<![CDATA[HILLSDALE ELEMENTARY PTO - Blog]]>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:00:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Tunnell]]>Thu, 28 Jun 2018 14:11:17 GMThttps://www.hillsdalehuskies.com/ptoblog/alumni-spotlight-sarah-tunnell
​Hillsdale PTO is proud to highlight Sarah Tunnell, class of 2009, for our Alumni Spotlight. Sarah graduated from Henderson High School in 2016 and is currently going into her junior year at Temple University while majoring in communications.
 
While at Henderson, Sarah participated in volleyball and track & field all four years. She holds the record for ‘Most Assists’ at Henderson with 2,738 assists over the course of her four years on the volleyball team. Most assists in a game and most assists in a season are two other records she holds at Henderson for volleyball.
​Because of her love for the city, Sarah decided to go to Temple University where she would pursue her career in the communications field. She loves Hillsdale so much that she decided to become the Digital Communications intern for the summer, so she could get experience in the communications field while doing it for a school she once went to.
 
Some of the things that she loved most about Hillsdale were the field trips, especially the first grade field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo. When talking about Hillsdale, Sarah says, “I remember all the great times I had at this school and how wonderful all the teachers and kids were. I would not be the person I am today without all the people at Hillsdale.”
 
Sarah will be taking her love for travel to the next step and will study abroad in Rome in the fall of 2018. She is most excited to explore all around Europe and eat tasty, Italian food.
 
The Husky community is excited for the endeavors that are ahead for Sarah, and we are grateful that she decided to give back to Hillsdale as the Digital Communications Intern.
]]><![CDATA[Teacher Spotlight: Jessica Wojcik]]>Mon, 11 Dec 2017 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.hillsdalehuskies.com/ptoblog/teacher-spotlight-jessica-wojcik
Welcome back to our new Teacher and Staff Spotlight Series! This week, Get to know Mrs. Wojcik!

Mrs. Wojcik (formally known as Ms. Gearhart) is a fourth grade teacher at Hillsdale Elementary!  She is originally from Logan, West Virginia.  She has been a fourth grade teacher for 4 years, and a proud husky for 12!  Mrs. Wojcik answered a few of our questions so we could all get to know her!
Do you collect anything?
 
I like to collect books and rocks!
 
What do you like to do for fun?
 
I like to go hiking with my husband and our two crazy dogs, Alice and Ollie.
 
What’s something that you’re really good at?
 
Giving the stink eye!
 
Where is one place you have never been, but would love visit?
 
The Grand Canyon.
 
What is your favorite quote?
 
“Little by little, one travels far.” –J.R.R. Tolkein
 
If we asked your class to tell us something about you, what do you think they would say?
 
They’d say that I need more coffee!

If you could give any advice to your students, what would it be?
 
I would tell them to always be kind and ask for help when you need it.
 
Why do your students inspire you?
 
They have so much potential!  My students are funny, creative, and naturally love to learn.  They teach me just as much as I teach them.
 
What are some of your favorite books?
 
Picture Book: The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf 

I love this book because it shows that it is important to stay true to who you are and doing what makes you happy.
​
​Chapter Book: The BFG by Roald Dahl

This is the only chapter book that I read aloud EVERY year to my students. I love it because it is scary and suspenseful but also funny and heartwarming. 
Thank you, Mrs. Wojcik, for being a part of the Hillsdale Teacher Spotlight!  Don't forget to give her a big husky high-five when you see her in the halls!


[PTO Note: Use our affiliate links above to order The Story of Ferdinand, The BFG, or other Amazon products, and Hillsdale will receive a commission!]
]]><![CDATA[Teacher Spotlight: Mary Pat Berman]]>Wed, 01 Nov 2017 17:41:37 GMThttps://www.hillsdalehuskies.com/ptoblog/teacher-spotlight-mary-pat-berman
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our new Teacher and Staff Spotlight Series! This week, Get to know Mrs. Berman!

​Mrs. Berman is a first grade teacher at Hillsdale Elementary School.  Originally from Springfield, Pennsylvania, she has been a first grade teacher for 12 years and a proud Hillsdale Husky for 9!  We asked Mrs. Berman a few questions so we could all get to know her a little better!


What is your favorite type of food?
Italian!
Do you collect anything?
I like to collect shells from the beach.
 
If you weren’t a teacher, would do you think you would be?
A baker, because I love baking!
 
What do you like to do on the weekends?
I enjoy playing with my two kids, Connor and Olivia. We love to go to the park, play outside, do puzzles, and read books.  I also like to go shopping!
 
What do you like to do for fun?
Besides being with my kids, I like to workout, shop, decorate, and watch HGTV!  If it was summer, I love being at the pool and the shore.
 
Where is one place you have never been, but would love visit?
Ireland!
 
What is something that we wouldn’t know about you?
I worked at Saratoga Race Track in Saratoga Springs, NY for many summers as a waitress after I graduated from college.  I worked with my sister which made it more fun.  It was an awesome summer job because we both are teachers!
 
If you could give any advice to your students, what would it be?
Keep trying!  If you don’t understand something the first time, it’s okay!  Try again and you will get it!
 
What is your favorite quote?
“When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
when the road you're trudging seems uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit,
rest if you must, but don't you quit!”
 
What are some of your favorite books?
I like to read books written by Jane Green, Jodi Picoult and Nicholas Sparks.  For kids books, I like anything by Eric Carle.  His books are amazing!!

