Monday, February 8
Gold students on campus this week
Wednesday, February 10
New student club Lunch Bunch, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, via Zoom (details in Hillview school news)
"Community Minded: Parenting through COVID Fatigue," 5:30 - 6:30 pm, via Zoom here
Thursday, February 11
Service team meeting, 3:30 - 3:55 pm, via Zoom
Friday, February 12
PTO Board Meeting, 8:30 - 10:00 am, via Zoom
Hillview Parent Survey due
Deadline to request a program change from Hybrid or Distance
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Sunday, February 14
Send a valentine to your teacher virtually or by mail, see PTO News
Monday, February 15
No School, February Break
(through Friday, February 19)
Tuesday, February 23
”Being an Askable Adult: The Why, What, When and How of Talking with your Child about Sexual Health," 6:30 pm, register here
Friday, March 5
Extended Yearbook purchases and 8th grade baby pictures
End of Trimester 2
Monday, March 8
Beginning of Trimester 3
Thursday, March 11
California Healthy Kids Survey, administered in SMART or PE/Electives (and Thursday, March 18)
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Quicklinks bottom of newsletter
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Dear Hillview Families,
Please join us this Wednesday, February 10, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, for an important conversation we have entitled “Community-Minded: Parenting Through COVID Fatigue," Zoom here. We have scheduled this meeting in advance of the February break intentionally, because we see an opportunity for a “reset” before a week of vacation.
The essential question we will explore in this event is, “What community-minded choices must we make to continue to ensure safe and productive in-person learning at Hillview?” We have observed that our families are grappling with the fatigue: the fatigue of staying local and in one’s residence, the fatigue of monitoring our children’s activities, the fatigue of reinforcing expectations of distance learning. This fatigue is leading to lapses that undermine our efforts, and we have an opportunity to come together Wednesday and strengthen our social contract, which will in turn strengthen the quality of the learning experience.
I really want this event to be well-attended; please make it a priority. This can’t be a situation where we end up only preaching to the choir; we need everybody. Reach out to your friends who don’t usually attend our events and encourage them to come. I remind you that Your Choices Matter, and our event on Wednesday will provide a helpful frame for making supportive, community-minded choices. Thank you.
All the best,
Willy
Meeting ID: 920 2550 8544; Passcode: 931548
One tap mobile:
+16699006833,,92025508544#,,,,*931548# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,92025508544#,,,,*931548# US (Tacoma)
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February Break Travel Advisory
Many people mistakenly believe that once the stay at home order was lifted, it opened up the option of travel for Californians.
In fact, the official state recommendation from CDPH here is to stay within 120 miles of one's residence. Please follow these recommendations, and should you travel, observe a 10-day quarantine when you return. Independent study plans are available, but they are no substitute for in-person learning.
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Hillview Parent Survey: Complete by Friday
You have received your unique login information by email to take the annual School Parent Survey by this Friday, February 12. Your responses are confidential and Panorama Education is managing the survey process to ensure data privacy and security. Thank you to those parents who have already taken the time to complete the survey!
The survey will take about 5-10 minutes and you will be able to provide feedback to your child’s school as a whole as well as to his/her specific teachers. To ensure that Hillview continues providing high-quality, rigorous learning experiences to our students, your participation is essential. Every parent received a unique code. Please complete your survey even if another parent for your student already has completed theirs. We want feedback from every perspective.
Thank you for your time and input.
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iPad iOS update
Hillview would like all student iPads to be updated to iOS 14. This is important since we did not update 7th and 8th grade iPads this summer due to COVID. Ask your student to update his/her iPad to iOS 14 at your earliest convenience.
Directions to update:
1. Go to Settings
2. Click on General
3. Click on Software Update
4. Click Install Update
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iPad Internet Access during February Break
During the February break, internet access will be shut off on student iPads. Internet access will turn off at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 13 and will turn on again at 9:00 am on Saturday February 20. Consider unplugging as a family and spending time together without technology over the February break.
