September 2020

Month

“Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” formerly called “Columbus Day”

The debates about what we should call or celebrate on October 12th are vast andhappen in different degrees. The request to eliminate “Columbus Day” from thecalendar and replace it with “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” (a more appropriate term, bustill not used everywhere) is not recent. In Vermont, governor Peter Shumlin signed in2016 a proclamation that rebranded...
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25
Sep

Sept 21-Sept 25: September Parent Meetings

This is an evening meeting for all new and returning parents to learn about the upcoming year’s curriculum, program, expectations of students, and ways to be involved in your child’s education. This year, as with all of our community events, these meetings will be held over Zoom. With each program meeting taking place on a...
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22
Sep

First Board Meeting of the 2020/21 School Year

The Hilltop Board of Trustees met for its first Board meeting of the school year this week, via Zoom. Even though we are still meeting remotely, there was an air of community and a genuine celebration knowing children and teachers are back in school. While 2020 has been full of challenges, thanks to the hard...
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18
Sep

EJI Bookshelf

At Hilltop Montessori School, understanding diversity with all of its social and culturalintersections is necessary to reveal and confront all forms of discrimination. Thecreation of an equitable, just, and inclusive community is only possible with thecommitment and awareness of all. The teachers and staff are working on educatingourselves on our biases and how they show...
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18
Sep

Welcome from the Board

At this time each year, Hilltop typically joins together for its Back to School Picnic, providing an opportunity for the Hilltop Board of Trustees to run the grill and introduce new officers and new board members. This year, of course, we are not holding our spatulas, but we will not be waylaid. We take this...
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11
Sep

Progress Report and Reminders

Dear Families, We are so grateful for the thoughtful cooperation with the health and safety procedures we have in place this year. Everyone has been so understanding and cooperative as we worked through the new drop-off procedures with the health checks and travel restrictions. You have also been keeping children home when they have even...
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11
Sep

First Week of School

Welcome back to school! We were so happy to see so many of our students during this week of orientation. This week, and over the next few weeks, teachers will be focusing on building community and renewing relationships that have been challenged by the time of separation. Teachers priorities will be: Keeping children safe (health...
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04
Sep