Monday, June 7
Gold and Blue on campus this last week of school, special schedule here
Yearbook pick-up, end of student's scheduled day this week, (outstanding materials or fines due prior to pick-up)
8th Grade Awards Assembly, 5:00 - 6:30 pm Honorees' families will receive notification, all 8th graders and families welcome
Tuesday, June 8
School Site Council Meeting, 3:30 - 5:00 pm, Zoom
Wednesday, June 9
PTO Executive Board Meeting, 9:00 - 10:30 am, Zoom
Thursday, June 10
Vaccination Clinic (second dose), 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Hillview driveway
Regular School Board meeting, 5:00 pm, Zoom here
Friday, June 11
8th Grade Virtual presentation of Capstone project, 9:00 am (Blue) or 10:30 am (Gold/Virtual Academy)
8th Grade Promotion ceremony, 2:30 - 6:10 pm, see schedule detail here
Last day of school, Blue students only, 11:45 am release
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Monday, June 14
Vaccination Clinic (second dose), 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Hillview driveway
iPad Return, 8th grade, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, carline, bike, or walk
First Day of School for 2021-22, August 19 (see full school year calendar here)
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Quicklinks bottom of newsletter
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Dear Hillview Family,
In this our final newsletter of the wildest and craziest school year ever, I want to express my deep gratitude for the incredible partnership, patience, and resilience that you and your children have shown. We began the year in lockdown, and by September - thanks to our careful planning, informed by our Parent and Student Advisory Team and our Steering Committee - some students were back on campus, with all hybrid students returning by the week of November 9. We kept things going even as the county dipped into the Purple tier, and our momentum is seeing us through all the way to the finish line.
Never before have the lines of communication been so critical, and you learned along with us as we navigated the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic, understood and followed our long list of protocols, and adjusted to our innovative hybrid schedule that allowed Hillview to return to meaningful in-person learning before any other public middle school in San Mateo County.
This year has been extremely challenging. Many of our families have suffered loss, and there were times when we didn’t know how we would move forward as we balanced work, school, and family. And without negating the real hardship that some have experienced, this year has also been rewarding as we have leaned on each other, problem-solved, and persevered. We have done more than we thought we ever could do, pulling water from what seemed like an empty well. Despite the unusual nature of this school year, our Panorama survey results showed big jumps from January, 2020, and historically high levels of satisfaction from both parents and students. Clearly there are some silver linings that we need to preserve.
We could not have done any of this without your support, your children’s inspiring resilience and adaptability, our tireless PTO and cadre of parent volunteers, and of course a dedicated and talented certificated and classified staff. Hillview’s Five Core Skills shone through this past year. Our curiosity and critical thinking enabled us to return students to school and solve the intricacies of a middle school master schedule. Our compassion helped us listen and extend grace when our emotions ran high. We all showed ownership - especially the students - in taking charge of our learning and personal growth. And finally, we could not have exemplified more resilience as we weathered the storm of COVID 19 and stayed engaged throughout.
We all deserve two or three summers of R & R, and we’ll take what we can get to come back to a more normal year in 2021-22. Let’s not forget what 2020-21 has taught us. Be well
All the best and Thank You,
Willy
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Yearbook Distribution June 7
Students who ordered a yearbook can pick them up at Hillview starting June 7 at the end of the day as your student's cohort is released.
Direct Ship orders have been shipped and you should be receiving them in 2-3 weeks. Contact HJ customer service if you have a change of address since placing the order.
If you did not order a yearbook, we have a limited supply to sell. It is first come first serve only, paid by check made out to Hillview ASB for $45.00. There will be no waitlist or pre-saving of books.
Note: Students who have outstanding materials or fines will not receive their yearbook until items have been paid for or returned.
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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.