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6th and 7th Grade Student Survey
The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) will be administered in SMART classes and in PE/Electives for DL students in March. The two target dates are Thursday, March 11 and March 18.
The survey will be done online and has different protocols for opting in and out for each grade:
- 7th grade families, an opt-out process
- 6th grade families, an opt-in process
The survey is both anonymous and confidential and cannot be tracked back to any individual student. On top of questions about school safety, it also asks for feedback about factors that promote school success, such as 'caring adults at school' and 'academic motivation'.
Hillview values this data. We have provided links to preview the questions, for hybrid here and DL here, if there are concerns.
This is only a preview. Be on the lookout for email to opt-in and out-of the survey.
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ACTION REQUIRED!
Attention:
Parents of Current 6th Grade students
Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Tdap Vaccination
All incoming 7th grade students for the 2021-22 school year are required by law to provide proof of a whooping cough booster shot (Tdap), administered on or after the 7th birthday (Td does not meet the requirement) AND a second Varicella (Chickenpox) vaccination.
Act now and avoid the last minute scramble this summer! Call your child's healthcare provider to determine if a Tdap (given on or after the 7th birthday) and a second Varicella vaccination have been administered.
NEW LAW for Medical Exemptions: As of January 1, 2021 temporary and permanent medical exemptions can only be issued through the CAIR-ME website by physicians licensed in California. If your child has had the Varicella disease, and/or you have provided an exemption letter in the past due to immunity to any disease, you must contact your child’s healthcare provider for an official CAIR-ME form.
Do not mark the document. Provide an updated copy of your child's immunization record with your child's first and last name, date of birth, and proof of Tdap administered on or after the 7th birthday. Email the record to Nancy McMahon here, health services assistant here; fax to 650-292-2200; or bring a copy to the District Office to the attention of Nancy McMahon. For more information, visit the Shots for School website here.
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Timeline for Learning Program Changes
The MPCSD reopening plan allows families to request a change in their child's learning program, from hybrid to distance or vice versa each trimester. While Trimester 3 does not begin until March 8, we do have a timeline we will be following:
- February 12, Deadline to request program change
- February 26, Notification of request status
- March 8, Beginning of Trimester 3
Reach out to your grade level counselor to request an official change (Kellie Raczkowski, Grade 6 here ; Christina Johnson, Grade 7 here; Robyn Watts, Grade 8 here) .
The district will be sending out a form to all parents to capture requests. Requests will be granted if we have the capacity to fulfill them.
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Valentine’s Appreciation
The Hillview PTO will be showing our staff the love with these fun treats for Valentine’s Day!
We encourage students to send their appreciation for all the amazing work our teachers and administrators have accomplished this year with a virtual card or a card through the mail!
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This is a sample of a virtual valentine above. Students can send a virtual Valentine’s Day card to their teachers and staff members. Look for the instructions in an email that Willy Haug sent to students. Students may also find the instructions through a student counseling course in Schoology.
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Purchase a Yearbook - deadline extended!
The deadline to purchase a yearbook has been extended to Friday, March 5.
The cost is $45.00 per book. An additional $10.00 and you can have your book shipped directly to your home.
Order a yearbook today here and use Hillview Number 10070.
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8th Grade baby pictures - deadline extended!
Send us your cute baby pictures for a special 8th grade tribute by Friday, March 5. Submit your 8th grade student's baby picture here. Use code hillviewmiddle21. More information in our flyer here.
Send your photos to the yearbook by March 15. Have fun with it!
See the flyer here. Choose from 2 to 3 topics maximum and send your photos by March 15. The yearbook staff will include at least one image of every student who submits a photo. To submit your photos here and use the code hillviewmiddle21 Thanks to all the students who have submitted their photos so far!
Purchase of congratulatory ads closed
Thank you to those families who purchased ads. We are no longer able to accept anymore ad purchases.
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Each week a staff member will be randomly selected to share a little bit more about themselves so the Hillview Community can get to know them better.
