8th Grade End of Year information

 

8th Grade Expectations

Eighth graders are our role models; as such, it is important that they maintain a level of behavior and achievement that one would expect of middle school “veterans.” We are so proud of our Hillview Class of 2025 and recognize that for many of our students, these reminders are unnecessary; however, we don’t want to catch anyone unaware. Mr. Dinh and Ms. O'Brien will be giving a special Hawk Talk on April 16th and 17th about our expectations for our 8th graders. The video will be sent home to families after.

Great America Field Trip

The annual 8th Grade Great America trip will take place on Thursday, June 12th.  Students will leave Hillview at 9:00 am for Great America by bus, returning at approximately 3:30 pm. Please complete the permission form which will be sent out on May 3 (due May 17 at the latest). The cost for the trip is $38 per student, exact cash or check, and scholarships are available, see Ms. Flores. Please bring the permission slip along with cash or check to the front office (checks made out to MPCSD). Lunch is not provided for this field trip. Students should bring money to purchase lunch from park restaurants and vendors (Great America has a cashless policy and can exchange cash for a prepaid card at kiosks in the park with no transaction fee). If you are bringing a sack lunch, students will eat it with a chaperone outside the park. Students who still want a school lunch will be provided one and can eat it outside the park.

Promotion Ceremony 

Hillview is thrilled to be hosting our “traditional” promotion ceremony in the quad. Here are some details:

• Event starts at 5pm.
• Doors open at 3:30pm. To ensure equitable access to seats, families may not save seats in advance. Entering at 3:30 or thereafter and occupying a seat means the seat is “saved.” Special seating for the elderly or those with mobility challenges will be available near the Hillview office.
• There will be adult and student speakers.
• We will recognize student achievement.
• Students receive their promotion certificates.
• Attire is a formal affair so students will be wearing graduation gowns (see below).

Ceremony & Party Attire/Gowns 

During the ceremony, all of our 8th graders will wear blue graduation gowns provided by Herff Jones. While not as formal as a high school or college graduation, Hillview’s ceremony includes this added element of pomp and circumstance and provides a feeling of uniformity and purpose for this special occasion.  

We have many gowns available to borrow so purchasing a gown is not required. Gowns for students who did not purchase one will be distributed at grad practice during the last week of school. If you prefer to purchase a gown, please purchase one here. Once on the web site, scroll down and you will locate the blue gown picture.  Once you add to cart and checkout, it will ask you for sizing information. 

While students will not be confined by the dress code, we do recommend an outfit that is fitting for such a celebratory occasion. It may also be warm, so please wear something comfortable in June weather.

Graduation Party

The 8th Grade Graduation Celebration is held the evening of graduation and is a long-standing tradition and a memorable event for ALL 8th graders. This is for 8th grade graduates only (no guests allowed). Dinner will be provided. The celebration starts following the ceremony at 7pm and concludes at 9:00pm. Plan accordingly with a pick-up ride. If your student is leaving early, they can only be picked up by their own parent or guardian. Parents are welcome to a brief preview immediately following the graduation ceremony. There will be a volunteer sign up to help set up the event. 6th and 7th grade families will be asked to chaperone.

Graduation Photos

Hillview provides a professional graduation photo company that will take photos of your student receiving their promotion certificate and holding the certificate next to an American flag. More information regarding how to purchase these photos will be distributed at the Promotion Ceremony. For those wishing to take photos of their student in their graduation attire rather than in a gown, stations with the American flag will be made available following the ceremony.

Library Fines and Missing Materials

Only 8th graders who have returned all school materials, paid all fees for library books, textbooks books, iPads and iPad-related accessories, etc.,will receive their diplomas. We will notify parents and students of all fines prior to the graduation ceremony. 

Report Cards for Eighth Graders

Report cards for all students will be emailed to families after the school year concludes.