Hillside Elementary School

This week, we’re giving a #SuperSchoolShoutout to Hillside Elementary School with Spanish world language immersion (WLI) kindergarten teacher Mitzi Herrera and kindergartner Nora Sturkie

Mitzi has been teaching for 10 years. She worked at Evergreen Elementary School for a year before becoming a Hillside Husky four years ago. “I really like the staff here because everyone’s so friendly,” she said. “We have a good school culture, and the kids make the job even better.”

This is the first year of the dual language program at CPSD. There is one class at Four Heroes Elementary School, one at Carter Lake Elementary School, and Mitzi is teaching the very first WLI kindergarten class at Hillside. 

Mitzi’s class follows the 90-10 model where 90% of the class is held in Spanish and only 10% of the lessons – about 30 minutes of the day – are in English. Students are thriving thanks to her bilingual instruction and encouraging classroom environment. “These students are like sponges at this age,” she said. “I’ve heard from many parents that their kids are learning so much in class that they’re coming home and speaking Spanish and trying to teach their parents.”

Mitzi is proud of the growth she’s seen in her students as the end of the school year approaches. She is confident they will continue to shine as they begin their first grade WLI class. “These students are going to have such a unique skillset, so I hope the program continues to grow and grow,” she said. “Especially hearing how many parents are interested in their own students joining this program.” 

Nora is a cheerful kindergartner and known around Hillside for her outgoing and confident personality. “I like kindergarten, but I can’t wait to be in first grade,” Nora said. 

Nora loves to be helpful and can always be counted on to support Secretary Wooten in the front office when she needs assistance. She recently baked cookies with her grandma and gave them to the front office staff to thank them for their hard work. “I also like to help my teacher,” she said. “Sometimes she’ll pick a helper for certain stuff, and I always want to be chosen.” 

Nora loves being active and is happy whenever she can play with her friends. “I love to play tag and slide down the slide at recess,” she said. “My favorite time is PE when we get to learn new games.”

In class, Nora likes doing art activities and is quick to sing out the “ABCs.” “We’re also learning how to put words and sentences together,” she said. “It’s hard and takes forever, but I’m getting better and better.” 

Nora is proud of herself for being a good student and spreading her positive personality around the school. “I’m nice and I try to be friends with everyone,” she said. “I am safe, respectful, responsible, a problem solver and a learner. I’m a Hillside Husky!”

When Nora grows up, she is confident she will become a police officer to keep her community safe. “I want to be a police officer to arrest criminals and help people who need it,” she said. 

Go Huskies!