Opening of School Information

Student Orientation Schedule

Each new or returning 9th-12th grade student attending the Upper School will participate in orientation before being allowed to start classes. Orientation is a vital part of the transition process for all new and returning 6th-12th grade students attending the Upper School. It offers an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the school, meet their advisors and classmates, and meet with the guidance staff.

• Juniors & Seniors:  Tuesday, August 13

• Freshmen & Sophomores:  Wednesday, August 14

• Middle School 6-8:  Thursday, August 15

• Makeup orientation day: Friday, August 16 

All orientations will begin promptly at 9:00 am and conclude by noon.

First Day of School

All 6th-12th grade students' first day of classes will be Monday, August 19. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another year of academic growth and spiritual development.

ID Photos

We want to remind all parents and students that every student must have a school ID. The ID card is essential for accessing school buildings and facilities and purchasing hot lunches.

To ensure that all students have their IDs ready for the start of the school year, we have scheduled student ID photo sessions before and after their scheduled orientation on the following dates and times:

• Dates: August 13th, 14th, 15th

• Morning Session: 8:00 am to 9:00 am

• Afternoon Session: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm

Please ensure your child attends one of the sessions on these dates. Students must have their IDs ready on the first day of school, as they must always carry them with them. Students may choose any of those times to have their photos taken regardless of their orientation schedule.

We kindly request that students come prepared and dressed neatly for their ID photos. We want to ensure that their ID cards reflect their best appearance.

Summer Reading

Summer reading assignments are due by September 12. You can find the list of books assigned for each grade level at the following link. https://www.ffhillcrest.org/current-comets

RESIDENCE HALL: CONTACT

GIRLS RESIDENCE HALL:

218.737.6410 (office)  |  218.205.7797 (cell)

rls@ffhillcrest.org

BOYS RESIDENCE HALL:

218.737.6409 (office)  |  218.205.7873 (cell)

rls@ffhillcrest.org

Upper School Parent Information

6th-12th Grade

6-12th Summer Reading Lists

6-12th School Supply List

Residence Hall Packing List

Travel Request Form

Hillcrest Uniforms

Uniforms are required for all Hillcrest Preschool-9th Graders. We partner with Lands’ End as our primary vendor to provide high-quality, durable, stylish clothing for your students. You may choose from polo shirts, t-shirts, pants, shorts, skirts and dresses, as well as more casual options of sweatshirts and fleece jackets.

You can read our full uniform policy here: Uniform Policy

Lands’ End Uniform Store School Code: 900194879

How will my student sign up for sports?

Our athletic office will walk you step-by-step through the process to sign your student up for the sport they desire. There is a formal registration period where the athletic office arranges a specific time to meet with families and/or students to process registration forms and confirm completion of all necessary documents. From there, the students and family are introduced to the athletic calendar and schedule where they will be able to track the practice schedule and contact coaches.

How do Parent-Teacher conferences work?

Hillcrest arranges parent-teacher conferences around family visit times to the campus. The fall conferences will be held in November. If parents are unable to attend a conference, or have specific questions regarding their student, they should know that the teachers at Hillcrest work to make themselves readily available for any and all questions. Through Hillcrest's student management system, RenWeb, parents are able to chart student progress and email teachers directly.

If a parent has additional questions they should contact Principal Isaac directly (jisaac@ffhillcrest.org | 218-737-6407).

How do we follow our student's Life at Hillcrest?

Hillcrest offers a number of avenues for parents to track the life of the student during their time at Hillcrest. Postings on social media (Facebook, and Instagram) give an insight into the classroom and school culture. Hillcrest also offers LiveStreaming of specific Hillcrest activities. This is a great chance for parents to watch their child play and/or cheer in the stands.

What is the Campus Security at Hillcrest?

Hillcrest takes campus security very seriously. We lock down the campus each night. Nightly checks in school hallways and residence halls provide a constant physical presence and campus security check. Portions of Hillcrest's campus are under video surveillance to provide continued campus security.

How will my student get to the airport during vacations?

Hillcrest arranges curbside transportation to and from the Fargo Airport (Hector International Airport). Students flying into Minneapolis may have to take the Groome Transportation shuttle. The shuttle leaves from the transportation hub of the Minneapolis St. Paul airport and takes students as far as Alexandria, Minnesota. Pre-arranged transportation will schedule a Hillcrest driver to meet the student in Alexandria to complete the final leg of the trip to Hillcrest. To register for pick-up from an airport, please complete the Travel Request Form. Any transportation questions, please contact transportation@ffhillcrest.org or call 218.737.6404.