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| | Superintendent's Weekly Message | | |
Dear Hermosa Families,
We want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of reading fluency homework and the continued practice of reading at home. Developing strong, confident readers is one of our highest priorities, and fluency plays a critical role in that growth.
Our Wit & Wisdom fluency homework passages (for grades 1-8), developed by Great Minds, are not random selections. They are carefully chosen excerpts of complex text that students engage with throughout each learning module. These passages reflect the rich vocabulary, layered ideas, and rigorous content students encounter in class. By practicing these same complex texts at home, students build familiarity, deepen comprehension, and strengthen their ability to read grade-level material independently.
Research consistently shows that repeated reading of complex text improves word recognition, automaticity, vocabulary development, and overall comprehension. When students reread meaningful, content-rich passages, they free up cognitive energy that can then be used to think critically about the text’s ideas. In short, fluency is not just about reading smoothly—it is about reading with understanding. Strong fluency is a bridge to strong comprehension, and strong comprehension is the foundation of academic success.
How Families Can Support Fluency at Home
Families can support Wit & Wisdom fluency at home by practicing 10 minutes daily with short, 1–2 paragraph passages, focusing on accuracy, pacing, phrasing, and expression. Utilize Family Tip Sheets to align with classroom topics and build comprehension through repeated readings, echo reading, and reading aloud to an audience.
Here are practical strategies to guide your support:
Tips for Practicing Fluency at Home
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Use Weekly Passages: Select a short, engaging passage (1–2 paragraphs) from the Wit & Wisdom text or fluency homework for focused, repeated practice throughout the week.
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Try Repeated Reading: Have your child read the same passage multiple times to build speed and accuracy.
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Practice Echo Reading: Read a sentence or phrase aloud with proper expression, then have your child read the same part back to you.
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Read to an Audience: Encourage your child to perform their reading for family members at the end of the week to build confidence.
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Utilize Audiobooks: Listen to audio recordings while following along with the text to model proper phrasing and expression.
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Leverage Family Tip Sheets: Use the provided Wit & Wisdom Tip Sheets for each module to find recommended texts, vocabulary, and discussion questions that reinforce classroom learning.
What to Look For: Fluency Checkpoints
As your child reads, consider these important indicators of progress:
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Accuracy: Is your child decoding words correctly without constant pausing or stumbling?
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Phrasing: Does the reading sound like natural speech, or is it choppy and word-by-word? Are they pausing appropriately at commas and periods?
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Expression (Prosody): Does their voice change to match the tone of the story or punctuation (e.g., excitement, questioning)?
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Pacing: Is the speed appropriate—not rushed and not laborious?
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Comprehension: Can your child explain what they just read? Fluency supports, but also depends on, understanding.
When schools and families work together, students thrive. Ten minutes a day of intentional, focused reading practice can make a significant difference in your child’s confidence and achievement. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that every student becomes a strong, thoughtful, and capable reader.
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
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Share Your Feedback on Our HBCSD Elementary Report Card
At HBCSD, we are committed to clear, meaningful communication about student progress. One of the primary ways to share that information with families is through the HBCSD Elementary Report Card.
This spring, HBCSD will convene an Elementary Report Card Committee to review and refine how we report on elementary students' progress toward end-of-year grade-level standards. Our goal is to ensure the report card format is easy to understand and supports families in guiding their child’s growth and learning.
We value your feedback and invite all parents and guardians to take 5-10 minutes to complete the HBCSD Elementary Report Card Parent Survey by Friday, March 13. The survey is anonymous and will not collect names or email addresses. Your response will be carefully reviewed and used to inform committee recommendations and decision-making. We appreciate your consideration in partnering with us to strengthen how we communicate student learning and progress.
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HVS Dolphin Dash - Register Your Student Today!
The HVPTO's biggest fundraiser of the year, the HVS Dolphin Dash Jog-A-Thon, is returning to Hermosa Schools, bringing fun, fitness, and fundraising to our campuses! This exciting event supports HVS students from preschool to 8th grade and provides essential funding for our schools.
