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This Weektop  
 
Tuesday, October 4
  • Hillview and Menlo-Atherton Joint Orchestra Concert, 7:00 p.m., Menlo-Atherton PAC
Wednesday, October 5
  • MPCSD Speaker Series: "SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age," 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
Looking Ahead 

Monday, October 10
  • School Picture Makeup Day in P.E. classes
  • Hillview Site Council Meeting, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., Hillview Office Conference Room
Tuesday, October 18
  • Menlo-Atherton High School 8th Grade Information Night, 6:15 - 8:45 p.m., Meet in M-A PAC
  • MPCSD School Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
Monday, October 24 to Thursday, October 27
  • Minimum Days: K-8 Conferences

Wednesday, October 26

  • PTO General Meeting, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Hillview PAC
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Hillview School NewsHVNews
 
ASB Cards 
You can still order your ASB Card. They are $65 and include a Hillview Spirit t-shirt, discounts on tickets to school events, and a Hillview yearbook! The money raised supports our Hillview ASB Student Activities and the awesome student-centered events they organize including dances, Fun
Friday   events at lunch, school spirit competitions, the Talent Show, and Hawkapalooza. ASB cards include student pictures and will be delivered once school pictures are finalized.

Introducing Guest Counselor Gianna Drocco

As many families are aware, Kristyn Cardosi, Hillview's counselor for 6th grade, last names A - L, and for 8th grade, is on maternity leave until February. Debbie Devoto kicked off the year in Ms. Cardosi's place, coming out of retirement and serving us through September 13. Now Gianna Drocco takes over, having overlapped with Ms. Devoto to get up to speed. We are so fortunate to have Ms. Drocco at Hillview three days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On two occasions, she has interned at Hillview, so she knows our community and our systems. She will be absent from Hillview for three weeks in October due to a prior engagement before we had secured her services. During this time,   October 3 - 21, Robyn Watts will be the counselor for all Hillview students. Please see a welcome greeting from Ms. Drocco below.
 
Hello Hillview Students and Parents! My name is Gianna Drocco, and I am so thrilled to be joining the counseling staff here at Hillview this year. I am a Bay Area native, born in San Francisco and raised in Marin County. I left for college at UC Santa Barbara, but returned to attend graduate school at St. Mary's College in Moraga. There I received my MA in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapist emphasis, and I began interning at Hillview as a personal counselor, ready to help students manage the emotional roller coaster that is middle school! I am currently studying hard for the first of two licensing exams. My passion is to work with kids -- I am truly living my dream! When I am not working or studying, you can find me going on urban hikes and bike rides through the city, watching movies, cooking, and reading! If you ever need anything -- a quiet place, a smile, or just somebody to talk books with -- I am here to help! I hope to meet you all soon. Please drop by and introduce yourselves!

School Pictures and Makeups
Our school pictures took place on Wednesday, September 14 and Thursday, September 15. Soon, you will be receiving an email from iClickSmiles as well as a paper flyer with information about how you can view your student's picture proofs and order student pictures. If you are interested in a scholarship package, please email Mrs. O'Brien. If you missed school pictures, makeup picture day is on
Monday, October 10 in P.E. classes.
 
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MPAEF and Hillview PTO Joint Campaignjointcampaign 
  
PTO Membership Drive Ends; but there is still work to do

2016 AreYouIn
 
Although   Friday  was the last day of the PTO membership drive we are still hoping to reach our goal. If you haven't done so already, please join the 65% of Hillview families and 100% of our teachers who have shown their commitment to our community through their generous support. You can still donate   here. If you are unsure if your family has contributed already, email us   here  and we will check for you.
 
Remember the  MPAEF Annual Parent Campaign continues until   November 4th. If you haven't done so already, please make your pledge or gift to the MPAEF today. Thank you to the Hillview families and teachers who have pledged, donated and supported during the Joint Campaign.

