Hillcrest Special Events

Special events have become a tradition at Hillcrest, including:

In the Fall

Kindergarten Social
Before the start of school, the Kindergartners and their families are invited to Hillcrest for an ice cream social where they can see their classroom and meet their classmates and teachers.

Opening Day Reception
On the first day of school, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) sponsors a get acquainted tea/coffee for new and returning Hillcrest parents on the Playground. Parents are encouraged to sign up to volunteer time and talent.

Back to School Night
Parents are invited to meet their child’s teacher, visit their classroom, and learn about the school program for the coming year. This event is for adults only. Volunteer opportunities are discussed and parents are encouraged to support their child’s learning throughout the school year.

Halloween Parade
On the school day closest to Halloween, Hillcrest celebrates with an all school parade on the playground. Students have a chance to change into costume before the parade begins. Parents and staff members are encouraged to join the fun.

Middle School Fall Dance
All Middle School students are invited to Hillcrest’s Fall Dance, usually on a Friday in October from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

Benefit for Hillcrest
Organized by the PTA, the annual benefit is the largest fundraiser for Hillcrest. Families, friends, and merchants donate goods and services for the silent and live auctions.

Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive
The second grade class sponsors a food drive to collect food for our partnership schools. Hillcrest families also participate in the distribution of the food to the families of the partnership school community.

In the Winter

Spelling Bee
Students participate by grade level at Hillcrest with winners moving on to the OUSD district level.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Fest
Students are invited to participate in a school-wide oratorical festival in January by reciting poetry, reading selections from a published work, or by sharing an original production focusing on the ideals and teachings of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. School winners will participate at the OUSD District level.

Middle School Winter Dance
The Middle School Winter Dance usually takes place in February – details TBD.

In the Spring

Science Fair
Students are encouraged to submit individual and group investigations put together at home – suggestions and guidelines will be distributed at school. Projects are displayed in the multi-purpose room and entrance hallway.

Walkathon and School Carnival
The students raise funds themselves by soliciting sponsors to support them in walking laps around the school. It’s a day filled with with carnival games, food, and community spirit.

Art & Music Night
Student art projects created throughout the year under the guidance of the PTA-sponsored art teacher are displayed in the multi-purpose room and hallways of the school. Students in grades K-3 perform selections learned throughout the year under the direction of the PTA-sponsored music teacher.

Teacher Appreciation Day
Students bring in flowers and blossoms from their gardens to create a bouquet for their teacher. Teachers are also honored at a luncheon organized by the PTA.

Middle School Spring Dance
The Middle School Spring Dance usually takes place in May – details TBD.

Volunteer Appreciation
The teachers organize a reception to thank all the people who volunteered at the school.

Open House
This family event provides an opportunity for students and teachers to show parents the work they have accomplished during the school year. This is a special time for students to share their classroom as seen through their eyes.

Talent Show
The Talent Show features individual and group performances by Hillcrest students. Past talents include singing, dancing, gymnastics, magic, and instrument playing. Families are invited to attend the school performance or the special evening show.