Thank you to all of our families, staff, and students who took the time to participate in our Cell Phone/Smartwatch Policy Development Surveys. We received an incredible response, with nearly 500 families completing the survey. Over the next few weeks, we will carefully analyze the data and share our findings at the next Regular School Board Meeting on November 13th, which will play a key role in shaping our policy development. 

We understand that parenting in the digital age of navigating cell phones, smartwatches, and technology pressures can be challenging. It’s essential to equip children with the tools to use these technologies responsibly. One excellent resource is Common Sense Media, which provides helpful guidance for families making informed choices about media and technology use. I’ve referenced it frequently with my own daughters throughout the years. 

Here’s how you can use Common Sense Media as a family:

• Explore Age-Appropriate Content: Use the reviews and ratings to select appropriate movies, apps, and games for your children.
• Set Technology Ground Rules: Work together as a family to establish boundaries, such as screen-free times and safe internet practices.
• Sign a Cell Phone Agreement: These agreements are designed to foster open conversations about expectations and responsibilities around phone use. They provide a structured way for families to discuss healthy habits, safety, screen time limits, and appropriate online behavior while empowering kids to make responsible decisions. Agreements can also be used for smartwatches and iPad usage. 

For more information and to access these tools, visit Common Sense Media. 

Additionally, we encourage you to attend one of the upcoming dates for Screenagers: The Elementary School-Age Edition. To register and find available viewing dates, visit the registration page. There, you can also reserve a seat and sign up for FREE childcare provided by AdventurePlex staff. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. 

Together, we can create a balanced, mindful approach to media and technology for our children.

Best,

Dr. Susan Wildes

Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District

As we approach Halloween, I want to remind everyone of the importance of staying safe while having fun. On Wednesday, October 30, we are excited to welcome officers from the Hermosa Beach Police Department, who will visit each class to share valuable Halloween safety tips with our students. From trick-or-treating in groups to wearing reflective gear, they’ll cover it all! It’s also a great time for parents and caregivers to model safe and responsible behavior. Simple actions, like crossing streets at crosswalks and checking candy, can make a big difference.

Then, on Thursday, October 31, we’re thrilled to welcome all families to our annual View & Vista Halloween Costume Parades! Come cheer on our students, and be sure to take a look at the costume guidelines and schedule details below. Have a safe, festive week!

Hillary Overbeck, Hermosa View & Vista Principal

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our Red Ribbon Week activities! We broke records this year with the number of participants dressed up each day, and our impressive chain of student pledges to stay drug-free is proudly displayed in the Valley MPR. My family had a blast at the Halloween Carnival—even if I found myself swimming in the dunk tank a few too many times! A big shout-out to our amazing HVPTO for making this cherished tradition a fantastic success.

This is a BIG week for Hermosa Valley! We are excited to kick off our first Valley Spirit Games of the year on Wednesday, October 30! Students will have the chance to earn points for their teams in a variety of fun and active events (mind and body). Based on student feedback, we’ve tweaked the structure a bit for this Spirit Games session. Every student will still have the opportunity to participate in one event, or they can choose to be a spectator and cheer on their teams while moving about campus respectfully. Nominations are in, and students selected to represent their teams (Blue Crocodiles, Green Grizzly Bears, Orange Leopards, Purple Jaguars, Red Wolves, and Yellow Lions) will be notified on Monday, October 28. We can’t make this happen without your parent/guardian's help, so please consider volunteering by signing up. 

We’re also excited to welcome all 5th-8th grade students (and staff, too) to participate in the Valley Halloween Costume Day on Thursday, October 31, for the first time in a long time! Costume awards (for example, most creative/best group theme) will be given out during lunch in the Valley Bowl, so get creative, but remember you must follow the Dress-Up Guidelines. Please note: Dressing up is optional.

Finally, our 8th graders will continue their tradition of community service by working on the Sand Dune Restoration Project in Mr. Dodge’s Social Studies class on Monday (10/28) and Tuesday (10/29). As a reminder, 8th graders, don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes for planting and clearing!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Hermosa Valley an incredible place for our students. Let’s make this week one to remember!

Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal

10/28-29: Valley: 8th Grade Sand Dune Native Plant Restoration Project - Mr. Dodge's Social Studies Classes

10/28 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at Vista

10/29 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at View

10/29 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Boys Flag Football & Girls Volleyball vs. MBMS (AWAY GAME)

10/30 (8:00-11:30 AM): HVS: HVPTO Pumpkin Carving Contest

10/30: HB Preschool/View/Vista: HBPD Visits Classrooms - Halloween Safety Tips

10/30 (10:20-11:20 AM): Valley: Spirit Games

10/30 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Boys Flag Football & Girls Volleyball vs. PARRAS (HOME GAME)

10/31: Happy Halloween!

10/31: Valley: Halloween Costume Day (5th-8th Grade)

10/31: View (9:00-10:00 AM)/HB Preschool (11:20-11:40 AM)/Vista (1:45-2:30 PM): Halloween Costume Parades

10/31 (9:45-11:00 AM): View: TK Walking Field Trip to Sunrise of Hermosa Beach

11/1-30: November is Native American Heritage Month

11/1-30: November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

11/1-8: HVPTO: Candy Collection & Letters for the Troops

11/1-2: Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)

11/1: HB Preschool/View/Vista: Make-Up Picture Day

11/1 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at Valley

11/3 (at 2:00 AM): Daylight Saving Time Ends

11/4-8: HVS: Parent/Teacher Conferences - Minimum Day