On Tuesday, voters nationwide will vote in local, state, and federal elections. At times, the rhetoric around these campaigns has become intense, and we know that the debates around many of today’s issues can quickly get emotional. Children can pick up on this stress from us and from radio, advertisements, peers, and community signage. Engaging children in discussions about the election process helps them understand the value of voting and the role it plays in shaping communities. Most importantly, it offers a chance to model respectful disagreement. 

According to the Fred Rogers Institute, “In seasons of elections, it can be helpful to talk with children about what it means to discuss different ideas while still respecting those who disagree with us.” Here are a few resources for families that can help start these conversations:

Resources for Families to Discuss the Election with Children

• An Age-by-Age Guide to Talking About Voting with Kids: This guide provides tips on discussing voting with children of all ages, from preschool to high school. It emphasizes ways to make voting fun and relatable for young kids and encourages critical thinking and engagement for older children.
• Guidance for Speaking to Kids About the Election: This guide offers strategies for parents to discuss elections with their children, including introducing basic concepts, encouraging questions, and fostering critical thinking.
• Talking with Young Kids About Elections, Democracy, and Justice for All: This resource provides book recommendations and activities to help young children understand elections and democracy.
• Teaching Students How to Identify Credible Sources: This article (designed originally for teachers) is also a great resource for families. It shares an evaluation tool that I’ve used with my daughters over the years as they have engaged in research at home to help them determine a source's reliability. By considering five key questions: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose, students and families can better determine a source’s reliability.

In the days and weeks to come, let’s continue to be the model community that demonstrates kindness to one another and helps our children understand what it means to be active, informed citizens. We are fortunate to live, work, and learn in a school district where people truly care about each other. As always, thank you for your support.

Best,

Dr. Susan Wildes

Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, it’s a perfect time to nurture our children’s sense of gratitude—a valuable skill that can enrich their lives in countless ways. Expressing thanks for the people, experiences, and opportunities they have helps children develop empathy, resilience, and an understanding of the impact they can have on others. At Hermosa Schools, we encourage students to recognize the small and big things that bring them joy and make a difference in their lives, and we invite you to join us by sharing moments of gratitude at home, too. By practicing gratitude together, we can help our students build a mindset that will not only enrich their lives today but will also guide them toward becoming compassionate, grounded adults. During the month of November, I wish you and your family a wonderful season of thanksgiving as we reflect on all that we are grateful for.

Hillary Overbeck, Hermosa View & Vista Principal

We’re excited to share that our students did an amazing job competing in our first Valley Spirit Games of the school year! We were so impressed with the sportsmanship, kindness, and respect shown to one another—it was a huge success! Thank you to those who helped make it happen (including the teachers and staff members pictured below who sacrificed their bodies and pride to participate in the Spirit Games Rally!).

(Mr. Hazard, Ms. Richardson, Ms. Cox, Ms. Donna, Mr. Kaplan, & Mr. Butcher)

A big shout-out as well to everyone who came dressed for the Halloween Costume Day Contest! Students and staff really went all out with their creativity and spirit—what a fun day for all! 

(Hermosa Valley Staff on Halloween)

We are excited to announce that this upcoming week, we will be implementing the new Navigate360 PBIS Rewards app in our school. This platform will help us manage and encourage positive student behavior by allowing staff to reward students with PBIS points for demonstrating respect for all, acting responsibly, valuing academic excellence and integrity, and showing that everyone is welcome. These points can be redeemed for various incentives, creating an engaging way for students to take pride in their actions. If you’d like to learn more about the PBIS Rewards App, check out THIS video.

We’ll be hosting Parent/Teacher Conferences here at Valley. All of our 5th grade families will be meeting with their student’s teacher. For middle school, conference spaces are prioritized for families and students to discuss progress, behavior, and concerns you or the teacher may have. Students who are meeting academic and behavioral standards do not require a conference at this time. Should you have concerns, please reach out to the teacher of the class you would like to discuss for a callback. Please review the Middle School Conference Week Schedule.

Have a wonderful week!

Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal

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

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

11/1-30: HVPTO Support & Play FUNraiser: Dave & Buster's Power Cards

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

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

11/4 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at Vista

11/5: Election Day

11/5 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at View

11/8: National STEM/STEAM Day

11/8 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at Valley

11/11-25: HB Chamber: The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt (Ends 11/25 at 5:00 PM)

11/11: Veterans Day - No School