Please remember that Wednesday, November 26, is no longer a budget reduction day. It was converted to a teacher non-contract day when the revised calendar was adopted on September 23. All schools and District buildings are to remain open that day with administrators and supervisory/technical staff reporting, unless the staff member has previously arranged vacation or a leave of absence. Classified staff should review their work calendar to see whether or not they are expected to report. Work calendars can be found on the District website under the Staff drop-down menu.

All Oregon schools participating in the National School Lunch Program are encouraged to apply for one of three Oregon School Wellness Awards. The awards seek to honor schools that have recognized the link between health and education and have taken action leading to more positive and alert students, reduced absenteeism and improved student performance. Three winning schools will receive a $2,500 award to further fund wellness efforts, a personalized plaque, and a custom banner for their school. Click here for more information. 

In our November 10 issue of Hot News, we encouraged people to support those transitioning from homelessness back into stable housing by donating household items to the Portland-based non-profit organization Community Warehouse. The response has been amazing! Community Warehouse staff member Rena wrote the following in an e-mail on November 20: "The quality of goods [donated] was excellent, and you helped us fill our shelves with quite a few of our most-needed items. Will you pass along our thanks and high fives to your team?  We have 8 families scheduled today and 11 tomorrow, so your goods will be very helpful in getting them everything they need." Thank you to all who participated!

A free Social Security and Retirement Planning seminar hosted by First Investors, an approved 403(b) vendor for the District, is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, from 5:30-6:30pm in the Administration Center Board Room.  Topics include when to draw Social Security, strategies to maximize income over lifetimes, how to pair it with PERS survivor benefits, the effects of death/disability on Social Security benefits, and more.  Reserve your space by e-mailing or calling Skylar Koon (503-296-7676 ext. 322). 

The Salvation Army invites you to be a part of their iconic holiday fundraising campaign by signing up as a "Ring the Bell" Red Kettle campaign volunteer. Gather a few of your friends and start the season off with what could become an annual tradition. Wear festive hats, sing carols and spread cheer while helping needy families in our community. Visit Salvation Army's website, enter your zip code and choose a site close to where you work or live to begin the volunteer registration process. If you have questions, please call Candus Dalesky at 503-640-4311.

The City of Hillsboro is hosting its annual Holly Days celebration on Saturday, November 29, from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. at the Civic Center Plaza in historic downtown Hillsboro. The event kicks off with a winter market featuring artists, crafts, local food and drinks, and fresh winter produce. From 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., kids can visit with Santa and enjoy arts and crafts. While you're waiting for the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., grab a cup of cocoa and visit downtown merchants who are ready to help with your holiday shopping needs. Click here for more information on the Holly Days website.