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As we go into our final week, we are looking forward to celebrating our outgoing 8th grade graduates with loud cheers of well deserved congratulations. Just being able to celebrate them in a way that will bring life back onto campus after a year of separation makes our hearts happy as we close out our 2020-2021 school year. We are also thankful that the community came together to help us celebrate our staff by contributing to our year end gift fund in such an impactful way. The staff deserves to be showered with gratitude after such a difficult year. We are so appreciative of the partnership this community has provided us throughout the year, thank you.
While this year has been an adjustment that forced so much change on the way we would normally do things, we feel that a lot of what we did became true silver linings that worked well and can be lessons that our incoming board can use to become a stronger organization in the future. We look forward to seeing what our incoming board will have in store for the 2021-2022 school year as we pass the baton to our new board and presidents.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to lead. We are truly grateful to the entire Hillview community. As we wish you this final farewell we sincerely hope you all have the summer break your family deserves.
Go Hawks!
Signing off,
Alison Matthews and Tricia Mulcahy
Hillview 2020-2021 Co-Presidents
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2021-22 Hot Lunch Volunteer Coordinator Needed
We are looking forward to offering on-site hot lunch service next school year for our Hawks. However, Hot Lunch isn't possible without our amazing volunteer team of parents who every day distribute hundreds of meals. The PTO is seeking a volunteer coordinator to manage this team of volunteers. This person is responsible for recruiting volunteers at the beginning of the year and managing weekly communications (reminders, etc.). There is a small stipend associated with this role. Email PTO Co-VP Ward Bullard here if you are interested in learning more.
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8th Grade Graduation Volunteers
We are in need of more volunteers! Come celebrate with our 320 8th grade graduates at our celebratory walk on Friday, June 11. In the spirit of “paying it forward” we encourage current 6th and 7th grade parents to help with the day (8th grade families are welcome to help too!). Choose from four shifts, two set-up and two event shifts. Sign up for 8th Grade Graduation Volunteers here.
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Fall Sports Interest Survey
The PTO After-School Athletics Committee is trying to gauge interest/demand for girls volleyball and co-ed flag football in the fall for returning Hawks. We will need parent coaches and volunteers too. Fill out the following form Returning Hillview Students - Fall Sports Survey here.
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Special recognition of our stand out 2020-21 volunteers and staff
In light of not being able to have our traditional awards luncheon the Hillview PTO and Principal Haug didn't want to miss the opportunity to recognize a few stand out volunteers and staff members with a Hawk Hurrah! Congratulations to all the Hawk Hurrah recipients. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication you have shown to the Hillview community!
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Danny Chui
Karen Dearing
Libby Ellis
Stacy Goldman
Shelby Karros
Kelly Morehead
Francisco Ochoa
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Christine Morales
Mario Orozco Mendoza
Suney Park
Emily Record
Jennifer Roberts
Katherine Robinson
Tamara Russel
Kimberly Staff
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Alfredo Solache, Jr.
Alexandra Stadelmann
Nayoung Suh
Matthew Tom
Hilda Verdugo-Ortiz
Wilber Villalta
Patricia Zahedan
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Hillview Steering Committee
Johnna Becker, Michael Bratt, Danny Chui, Michael Doroquez, Katie DeAnda, Cathy Garagozzo, Katrina Hagg, Willy Haug, Lexy Keller, Tom Lyons, Danielle O'Brien, Suney Park, Kelley Otis, Katie Rippentrop, and Julie Williams
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With sincere heartfelt gratitude we would like to take a moment to thank all the families who donated to this year's End-of-Year Staff Gift Fund. The outpouring of love and support was phenomenal and our 101 staff members will each be recognized with an equal financial distribution of over $300. Thank you again for showing your appreciation to our staff who worked so hard to make 2020-21 a success! |
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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.
Katie DeAnda teaches dance and yogalates in the physical education department and has been at Hillview for 10 years! When not teaching Katie enjoys camping, hiking, biking and spending time with her family. She loves all forms of dance and attends as many live performances as she can.
