Sunday, May 16
8th Grade Families begin registration for Graduation Event and Gown Reservation here
Hillview Book Fair, online here use code "Hillview" and in-store, open through May 25
Monday, May 17
Gold students on campus this week
Friday, May 21
Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Hillview, 8:00 - 5:00 pm, by appointment only
Hillview Talent Show, 6:30 pm
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Monday, May 24
Pfizer Vaccine Clinic at Hillview, 8:00 - 5:00 pm, by appointment only
Tuesday, May 25
Return of School Materials, all A-week/blue and 6th grade virtual academy
(through May 28)
Monday, May 31
No School - Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 1
Return of School Materials, all B-week/gold and 7/8th grade Virtual Academy
(through June 3)
Wednesday, June 2
Last day to send your gift to End-of-Year Staff Gift Fund here
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Quicklinks bottom of newsletter
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Dear Hillview Family,
There was exciting news announced on Wednesday and shared at Thursday’s MPCSD Board meeting about the vaccine clinic at Hillview on May 21 and 24, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm here. Superintendent Burmeister sent out the link to registration here on Friday, as well as the required consent form here (en espanol aqui). If there are no appointment slots left at this time, other local clinics here are also administering the vaccine. While not required at this point, COVID vaccines for your middle school student provide our community with even more protection against the virus.
8th grade families, there is a lot to know and understand about our end-of-year events and graduation. Please see the 8th Grade Parent and Student News section below. Click through to our detailed and informative webpage here, and also note that we need all 8th grade families to indicate whether or not they are participating in the in-person Graduation Ceremony on Friday, June 11 by completing the registration.
As the school year is winding down, we are looking forward to 2021-22 and are contemplating possible changes to our weekly schedule. Of course, students will be attending school every day, and as Mr. Burmeister noted in recent communications, there will be no virtual academy option next year. Our potential changes are a result of what we have learned this year with the constraints we operated under. Both students and parents provided feedback in the Panorama survey about aspects of the school year that worked well for their learning and well-being, and staff, too, have noted some benefits. Stay tuned for more information, and be well.
All the best,
Willy
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Return of School Materials
Students are asked to return all of their materials:
Textbooks, Novels, Logitech Keyboards (green/white stand alone keyboard), Library books, but not iPads.
All A-week/blue and 6th grade virtual academy students Tuesday, May 25 - Friday, May 28
All B-week/gold and 7/8 grade virtual academy students Tuesday, June 1 - Friday, June 3
Tu/Wed/Th 7:30 - 4:00 and Fri 7:30 - 3:30 to the front office
If your student has lost or otherwise unable to return materials, families will be required to pay for the missing items. Prior to May 24 your family will receive via email a list of items due back to Hillview and their costs so you know what needs to be. If you don't receive this email, contact Ms. Bosch here.
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iPad Return
6th / 7th grade students will not return their iPads this year. Students are asked to keep their iPad at home in a safe and secure location. All iPads will have internet access disabled during the summer. If your family is NOT planning on returning next year, then you MUST return the iPad by the last day of school Friday, June 11.
8th grade students will return iPads on Monday, June 14, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. If you need to arrange a different time contact Ms. Bosch here.
Like last year, we will be conducting a car line return process. Return iPad, case, cable and charger. Normal wear and tear is expected, however a charge will be assessed for items that have been disfigured or abused.
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Remember District Health Guidelines Still Apply
It feels great to have our local COVID data on the decline, so many staff and now parents vaccinated, and the possibility of more "normal" times ahead. However, it is not the time to relent on the health and safety guidelines that have kept MPCSD schools so safe all year long.
While on any MPCSD campus, even just to drop off or pick up your child and EVEN IF YOU ARE VACCINATED:
- Wear your mask
- Maintain six feet of distance between you and members of other households
- Don't come to school if you are feeling ill or have a fever
We have just five weeks of school left - we can do this!
Thank you for following our guidelines and keeping school safe and open.
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8th Grade Parent and Student News |
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Hillview Graduation Registration and Gown Reservation
We are asking that all 8th grade families take a minute to fill out the Hillview Graduation Registration and Gown Reservation here. Per the county guidelines, registration for in-person graduation events is required and even if you are not attending, we need to ensure we get a proper headcount for the day’s events. If you are attending and would like to borrow a gown, you will indicate this on your registration form. Gowns will be distributed to in-person students the weeks of May 28 and June 4. Virtual students will have a pick-up in the office with timing to be announced.
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8th Grade End-of-Year Information
We have created a webpage to help with details of the graduation event as well as other 8th grade important dates and news. Visit Class of 2021 here for more information on end-of-year events, deadlines and important to-dos.
