Volume 32 | 18 April 2021
Better Resolution Hillview Hawk
Middle School Newsletter
This Week
Monday, April 19
Gold students on campus this week

Hillview After-School Athletics, basketball registration now open here

Become a WEB leader, find applications for 7th grade students in Schoology

Join the Hillview Site Council, apply here

Tuesday, April 20
Update ParentSquare your App, then log back in to access Heath Screener, see Hillview School News below

Thursday, April 22
Relay for Life meeting, 3:30 pm, via Zoom

Friday, April 23
Caleb Campbell Virtual Assembly for BLUE students, 1:00 - 2:00 pm, via Zoom

Elective Registration for 2021-22 due here

End of Hexmester 5

Looking Ahead
Monday, April 26
New PE/Elective classes for students

Friday, April 30
No School - Staff Collaborative Day

WEB Applications due, 7th grade students, in Schoology

Saturday, May 1
Schoolhouse Rocks Run Around the World
(through May 16)

Monday, May 3
Join the Hillview Site Council, application due

Teacher Appreciation Week
(through May 7)
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Hillview School News
Dear Hillview Families,

Many of you will have heard the news from Thursday’s MPCSD Board meeting about potential changes to the Hillview learning program for the remainder of this school year. The Board accepted the recommendation of our COVID-19 Response Team to have all 2nd-5th grade hybrid students return to everyday learning on or about Monday, April 26. They also agreed with the recommendation that Hillview hybrid students should complete their year in our current schedule, noting that a change to everyday learning at this late point in the year would be disruptive to their learning and connection. The district will be following up with a letter and form to gather more information from those families who have an interest in a “learning pod” arrangement on campus during their child’s at-home week.

In other news, as we look forward to next school year, the Hillview elective registration process is under way. Families of current 6th and 7th grade students have until Friday, April 23 to read over our course offerings and indicate their choices so that we can begin creating student schedules in earnest for 2021-22. For more information, please visit our Elective and Course Offerings webpage here.

We enjoyed having Caleb Campbell from Teen Truth address our parents and students on Monday, April 12 at our PTO Conversation Chat. If you missed that event, you may view the recorded session here. Caleb also spoke to our GOLD students during a virtual assembly this past Friday, and will address our BLUE students on Friday, April 23 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

Finally, in response to the recent spate of AAPI hate and violence, Hillview gathered a panel of staff and a student to engage in a conversation around this topic. We will be sending the recording here out to our students, and teachers will also be viewing it with their students in the classroom. We invite you to view it as well so you can see how we are responding to the issue.

Be well and stay safe!

All the best,

Willy
The Schoolhouse Rocks Run Around the World

The run is back this year, in virtual format. Help raise funds for our school district by lacing up and clocking miles. Every little bit helps!

For more information, check out the flyer here.

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3 - 7
A Note from Mr. Haug

Did you know that national Teacher Appreciation Week is around the corner? We are only two weeks away from this annual celebration of our amazing teaching staff. You may be assured that the school and the PTO will take good care of teachers during this week, especially in light of their heroic efforts this year. I also encourage families and students to begin thinking about how they would like to express their gratitude. What means the most to teachers is when students and families take the time to notice all the things they do to build relationships, make learning engaging, and much, much more. Thoughtful notes that highlight a teacher’s efforts are appreciated and treasured. What teachers have made a difference in your child’s school experience this year? Engage your child in this conversation and ask them how they would like to show their thanks.
Update your ParentSquare App
Changes are being introduced in ParentSquare starting on Tuesday, April 20. We kindly request the following steps:

Update App Update your ParentSquare mobile app to the latest version.

Sign In Tuesday, April 20, you will be automatically logged out of the website and app and will need to log back in to access the Health Screener and other features.

Confirm Upon logging in, you will have the option to confirm information, edit information (this will send your updated information to the front office of your school), or skip the process for now.

Combine Existing Accounts If you receive an invitation email or text, this may mean that you have more than one account. Open the invitation and click the link, "Sign in to Combine Existing Account." You can also combine accounts later in My Account settings.