HVS Dolphin Dash Dates:
Wednesday, March 25 - Hermosa Vista
8:40 AM - 4th Grade
9:15 AM - 2nd Grade
9:50 AM - 3rd Grade
Thursday, March 26 - Hermosa View
8:40 AM - 1st Grade
9:20 AM - TK
11:10 AM - Kinder
11:45 AM - Preschool
Friday, March 27 - Hermosa Valley
9:15 AM - 5th Grade
10:10 AM - 6th Grade
10:25 AM - 7th Grade
10:40 AM - 8th Grade
How Your HVS Student Can Participate:
- Register your HVS student online at Pledgestar.com/HermosaSchools
- Set up a fundraising page and share it with friends, family, and neighbors
- All registered students receive an HVS Dolphin Dash T-shirt
Exciting Incentives & Prizes: The more you share, the more you earn! Students can win HVS swag, ice cream, pizza, and more just by participating. Be sure to check out the incentives & prizes.
Volunteer: Sign up to support our HVS students on Dolphin Dash Day at View, Vista, or Valley by clicking on the links below.
The Dolphin Dash encourages fitness, school spirit, and teamwork while raising essential funds for our Hermosa Beach Schools! Every dollar your child raises will go directly to enriching their experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. The HVPTO helps fund playground upgrades, library books, educational software, field trips, assemblies, teacher grants, lunch clubs, and so much more!!
The HVS Dolphin Dash is #poweredbyHVPTO
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Parenting in a Digital World Tip #19: A Tool for Limiting Screen Time
One way families can help manage and reduce screen time at home is by using tools like Bark, a parental control app designed to help parents set healthy digital boundaries. Bark allows parents to create screen-time schedules, block specific apps or websites, and even pause internet access on a child’s device when it’s time to focus on homework, family time, or sleep. It can also monitor texts and social media activity and alert parents if concerning content appears, helping families support safe and balanced technology use. If you’re interested in learning more about how Bark can help your family manage screen time and support online safety, you can explore their parent guide.
Missed a tip? Check out our HBCSD Parenting in a Digital World Tips Page.
| | | Hermosa View School Principal News | |
What a fun week at Hermosa View! We had an incredible Read Across America Week, filled with wonderful guest readers. Students enjoyed visits from our very own Dr. Wildes, School Board President Cathy Barrow, members of HBPD and RBPD, LA County Lifeguards, and even professional voice-over actors. A big thank you to Jessica Jacobs for organizing such a fantastic week and helping make reading come alive for our students.
We wrapped up the week with the Environmental Defenders Assembly, where students learned about the importance of recycling, reusing, and reducing to help care for our planet.
A quick reminder to our community that, per district policy, dogs and other pets are not allowed on campus, including on the sidewalk at the school entrance. Many of our students are afraid of animals, and this helps us maintain a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Additionally, please make sure your child follows our dress code by wearing closed-toe shoes to school. Crocs and similar footwear can increase the risk of tripping or injuries on the playground.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and our campus welcoming for all!
Warmly,
Dr. Jessica Ghobrial, Hermosa View Principal / HB Preschool Director
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Spring 2026/Trimester 3 Lunch Clubs are in Session
Our Hermosa Schools Lunch Clubs, generously sponsored by the HVPTO, are underway, offering students in Kindergarten to 8th Grade a fun and engaging way to connect with peers and explore their interests during lunchtime and after school. These clubs will continue through the end of the school year.
We are grateful to the dedicated teachers and staff who volunteer as club advisors, sharing their time and passion with our HVS students during lunch and after school. Special thanks to HVPTO for their year-round support in making these enriching opportunities possible for our students.
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
Read Across America was an exciting week as Vista students explored a variety of careers where reading plays an important role. Screenwriter Matt Lieberman shared tips with students on how to craft engaging stories through their writing. Andrea Barber (aka Kimmy Gibbler) invited students to read scripts from Full House, sparking fun memories of classic Friday night television. We wrapped up the week with the Los Angeles Rams cheerleading squad bringing high energy to recess while students enjoyed raffles and fun prizes. We are grateful to Jessica Jacobs for bringing such wonderful guests to our school and helping students see how reading plays a meaningful role in each of their journeys.
Our 4th graders also had a great time at 4th Grade Miner Madness, where they came to school dressed as gold miners and stepped back in time to experience the California Gold Rush. Students learned how to stake a claim, pan for gold, and enjoyed singing and dancing to lively tunes that helped bring this exciting time in history to life.
