Superintendent's Weekly Message | |
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On March 4, we proudly celebrate Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Workers Appreciation Day, honoring the incredible team that keeps our schools running smoothly. From maintaining our facilities to ensuring clean, safe, and welcoming learning environments, their hard work often goes unnoticed—but it is essential to our success.
Our M&O team works tirelessly behind the scenes, repairing, cleaning, landscaping, and ensuring that everything functions efficiently. Their dedication directly impacts our students, staff, and families every single day.
As a shining example of this commitment, we’re once again highlighting Ramon Sanchez, whose attention to detail and hard work help keep our campuses safe and well-maintained. He exemplifies the dedication and excellence that our entire M&O team brings to keeping our schools in top shape.
Please take a moment to thank our Maintenance & Operations team for their commitment and hard work. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in showing our appreciation!
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools,
Hermosa Beach City School District
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Hermosa Staff Honored
HBCSD celebrates Gabrielle Verdura, Vista School Psychologist, and Kathy Jonas, Valley Clerical Aide, for being honored last Thursday at the 12th Annual Southwest SELPA CAC Staff & Community Partners Awards Night. This event recognizes exceptional staff who go above and beyond in supporting students with special needs.
Congratulations to Gabrielle and Kathy for their dedication and the positive impact they make in our school community!
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Empowering Girls & Supporting Wellness During Women’s History Month
March is Women's History Month, a month to study, observe, and celebrate the vital role women play in American life and history. We will continue to encourage girls and young women to speak up, challenge expectations, and become trailblazers, pioneers, innovators, and leaders. And that includes encouraging them to advocate for their own mental health.
As a reminder, we offer the following resources in our community to help lift all of our students:
If your student needs additional help to reach their full potential, Care Solace can help connect them to mental health care. They will navigate the mental health care system, explain options, and quickly find available providers in our local community. Care Solace is a complementary and confidential care coordination service provided by Hermosa Beach City School District.
- Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365.
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Visit caresolace.com/hbcsd and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
We promise to continue to do our part to ensure our students are thriving and learning.
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HBCSD Calendar for the 2025-2026 School Year
The HBCSD Board of Education officially approved the adoption of the HBCSD Calendar for the 2025-2026 school year at the February 20, 2025, board meeting. We encourage all families and staff to review the important dates and holiday breaks to help with planning.
Key Dates:
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First Day of School: August 20, 2025
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Thanksgiving Break: November 24-28, 2025
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Winter Break: December 22, 2025-January 2, 2026
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Presidents’ Week: February 9-16, 2026
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Spring Break: April 6-10, 2026
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Last Day of School: June 12, 2026
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HB Chamber's Lemonade Day - Register by this Friday!
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the third annual Lemonade Day on Sunday, April 6, from 12:00-4:00 PM in Downtown Hermosa Beach. This national program is open to students in grades 3-8 who either attend a Hermosa School OR live in Hermosa Beach. It’s an exciting opportunity to be your own boss for a day, learn how to start a business, make money, and have fun!
Participants will plan their businesses, create their stands, sell their lemonade, and compete for awards, with top entrepreneurs recognized by the Hermosa Beach City Council. Sign up today to receive all the tools you need to run your own lemonade stand. The deadline to register is Friday, March 7. Learn more and register at hbchamber.net/lemonade.
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Neptunian Woman's Club Art Contest - Submit Your Artwork by March 7!
Only one short week remains to showcase your creativity and compete for cash prizes in the 45th Annual Neptunian Woman’s Club Art Contest! Open to all K-12 students who attend a Manhattan Beach school, are residents of Manhattan Beach, or attend Hermosa Valley School, this is your student's chance to make their artistic mark.
Don't miss out—review the contest rules, complete the online submission form, and drop off your artwork in your school’s main office.
Professional artists will judge all entries, and winners will be celebrated at the Award Ceremony and Art Show on March 23 at 1 PM at the Neptunian Woman’s Club Clubhouse.