Important Dates
Mon, June 7 - Awards Ceremony via Zoom 5:00 pm
Fri, June 11 - Virtual presentation of Capstone project
Fri, June 11 - Promotion ceremony, 2:30 - 6:10 pm
Mon, June 14 - Return iPad, case, cable, charger 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Summer Reading information for 8th grade students heading to Menlo Atherton, Woodside, Sacred Heart Preparatory, and Menlo School high schools is provided in Hillview Library below.
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8th Grade Off-Campus Graduation Celebration
Families are hosting a non-school affiliated or sanctioned event at Holbrook Palmer Park for all 8th graders on Friday evening June 11 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Registration here is required for the event and will close tonight, May 16 at midnight.
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End-Of-Year Staff Gift Fund
As we reflect on our historic school year we know our students wouldn’t have been able to obtain the academic enrichment they received without the creativity and tireless work of our entire Hillview staff. It has been a long standing tradition at Hillview to gift the staff as a community. Parents are encouraged to contribute here to a centralized Teacher and Staff Gift Fund (organized by the PTO) and ALL proceeds will be redistributed to our staff and teachers.
The benefit of this approach is that no one is overlooked. The Gift Fund is used to recognize all 100 plus Hillview employees, including academy teachers, elective teachers, specialists, custodians, and staff. You have the option to donate via PayPal, check or cash here. The Hillview staff will receive the distribution via check the last week of school. We ask that your donation be received by Wednesday, June 2.
For more information on how to donate visit End of Year Staff Gift here.
Thank you for helping us show our staff the appreciation they deserve!
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Volunteer at Hillview 2021-22
Whether you want to get involved for the first time or continue volunteering, we would be excited to have you. While we are still uncertain what next year will look like, we are hopeful that normal activities and volunteer opportunities will resume! To get a sense of the different types of opportunities available and to express interest, visit Volunteer at Hillview here.
Checking a box on the form only indicates interest, not commitment. Closer to the time of the event, coordinators will contact those interested to confirm availability. Given the uncertainty of the year, volunteer opportunities may have to be changed or canceled, so we appreciate your support and flexibility.
Email our volunteer coordinator, Kelly Morehead here with questions.
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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.
Kellie Raczowski
Kellie is one of our middle school counselors and has been at Hillview for two years. In her free time she enjoys exercising, hiking, camping, decorating, gardening and roller skating!
Favorite Quote: "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." C.S. Lewis
Favorite Movie: Cannot pick just one!
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Rocky Road and Mint Chip
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Favorite Subjects as a Middle School Student: Science
Words of Wisdom for Hillview Students: School should always be a place where you feel supported, cared for, and loved.
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What you probably didn’t know about me: I have never been to Disneyland!
One More Thing: Thank you for the recognition!
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Hillview Book Fair with Books Inc.
Starts today! May 16 - May 25
You, your family, and friends can shop at Books Inc. in Town & Country in Palo Alto to stock up on books. Just mention at the register that you would like the purchase to support Hillview Middle School, and Books Inc. will donate a portion of the sale back to the Hillview Library.
You can also shop online here and remember to add "Hillview" to the coupon code before you check out.
More information and Books Inc. catalog can be found on the Hillview Library website here.
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Summer Reading
Hillview wants students to read, read, read
over the summer! The minimum reading is two chapter books that students have not read before, but we hope they read more!
Check out the doc for more information on Hillview Summer Reading 2021 here including book recommendations for middle school and YA books.
For rising 8th grade students heading to high school here is information on summer reading for Menlo Atherton, Woodside, Sacred Heart Preparatory, and Menlo School.
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Log-in to the Hillview Library Catalog here to place holds for curbside pick-up
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Find eBooks and audiobooks on the Sora App here.
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May 13 Board Meeting
The Board recognized the twenty-seven English Language Learner (ELL) students who were reclassified this year as English Proficient! This special ceremony happens every year as students who have been receiving English Learning services are now able to graduate from the program with the gift of bi- or multi-literacy. MPCSD is fortunate to have thirty-six home languages represented among our students. Groups of students from each school were presented by their EL teacher and congratulated on their great accomplishment by Superintendent Burmeister and Board members.
The Board welcomed incoming Oak Knoll Principal Alicia Payton and approved her new contract for next year. They also approved the new financial analyst position that will replace the district’s retiring Director of Finance Jill Frederiksen, and a new job description for ELC lead teachers to recognize that lead teachers who are currently finishing their BA degrees are capable and should have a path towards teacher certification while they perform their job. They did not approve the reclassification of the Health Services Assistant position.
The Board approved the resolution here and ballot question here and language here for a replacement parcel tax, which now goes to the citizen committee to plan the campaign. The earliest this measure will be on the ballot is November 2021.
