Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church
Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center
Apples, Dentists, and Hip-Hop Math at Hilltop!
As we plummet, headlong into the holidays, the students at the Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center are hard at work around math literacy, a visit to Milburn Orchards, and even a visit from…no, not Santa, but a dentist! Santa comes later….
Learning mathematics is one thing, but learning calculations via hip-hop music, well, that’s quite another! Hilltop Center Executive Director, Michelle Williams tells us the project is a new way to enhance basic math skills. “The founders of Lyrical Math, came on October 4th and conducted a literacy program for the preschoolers. The presentation was interactive and engaging. It was so nice and age appropriate. The children and staff enjoyed it.”
Later in October, Hilltop held its annual open house. Michelle says the theme was “A Day in Life (at Hilltop)” “Parents were able to follow their student’s schedule and explore the different areas of the classrooms. They received an ‘All About Me’ activity to take home to complete with their children. Pizza and snacks were served.
To round out the month, Center Deputy Director, Brandon Furrowh, reports that the kids took a fieldtrip to Milburn Orchards. “Our classes visited the petting zoo, took a tour to see how the apples are harvested, packed, cleaned, and distributed, and enjoyed a hayride. After a great tour, our students ate lunch, played, and returned to Hilltop. Each class was given a pumpkin and apple cider to enjoy back on site.”
After all of this eating, it was time to visit a dentist, or rather, have the dentist visit Hilltop. Brandon says Delaware Smile Check came calling in mid-November. “This organization provides Hilltop youth with the opportunity to participate in dental screenings. Each participant had the opportunity to receive a mineral treatment on site, which promotes healthy teeth and gums, as well as referrals to dentists nearby.”
Coming in December, Hilltop will feature a visit with Santa with a twist. Brandon points out this Santa visit will spotlight literacy. “Hilltop will host its first Brunch and Books with Santa, an opportunity to gather for the holiday as a community while promoting literacy at home for families. Each family in attendance will have the opportunity to eat a soul food-inspired brunch, books as gifts for the children, and a photo opportunity with ‘Santa.’
Finally, our annual Christmas Gift charts are available for your congregation. Please bring your new, wrapped, and labeled gifts to Hilltop on Sunday, December 22nd. Contact the Center if you have any questions.
Merry Christmas!!
Eric F. Mease
Member, Board of Directors,
Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center