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PTO News ptonews 
 
PTO Newsletter Editor Needed
This PTO newsletter is the #1 way Hillview news and announcements are communicated to our parent community. We need to add new editorial team members to keep it up and operational, and arriving in your inbox every Sunday. To learn more about this volunteer position and how you can contribute, contact Betsy Muhlner, PTO Communications Chair
 
Volunteer at Hillview
Want to help at Hillview but not sure how?  Please click here to fill out our volunteer questionnaire or contact PTO Volunteer Coordinator Patti Buck and she will help identify a meaningful way for you to help!  
 
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MPCSD Newsmpcsdnews 
 
Budget cuts? Teacher pink slips? Larger class sizes? Higher taxes?
Hopefully, you are one of the many parents who are becoming more informed about the district's need to address its structural deficit. On the Board's behalf, the Superintendent's Advisory Committee on Communication is reaching out for your input and perspective. There's still time to come up with a plan to address our fiscal needs, but we need your feedback and we need it soon. Check out the "Announcement" section at district.mpcsd.org for information. Want to submit your feedback online? Join the conversation by clicking HERE. Mark your calendars for the following upcoming Board meetings ( all meetings held at Hillview's PAC):

October 18 @ 6:00 p.m.
Superintendent presents preliminary reduction recommendations; community input sought.

October 24 @ 9:00 a.m. 
Day-time Special Board Meeting to hear from community on willingness to renew or increase the expiring Measure C parcel tax.

October 25 @ 6:00 p.m. 
Evening-time Special Board Meeting to hear from community on willingness to renew or increase the expiring Measure C parcel tax.

November 9 @ 6:00 p.m.
Board discusses potential reductions and interest level in pursuing a parcel tax renewal or increase. 

Questions???   Email commadvisoryteam@mpcsd.org

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Programs & ActivitiesPrograms

After-School Programs
Advanced Mandarin Now Offered
We have added an Advanced Mandarin session to Friday's Mandarin program offered by Hwa Shin Chinese School at Hillview. The Advanced Mandarin program is for students who have had at least 3 years of Chinese classes already, and who want to gain confidence in their speaking and writing in a fun and engaging classroom. This class will use Integrated Chinese Level 1 Part 1 Simplified Chinese version, a widely-used Chinese book in well-known Universities such as UC, Harvard and others. For more information and to sign up, look for Mandarin on the PTO After-School Programs page.

ASB
Hillview Block H
Hillview ASB would like to remind parents, especially our new parents to Hillview, of a special award students can earn during their time at Hillview! The Hillview Block H! Below are some F.A.Q.'s:

What is a Hillview Block H?This is an award earned over their time at Hillview that recognizes outstanding school involvement and community service volunteer work. Students earn Block H Points for hours of service as well as involvement in Hillview programs and sports. It usually takes students 2-3 school years to complete this journey of 150 Block H points, and it is a marathon, not a sprint! The complete list of points can be found  here

Which Block H points must students self report? Students must self report their involvement in Hillview PTO sponsored after school programs and after school sports. Students must also obviously self report their volunteer work. Almost any volunteer work with any organization (Church, Scouts, etc.) is accepted. If you're not sure, email Mr. Darminan and ask! Students self report their hours by using the *new*  online form here after logging into their MPCSD account (paper forms have been phased out). 

Is this something a 6th grader can earn? Yes! However, traditionally, it takes 2-3 school years to earn, so it is unlikely that a 6th grader will earn a Block H in his or her first year. However, all points are cumulative! They carry over year to year and students can build upon their success, adding to their point total. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint!

Which Block H points do staff members report? Anything else not mentioned above! Staff members will submit and report elective rosters for performance electives, active club rosters for club moderators, playbills for drama productions, and of course, any job/service that a student takes on in the classroom. If students go above and beyond, utilizing their time, energy, and skills to help Hillview, Staff members will award Block H points with a formula of 1/2 point per hour. Some of the jobs are documented on the list above, such as being a Library desk worker or Student Store volunteer while other opportunities may appear throughout the year such as help needed to set up for an assembly. 