Warmly,
Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal
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New York Times Bestselling Author Stuart Gibbs to Visit Vista and Valley
Hermosa Vista School and Hermosa Valley School, in partnership with {pages} a bookstore, will host an Author's Visit with New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs on Thursday, March 26. Gibbs will meet with 5th graders at Valley from 8:30-9:15 AM and 4th graders at Vista from 1:30-2:30 PM in support of his newest release, Ape Escape, from his popular FunJungle series. He previously visited Hermosa Valley in 2023, and we are excited to welcome him back to our schools.
Stuart Gibbs is the author of several beloved and bestselling book series, including FunJungle, Spy School, Charlie Thorne, The Last Musketeer, and Moon Base Alpha. During his visit, he will discuss his writing process and the inspiration behind his books.
Families have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of Stuart Gibb's books through {pages} a bookstore. Books purchased will be delivered to the Vista and Valley on the day of his visit. When ordering, please select "Pickup at School" for school site delivery. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, March 17. Use the links below to order.
Questions?
{pages} a bookstore at info@pagesbookstore.com
Ms. Meyers, Vista Librarian, at hmeyers@hbcsd.org
Ms. Tiaro, Valley Librarian, at ktiaro@hbcsd.org
| | | Hermosa Valley School Principal News | | |
It was a busy week at Hermosa Valley!
We were thrilled to include 6th–8th grade in Read Across America this year. Wednesday’s assembly featuring Daryl Evans, the Los Angeles Kings Ice Crew, Bailey the mascot, and VOX DJ brought energy and excitement to the crowd. VOX DJ provided the soundtrack for Bailey to show off some moves, while Daryl shared an inspiring message about sportsmanship, goal-setting, self-belief, and the power of reading. Students were fully engaged and energized throughout the assembly.
Later in the week, our 5th graders were treated to a Special Read Across America Assembly with Mark Feuerstein as guest reader and KC Campbell of VOX DJs as MC. The students had a blast, enjoying a lively, engaging, and truly memorable experience!
We also successfully completed our first Run, Hide, Fight Drill of the year. Thank you to everyone for guiding students calmly and thoughtfully through the process.
Our 5th graders also had a hands-on visit from the U.S. Space Force members, launching rockets and exploring STEM concepts in an exciting, interactive way.
We are looking forward to the Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert this Tuesday, March 10! If you haven’t grabbed tickets yet to support our Hermosa Valley Band, be sure to check out the details below.
Also this week, our 8th graders will visit the Museum of Tolerance for their annual trip, exploring exhibits and following a docent during a small group tour. This is a powerful and meaningful journey through history that will leave a lasting impression.
Have a wonderful week ahead – can’t wait to see you at the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday!
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
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HVS Science Olympiad Team Competes at LA Regional Tournament
On February 28, our Hermosa Valley School Science Olympiad team (HVS SciOly) competed in the 2026 Los Angeles Rio Hondo College Regional Tournament (Division B). Out of the 47 teams, HVS placed 13th overall after competing in 23 events and ranked 8th among all competing schools.
HVS SciOIy faced tough competition and, while only the top six teams in each event earn medals and we did not medal this year, our students earned top 10 finishes in the following individual events:
Solar System (9th Place) - Sara K. and Declan W.
Write It Do It (9th Place) - Fawn A. and Declan W.
Heredity (10th Place) - Fawn A. and Rebeka K.
Our HVS Science Olympiad Team Members, led by their incredible advisors Ms. Shannon, Ms. Shin, and Ms. Spurrell: Fawn A., Kai B., Atlas B., Evy B., Presley C.-S., Aria K., Ryan K., Sara K., Rebeka K., Link L. (alternate), Leeon L., Lorenzo M., Brendan N., North R., Jack S., and Declan W.
We are proud of the hard work our students put in over the past six months to prepare for this competition and the way they represented HVS. Way to go, HVS SciOly!
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Swing Into Spring with the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
Come to the Swing Into Spring with the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, March 10, from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Hermosa Beach Community Theater. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, listening to swing, jazz, and timeless classics as the legendary sounds of the Swing Era come alive. Presented by the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, this special event invites students, families, and the community to come together for a night of live music and shared celebration. Tickets are $35, and proceeds will benefit the Hermosa Valley School Band. We hope to see you there!