The deadline is fast approaching—submit your masterpiece by March 7! For questions, contact Heather de Roos.
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Hermosa View School Interim Principal News | |
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This week, we are excited to celebrate Read Across America (RAA), a wonderful opportunity to inspire a love for reading in our students. Throughout the week, several guest readers will visit our TK & Kinder classrooms, and our first graders will enjoy a special RAA assembly featuring Hermosa Beach Police Chief Paul LeBaron and voiceover actor Dino Andrade!
In conjunction with Read Across America, our View Library will host the Scholastic Book Fair powered by HVPTO. Each class will have a designated time to visit the library, allowing students to explore and select books that spark their interest. Families are also welcome to stop by after school at the following times:
Book Fair Hours:
Monday (3/3): 2:30-3:15 PM
Tuesday (3/4): 2:30-3:15 PM
Wednesday (3/5): 1:30-2:25 PM
Thursday (3/6): 2:15-6:00 PM
Friday (3/7): 2:30-3:15 PM
Students will also have the chance to purchase books for their classroom from the teacher’s wish lists.
I hope to see many of you at our book fair. Have a great week!
Kind regards,
Sandy Skora, Hermosa View Interim Principal
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Author June Sobel Comes to View on March 3rd!
Children's Author June Sobel will visit Ms. Bradley and Ms. Peng's TK classrooms on Monday, March 3, for Read Across America Week. Best known for The Goodnight Train series, Tow Truck Joe series, and Shiver Me Letters - A Pirate ABC, Sobel will share one of her beloved books with our students. It's sure to be a fun and magical storytime!
Read Across America at HVS is #poweredbyHVPTO.
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Author Sabrina Cohen Visits View on March 5 & 6!
In honor of Read Across America Week, we welcome Sabrina Cohen, a Redondo Beach children's book author, to Ms. Manderscheid and Ms. Sheue’s TK classrooms on Wednesday, March 5, and Ms. Lange's Kinder classroom on Thursday, March 6. She will read her book, Super Duper Grateful Me, an inspiring, interactive, and inclusive story that introduces young readers to the magic of gratitude. Our students are in for a joyful and engaging storytelling experience!
Read Across America at HVS is #poweredbyHVPTO.
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
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This week, we're celebrating Read Across America Week, a special time dedicated to fostering a love of reading! Research shows that strong reading habits are a key predictor of academic success, enhancing comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. We encourage families to make reading a commitment every day, not just this week but all year long!
As a part of your family’s routines, consider visiting the Hermosa Beach Public Library to explore great books and engaging activities. Check out their exciting upcoming public library events:
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Wednesday, March 5 / 3:00-4:00 PM: Wonders of Wildlife - Let's go on an imaginary hike with Wonders of Wildlife in this live animal show! Join us and use your detective skills as we learn about what tracks and signs animals leave behind.
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Wednesday, March 12 / 3:00-4:00 PM: Women’s History Month: Mae Jemison - Join us to celebrate Women's History Month as we learn about Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space. We will decorate a spaceship frame.
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Wednesday, March 19 / 3:00-4:00 PM: Teresa Smith Dance Show - Travel the world and learn about a variety of dances with Teresa Smith and try on native costumes. Generously sponsored by Hermosa Beach Friends of the Library.
Please note: These events are intended for ages 5-12 with a parent or caregiver.
I look forward to welcoming guest readers at our grade-level RAA assemblies this week and, of course, Read Across America Spirit Week dress-up days. Check out the schedule below, and keep reading!
Warmly,
Hillary Overbeck, Hermosa Vista Principal
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Hermosa Vista Student Council "Loose Change" Fundraiser Ends This Friday!
The Hermosa Vista Student Council is leading a Loose Change Fundraiser to support families affected by the recent wildfires. From February 18-March 7 (date extended), they are collecting U.S. bills and coins (no pennies, please). Round up your loose change from home, and bring it to school to donate! Drop them off in the plastic tubs in the Vista front office to help make a difference. All proceeds will be donated to SupplyBank.org to provide essential supplies to disaster-affected communities in California. Thank you for your generosity!