What do students receive and what is the purpose of this award? The purpose is to encourage involvement in Hillview activities, service to the school, and service to the community. As a community, the Block H Award has been a proud tradition, recognizing and honoring outstanding service and involvement over their career at Hillview. While we believe the journey is the reward, we also offer an incentive of a special Block H field trip to Raging Waters at the end of the school year for all Block H award winners. Students will also be recognized at the end of the year Awards Ceremony as well as in the graduation program. 

We will be creating a Block H commercial to air on HawkTalk to help educate the new students on the program and will be sharing a link to this video over the newsletter in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Brian Darmanin or visit the Hillview ASB Block H section on our website.  

Library 
The library is open for business
All students may now check out 4 books at a time. We're no longer assigning fines for overdue books.

Books Come Alive
All students who dress like a character from a book and come to the library for a photo will receive a small prize, a block H point, and eternal fame on our walls.

Marie Lu Is Coming to Hillview
On October 19, during Qu3st class, many 7th and 8th grade students will hear from acclaimed YA author Marie Lu. All students are welcome to purchase a signed copy of any of the books in the Young Elites trilogy, including the upcoming Midnight  Star. Return preorder forms and payment to the library.

Lunch Clubs 
Hillview Gamers Club
The Hillview Gamers club is looking to do a test and review of classic/retro Nintendo 64 games from the 1990s (so long ago, right?!?). If you have any Nintendo 64 game cartridges or accessories collecting dust and you would like to donate or loan to the gamers club, please e-mail Mr. Darminan. Thanks!!

Hillview Quiz Bowl Club
 
Do you like to watch the TV show Jeopardy? Wish you could ring the buzzer? Now you can. The Hillview Quiz Bowl club meets Tuesdays at lunchtime in the music room. Join us for trivia and fun. 
 
Sports
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays during lunchtime in the gym. The current activities are badminton and/or volleyball. Both nets will be up and the choice of activity is based on popular demand. Please note there is no food or drink in the gym.
 
Girls Volleyball Tournament Team
Tournament Team volleyball has a match scheduled this week on Thursday, October 6, vs. Bowditch Middle School in Foster City. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Burgess League Volleyball
The third set of League games will be held this week at Arrillaga Gym. The 6th graders will play on Tuesday and the 7th/8th graders will play on Monday. Click here to see the schedules. 

Flag Football
The games this week include:
  • Tuesday, October 4: 8th grade will host Woodside Elementary at 3:45 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 6: 6th grade will host Bowditch at 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 6: 7th grade will travel to Terman at 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 6: 8th grade will travel to BRSSD in Belmont at 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday, October 7: 7th grade will travel to La Entrada at 3:45 p.m.
  • Friday, October 7: 8th grade will host La Entrada at 3:45 p.m.
The full Flag Football schedule can be found here.

Tournament Team and Burgess League Basketball Announcements 
Girls Tournament Team: A tentative schedule of open gym, tryouts, season practice and game schedule has been sent to those who played in 7th grade last year. Please note that this program is only for 8th graders.

Boys Tournament Team: Last week's newsletter stated there was no one to coach the team and therefore no program. We're pleased to announce the coach has worked out his schedule and is now available. A schedule will be sent to those students who played in 7th grade last year.

Both boys and girls tournament team tryouts will take place during the week of parent-teacher conferences (the week of October 24) from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Each team will try out for two days. The exact days will be posted soon but they will take place from Monday, October 24 to Thursday, October 27.

Burgess League Basketball registration for all Hillview Students will open on Sunday, October 9 and close on Thursday, October 20. All 8th graders trying out for the Tournament Team must be registered for the MPMSL (the 8th grade version of the Burgess League) in order to be eligible for tryouts.

Please direct questions regarding any of the sports programs to   Harry Bell, Athletic Director,
(650) 483-4049.

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Parent Educationparented 
 
MPCSD Parent Education Presents, "SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age" 
Movie screening followed by conversation with Producer, Lisa Tabb
Wednesday, October 5, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC.
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in The Digital Age is selling out audiences around the country.  It is the first feature documentary to explore the impact of screen technology on kids and to offer parents proven solutions that work.  Through poignant, and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids' development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.The movie screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Lisa Tabb, producer, and Devin Prouty, licensed psychologist, in conversation with an 8th grader from Hillview and MPCSD Assistant Superintendent Erik Burmeister. Free childcare available for potty trained children. Light refreshments will be served. Click here for additional information or send an email to  speakerseries@mpcsd.org .   