Ron Christopherson
Ron teaches Physical Education and Adaptive Physical Education (APE) and has been at Hillview for 2 years. When not teaching Ron enjoys spending time with family, hiking and playing golf.
Favorite Quote: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop
Favorite Movie: Christmas Vacation
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla
Favorite Subjects as a Middle School Student: PE of course!
Words of Wisdom for Hillview students: My goal is to create a culture that nurtures positive learning and positive relationships and instills confidence in ourselves! PE and fitness-related activities can be an uplifting and positive experience for everyone! I tell students there are days we don’t feel our best but do the best we can for that moment!
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Do what you can do! Also, people naturally want to compare themselves to one another, don't worry about what others can do, do what you can do! Strive to be better than you were yesterday. |
What you probably didn’t know about me: My family and I took a chance and moved from Minnesota without ever visiting the Bay Area...and we love it here!
One More Thing: I have been teaching for almost 20 years. Not only do I teach Hillview PE, but also I am the MPCSD Adapted Physical Education Teacher. I'm always looking for new, fun, creative ways to pique the students’ interest during class time.
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Staff February Birthdays
Joseph O’Brien, Wendy Kuhnen, Grant Proffitt, Valerie Cypert, Cheryl Arner, Charea Bustamante, and Emily Lowrie
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A Fun Night of Drawing is Coming to Hillview
Friday, March 12, via Zoom
Students and families are welcome to join this great opportunity through MPCSD and Hillview! Draw with award winning artist Mark Kistler!
The Zoom link will come soon!
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New Club Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, February 10, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm, via Zoom here
We are happy to present a new club called Lunch Bunch that will begin this Wednesday and will meet each Wednesday thereafter.
Lunch Bunch is a virtual club, headed by counseling intern Jasmine Jaciw. Students can socialize with other students, play games, practice mindfulness, and create arts and crafts virtually!
See you there!
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Meeting about Upcoming Projects
Thursday, February 11, 3:30 - 3:55 pm, Zoom
Our next meeting link will be posted to Schoology the morning of the meeting. All students are welcome to join and learn about upcoming projects.
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Lytton Gardens Baking Buddies
We will be baking and making cards for the Seniors at Lytton Gardens as a way to spread cheer, create connections, and make their isolation a little less lonely! Starting out 2 times per month - weekly spots can be added if there is interest. Students can sign up via the Signup Genius on Schoology. Email here with questions.
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You're Invited!
Superintendent Burmeister and the School Board are discussing the long-term financial plans for our district. From the Measure X renewal to cost savings this year and beyond, there is much to consider in practicing student-centered stewardship that achieves efficiency without sacrificing quality. Your voice matters!
Join Erik and School Board Members at a Community Engagement Session:
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Monday, February 22, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Register in advance for this meeting here
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Thursday, February 25, 10:00 - 11:00 am. Register in advance for this meeting here
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Saturday, February 27, 9:30 - 10:30 am. Register in advance for this meeting here
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MPCSD Parent Education
Speaker Series
”Being an Askable Adult: The Why, What, When and How of Talking with your Child about Sexual Health," Tuesday, February 23, 6:30 pm, register here
A presentation by Vanessa Kellam, parent engagement coordinator, Health Connected, this parent-only interactive workshop will be facilitated by Health Connected, the leading provider of puberty and education in San Mateo County schools.
The session will provide tips and strategies for you, as a parent, to create an environment of comfort and trust with your child to discuss puberty and their emerging sexuality. This workshop is open to all parents and designed especially for adults who have teens and pre-teens.
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New Resource for Families to Access Mental Health Support
This year has been unlike any other, and mental health supports are more important than ever. The San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) is pleased to announce a partnership with Care Solace. In collaboration with the Peninsula Healthcare District and the Sequoia Healthcare District, SMCOE is able to bring Care Solace to all San Mateo County schools. Get started here.
Care Solace is an online resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to assist individuals in finding local mental health related programs and counseling services. Care Solace is a tool for school staff and families to connect with community-based mental healthcare resources and providers. Their proprietary care navigation system taps into a vast database of mental healthcare resources to find carefully vetted local therapists and programs in minutes.
