Hillcrest High School Community Council
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
ACR Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendees:
Agenda Items
1. November 12, 2025 Meeting Minutes — Review & Vote
Members reviewed the previously distributed November minutes. No corrections were requested.
Motion: Approve the November 12, 2025, minutes as written.
Vote: Motion by Becca; second by Melissa; passed unanimously.
2. Quarter 1 Academic Performance Report — Discussion
Principal Brenda presented the Q1 academic and attendance data.
Grade Distribution
- 48% of grades issued were A’s; 15% B’s; 8% C’s.
- Higher-than-desired percentage of F’s noted; continued conversations needed around grading practices, rigor, and alignment.
- Discussion included grade inflation, accuracy of grading relative to proficiency, and consistency across departments.
Attendance & GPA
Students with 0–3 absences averaged a 3.44 GPA.
Students with 4+ absences averaged a 2.11 GPA.
Strong correlation continues between attendance and achievement regardless of the reason for absence.
Demographic Comparisons
Students taking AP/advanced courses averaged 3.42 GPA.
Students in general education averaged 2.5 GPA.
Multilingual Learner (ML) students averaged 2.0 GPA.
Council discussed factors affecting ML student performance, including language acquisition timelines and home-language use.
Absences & Tardies
Average Q1 absences: 4.49.
Average Q1 tardies: 6.99.
Schoolwide average GPA: 2.95.
Credit Recovery
Hillcrest’s Accelerate credit recovery lab continues to support students who need to make up credit requirements.
November report: 41 credits recovered; 147 currently in progress (approx.)
Year-to-date: 144.5 credits recovered.
Hillcrest offers a full-day recovery lab (six periods); not all district schools have this model.
Discussion included balancing original vs. recovery credit, district rules, fees, and support for newcomer students with limited transferable credit.
Graduation Rate Context
Current estimated graduation rate approximately 78%
Transiency significantly impacts data; some non-completers attended Hillcrest only briefly before leaving without enrolling elsewhere. These students are therefore included in the calculation for Hillcrest’s graduation rate.
Enrollment & Boundaries
Hillcrest enrollment decreased from ~2440 at start of year to ~2390.
District-approved boundary adjustments affect a small residential area (Siesta Drive/Michelle Way), primarily influencing Brighton/Hillcrest alignment.
Most current Hillcrest students may stay if already enrolled.
Anticipated minor impact to Hillcrest enrollment; Brighton expected to absorb more changes.
Hillcrest brings in ~250 out-of-district students, many come for the IB program
Permit acceptance temporarily paused districtwide until January.
3. Digital Citizenship Discussion — Continued From November
Guests Jonathan and Katie from the District Digital Teaching & Learning (DTL) team attended to discuss the current support and available resources related to AI use in classrooms.
AI Instruction & Teacher Support
Hillcrest was an early AI pilot school using Magic School (education-specific AI tool).
Nearly all HHS teachers received the opportunity for training last year.
Training covered:
Basics of AI, safety, and data privacy
Identifying hallucinations and bias
Using AI to create rubrics, lesson plans, and scaffolds
Classroom management and expectations
Student-facing AI use within monitored “rooms” in the Magic School platform
Teacher & Student Use Data (Pilot Results)
Weekly teacher use increased from 17% → 60%.
Student use at least 2–3 times per month increased 7% → 29%.
Teachers report improved efficiency, more time with students, and increased creativity in lesson design.
Student Learning & Accessibility
Teachers have seen AI support multilingual learners by enabling brainstorming in home languages that leads to more engagement in group discussions and activities.
AI-supported pre-writing and topic generation help reluctant writers begin assignments.
Concerns raised about balancing AI assistance with skill development (e.g., writing, pre-writing, research), and the importance of the learning that can happen when students encounter and persist through friction as part of the learning process.
AI Lessons & Digital Citizenship Curriculum
DTL has developed AI literacy lessons included in Digital Citizenship Week and quarterly APP lessons.
Hillcrest plans to integrate additional AI lessons during monthly APP sessions.
The District promotes “The VIEW of AI” guidelines for safe and effective use; materials include guidance for families, teachers, and administrators.
Parent Communication
Parents in the meeting reported little direct communication so far about classroom AI expectations.
DTL recommends sharing more resources (Common Sense Media guides, VIEW of AI, class-specific expectations).
Hillcrest will consider including AI guidance in weekly newsletters.
Classroom Implementation
Teachers encouraged to clarify AI use by assignment (stoplight model: No Use / Limited Use / Allowed).
Some English teachers experimenting with structured AI support for early research steps.
4. PTSA Update / Coordination
First Student Club meeting held; approx. 10 students attended.
Students created stockings to accompany school holiday baskets for families in need.
January activity planned: Valentine event for special education classrooms.
Additional service projects being identified.
5. Other Topics
Boundary Updates (District)
The council discussed the district’s recent small-scale changes, with most movement occurring between the Brighton and Hillcrest boundaries to improve feeder school alignment.
Discussion of long-term district interest in broader boundary realignment.
Anticipated impact on permit availability and enrollment at Jordan High and other nearby schools.
Hillcrest administration emphasized balancing IB permits with class-size needs.
No additional topics raised.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn made and seconded; approved unanimously.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m., ACR Conference Room (A129).