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This Weektop  

Tuesday, September 27
  • MPCSD Special Board Meeting seeking input about Measure A & C campaign, 6:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
Wednesday, September 28
  • Hillview Music Potluck, 6:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
Thursday, September 29
  • MPAEF Hillview New Family Social, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., RSVP here
  • MPCSD Governing Board Member Candidate Forum, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
Friday, September 30
  • Deadline to submit PTO donations
Looking Ahead 

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

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Hillview School NewsHVNews
 
Attendance and Independent Study Plans
Please pay close attention to your child's future by seeing that he/she is in school and on time each day. Your child's education is our number one priority. Please review the school calendar and arrange family vacations around school holidays. Attendance problems hinder progress.
 
If you know your child is going to be out of school for something other than illness or a religious holiday, your child should pick up an Independent Study Form (ISP) from his/her counselor one week before the scheduled absence. With completion of the ISP, the absence is coded as ISP and not as U (Unexcused). However, even if your child is on an Independent Study Plan (ISP), it is not the same as your child being at school and participating. Our aim is to have our overall attendance be at least 98%. You can help us reach this goal by seeing that your child(ren) attend(s) school everyday. Thank you in advance for your help in making education your child's number one priority.
 
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!
 
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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 
 
Have Your Voice HEARD!
Parents and community members are reminded to attend a Special Board meeting this   Tuesday dedicated to receiving community input to address the question, "What can we learn from the Measure A & C Campaign of spring 2016?"  As the Board and district staff gear up for significant cuts, now is the time to share your input and hear from others in the community. Join us for the first of three input sessions on   Tuesday, September 27 at 6:00 p.m.  in the Hillview PAC. An online input form is also available   here; the link will remain open through the end of October. For more information regarding the district's structural deficit, visit the Opengov link at   district.mpcsd.org  and read the September 21 Almanac Online article. Feel free to send inquiries to Erik Burmeister, Assistant Superintendent.

MPCSD Governing Boad Member Candidate Forum
The League of Women Voters (LWV) of South San Mateo County has scheduled a Governing Board Member Candidate Forum for MPCSD on  Thursday, September 29  from   7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Hillview PAC. This forum will be open to the public and questions will be taken from the audience. A LWV volunteer will be the moderator in addition to LWV volunteers as timekeeper and question reviewers. This event will be videotaped.

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MPAEF and Hillview PTO Joint Campaignjointcampaign 
  
Are You IN?
5 DAYS REMAIN - DONATE NOW!

FIVE DAYS REMAIN in the 2016-2017 Hillview PTO campaign. The drive got off to a very strong start and we've begun funding programs like Camp Hillview and WEB, lunchtime clubs, after-school support programs, and the MPCSD Speaker Series. These activities and programs, and many more made possible by your donations to the PTO, need your support in order to remain strong. Please join the PTO by   September 30!
 
To donate to the PTO, click   here.
 
Our ongoing MPAEF Annual Parent Campaign goal is to have participation from all our district families. The deadline to give or pledge is   November 4. When you support the MPAEF, you help our district fund additional best-in-class teachers, credentialed specialists, design thinking curriculum and technology, and dedicated counselors. We need to raise at least $1,500 per child and we welcome all gifts, large and small. Please give or pledge today at   MPAEF.org. Click here to start.
 
Your support of the MPAEF and the Hillview PTO makes a real difference!

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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.  

Lunch Clubs
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.  

Music 
Annual Hillview Music Potluck
Best Dinner Show at Hillview! The Annual Hillview Music Potluck  will take place this Wednesday, September 28. Look for more details but come to hear the chorus, jazz band, featured alumni and soloists and more perform! Bring a neighbor, your child's private music teacher and yourself and enjoy the fun company of our merry band! The food starts at 6:00 p.m. and music at 7:00 p.m. in the PAC. No better way to spend an evening than to enjoy music with your family 

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 be reminded that there is no food or drink in the gym.
 
Girls Volleyball Tournament Team
Tournament Team volleyball will host a match vs. Bowditch School this Thursday, September 29 in the Hillview Gym at 5:30 p.m. Please come out and support the team!