Favorite Quote: It is never too late to be what you might have been.
Favorite Movie: Now and Then
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cake Batter
Favorite Subjects as a Middle School Student: English
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Words of Wisdom for Hillview Students:
Do your best. I understand that your best might look different each day depending on many factors such as how much sleep you got, if you have stuff going on at home, etc. Do your best each day in PE class putting forth as much effort as you can.
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What you probably didn’t know about me: I grew up in Menlo Park and I attended Hillview, Encinal and Laurel.
One more thing: Have a wonderful summer and remember to be kind!
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Summer Reading
Hillview summer reading assignment is two chapter books that you have not read before. We hope you read more than two! The information for Hillview Summer Reading 2021 here includes book recommendations for middle school and YA books.
For 8th grade students heading to Menlo Atherton, Woodside, Sacred Heart Preparatory, Sequoia, and Menlo School high schools here is a link with summer reading assignment information.
Any questions? Email Aimee Mathenia here.
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Calling All Jazz Band Musicians
Play in the Hillview Jazz Band next year. Read the Cover Letter and audition guidelines here. If you have questions, ask Mr. Vaughan here.
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Have you checked out the music SOUNDWALL?
There are two sets of posters in the quad with QR codes. Just click on the code to hear the original compositions of some of Hillview's finest musicians! If you want to access the posters and QR codes at home, just follow the link here!
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School Board Meeting June 3 Highlights
The June 3 School Board meeting opened with the district’s annual celebration of staff who made milestone work anniversaries, received Jeanie Ritchie Grants, retired, and received service awards. This year’s event was especially emotional as service awards were given to those whose extraordinary contributions throughout the pandemic kept our schools and students safe, even when there was no clear roadmap for doing so. Below are highlights from the recognition; in the district’s final parent newsletter of the year, to be published later this week, we will include the full list of names. Assistant Superintendent Jammie Behrendt presented the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan), which describes the goals, actions, services, and expenditures to support positive student outcomes, while addressing state and local priorities. The goals the district will focus on over the next three years are equity and bias, increased academic performance, bringing to zero the number of long-term English learners, increased sense of belonging and engagement in learning, a focus on integrated well-being including better emotional regulation, and increased engagement of underrepresented parents. See the LCAP presentation here.
Additional public hearings included the 2021-22 budget which shows both a narrowing deficit but also a need to ensure renewal of Measure X to avoid depleting reserves in the out years. The budget will be voted upon at the June 10 meeting.
Join the Board for its final meeting of the 2020-21 school year on Thursday, June 10 at 5:00 pm. Zoom details will be available on the district homepage 72 hours prior to the meeting.
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Join us in thanking our retirees who have all made incredible contributions to MPCSD across the district
Maria Theresa Magana, Cheryl Marelich and Vivian Pogorelskin from Encinal
Mary Pimental, affectionately known as Grandma Missy, from Laurel
Chris Atkinson and Teri Murphy from Oak Knoll
Carolyn Malquist and Janet Rampa from Hillview
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District Service Awards at Hillview
Given to these staff and parent volunteers who made exceptional contributions during this pandemic year. Thank you so much for your service.
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Alexandra Stadelmann
Misty Blue Foster
Julie Williams
Kim Staff
Danielle O’Brien
Danny Chui
Willy Haug
Hilda Verdugo-Ortiz
Mario Orozco Mendoza
Alfredo Solache, Jr.
Wilber Villalta
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Are you a whiz at spreadsheets and data?
The Committee to Support Menlo Park Schools needs YOU! Your talents with data could make a difference in the lives of kids for years to come. Find out how, email here. Flexible volunteer hours in the comfort of your own home.
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2021 Menlo Park City School District President and Golden Oak Awards
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CONGRATULATIONS to this year's winners!
Join us in congratulating our recipients. These are parents, teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to help our schools and district.
