Buddies, a school-wide program that focuses on building school community and friendship between children in different grades; students in junior kindergarten-3rd grade are grouped together with older buddies from grades 4th-8th. The older students connect with younger peers to work together on a variety of learning and social experiences. Meanwhile, the younger students help the older students gain valuable confidence and skills in leadership and mentoring, leveraging one of the greatest benefits our older students enjoy by being a part of a JK-8th grade community. Each month, students across the school await their next Buddies day with excitement and anticipation. A beloved Hillbrook tradition, it is clear that relationships are at the heart of a Hillbrook experience.

In Middle School, students hear a weekly address known as "The Bear Necessities." In addition to reminding students of safety protocols, dress code practices, and other policies, the broadcast offers a unique opportunity to highlight and celebrate Middle School students each week. Students who have exhibited Hillbrook’s Core Values - be kind, be curious, take risks, be your best - are nominated by their teachers for "Bear Hugs” each week.

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In true Hillbrook fashion, the entire 8th grade class takes on an active role  in staging the show, from singing and acting to building sets, making costumes, and running lights and microphones. The school also relies on a team of 8th grade parent volunteers who help with everything from make-up and behind-the-scenes, run-of-show, to front-of-house ticket sales and The annual musical is a cherished tradition that dates back to the earliest days of Hillbrook School in the 1930’s.