Wellness Night 2017
On March 23, 2017, Hillcrest hosted it's first Wellness Night. This event was the culmination of efforts by teachers, students, parents and Hot Spots educators to teach students and families about the benefits of and ways to practice healthy living. This event allowed the school to showcase and celebrate our efforts to incorporate the schools organic vegetable and herb garden into not just our curriculum, but also our school's behavior and lifestyle. Over 200 Hillcrest families attended this event that was made possible through the 21st Century Enrichment Grant Program facilitated by the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools. The evening was packed with demonstrations and activities that educated Hillcrest families about the benefits of farm to table programs and wellness activities. In addition to this evening, students and staff continued to take part in assemblies that introduced them to components of healthy eating and wellness.
On March 23, 2017, Hillcrest hosted it's first Wellness Night. This event was the culmination of efforts by teachers, students, parents and Hot Spots educators to teach students and families about the benefits of and ways to practice healthy living. This event allowed the school to showcase and celebrate our efforts to incorporate the schools organic vegetable and herb garden into not just our curriculum, but also our school's behavior and lifestyle. Over 200 Hillcrest families attended this event that was made possible through the 21st Century Enrichment Grant Program facilitated by the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools. The evening was packed with demonstrations and activities that educated Hillcrest families about the benefits of farm to table programs and wellness activities. In addition to this evening, students and staff continued to take part in assemblies that introduced them to components of healthy eating and wellness.
Wellness Night was a collaboration between Hillcrest teachers, the PTA, Hot Spots Extended Day Program volunteer teachers and community members such as the YMCA of Catonsville, Baltimore Rowing Club and many more! Wellness Night is a yearly event but in 2017 it was a showcase of all the efforts and activities involved with Hillcrest receiving the 21st Century Enrichment Grant from Hot Spots and the Education Foundation.
Environmental Room at Math-Science-Night : Each year the school's PTA holds its 'Math-Science-Night' in the evening as a way to introduce fun learning concepts in math and science to families. Parents, teachers and student volunteer coordinate the themed rooms or activities, and approximately 300 parents and students attend this one-evening event. The PTA's Environmental Committee hosts a room each year that focuses on local environmental issues. Past themes have included "Waste Monsters" focusing on water and energy conservation and recycling, "Chesapeake Watershed", and "Native Maryland" (focused on local flora, fauna, geology and outdoor recreational resources). In 2017, the theme was "Nature's Super Heroes". Activities highlighted the importance of pollinators, oysters, and earthworms/decomposers.
Salad Day - May 12,2017 - A celebration of our 100 % student participation in our organic vegetable and herb garden. Students harvested enough veggies to make a giant salad that was served to the entire student body. This school wide event was a culminating activity for our "Harvesting a Healthy Hillcrest" program that utilized our garden to emphasize the health and environmental impact of Farm to Table eating.
National Walk/Bike to School Day - Hillcrest students participate annually in this national event. On October 4, 2017, our school once again celebrated our walkability and bikability. This year we were particularly grateful for our new bike racks that had just been installed to accommodate our increase in students who bike to school throughout the year.