District Council
President’s Award: Katie Rottier (Oak Knoll)
Golden Oak Award: Vidya Kagan (Hillview)
Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation
President's Awards: Paige Arata, Sarah Thayer
Golden Oak Awards: Jason Banks, Janelle McCombs, Stacey Wueste
Hillview Middle School
President’s Award: Alison Matthews, Tricia Mulcahy
Golden Oak Awards: Carolyn Malquist, Matt Ericksen, Jennie Lang, Claudia Tedesco and Julia Molise
Encinal Elementary School
President’s Award: Christine Wichrowski Goudey
Golden Oak Awards: Lisa Mount, Cheryl Marelich, Kristen Ocon
Laurel Elementary School
President’s Awards: Krista Rosa, Cassandra Lopez
Golden Oak Awards: Missy Pimentel, Jenn Shoup
Oak Knoll Elementary School
President’s Awards: Victoria Dorward
Golden Oak Awards: Chris Atkinson, Teri Murphy
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Located at SportsHouse in Redwood City, GrowFit sports camps offer a wide variety of activities and physical education to help develop your kiddo’s young athletic spirit.
A Special offer here. For the first purchase for each family using the code “mpcsdsummer” at checkout, Grow Fit will give 10% back to MPAEF! Offer valid for Summer 2021 Camps.
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Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to the
MPAEF Endowment for Excellence in Teaching by Friday, June 11!
A donation to the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation’s Endowment for Excellence in Teaching here is a wonderful way to honor your children’s school experiences or a teacher/staff member who made a difference in their lives.
At the end of this unconventional school year, honoring the teachers who successfully transitioned from traditional in-person to a new, virtual experience for your student might also come to mind for your family.
CLICK here to make your tribute gift in honor of your student or a teacher
by Friday, June 11, 2021.
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Are You Ready for Father's Day and Summer?
As you shop for Father's Day (Sunday, June 20) or Summer, please check out deals at smile.amazon.com here and help raise money for our schools!
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Special Wine Promo for Memorial Day Weekend
Through June 30, 2021, place an online order of award-winning wine from Share A Splash Wine Co. here using promo code MPAEF20 and receive 20% off your order. Plus 10% of your entire order goes back to our schools! And for all orders over $250, you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of Angels & Cowboys Brut Rosé. Place your order today here.
Delivery options:
Delivered to your home for a shipping fee or free pick-up is available from Share A Splash’s Menlo Park office at 716 Oak Grove daily from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday-Friday.
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Cantor Arts Center: Inspired by Nature Let’s go outside and make art! Join us for a hands-on activity that is all about the natural world. We will use materials found in nature and arrange them to create an original artwork. Our inspiration is Andy Goldsworthy’s Stone River here.
Camp Newton Summer 2021 at Laurel Lower Campus Join us this summer for an exciting project-based, hands-on learning camp! Challenges from creating mini businesses to filming commercials and recreating carnival games. Lots of fun under the summer sun with water play, relay races, archery, and paintball games! Camp hours from 8-6 pm (multiple schedule options and after-summer school camp), full week enrollments required. More information here and register here.
Youth Community Service-Summer of Service Camp Weekly in-person camp for grades 3-5, 7-8 and 9-10 focused on hands-on, service learning projects. Themes include the Environment (Grassroots Ecology), Hunger & Homelessness (Project WeHope), Animal Care (Palo Alto Humane Society) and Food Shelter (San Jose Health Trust). More information including scholarships here.
Menlo-Atherton 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.
Attention Rising M-A 9th Grade Girls- Water Polo Are you looking for a fun way to meet new people and get involved at M-A? Join the MA Girls Water Polo team. This amazing group of league champs is coached by Lauren Lesyna, M-A Biology Teacher and coach extraordinaire. Our Fall 2021 schedule is not finalized, but we expect to start practices around August 6. No water polo experience necessary. We welcome newcomers! Contact Lauren here with questions and to join our email list for summer updates and fall season details. Go Bears!
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