High school students on the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) spent last school year putting together an anti-bullying campaign in collaboration with the non-profit organization Lines for Life. Their tagline is "Re:Think, Re:Define, Where do you stand?" and it asks their peers to think before they act and examine what it means to be a true friend. 

Principal Arturo Lomeli and senior Alicia de Jesus Hernandez pose with one of the campaign's promotional signs that talks about "frenemies" - people who say they're your friend, but whose words and actions are more like those of an enemy.

Last week we told you that the District would be opening a broad community dialogue about our schools through an input-gathering process moderated by Thoughtexchange. That process begins today! You should receive an invitation e-mail with a link to begin the process sometime on Monday, October 6. If you don't receive the e-mail or if you know of someone else who might like to participate, please follow this link to self-register. For more information, click here.

On Thursday, October 9, the Oregon Department of Education will release 2013-14 State Report Cards for all public schools and districts in the state. The report cards will provide information on students' performance on standardized tests and growth from the previous year, as well as information on how the school/district compares to other similar institutions. Highlights of Hillsboro's results will be shared in next week's Hot News.

Employees and their partners are invited to attend a free PERS and retirement planning seminar on Wednesday, October 22, hosted by First Investors, an approved 403(b) vendor for the District. The seminar takes place in the Administration Center Board Room from 5:30-6:30 p.m.  Reserve your space by e-mailing or calling Skylar Koon (503-296-7676 ext. 322). Click here for more information.

Have you ever been to an un-conference? If not, you're in for a treat at EdCampPDX, a unique professional development opportunity that puts the power in the hands of the participants. During the event, participants actually make the schedule by requesting a topic to discuss, or even stepping up to lead a session! This unique approach allows EdCamps to focus on participation, networking, and personalized professional development. Spend a day growing and sharing with other driven teachers from the greater Portland area. Registration is free and lunch is included. Sign up here and see you there!