Hillcrest Newsletter: April 2026

Posted Date: 04/01/26 (10:05 AM)

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Hillcrest School Newsletter

Home of the Tigers

April 1, 2026

Exterior view of Hillcrest Elementary School on a sunny day.

From The Principal's Desk

Hello Hillcrest Families.

Welcome to April!

As we head into the heart of spring, our students are continuing to build strong skills, explore new ideas, and challenge themselves in exciting ways. It’s wonderful to see their growth each day!

This month, students will begin their end-of-year assessments. Your child’s teacher will share specific testing dates. You can help your child feel confident and prepared by encouraging a good night’s sleep and a healthy, well-balanced breakfast, whether at home or at school. These small steps make a big difference and help students do their very best!

April is also a time to reflect on progress. Third quarter report cards were sent home last Friday. We encourage you to take some time to review your child’s report card or progress report together, celebrating accomplishments, and setting goals for a strong finish to the school year.

As we all know, Idaho’s spring weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to quite warm. As students begin wearing spring and summer clothing, please take a moment to check that items still fit appropriately for school, as many children have had recent growth spurts.

With longer daylight hours, it can also be tempting for students to stay up later. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is important to ensure students get the rest they need to support their learning, as well as their social and emotional well-being.

We also look forward to an exciting season for our 5th and 6th grade students participating in Track and Field! We invite you to come cheer them on at upcoming meets. We will be hosting a home track meet on April 9, 2026, and hope to see many of you there.

Finally, our district will be hosting four parent meetings to share upcoming changes to the Boise School District elementary report card. These sessions will include information about the transition to Standards-Based Grading beginning in Fall 2026. Please see the flyer below for dates, times, and locations.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and partnership!

Dr. David

Upcoming Events

April 2026

4/1 - Track Meet Away @ Grace Jordan, 4:00

4/3 - 5th grade @ Ballet, Peter and the Wolf, 11:15

4/7 - 6th Grade Career Fair Family Engagement, 3:00 pm

4/7 - Track Meet Away @ Valley View, 4:00

4/9 - Track Meet @ Hillcrest, 4:00

4/10 - Purple Up: Support Our Military Families

4/13 - 5th Grade @ Starbase, 9:30-1:45

4/14 - 5th Grade @ Starbase, 9:30-1:45

4/15 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Junior Highs,

West @ 9:15 South @ 12:00

4/15 - 5th Grade @ Starbase, 9:30-1:45

4/16 - 5th Grade @ Starbase, 9:30-1:45

4/17 - 5th Grade @ Starbase, 9:30-1:45

4/21 - District I Track Meet, 5:00 @ East Junior High

4/23 - 1st and 2nd Junior Achievement Day with Mtn. West Bank

4/23 - Kindergarten Family Engagement, 3:15-3:40

4/28 - City Track Meet, 5:00 @ East Junior High

5/1 (Date Change) - 3rd Family Engagement, 2:45-3:45

April State Assessment Schedule

4/1 - ISAT Testing: Science, 5th

4/7 - ISAT Testing: Math CAT, 4-5th

4/7 - ISAT Testing: ELA CAT, 3rd

4/8 - ISAT Testing: Math PT, 4-5th

4/14 - ISAT Testing: ELA PT, 3rd

4/16 - ISAT Testing: ELA CAT, 6th (date change back)

4/21 - ISAT Testing: ELA PT, 6th

4/22 - ISAT Testing: ELA CAT, 4-5th

4/23 - ISAT Testing: Math CAT, 3rd

4/23 - ISAT Testing: Math CAT, 6th (date change)

4/29 - ISAT Testing: Math PT, 3rd

4/29 - ISAT Testing: ELA PT, 4-5th

4/30 - ISAT Testing: Math PT, 6th

A yellow pencil with the word 'Enrollment' written on it.

2026-2027 Enrollment

If you have an incoming kindergarten student and were unable to complete registration, please take a moment to fill out the 2026–2027 enrollment form to secure your child’s spot at Hillcrest. Link: https://www.boiseschools.org/parents___patrons/how_to_enroll_/2025-2026_kindergarten_registration

Also, if your family will be moving out of the area over the summer, please notify the front office (208-854-5080). We greatly appreciate this information, as it helps us plan and adjust classroom rosters for the 2026–2027 school year.

A red and orange box labeled 'Lost n' Found' is filled with various items.

Lost and Found Reminder

As the end of the school year approaches, we encourage all parents to stop by and check the Lost & Found for any missing student clothing or personal items. Our collection has grown, and there may be items that belong to your child.

Please note that any unclaimed items remaining at the end of the year will be donated to the Idaho Youth Ranch.

Thank you for helping us reunite these items with their owners!

Poster advertising Summer Camps at Zoo Boise for ages 4-12, featuring animal encounters and activities, and an Easter Eggstravaganza event.

Boise School District invites elementary families to learn about Standard-Based Reporting changes for report cards.

Save the Date for the Hillcrest Family Celebration on May 14th, featuring food, games, and fun.

Cover of the City of Boise Parks and Recreation Activity Guide for Summer 2026, featuring a scenic golf course and mountains.

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT

PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT.

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Bonnie Shelton | 208-608-7647 | bshelton@cityofboise.org

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR BOISE SUMMER CAMPS, CLASSES AND ACTIVITIES ON MONDAY, MARCH 30

Spring is here, but it’s already time to start thinking about summer! Plan a fun-filled season for the whole family by registering for Boise Parks and Recreation’s popular Playcamps (celebrating 50 years!), swimming lessons, environmental education classes, art and dance lessons and more. Registration opens at 7 a.m. on Monday, March 30 for Boise residents and at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1 for non-residents.

Click here to browse the Summer 2026 Activity Guide online and view a full list of the department’s summer offerings. There’s something for all ages and abilities!

“We are pleased to offer our residents affordable and engaging programming each year, connecting the community to the outdoors and to each other,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “Our dedicated team continues to create and deliver diverse activities that foster growth and belonging.”

New course offerings include a Wilderness Survival Course for teens, a youth Girls Flag Football Camp, adult Tennis and Pickleball Competition Play, and a Broadway Jazz Dance Class for preschool-aged participants.

Plus, our AdVenture Program offers a variety of exciting programming options for people with disabilities. New adventures this year include a TopGolf Outing, Dutch Oven Cooking Class, a Memorial Day BBQ and a Rockhounding excursion.

Returning summer favorites include swimming lessons for all ages and abilities at the City of Boise’s outdoor pools, sailing camps, golf lessons at Warm Springs and Quail Hollow Golf Courses, Lifetime and Leisure excursions for older adults, and a wide variety of summer camps for kids and teens.

Please note, our all-day summer Playcamps located in City of Boise parks fill quickly. We’re also continuing to offer payment installation plans for families who sign up for multiple weeks of Playcamp. Visit our summer Playcamps webpage to learn more.

Registration for summer programming will be available online, through the Boise Parks and Recreation official app, over the phone and in-person starting Monday, March 30. Here are some important links, phone numbers, and locations:

Link to register for activities online via RecTrac (please make sure you can access your online account and that it is up to date before registration opens)
Fort Boise Community Center (700 Robbins Rd.)
Parks and Recreation Administration Office (1104 W. Royal Blvd.)
Phone number for over-the-phone activity registration: (208) 608-7680

Visit our website to learn more about Boise Parks and Recreation and our affordable and inclusive offerings. See you this summer!

Bonnie Shelton (she/her)

Communications and Marketing Superintendent/Sr Mgr

Boise Parks and Recreation

Office: 208-608-7647

bshelton@cityofboi