dear Hill-Roberts Families,

As we continue this school year, we’re also planning for next year—especially class placements. This process is complex, and we take great care to create balanced classrooms where every child can thrive.

When forming class lists, we consider many factors, including academic, social, and behavioral needs, student relationships, special services (e.g., Special Education, MLL, Title 1), learning styles, and gender balance. While we cannot honor specific teacher requests, rest assured that every Hill-Roberts teacher is highly qualified and committed to your child’s success.

If you have important information to share about your child’s placement (current grades K-3 only), please complete the HRES Student Placement Family Input Form for 25-26 by Wednesday, April 30, 2025. This form is optional, and late submissions may not be considered.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us create a great learning environment for all students!

Dr. Paul Madden, Principal
Ms. Julie O’Boyle, Assistant Principal

Suggestions for MCAS Readiness

Dear Hill-Roberts Grade 3 and 4 Families,

ELA MCAS is coming up in two weeks! Grade 4 will test on 4/7 and 4/8, and Grade 3 will test on 4/9 and 4/10.

To help create a smooth testing experience, please review the following expectations and suggestions:

Expectations:

  • On-time arrival: Students must arrive by 8:45 AM. If they arrive late and testing has already begun, they will not be allowed into their classrooms until testing is finished.

  • No candy during testing: With Easter just before testing (and as much as I love a good Cadbury Egg myself—haha), please do not send candy to school.

  • Charge Chromebooks to 100%.

  • No electronics: Students may not have cell phones, smartwatches, or other devices during testing.

Suggestions for Supporting Your Student:

  • Encourage their best effort:

    • Answer all questions, including the essay (which makes up 15% of the total score). There is no penalty for guessing.

    • Double-check answers—finishing early isn’t the goal! Remind them that everyone works at their own pace.

  • Stay calm and focused: If a question is stressful, they can take a deep breath or come back to it later.

  • Eat a full, balanced breakfast: A good breakfast helps with focus and stamina. If they don’t eat at home, encourage them to eat at school.

  • Get plenty of sleep: Well-rested students think and perform better. Testing days can be exhausting!

  • Dress in layers: Classrooms can be warm or cool, so dressing in layers helps them stay comfortable.

As always, thank you for your support! Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Dr. Madden
Principal, Hill-Roberts Elementary School

Kindergarten Literacy Night – Coming Soon! 📚✨

Join us for Kindergarten Literacy Night on Thursday, April 10th, from 6–7 PM in the auditorium and cafeteria! Families will rotate through three fun centers to learn strategies for reading at home. Then, head to the cafeteria for snacks, a free book to practice with, and even a special bookmaking activity with Ms. Linehan!

We can't wait to see you there! 📖💙

Ed Tech Update
Family Fun Fair

DESE School Report Card

Dear Hill-Roberts Families,

Every year, each public school and school district in Massachusetts receives a report card. Just as your child’s report card shows how they are doing in different subjects, the school’s report card is designed to show families how our school is doing in different areas. A link to our school’s report card is available at https://reportcards.doe.mass.edu/2023/00160045. This link will take you to copies of a letter in English, Arabic, Chinese, Hatian Creole, and Spanish explaining the School's report card. 

If you have questions about our school’s report card please feel free to contact me, Dr. Paul Madden.

Nurse Office Note

Sherri Knight-Cloud, BSN, RN, NCSN

sknightcloud@attleboroschools.com or (508) 399-7560

Before 3pm for Dismissals, Please

Please avoid dismissing your students after 3pm. While sometimes this is unavoidable, we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring our attention is focused on safely and efficiently dismissing our 425 plus students. Thank you!

Reminder - No Parking Areas

Please keep the area below (note: yellow tape and signage) clear for our busses. This is critical for allowing safe passage of busses. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Drop off and pick up policy update

Reminder - ELC Preschool Screenings

Preschool Screenings

Project Connect Newsletters

Please check out updates about Family Events in Project Connect's March/April Newsletter

APS Community Fliers

Visit the APS Community Fliers page to view the most recent events, opportunities, and resources happening within the Attleboro Community. 

PTO1
PTO 2
PTO News

Someone Special Dance Theme Announcement!

The students have voted! The winning theme for this Spring’s Someone Special Dance  is Out of This World! Now the planning begins. If you are interested in being part of the dance planning committee, please reach out or attend a PTO meeting. Reminder, the dance this year is Saturday May 17th!

Out of this world
vote
pto reminder april
pto newsletter
pto happenings 1
pto happenings 2
pto happenings 3
what the pto does

Join Our PTO!

Join Our PTO
Year Book Orders

https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/HillRoberts

Instagram

Please follow us on Facebook!  Hill-Roberts Elementary School PTO | Facebook

Save the Dates!

4/8/2024 - PTO Meeting at 6:30pm

Contact PTO

www.facebook.com/groups/hillrobertspto

hillrobertspto@gmail.com

Hours

  • Arrival:

    • Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

    • Doors will close at 8:45 sharp. Please report to main office if arriving past 8:45.

    • Classes start- 8:45 a.m.

  • Dismissal is at 3:25 p.m.

  • Early Dismissal days end at 12:25 p.m.

Absent? Call the Main Office

If your child is absent or will be absent, for any reason, please call the main office. Mrs. McLaughlin, Clerk and Mrs. Doxsey, Clerk would be happy to help you. Our number is (508) 399-7560.

Contact HRES

Dr. Madden, Principal

Ms. O'Boyle, AP

Mrs. McLaughlin, Clerk

Mrs. Doxsey, Clerk

(508) 399-7560

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HRES GIF Logo

The Attleboro Public Schools does not, in any education program or activity that it operates, discriminate or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race*, color, sex,  sexual orientation,  gender identity, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, religion, disability, age, genetic-information, active military/veteran status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related condition, homelessness, ancestry, ethnic background, national origin, immigration status, or any category protected by state or federal law. The Attleboro Public School District prohibits sex discrimination. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the District’s Civil Rights and/or Title IX Coordinators.  The notice of nondiscrimination is located at  https://www.attleboroschools.com. 

*race to include traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture, hair type, hair length and protective hairstyles.