Community Announcements December 13, 2024

Calendar Change- There will be no Fitness Club on Wednesday, December 18th. The Faculty/Staff holiday party will take place that day.

Fall Play Performance- Tonight @ 5:30 pm pm in the Mansion.
This year's Fall performance, Wicked Literature, will be held next Friday, December 13th in the mansion. The show is an adaptation of two classic works of horror literature: The Cask of Amontillado and The Yellow Wallpaper. Doors open at 5:30 with the show beginning at 6:00 pm and will run for approximately 1 hour with a 30-minute intermission. Houseband and Hill Top Singers students will also be showcased during intermission. We hope to see you there to show your support for performing arts at Hill Top and to see all the wonderful creative things our students have been working on this Fall. RSVP below-
RSVP: https://forms.gle/7Wc1Jd4cYHegtd6YA

NHS Soft Pretzel Sale-12/18
Pretzels will be sold for $2. each or 2 for $3. Funds raised will go toward the Hill Top’s Community Garden.

The Student Life Committee is hosting a Holiday Spirit Week next week. Here are the themes for each day:

Merry Monday Morning 12/16- wear comfy clothes or pajamas to stay cozy!
Tinsel Tuesday 12/17- wear your favorite holiday hat/headgear and other holiday accessories
Wacky Winter Wednesday 12/18- dress like a holiday character
Thermal Thursday 12/19- wear your favorite flannel
Festive Friday 12/20- dress in your most festive gear from head to toe!

ALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES MUST BE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE

Skiing & Boarding
The Blue Mountain skiing and snowboarding trip will take place on Friday, January 31st from 7:30- 6pm. Mr. Van Dyke has sent out an email with further details.

Spirit of the Hawks

Mr. Clarke awarded True J. a Spirit of the Hawk for leadership. True handed in money that he found on campus!

Jacob E. was awarded a Spirit of the Hawk for service. Jacob volunteered to help Mrs. Trusty solve an iPhone issue!

John B received a Spirit of the Hawk for leadership from Ms. Jimenez. John designed and put together a Literary Magazine made up of Hill Top’s authors and artists!

Henry P was awarded a Spirit of the Hawk for leadership. Ms. Weiderhold announced that Henry demonstrated exceptional leadership by going above and beyond to assist a fellow student in our Biology I class with an important assignment. Henry took the initiative to help this student understand key concepts and worked patiently through various problems. His willingness to step in and offer guidance not only made a significant impact on his peer's learning but also exemplified the qualities of a true leader.

Minute to Win It Game
Today’s Minute to Win It Game was “Draw a Snowman on Your Head!” hosted by Ms. Gargiulo.

Post-Secondary Transitions Announcement
11th and 12th grades!! Are you interested in Cyber Security? Are you looking for a cool dual enrollment course? On Dec. 19th Ryan Paul the Executive Director of Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity at Mercyhurst University will be here to talk about Mercyhurst University as well as share more information and answer questions about the opportunity to take a FREE online course: Introduction to Cybersecurity. Interested students (and teachers) are invited to the large commons on Dec. 19th at 9am to learn more.
Email Mrs. Henry at [email protected] if you have any questions or to let her know if you will attend.

Thrilling Thursday RiverRink Winterfest-12/19
It's time for not Fun Friday but instead.... THRILLING THURSDAY!
On THURSDAY, December 19, we'll be off for our annual visit to the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest!
Winterfest is an incredible holiday destination featuring an NHL-sized open air ice rink, plus a warm lodge, fire pits, food trucks, ferris wheel, arcade games, holiday music, and light show. It's the perfect kickoff to our winter break!

Here's what you need to know:
When: Thursday, December 19, 3:05-8:15pm
We'll depart via school bus around 4:15, and have a little time to explore and get our skates on before our 5:30 skate time. We'll also have time to explore and eat after our skate time.

Cost: $60 per student.
This includes: skate session, ice skate rental, bus transportation, and chaperones.
This does NOT include money for food, or optional entertainment such as ferris wheel rides and carnival/arcade games. Those are all pay-as-you-go.

Ready to sign up?
FIRST, please complete this permission form here:
Fun Friday: WinterFest Permission Form.

Then be sure to submit your payment either via check or credit card online. Permission forms and payment are due by 12/16 to secure your student's spot. Students without a permission form cannot attend.

The E/T2 Class is Holding Their Annual Dress Drive

When to Donate: November 1 – February 1

We are collecting new and gently used formal dresses to sell at discount prices. All proceeds will benefit the American Red Cross. Thanks in advance for your support! If you are interested in donating, please email [email protected] for drop-off or pick-up information.

Parents Corner

You're Invited! It's Quizo Trivia Night Adult Social Jan 25th
This year, the PA is hosting a Quizo Trivia Night, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic evening for our school community. This is a free, adults-only event- a great chance to unwind, connect with other parents, and enjoy some laughs together. Even if trivia isn’t your thing, don’t let that hold you back! There will be plenty of opportunities to mingle and enjoy some adult time.
We’re also exploring the possibility of offering a kids’ activity night to help families who might otherwise miss out. If this would make it easier for you to attend, please reply and let me know—it’s important to us that everyone has the chance to come.
Let’s come together, share stories, and make some memories
Date: Thursday, January 25th
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Hill Top Mansion
RSVP HERE

HawkTalk

In case you missed our November HawkTalk Newsletter or want to look back at previous monthly issues, here's a link to view them.

HAWXPO 2025
Save the Date:
March 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attend

HawXpo 2025 Tickets Are Now FREE!

This year, everyone can attend HawXpo
at no cost!

Grab your family and friends and get ready for a day of gaming.

Don’t wait! Tickets are free, but registration is required.
Compete

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, this is your chance to shine. The Esports tournament at HawXpo is open to all skill levels—and it’s completely FREE to participate!

Act fast! Spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sponsor

This exciting, free event is made possible by the generosity of our corporate sponsors. Their support doesn’t just bring HawXpo to life—it helps fuel Hill Top’s mission year-round through impactful philanthropic contributions.

Email [email protected] to
let us know you are interested
in making an impact.

Percie's Path: Student & Alumni Vendors

Reserve student & alumni vendor table

Are you a current student or alumnus with creations to showcase and sell?
HawXpo is the perfect opportunity to share your talent!
We’re now accepting reservations for student and alumni vendors.

Vendor tables are completely FREE, but space is limited,
so be sure to reserve yours today.

Have questions? Email Ms. Gushka at [email protected] or stop by her office (LM 2) during mentor or lunch periods.

Don’t wait—sign-ups close on March 3, 2025!