In 2024, California passed Assembly Bill 2927, which will require high school students to complete a semester of financial literacy before graduation. It’s a great step toward preparing our teens for the future, but even before high school, there are meaningful ways we can help children start to build good money habits.

Financial literacy doesn't have to be formal or complicated. Often, it begins with everyday conversations, such as talking about how money is earned, why we save, and how we make choices when spending. Including children in small decisions like grocery shopping or budgeting for a fun family activity can make these concepts feel real and relevant.

Many families also explore tools like the “three-jar system” for saving, spending, and giving, or offer small allowances tied to responsibilities at home. Over time, these experiences help children understand the value of money and how to use it wisely.

College savings is another area where early conversations can have a lasting impact. California’s CalKIDS program automatically provides college savings accounts for eligible children, and there are a number of resources available to help families learn about 529 plans and other savings options. If you’re curious, you can learn more at CalKIDS.org. 

If you're looking for ideas on how to begin or expand your family’s financial conversations, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers a helpful resource called Money as You Grow: Help for parents and caregivers. I particularly like the various age-appropriate activities and conversation starters, as well as the recommended book list and parent reading guide to accompany them. 

Happy saving!

Warm regards,

Dr. Susan Wildes

Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District

It was wonderful to see so many families and students at our View Open House last week. The excitement on campus was contagious, and it was a joy to watch students proudly share the classrooms, projects, and learning experiences. Thank you for joining us and helping make the evening such a success. Your support and involvement continue to make an incredible difference in our school community.

Kind regards,

Sandy Skora, Hermosa View Interim Principal

What an incredible week it’s been! Thank you to all of our families and the HVPTO for making Staff Appreciation Week so special. From the delicious pastries, coffee, ice cream, breakfasts, and lunches to the kind notes, colorful flowers, and thoughtful gestures, your appreciation has truly filled our hearts (and stomachs!). Our staff feels so loved and valued, and we are grateful for this amazing community.

We also recognized Mental Health Awareness Week with activities that promote emotional wellness and connection. Students enjoyed community-building experiences like music and movement with chalk art, our inspiring Mental Health Commitment Wall, and a fun get-to-know-the-staff scavenger hunt across all three grade levels! These joyful moments not only build relationships but also help strengthen the caring culture we’re so proud of at Vista.

Warmly,

Hillary Overbeck, Hermosa Vista Principal

P.S. During recess, some of our Vista students created this heartfelt "I ❤️ Vista" display. It's a sweet reminder of their love for our school.

Thank you, HVPTO, for an incredible Staff Appreciation Week! The kindness and support shown to our team truly meant so much. We’re lucky to work in a community like Hermosa Beach, surrounded by amazing students and families.

As we head into the second week of CAASPP testing, we appreciate your continued partnership. Parents can support their children during testing by encouraging a positive mindset, providing reassurance, maintaining healthy routines (like sleep and nutrition), reinforcing simple test-taking strategies, and ensuring students arrive on time to school each day.

From May 20–June 10, 2025, our 7th grade students will participate in Positive Prevention Plus, a state-required health curriculum covering sexual health and HIV prevention. Materials are available for preview in the office starting Monday, May 12, and parent resources are also available online. To opt your child out, please email me at jbledsoe@hbcsd.org by Thursday, May 15. Students who opt out will complete an alternative assignment due Tuesday, June 10.

Lastly, I had a blast at last night’s Hermosa Beach Education Foundation’s Hearts of Hermosa: Boots on the Beach. This marked the 30th year of this beloved fundraiser, and the HBEF truly outdid themselves. From the western flair to all the fixins’, it was a fantastic night celebrating and supporting our Hermosa Schools! Thank you, HBEF!

Warmly,

Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal

PBIS Corner

Happy May, Dolphins! I know that the last few months of the school year can be an exciting time, no matter how far along you are in your teaching journey. As a teacher of twenty-plus years, I can certainly say that it’s one of my favorites, too. Not only does one school year end, but it brings the promise of a new one brimming on the horizon. As such, I consider these months to be the perfect time to reflect and prepare.

For me, I enjoy using reflection as a way to figure out what worked and what didn’t during the past year. Classroom management, relationships, and instruction delivery can be great topics to review before the upcoming year begins. It’s easy to fixate on what went wrong, but recognizing wins builds confidence and motivation for our future students.

At the end of the school year, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, I like to dedicate some quiet time to note the “wins” that I had during the year. I suggest writing them down, both to serve as a template for the future and to reassure you of your victories when things get tough.

Dolphins, as we embark on our sunnier months, let’s work together to take some time to look back on the 2024-2025 school year. Our future students (and selves!) won’t be able to thank you enough!

Nat Hazard

Valley Math 8 & Algebra 1 Teacher

4/27-6/30: HVPTO: 1st Day School Supplies Fundraiser

5/1-31: May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, and Bike Safety Month

5/4-6/9: HVPTO: 8th Grade Promotion Fundraiser

5/5-30: Vista & Valley: CAASPP, CAST, & CAA Testing

5/11: Mother's Day

5/12: Vista: 2nd Grade La Brea Tar Pits & Museum Field Trip

5/12 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at Vista

5/13 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at View

5/13 (3:30-5:00 PM): Valley Spring Sports: HVS Boys Volleyball & Girls Flag Football vs. MBMS (AWAY GAME)

5/13 (5:30-7:00 PM): BCHD/SBFC: "Screenagers - Elementary School Age Edition" Documentary Film Showing in the View MPR; Register to Attend

5/14 (8:00 AM-5:30 PM): HVPTO YUMRaiser: Paradise Bowls HB

5/14 (During Lunch): Valley: Beach Kids Yoga Classes

5/14 (3:30-4:30 PM): Valley Spring Sports: Girls Flag Football vs. PARRAS (AWAY GAME)

5/14 (5-8 PM): HBCSD: Regular School Board Meeting

5/15 (3:30-4:30 PM): Valley Spring Sports: HVS Boys Volleyball vs. WISEBURN (HOME GAME)

5/16 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at Valley

5/18 (1-4 PM): HBEF: Hearts of Hermosa Flash Parties - Pilates & Pinot Self-Care Sunday; SOLD OUT!