Thank you for verifying your contact information in ParentSquare and helping us ensure accurate communications. Reach out to Theresa Fox here for assistance.

Yearbooks are moving out FAST!
We are down to the last 50 books. When they are gone, they are gone! Order today at our yearbook order center here. Use code: 10070
Graduation Celebration Survey - Please respond ASAP

A few 8th grade families are considering hosting a non-Hillview affiliated off-campus celebration for 8th grade students on or after June 11. In order to plan and gauge interest they have requested that 8th grade parents fill out the following short survey here.

PTO News







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.

Kelly Slaughter
This is Kelly’s first year at Hillview and she teaches 8th Grade English (Pioneers). When not teaching Kelly enjoys sweating it out at Barry’s Bootcamp, finding her inner zen practicing yoga and planning parties!
 
Favorite Quote: "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" -Audrey Hepburn

Favorite Movie: Thelma and Louise

Favorite Subjects as a Middle School Student: English and Speech

Words of Wisdom for Hillview Students: Each day prepares you for tomorrow.
The classroom is real life. First, let us build a strong connection and only then will your wings fly. I am always here for you. Let's Do This!
What you probably didn’t know about me: I was voted "Longest Morning Preparation" of my Senior class in high school. The truth is I can get ready in five minutes! 

One more thing: Always advocate for yourself. Do not forget to create relationships with your teachers and use your voice to ask for support.

Programs & Activities
Become a WEB Leader
WEB logo
Applications for current 7th Grade Students

Where Everybody Belongs is a national middle school transition and orientation program. WEB leaders welcome the 6th grade class on WEB day, Wednesday, August 18, and support them throughout their first year at Hillview.
                       
Apply to be a WEB leader!
  • Join the WEB Application Course in Schoology
  • Go to Courses, then select My Courses
  • Click "Join A Course" with the following code: R6HW-G2XM-HZ2CB

The application will open April 19, and close April 30. Here are more tips on how to "Join A Course." If you have any technical issues, contact Mrs. Connelly (CC) here.
 
Important/Mandatory Dates for the 2021-2022 school year for our WEB Team:

Wednesday, August 11: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm WEB Leader Training via Zoom
Thursday, August 12: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm WEB Leader Training on campus 
Wednesday, August 18: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm WEB Day with 6th grade students
5th Grade Visit will take place sometime in May (advanced notice will be given)

Hillview Service Club
Hillview Hawks! Join our 6th annual Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society! 

Students may sign up here via their school email account and parents can learn about Relay here. The pandemic has caused Relay for Life to look different this year, but the need to fight cancer remains the same! This year, we come together as one Hillview team, with the goal of raising $25,000 to fund cancer research! Join the team, participate in fundraising contests, and celebrate Hillview's efforts in a virtual celebration, Friday, May 14 at 6:30 pm! Email here with questions.

Hillview After-School Athletics
basketball_closeup.jpg
Basketball Registration NOW OPEN

Register here on TeamSnap. Hillview PTO is offering a 4-week outdoor basketball program that focuses on skills and drills with some intramural competition. There will be 8 sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 3:30 - 4:30 pm held at the Hillview outdoor courts. The program begins Monday, May 3 and will run through Wednesday, May 26.   

After registration is completed, students will be placed in "grade-level teams'' for both boys and girls. The program will follow state and local COVID-19 protocols. In compliance with the California Department of Public Health guidelines here, students currently participating in another athletic team/club will not be able to participate. Price is $40 for the four week program. We are unable to prorate the cost on a per session basis. Scholarships are available for qualified students via Hillview school counselors here. Questions? Email here.

MPCSD

School Board Meeting April 15

At its regular April meeting, the Board heard input from Superintendent Burmeister and campaign consultants about the amount, duration, and ballot language for the upcoming replacement parcel tax. While no final decisions were made, the Board coalesced around an amount of $598 and a likely duration of 12 years. Superintendent Burmeister will take Board feedback on ballot language and return at the May meeting with various language options, ranging from more general to specific items that the parcel tax could support. The Board is scheduled to vote on parcel tax language, amount, and duration on May 13.