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Author Adam Gidwitz Visits Our 4th Graders on March 6th!
We're thrilled to welcome Newbery Award-winning, bestselling children's book author Adam Gidwitz to Hermosa Vista for Read Across America Week! On Thursday, March 6, all 4th Grade classes will enjoy a special assembly with Gidwitz from 10:55-11:40 AM in the Vista Library. Gidwitz is best known for A Tale Dark and Grimm (which has been adapted to a Netflix animated series!), Max in the House of Spies, the Newbery Honored novel The Inquisitor's Tale, and many other amazing books. This is an incredible opportunity for our students to hear from a celebrated author!
Read Across America at HVS is #poweredbyHVPTO.
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Hermosa Valley School Principal News | |
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What an incredible week we’ve had! The Spirit Games were a huge success, with every student having the opportunity to participate in an event. A special thank you to Beach Cities Health District for providing the inflatable and obstacle course—our students had a blast! Be sure to check out the updated team points to see where your team stands.
This week, we are excited to celebrate Read Across America and the power of literacy! Students in grades 5-8 are encouraged to dress up for our themed Spirit Days. Our 5th graders will also have a special visit from Actor and Producer Mark Feuerstein, who was on campus last year and left a lasting impact—we can’t wait to welcome him back!
We are also gearing up for the start of our Spring Sports season—stay tuned for more details from our Athletic Director, Coach Vasquez.
Our 8th graders have completed their High School Decision Google Form in their homeroom classes. Please note that students must complete this form using their school-issued HBCSD email address, as access is limited to HBCSD accounts. Be sure to check with your student to ensure they have submitted their selection, as this will impact scheduling at RUHS and MCHS.
And finally, a reminder that 8th Grade AstroCamp is happening this week, March 7th-9th! We’re looking forward to an unforgettable experience filled with science, adventure, and fun.
Wishing everyone a fantastic week ahead!
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
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Actor Mark Feuerstein Visits Our 5th Graders on March 7th!
We are excited to welcome back Mark Feuerstein, an actor from The West Wing, Royal Pains, and Netflix’s The Babysitters Club, to Hermosa Valley for Read Across America Week! He will be the special guest reader at the 5th Grade Assembly on Friday, March 7, from 1:00-2:00 PM in the Valley MPR. It’s sure to be a memorable experience for our students!
Read Across America at HVS is #poweredbyHVPTO.
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PVPSS's Incoming 7th & 8th Grade Students Summer Workshops
Palos Verdes Peninsula Summer School (PVPSS) is excited to bring incoming 7th and 8th grade students to the high school! They offer excellent enrichment workshops, which run from June 16 to July 10 (exception: Stage Production ends on June 26). Also, there are no grades or credits involved because the purpose of these workshops is to learn while having fun!
WORKSHOP OFFERINGS:
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Python Coding - Write, debug, and analyze code
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Stage Production - Ensemble building, writing, performing, directing, and designing
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Cook & Taste - Knife skills, baking, creative dishes, and plenty of eating
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Bridge to Algebra - For Math 7 students who would like to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade
PVPSS alternates campuses each year, and the location this summer is Peninsula High School (Palos Verdes High School in 2026). For more information, see the flyer and visit PVPSS.COM/INTERMEDIATE-INFORMATION. Registration is now open!
Feel free to contact the PVPSS Director, Adam Genovese, with any questions/concerns.
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MCHS - Incoming 9th Grade Parent Scheduling Presentation
Attention parents/guardians of incoming 9th graders! Redondo Union High School (RUHS) is hosting a Parent Scheduling Presentation on Monday, March 3 to help families navigate the course selection process. Attend in person at 9:00 AM in the RUHS Library or virtually at 2:30 PM via Webex to learn more about high school scheduling, course options, and important deadlines. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and ensure a smooth transition for your future sea hawk!