Burgess League Volleyball
The second 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
Practices will take place as usual on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The games this week include:
  • Monday, September 26, 6th/8th grade teams will play at Corte Madera at 3:45 and 4:45 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 29, 6th grade will play at Nesbit in Belmont at 5:00 p.m., 7th grade will play at JLS in Palo Alto at 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday, September 30, 6th grade will play at Woodside Elementary at 3:45 p.m., 7th grade will play BCS at Hillview at 4:00 p.m., 8th grade will play at Woodside Elementary at 4:45 p.m.
The full Flag Football schedule can be found here. Please bookmark it!
   
Tournament Team Basketball Announcements 
A tentative schedule of open gym, tryouts, season practice and game schedule for the Girls Tournament Team will be shared in next week's newsletter and sent to last year's 7th grade girls basketball players. Please note that this program is only for 8th graders.

At this point there may be no program for the Boys Tournament Team due to a scheduling conflict with a prospective coach. We are sorry to give you this news and will keep you updated if anything changes.

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" 
Wednesday, October 5, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC.

This is the first feature documentary to 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. Light refreshments will be served. Additional information at www.mpcsdspeakerseries.com or email speakerseries@mpcsd.org .   

Project Cornerstone For Parents: Take It Personally Workshop  
Project Cornerstone's "Take it Personally" class is a great way for parents to learn a powerful framework for positive youth development. Project Cornerstone has identified  41 development assets to help young people to thrive in life. Parents are welcome to join the 6 week study group to learn tips and tools to keep up with the fast changing growth of our children, tween, and teens. Each week, you will explore new ways to build stronger kids, families, and neighborhoods. There is a local group meeting on Friday mornings from   9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. starting on September 30 through November 4 at La Entrada Middle School, 2200 Sharon Road in Menlo Park. Please see the sign up website to join (space is limited) any of the locations listed. Click here to see the flyer for more detailed information.

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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MPAEF Newsmpaef
  
MPAEF's New Family Social
We look forward to welcoming all new parents to a casual Welcome Social at a fellow Hillview family's home this Thursday, September 29  from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. You will meet Hillview Principal Willy Haug and MPCSD Superintendent Maurice Ghysels, and our MPAEF and Hillview PTO leaders; they'll be talking about our amazing school and our community-funded school district.

Our goal is to make this a fun and educational evening for you to meet other parents and to hear about what is happening at Hillview and in our District. Drinks and nibbles will be provided. 

Thank you to Cannonball Wine Company for donating their delicious wines and thank you to Mama Coco Restaurant for donating the wonderful food.

Parents only please. Click here to RSVP.

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Menlo-Atherton High School News mahsnews
  
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
 
Grease Sing-Along: October 1,   3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Menlo-Atherton PAC. Come in costume with the family ready to sing-along, act-along, and laugh-along to our favorite 1978 American musical. There will be a costume contest with a chance to win fabulous prizes. GREASE is the word! Click here  for more information.

Learn to Square Dance: Sunday evenings in Menlo Park with three free introductory nights offered on October 2, 9, and/or 16 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Does your family want to learn to square dance? Fun for families (kids ages 9 and up), couples and singles. No partner, special clothes, or dancing talent required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Click here for more information, see our flyer, and watch a YouTube video of a recent class. Questions? Contact Sue Kayton.

Media Rules: Healthy Connections in the Digital Age: September 30, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University. Join Challenge Success, a non-profit organization affiliated with Stanford's Graduate School of Education, for our annual public parent education event. This year's event features Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair and Challenge Success Co-Founders Dr. Denise Pope and Dr. Madeline Levine. Click here  for more information and event tickets.

NJB Winter Basketball: Registration is now open on our website. Our focus is on skills-based instruction, personal growth, and positive competition for kids from 1st  through 8th  grades in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, or East Palo Alto. The season runs from November through February. Deadline for early registration with reduced fees is September 28.

Stanford Flu Vaccine Study for Young Children: Do you have a child 6 months - 13 years of age? Are you interested in a helping scientists learn more about how the immune system develops? If eligible, your child will receive a licensed flu vaccination and compensation for each of 2-4 clinic visits. Call the Stanford-LPCH Vaccine Program at (650) 498-7284 or email at vaccines_program@stanford.edu.
 
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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.