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Menlo-Atherton High School News mahsnews
  
Menlo-Atherton 8th Grade Information Night & Campus Tours
Tuesday, October 18, 2016, 6:15 - 8:45 p.m. Meet in the Performing Art Center.

8th Grade Information Night is a wonderful opportunity for parents and 8th graders to get to know Menlo-Atherton High School. The evening will highlight the strengths of M-A as an academic and social community; share information about our athletic and enrichment opportunities; and personalize M-A through presentations by our students and faculty.

Campus Tours will be held on Saturday, October 22, from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m.  Meet at the library. Click here to view the flyer for both events.

Parents: Get an inside view of M-A! Be a facilitator at M-A's Freshman Challenge Day
Join us on October 10, 11, or 12 (Monday to Wednesday) from 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for this memorable workshop that helps freshmen break down barriers and create new levels of empathy and respect. This is one of the most meaningful volunteer opportunities at M-A and a great way for future M-A parents to gain insights into high school at M-A. Volunteer facilitators lead students through games, activities and trust-building exercises and are guided by  professional Challenge Day leaders. 

To volunteer, email Kathryn Rakow at challengeday@mabearspta.org. Please put "Challenge Day Volunteer" in the subject line.

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Community Newscommunity2
 
Help Needed for Willows Family: Last Sunday, Oscar and Maria Corona suffered a devastating fire at their home and business in the Willows - they run Imagina Menlo daycare, where they have been loving caretakers and teachers to many of our children. In addition to running the daycare, they are also our parents and neighbors as their children have attended Laurel, Encinal and Hillview. Oscar and Maria do not currently have a place to live and most of their daycare materials were destroyed in the fire. There are 3 ways to help: 1) Cash donations via GoFundMe.; 2) Donate new or gently used items for the daycare here OR: There is a donation bin available in the Laurel School office or you can drop items at 651 Coleman Ave front porch.; 3) Share leads on rental properties where they can relocate and reopen the day care while they rebuild. Please contact Oscar.

Menlo Park Police Department Paws for Paws Fundraiser
: Join the Menlo Park Police Department for their first annual Paws for Paws fundraiser at Burgess Park in Menlo Park on   Saturday, October 8. All money raised will go towards providing ballistic vests for the two police dogs working for MPPD. Click here to view the flyer.

NJB Winter Basketball:
Registration is now open at our website. Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids in grades 1-8 in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, and East Palo Alto. The season runs from November through February.

St. Raymond Pumpkin Festival: October 14,   3:30 - 9:00 p.m. and October 15,   12:00 - 6:00 p.m., 1100 Santa Cruz Ave.The St. Raymond Pumpkin Festival is a great family event with something for everyone...pony rides, climbing spider maze, bungee trampoline, face painting, bounce houses, pumpkin sales, carnival games, food, beer garden, live music, and more! Open to the public with free admission.

Woodside School's Annual High School Fair: On Thursday, October 13, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., come to Woodside School's Sellman Auditorium to hear program descriptions and to learn about shadow opportunities and open house information from local high schools. See the flyer for more information. 

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Newsletter DetailsNewsletter
 
T his newsletter is published by Hillview School parent volunteers every Sunday of the school year, except for Sundays preceding a full week of vacation.
 
Submissions : The deadline to submit for the Sunday Hillview Newsletter is the preceding  Wednesday at noon . Please email your submission to hvnewsletter@mpcsd.org . Please note that submissions may be edited for content and/or length. Submissions received after the deadline will be eligible for inclusion the following week. Submissions are eligible to run for up to two weeks.

To submit an announcement for an off-campus community event, please email your announcement to  communitynews@mpcsd.org. The submission deadline is  Wednesday at noon for the following Sunday newsletter. 

Archives: Missed an exciting edition of the Hillview Newsletter or other communications from the school? Look up past issues in our  online archive.