Middle School Student Opportunities
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Middle School Students may earn service points for volunteering.
- Four (4) PBIS reward points will go to students who attend the concert. (Be sure to sign in with your ticket!)
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PBIS Corner
We’re excited to share another simple strategy for supporting student growth.
PBIS Focus: The Socratic Approach
Instead of immediately redirecting a student, we use reflective questions such as:
- “Why do you think I’m talking with you right now?”
- “Do you think this choice helps create a positive environment?”
- “Are you proud of how today is going?”
These calm, thoughtful questions help students build self-awareness and take ownership of their choices. Even when students don’t fully articulate the issue, reflection begins.
At Hermosa schools, we’re focused on developing character, not just correcting behavior. Small shifts in our questions can lead to big growth over time.
PBIS is a process, not a destination. Thank you for partnering with us in building a positive school community.
Jason Coleman, 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
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MCHS: THIS IS COSTA Night (8th Grade Family Night)
All 8th-grade parents and students are invited to come check out Mira Costa High School at THIS IS COSTA (8th Grade Family Night) on Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00-8:30 PM, in the MCHS Auditorium. You will hear directly from current students, MCHS Principal Huynh, and the MBX Summer School administration as they share what to expect and how to get involved. After the opening announcements, students and families will have the opportunity to attend up to three informational breakout sessions - sports teams, music and arts programs, MBX Summer School, and more. All 8th-grade parents and students are welcome and are encouraged to RSVP if they plan to attend.
Parking is available in the staff lots off S. Peck Avenue and at the school's front entrance on Artesia Blvd., the student lot with an entrance on S. Peck Avenue, and on the street (check posted signs for any applicable parking restrictions).
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MBX Summer School 2026 Academic Registration Begins
MBX is excited to announce their 2026 Summer School course offerings! They are bringing back in-person summer school for select courses as well as online classes. Courses are open to incoming 9th graders and current high school students seeking credit recovery or initial credit, and Summer Athletics programs. View the flyer.
Enrollment helps support MBUSD school facilities and enrichment programs.
Online Registration Opens:
Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM at MBXFOUNDATION.ORG/SUMMER-SCHOOL. Summer School Enrollment is ONLINE ONLY. No in-person registration.
Academic Classes:
June 22-July 30, 2026
Athletic Classes:
Dates vary by program (June 15–July 31, 2026).
Questions:
summerschool@mbxfoundation.org
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2/26-4/29: Valley: Physical Fitness Testing (5th Grade)
2/26-3/9: Valley: Physical Fitness Testing (7th Grade) Rescheduled from 1/26-2/6
3/10 (6:30-9:00 PM): Hermosa Rotary Club; benefiting the Hermosa Valley School Band: Swing Into Spring the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra at the Hermosa Beach Community Theatre (Buy Tickets)
3/11: Valley: 8th Grade Museum of Tolerance Field Trip
3/11 (5:00-8:00 PM): HBCSD: Regular School Board Meeting
3/11 (6:00-7:30 PM): MCHS: THIS IS COSTA (8th Grade Family Night)
3/12: Valley: Mental Health and Safety/Suicide Prevention Day (5th-8th Grade)
3/12 (9:00 AM): MCHS: MBX Summer School 2026 - Academic Registration Begins
3/13: HVPTO: HVS Yearbooks - Last Day to Buy (Buy Your Yearbook)
3/13: Valley Yearbook: 8th Grade Dedication Pages & Baby Pictures - Last Day
3/13: Valley: 5th Grade California Science Center Field Trip
3/13 (By 4:00 PM): HBCSD: Check the Lost & Found
3/14 (11:00 AM-12:30 PM): HB Chamber: Hermosa Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade
| | MOST IMAGES BELOW ARE CLICKABLE WITH MORE DETAILS | |
STAR Education Program (TK-6) | |
Stay Connected with Community Flyers!
Visit our Community Flyers webpage to explore more opportunities and events from our community and education partners, including the City of Hermosa Beach, Mira Costa High School, and Redondo Union High School. To submit a flyer for consideration, please complete this form.
| | | Hermosa Schools Office Staff | | | | |