During Superintendent Burmeister’s usual Pandemic Response Update, he previewed what next year may look like in terms of health and safety protocols, including masking at least until all students are able to be vaccinated, 3-foot distancing, some form of health screening, and the continuation of quarantine procedures for COVID exposures. He reiterated that the pandemic is not over, and schools will need to move towards living with COVID as is the rest of society. Mask mandates are currently in flux as the CDPH and San Mateo County have yet to adopt the CDC’s new guidance. MPCSD will maintain its current health and safety protocols under the guidance of local health experts. There is currently no change to MPCSD’s protocols. See the full Pandemic Response presentation here. This was the 27th Pandemic Response Update, and Mr. Burmeister announced that these updates will no longer be a regular part of Board meetings. Board members may request specific updates as needed going forward.
The Board also heard Mr. Burmeister’s Budget Development Assumptions Update here. The district’s reserves will dip below the Board policy of 15% next year and were offered three options to address that: accept the staff recommendation of saving $300-350K by freezing 2 world language and 1.5 FTE science aide positions; direct the superintendent to look for additional cuts from the original list discussed earlier this year; suspend the Board policy of 15% reserves. Board members directed Superintendent Burmeister to proceed with option one, freezing the open positions that will be reflected in the 2021-22 budget presented in June. World language and science will be provided by existing staff, including a pilot virtual world language program for elementary students next year.
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Support your school and Galata Bistro!
Mention “Menlo - Atherton Schools” when ordering dinner from Galata Bistro on Wednesdays in May and 15% of your entire order goes back to our schools!
Three easy ways enjoy dinner at Galata Bistro and earn 15% back to our schools:
- Dine in at Galata Bistro at 827 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park
- Call (650) 325-7900 to place your take-out order
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Order dinner online for take-out via their website here.
** Don’t forget to mention “Menlo - Atherton Schools” when placing your order!
For more information, visit here.
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Still Time to Log Your Miles Through May 16 for the Run! Every mile = $1 more for our schools!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of an anonymous donor in our community, if our community logs 14,000 miles through the end of day today (Sunday May 16), we’ll receive a $14,000 donation!
Any sports, walking or biking to school, or other activities that you’re already doing count! And you can still log your miles from last week - those also count towards the dollar match!
Quick Tips to Log Your Activity:
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You can download the Charity Footprints app and connect your wearable in the settings. Learn more here.
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If you don't have a wearable, enter your activity here directly.
Did you run your 5K (3.1 miles)?
Enter your time here using the honor system. Entries due by 9:00 am on Monday May 17. Medals will be awarded to the top 10 finishers in various age categories next week. Good luck!
Announcing the 2nd winner of the Leaderboard Challenge!
Everyone who earned 1,000+ footprints was entered into two special drawings (May 5 and May 12) to win a $25 gift card to Big Five Sports and a goody bag of other fun items!
Congratulations to our second winner, Anay Amle!
There will also be a Grand Prize winner for the Leaderboard Challenge for whomever has the highest number of footprints at the end of our event. Winner will be announced next week. Stay tuned!
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We want to take the opportunity to show our appreciation for our business and realtor partners in the community.
Silver
The Bohannon Group Foundation
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Washington DC 8th grade trip Update If youy were unable to attend the meeting May 12, you may review the recording of the meeting here. There has been an overwhelming response to this trip and space is very limited at this point. There will be a waitlist so it is still worth registering. From past experience, spaces will likely open up in the coming months. If you have any questions, email Ms. Carolyn Malquist here. **As a reminder, this is NOT a school-sponsored trip.**
Scholarship available for Legarza Camp For any families interested in signing up for Legarza Summer Basketball Camp, Hillview has two $100 scholarships to give away. Email Mr. Chui here for more details.
Vote16 SMC here is a youth-led initiative committed to lowering the voting age and increasing youth civic engagement in San Mateo County. Learn more about our campaign and get involved! Learn about Vote16 USA here and the Vote16 SMC team.
AYSO Let's play soccer! The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) provides a great soccer experience for children ages 4 through 18. Menlo-Atherton AYSO is the largest youth soccer program in the area, and we are excited to return to offering our Fall Core season this year after the COVID interruption. Registration here is in progress for our Fall Core 2021 program, with no fees required now. During the summer, we will ask registered families to return to the system to complete payment. Financial aid will be available. For more information, contact registrar here.
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8th Grade Information
M-A Bear Wear Attention future Menlo-Atherton Bears! If you are looking to purchase some spirit wear to rep your new school, M-A Athletic Boosters sells sweatshirts, jackets, T-shirts, hats, mobile phone wallets, etc. online. And, our Booster volunteers deliver the items free to your home (within the District boundaries) with a $30 minimum order. All proceeds from sales help fund M-A Athletic teams. GO BEARS! Shop here.
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