Superintendent Burmeister presented the findings of the parent spring dial down survey as well as other input about the potential of bringing students back more fully to campus. Parent desire for a full return of hybrid students was strong for grades 2-5, with over 92% of hybrid parents wanting students to attend every day. Parent support indicated over 60% in kindergarten and middle school prefer to stay with the current hybrid model. The Board decided to dial down the response for Grades 2-5, returning hybrid students to class daily as early as April 26. Please refer to Superintendent Burmeister's ParentSquare message from Saturday morning for more details. The Board did not approve a further dial down for grades K, 6, 7 and 8. The Board voted to use COVID funds to offer more support, or potentially learning pods, to allow students in grades K and 6-8 to come to school more fully, supervised by MPCSD and/or our childcare partner staff, without changing the current hybrid schedules. See the pandemic response presentation deck here.

In other updates, the multi-year budget projection was shared, highlighting the importance of cost savings and a replacement parcel tax especially in the out years. See the budget summary here. The enrollment numbers for Fall 2021 are looking very similar to current numbers, with an overall projected increase of 14 students. See the enrollment projections here.

IMPORTANT: All families with students in grades K-7 have received their re-enrollment email from PowerSchool. If you have not yet completed the re-enrollment process please do so by TOMORROW, April 19. This will help our fall planning. If you did not receive the PowerSchool email or have questions about re-enrollment, email here.

Construction Announcement from Menlo Park Safe Routes to School Program

A repaving project on Oak Grove Avenue will start soon and last about two weeks. Construction will be between Alma Street and El Camino Real, a route that is used by many students biking and walking to school. The bike lanes and sidewalks will not be closed, but may be more challenging for students during this time.

For more information on Safe Routes to School, including biking and walking maps for MPCSD schools, see the City of Menlo Park website here.

MPAEF

Schoolhouse Rocks Run Around the World! 
Every Step Counts!

Participation in this year’s Schoolhouse Rocks Run Around the World is an easy way to get fresh air, spend time with your family, and be part of our amazing community. You can take a family walk or run every day, or just count your existing activities - like soccer, baseball, or even jumping on a trampoline! Every mile we run as a community counts towards our goal of walking 21,000 miles around the world!
 
Registration Is Now Open! here and look for some FAQ’s here.


for your support!
We want to take the opportunity to show our appreciation for our business and realtor partners in the community.

Silver
 
Nancy Goldcamp, Realtor here
 
Titanium
 
Veronica Kogler, Realtor here


Community News

Legends Summer Baseball Camp The 2021 Legends Summer Baseball Camp is an unforgettable 5 day experience where campers ages 7-13 develop new skills, friendships and a deep love for baseball! Perfect for both beginners and experienced all stars, Legends Baseball has a perfect Covid safety track record and over a decade of experience running fun, memorable and safe camps! Register here for the 2021 Legends Summer Baseball Camp at Encinal Elementary! 

Stanford University Covid Research Registry
Stanford University is currently conducting research on COVID vaccines and children. If you would like your children to participate in the vaccine trials, please sign up at the Stanford Covid Research Registry here.

M-A Incoming Freshman Football Team Interested in being on the Championship M-A Bears Football Team? No experience necessary and it’s a great way to start your high school experience. To sign-up, visit our website here. Go Bears!!

Cantor Arts Center Second Sunday at Home: Make Your Own Viewfinder A viewfinder helps artists visualize compositions and make amazing artwork. Supplies: string, thread or floss, paper, scissors, ruler and tape. Join us here for Second Sunday art-making fun!

Stanford Parenting Center: Parenting in a Pandemic We know parenting is hard. Add a global pandemic, schooling changes, working from home and the never-ending news cycle and parenting can be overwhelming. Experts will cover a variety of subjects pertaining to mental health, including managing childhood anxiety; helping with social isolation for kids and teens; and tips for reintegration into a "post pandemic" life. Tuesday, May 18, 8:00 - 9:00 pm. Virtual Panel Discussion: Register here.

Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory The Show Will Go On! Step outside and onto the stage with Portola Valley Theatre Conservatory. We are thrilled to offer safe and fun opportunities to create theatre together this spring and summer! Register online here. Questions? Email here.

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