Learn more in English here and Spanish here.
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MPAEF Auction Fund-a-Need 2021
Focusing on the Whole Child, Now More Than Ever
As we turn our thoughts to a return to life in our new normal, MPCSD is asking for your help to support this year’s Fund-a-Need, which will support our children’s mental health and emotional well-being over the coming years. Learn about what our $50,000 goal can fund here.
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Support your school and beloved local institution - Jeffrey’s Hamburgers!
Order from Jeffrey’s Menlo Park and 10% of your entire order goes back to our schools!
Three easy ways to place your lunch or dinner order:
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Jeffrey’s website here for pick-up **preferred method**
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Delivery via DoorDash here
- Call 650-322-1959
Mark your calendars! 10% back to our schools for orders on Thursday, February 11! For more information, visit here.
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For your support!
We want to take the opportunity to show our appreciation for our business and realtor partners in the community.
Silver
Elyse Barca, Compass here
Cameron L. Aboudara DDS MS here
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Marine Science Institute (MSI) in Redwood City Registration is open for the Marine Science Summer Camp, an outdoor camp for K-8. Young scientists will explore the Pacific Coast and San Francisco Bay marine habitats and will observe live animals using scientific equipment in a safe and fun environment. Every week at camp includes at least one day aboard the R.V. Robert G. Brownlee, MSI’s 90-foot research vessel. One and two-week long camps are available. Visit the MSI website here for more details and to register.
Norcal Crew is happy to announce the return of our middle-school program for Spring 2021. All practices will be held at Westpoint Harbor, and each session will be limited to 12 athletes, so don't hesitate to register your athlete prior to the start date. The season runs from February 8 to April 29. Register here.
Menlo-Atherton High School is hosting a book drive, and we need your help! We are collecting new and used books for the Boys and Girls Club of Menlo Park. You may drop them off in the donation bins at Hillview, Oak Knoll, and M-A. Bins are located outside the main offices of each school from January 25 - February 12. Contactless donation available - we can pick up books from your front porch. Just visit here to fill out the form. If you would like to make a monetary donation, you can visit our GoFundMe here. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!
All Students Matter You can make a difference in the life of a student. Over 80% of East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park students are performing below grade level in reading and math. As a classroom volunteer, you will work with the same teacher and student for one hour, every week during the full school year. It’s an opportunity to build a relationship with a student and impact his or her life. All Students Matter provides training and coordinates logistics with you and your schedule in mind. Sign up now and start mid-September. Learn more about us or sign up to volunteer here.
YMSL Enjoy serving others? Looking for more ways to spend quality time with your teen son? Consider joining YMSL. The Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) here offers moms service opportunities and time together with her son(s) to grow their relationship and to instill in him a heart of service to last a lifetime. In addition to service, as part of its four-year comprehensive program, YMSL teaches leadership and life skills to develop our young men to become the capable, confident and compassionate leaders of tomorrow:
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Silicon Valley Chapter We are hosting two prospective member meetings on February 9 and February 11. Contact Claire Thompson here to learn more and to register for one of these information sessions.
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Alpine Chapter Interested in joining our chapter here, email Virginia Huffman here for an invitation to the Prospective Members meeting February 23, 7:00 pm.
National Charity League - Mid Peninsula Chapter is now conducting its membership drive for girls in the Class of 2027, current 6th-graders. National Charity League (NCL) is a non-profit philanthropic organization of mothers and daughters, from 7th - 12th grades, who journey through a six-year program together that encompasses community service, educational opportunities, and leadership development. Our membership deadline extended through February 15. More information about NCL and the Mid-Peninsula Chapter of NCL here. We will arrange a Zoom information session for you.
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8th Grade Parent Information |
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Everest is a free, innovative public charter high school that prepares students for success in a 4-year college or university. 99% of Everest graduates are accepted to college or university. Everest here prides itself on personalized learning because not all students learn the same. Have your student apply here before our deadline on February 26!
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