​[PTO Note: Use our affiliate link below to order Eric Carle books or other Amazon products, and Hillsale receives a commission!]
Thank you, Mrs. Berman, for being a part of the Hillsdale Teacher Spotlight and for being such an awesome part of our Hillsdale community!
​
]]><![CDATA[Alumni Spotlight: Viki Kneis]]>Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:38:23 GMThttps://www.hillsdalehuskies.com/ptoblog/alumni-spotlight-viki-kneisToday we are proud to highlight former Husky Viki Kneis, Hillsdale class of 2010. Currently a graduating senior at Henderson High School, Viki's many accomplishments include both academic and athletic success. 
Viki has been playing on the Women’s Basketball team at Henderson for the past four years, and was named All Ches-mont 1st team this year. She recently received the US Army Scholar Athlete Award, which recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in varsity or intramural sports while maintaining standards of academic excellence. This past year, Viki spent part of her school day at Fern Hill Elementary completing a  ​teaching practicum, which she credits with helping to solidify her desire to become a teacher. Next year, Viki will attend Eastern University in St. Davids, PA, where she will play on the women’s basketball team while studying Early Childhood Education. Viki plans to pursue a job as an elementary school teacher.
Despite her busy schedule, Viki has found seemingly endless time to give back to her community. For the past 4 seasons, spanning two years, Viki has volunteered as coach of Hillsdale's Girls on the Run team. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a YMCA-based program that integrates running and fitness with a curriculum fostering confidence, leadership, and service. Viki's impact on the GOTR participants and their families is clear, and is best reflected by their accolades. Hannah Guidotti, current Hillsdale fifth grader and 1st place GOTR runner in this Spring's GOTR 5K, says that Viki "taught me to be brave, kind, and humble -- and silly." According to Nancy Franks, mother of current Hillsdale fourth grader Avery, "Vicki is an awesome coach and someone that Avery really looked up to. She is encouraging, motivating and a such a positive role model!"

​Viki hasn't stopped giving back to Hillsdale since she was a student here. Her impact on our community has been far-reaching. According to Hillsdale school prinicipal, Mrs. Julianne Pecorella, "Viki has been a positive role model for Hillsdale students since I have known her. She volunteers here regularly, not only for Girls on the Run, but for other PTO events including our Bingo Nights, Winter Carnivals, Fall Festivals and community service projects. 

​"I have witnessed her build relationships with our students and encourage them. Last year at Hauling for Hillsdale [a PTO-sponsored running event], one of our third graders had lagged behind the group and was alone on the last lap. Viki ran alongside her, coached and encouraged her to complete the run. This is typical for Viki. She is compassionate, caring and supportive. Students and staff look up to her. We will all benefit from her grace, kindness and giving heart."

Speaking of her years at Hillsdale, Viki says, "​As I graduate now, I reflect on the six years I spent at Hillsdale, which came with
some of the best memories. It’s the little things I remember, like my first grade trip to the zoo or the fourth and fifth grade track meets. One of my fondest memories is sledding during the principal's challenge in 5th grade."

When asked to provide words of wisdom to current Hillsdale students, Viki offers, "​Cherish your time with this community. Make memories, you will hold onto them forever. Most of all, give it your all and have fun, and don’t grow up quicker than you need to. This time in your life is such a special and memorable one and it will be over before you know it." To the current student body, she offers a quote which has inspired her: "Make your faith larger than your fears and your dreams larger than your doubts.”-Robin Sharma

As Viki embarks to begin her studies at Eastern University, she will be missed as a constant positive presence at Hillsdale, but her legacy will remain with the Husky community and her strong positive influence will continue. On behalf of the Hillsdale PTO and the entire Hillsdale community, we offer Viki our gratitude and congratulations. We'll be looking on with pride as you continue to make your mark!

Viki created a video to highlight the Hillsdale Girls on the Run team. To learn more about the Girls on the Run program and to see Viki and her team in action, be sure to check it out!
]]><![CDATA[Alumni Spotlight: Molly Dolan's Kids-4-Kids]]>Sat, 13 May 2017 20:08:01 GMThttps://www.hillsdalehuskies.com/ptoblog/alumni-spotlight-molly-dolans-kids-4-kidsWelcome to the first edition of Hillsdale Elementary PTO's Alumni Spotlight! This recurring feature will highlight former Hillsdale students of all ages and their exciting accomplishments and endeavors. Do you know a former Husky who is up to something interesting? Let us know by filling out this form! 
Hillsdale PTO is very proud to highlight Molly Dolan, class of 2015. Several years ago, Molly started a charity (and website!) named Kids-4-Kids, which she later developed into a club at Peirce Middle School. With the help of fellow Class of '15 alumni Ben DeFonzo, Emma DiGiuseppe, and Sophia Neiblum, Molly and the Kids-4-Kids team hold an annual garage sale to raise funds for local charities such as The Dax Locke Foundation, The Friends Association, The Special Olympics, and No Stomach for Cancer. The garage sale has grown each year and is now a major event featuring kids toys, electronics, books, and household items, as well as fun for the whole family, including a lemonade stand, moon bounce, and bake sale. Last year's event raised over $2,400! This year's garage sale is coming up on Saturday, May 20, from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM at 1084 Forest Road in West Chester. Please come out to support Molly, Ben, Emma, Sophia, and the Kids-4-Kids team in their efforts to raise funds for these worthy causes. Can't make it out that day? Help spread the word by circulating this flyer to your friends and neighbors! 
Molly, Ben, Emma, and Sophia, we are proud of you! Keep up the good work and keep showing your Husky Pride!
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