Legislative Priorities

At their work session on Tuesday, Jan. 8, HSD's School Board unanimously passed a slate of Legislative Priorities for the 2019-21 biennium: 1) providing stable and adequate funding for K-12 education; 2) ensuring new requirements are evidence-based and have their own funding; and 3) supporting student success. These priorities will be the key talking points for Board members as they meet with elected officials throughout the 2019 Legislative Session, which begins on Jan. 22. Community members are also urged to share their voice with elected officials; a list of elected officials who represent areas within the Hillsboro School District is posted to the Budget Matters page of our website. Sample advocacy letters, session and budget updates, and other important information will also be posted to this page in the coming weeks.

Program Review For Learners Who Are Struggling

The Hillsboro School District is pleased to announce our collaboration with District Management Group (DMGroup) on a nine-month project to expand and strengthen best-practice supports for struggling students, including students with special needs and students who receive support as English learners.

Crystal Apple Awards Nomination Deadline Approaching

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If you've been meaning to nominate an outstanding staff member for recognition through the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce's Crystal Apple Awards program, now is the time to get started as the deadline is fast approaching. The Crystal Apple Awards honor educational excellence in three categories: Licensed, Support, and Administrator. Nomination deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 30; only the first 50 applications will be accepted.

Bond Update: Century Turf

Work continues through the winter on the installation of Century High School's synthetic turf field and lights. Cement amendment has been applied; next steps are the addition and grading of gravel and soil, to be completed by the start of track season in February. Stay updated at Hillsboro-Bond.org.

Innovative Education Grant Cycle Now Open

Have a great idea for a project you'd like to implement at your school or in your classroom next school year? Then write it up and submit it to the Hillsboro Schools Foundation (HSF) for funding consideration through their Innovative Education Grants process! HSF is currently accepting one-page abstracts through Wednesday, Feb. 6, for grants up to $15,000. Learn more about the process by watching this video, and access the application on HSF's website.

Classified Summit

Classified staff members are asked to please save the date for the Classified Summit on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Century High School, 2000 SE Century Blvd. The summit is a voluntary professional development opportunity featuring a keynote speech from Jim Sporleder and breakout sessions on trauma-informed care, effective math strategies, behavior management, and more. Learn more here and register for the event on Serebra.

Check Your Oregon Personal Income Tax Withholding

Did you know that Oregon now has its own W-4 payroll tax withholding form? The form was created to better align with changes that were made to the federal tax code last year. Therefore, using your federal Form W-4 allowances for Oregon withholding calculations may no longer result in the correct amount of withholding for Oregon personal income taxes. You might not be withholding enough to cover your Oregon tax liability, or you may be withholding too much. To check your state withholding, go to www.oregon.gov/dor and click on the link for the online calculator. To update your state withholding, complete and submit Form OR-W-4, Oregon Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, through the iVisions portal. Contact the Payroll department with questions.

In-District Transfer Priority Window

HSD students who either wish to continue an existing transfer or request a new transfer to another HSD school in the 2019-20 school year are urged to fill out the appropriate paperwork and return it to the Communications department by Thursday, Jan. 31, to be considered within the priority window for in-district transfers. Applications received by the deadline will receive a response by the end of February; applications received between Feb. 1 and May 15 will receive a response by mid-June.

HSD Students Featured in Promise of Oregon Campaign

"The Promise of Oregon," a statewide public education support campaign launched by the Oregon School Boards Association in 2014, is currently featuring students from the Hillsboro School District who are responding to the prompt: "I am the Promise of Oregon because..." See their photos and inspirational statements on the Promise of Oregon website.

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired people to come together, overcome differences, and serve their communities. So it is only fitting that on the federal holiday celebrating his life, people are encouraged to volunteer and help others. Consider participating in an organized activity or create your own. Clean up trash in your neighborhood or assist an elderly neighbor. The possibilities are endless!