Activities

Hillside houses

Here at Hillside Academy for Excellence, we have established a House System. Every student and staff member is divided into one of four houses. The house system forms a community and family feeling that encourages school and house pride.

Shield depiciting the four Hillside houses

Purpose

  • to encourage positive behavior
  • to build a community across grade levels and throughout the school
  • to teach students the importance of their role in a community

Hillside houses

House  Color Mascot Trait
Amable green wolf friendship
Creativo purple dragon creativity
Sabio blue owl wisdom
Valeroso orange lion courage

This year, our Hillside houses will have a focus of giving back to the community. Students in each house will learn what it means to be part of a community, and the responsibilities of the community citizens. Community projects this year will include adopting a classroom affected by Hurricane Harvey, a canned food drive and school beautification.

Community service

Children planting in a small garden

 

School activities, events and programs

Porch party

At the beginning of each school year, Hillside PTA hosts a Porch Party. Parents are invited to meet their child's new teachers, buy school supplies, take a tour of the building, and buy spirit wear. 

Grandparent's day

Each September, we celebrate and appreciate our Grandparents. Students are encouraged to invite their grandparents to come enjoy breakfast with them.

Book fair

Twice a year, students have the opportunity, with their families, to purchase books from a wide selection of age-appropriate materials. This allows families to grow their home libraries, while supporting our school.

The book fair also bring in money for the library to purchase resources such as:

  • new books for the library
  • books for book clubs
  • technology
  • author visits
  • makerspace materials

PTA fall carnival

Hillside's PTA hosts a Fall Carnival every October. This is a time for families of previous and former students to come together for a day of fun! There is always a variety of activities to choose from; including bounce houses, face painting, games, and more.

College day

College Day at Hillside is an opportunity for teachers to focus students on their future. Staff and students are encouraged to wear a college shirt, and classroom activities allow students to discuss where they will attend college and/or where a family member attended college.

Spring fling and talent show

Hillside Eagles have a chance to show off their talents at the annual Talent Show, held during our Spring Fling. This is a fun evening for students and the community to get together.

Explorer Class

On Monday of each week, beginning in the fall, 2nd through 5th graders are given the opportunity to sign up for classes after school beginning at 4 pm and ending at 5 pm. These classes are available to all students; however, there is a sign-up period each semester. For the students who qualify for bus transportation, a separate bus route is established for their transportation home at 4 pm.

Some of the courses offered in the past are Chess, Latin Dance, Sew and So, Unearthing Science, Cross Stitch, Sports/Fitness, Cupstacking, Step Team, Drama Kids, Choir for Primary ages and 4th and 5th graders, Yearbook Staff/Photography and more.