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MCHS - THIS IS COSTA PART 2
Calling all incoming 9th Graders & Parents! Mira Costa is excited to kick off THIS IS COSTA PART 2 on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 6:30-8:05 PM in the Mira Costa High School Auditorium. After the opening announcements, students and parents will have the opportunity to attend up to three informational break-out sessions to learn all about academic opportunities, athletic teams, music and art programs, and the MBX Summer School. It is a great chance to learn about programs before making your freshman schedule and is unlike any of the other prior events MCHS has offered. See the flyer for more information.
Please Note: Parking for the event will be in the lot off Artesia Blvd. between Meadows Ave. and S. Peck Ave., the lot at the corner of S. Peck Ave. and Artesia Blvd., the lot off S. Peck Ave., and on the street (please check posted signage for any applicable restrictions).
Questions: Email Amy Bindler or Melissa Spiegel, MCHS PTSA Co-VP Community Outreach
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MBX Summer School 2025 New Student - Academic Registration Begins
The Mira Costa High School - MBX Summer School 2025 New Student - Academic Registration is coming up for incoming 9th graders on Thursday, March 6, at 9 AM. For more detailed registration information, visit MBXFOUNDATION.ORG/SUMMER-SCHOOL.
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1/6-3/14: Valley Yearbook: 8th Grade Dedication Pages & Baby Pictures
1/26-3/4 (At Noon): HVPTO: Family Fun Night - Neon Night Silent Disco Party on the Hermosa Valley School Blacktop - Tickets on Sale (Buy Tickets Today!)
2/18-4/30: Valley: Physical Fitness Testing - 5th Grade
2/18-3/7: Vista: Hermosa Vista Student Council "Loose Change" Fundraiser
2/28-3/29: Ramadan
3/1-31: March is National Women's History Month
3/1-31: March is National Disabilities Awareness Month
3/3-7: HVPTO: Read Across America at HVS
3/3-7: HVPTO: Scholastic Book Fair at View
3/3-4 (8:50-11:20 AM): Valley: 5th Grade Space STEM with the U.S. Space Force in the Valley MPR
3/3: RUHS: Incoming 9th Grade Scheduling Presentation - 9:00 AM in the RUHS Library or 2:30 via Webex
3/3: View/RAA: Author June Sobel visits Bradley & Peng's TK Classrooms
3/4: Maintenance + Operations Workers Appreciation Day
3/4 (6:30-8:05 PM): MCHS: THIS IS COSTA PART 2 - 8th Grade Family Event in the MCHS Auditorium
3/5: View/RAA: Author Sabrina Cohen visits Manderscheid & Sheue's TK Classrooms
3/6 (9:00 AM): MCHS: MBX Summer School 2025 New Student - Academic Registration Begins
3/6 (9:30-10:00 AM): View/RAA: Author Sabrina Cohen visits Lange's Kinder Classroom
3/6 (10:55-11:40 AM): Vista/RAA: 4th Grade Assembly with Author Adam Gidwitz
3/6 (4:30-7:30 PM): HVPTO: Family Fun Night - Neon Night Silent Disco Party on the Hermosa Valley Blacktop
3/7-9: Valley: 8th Grade AstroCamp (Outdoor Science Education Camp)
3/7: HB Chamber: Lemonade Day Registration Deadline (Google Form)
3/7 (8:45-10:10 AM): Vista: 4th Grade Miner Madness
3/7 (1:00-2:00 PM): Valley/RAA: 5th Grade Assembly with Actor Mark Feuerstein
3/7: HBCSD: End of 2nd Trimester
3/9 (2:00 AM): Daylight Saving Time Begins
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Check Out Our Community Flyers!
We encourage you to visit our Community Flyers web page to see what our Education & Community Partners, Mira Costa High School, and Redondo Union High School, have to offer our school community. If you'd like to include a flyer, simply use this form.
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Hermosa Schools Office Staff | | | | |
