"Getting the Yearbook Ready"

Members of the Class of 2007 are busy getting the school yearbook ready. The book contains memories of their time together. It is an interesting look back at where the students have been.

"Faculty Day of Recollection"

Today the faculty of Hillside Catholic Academy joined the faculties of five other Catholic elementary schools at a Day of Recollection. Taking time to be refreshed with God is an important part of our teachers formation. The fact that the faculty takes part in such a day is another example of the "quality education in a faith based environment" that Hillside Catholic Academy provides.

"Cursive Anyone"

The Hillside Catholic Academy students in Mrs. Judy Jones' Third Grade are now writing in cursive. They began the year taking their spelling tests in cursive. By this time of the year everthing the students write will be in the cursive writing style. The Third Grade students will also be writing book reports. This is because at Hillside Catholic Academy good writing starts with reading. This is all a part of our "quality education."

"Hillside Catholic Academy in the Computer Age"

Hillside Catholic Academy is moving towards placing computers in its course of study. A new computer lab for Grades Pre-K to 4 will be opened. Power Point will be placed on each computer. Finally, projectors for the teachers to show power point slide shows will soon be purchased. By making use of technology, Hillside Catholic Academy will continue to provide "a quality education in a faith based environment."

"Plans for Next Year"

The Archdiocese of Newark's Schools Office has provided a new course outline for Science. In this exciting proposal, Science is to be taught on all grade levels and crossing all courses of study. Hillside Catholic Academy is already making plans for next year. This new look at this discipline will help Hillside Catholic Academy to maintain its "quality education."

"A Faith Based Education"

The faith-based education of Hillside Catholic Academy is no more evident then in Mrs. Pat D'Agostino's First Grade class. This week the students learned how they should honor their mothers and fathers by helping out at home. It is because of the example of Mrs. D'Agostino's teaching that one student is currently taking instructions in the Catholic faith. It is this "faith based environment" that makes Hillside Catholic Academy such a special place.

"Reading, Reading, Reading"

Students at Hillside Catholic Academy are expected to read. The students are required to:

1. Complete a Summer Reading Assignment, plus write book reports throughout the school year;
2. Write Book Reports throughout the school year; and
3. Have a "Silent Reading" book with them at all times.

Miss Lynn Zientek (Reading teacher) stresses the importance of reading each day in her class.

"Science in the Pre-K"

Students in Mrs. Christine Paszkowski's Pre-K class are learning about the volcanoes. Even at this early age students at Hillside Catholic Academy are introduced to the wonders in the World of Science.

"Grade 5 Measures the Climate"

Miss Roseann Aagaard's Grade 5 Science class is studying the weather. The students are making use of the following tools:

1. The daily newspaper;
2. The Weather Channel; and
3 Their textbooks.

However, the greatest aid these students have is Mrs. Aagaard. She is truly a dedicated teacher who makes each class exciting, meaniful, and fun!

"Study Skills Are Skills for Life"

Students in Miss Maddelena Mazzoccoili's Study Skills class are learning how to outline sections of a textbook. Grade 8 students will be now using this skill by outlining sections of their Social Studies and Science books. Mastering this type of basic skill is one example of how Hillsdie Catholic Academy provides, "a quality education."

"Get Ready for High School"

The students in Grades 1-7 took the Terra Nova Standardized Tests this week. Grade 8 students took part in a week of high school preparation.

On Tuesday, March 6, Dect. Wilson of the Hillside Police Department discussed legal issues facing high school students today.

On Wednesday, March 7, Mr. Ken Jennings (Assistant Principal Benedictine Academy) discussed tips for academic success in high school.

On Thursday, March 8, Mr. James Reagan, Sr. (Director of Athletics at Union Catholic High School) spoke of the role of extra-curricular activites in high school.

On Friday, March 9, those students who will attend a Catholic high school had breakfast with their new principals. The principals or a member of the staff of the following high schools were present:

Benedictine Academy;
Mother Seton Regional High School;
Roselle Catholic Regional High School;
St. Benedict's Prep;
St. Mary's of the Assumption in Elizabeth; and
Union Catholic Regional High School.

"Hillside Catholic Academy Students Prepare for Science Fair"

Students in Grades 6, 7 snd 8 received their instructions for the Hillside Catholic Academy Science Fair. These students, under the direction of Miss Stacey Barker, will be conducting experiments by making use of the Scientific Method. The Science Fair will take place on May 18 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.