Weekly

Staff News & Updates


December 11, 2023

Preparing for Breaks and Transitions with Care and Connection

Breaks and transitions in the academic year can be welcome and wonderful, and they can also be challenging. It is important to understand that not everyone experiences these times in the same way - and that people may feel differently from one day to the next. Making time and space for care, connection, grace, and patience are vitally important to nurturing health and well-being now and throughout the school year. 


Children, adolescents, and adults often find comfort in predictable routines. So interruptions to regular activities during the holidays and breaks can be anxiety-provoking. If there are financial constraints, food insecurity, or other areas of strain in the household, the anxiety can be felt on many fronts. 


The most important thing we can do to support ourselves and each other is to be mindful that breaks and holidays can be difficult, and hold space for all experiences and reactions. There are also some concrete steps we can take to prioritize self-care:

  • Know and respect your limits
  • Set reasonable expectations 
  • Avoid known triggers
  • Find ways to give back
  • Feel and express joy in receiving
  • Move your body


If you or someone you know needs support, please refer to our Community Resources guide for a list of organizations that can help. 


Take good care and we will see you in 2024!

Intel and HSF Give Surprise Donations in Support of CTE Expansion

Congratulations are in order for Glencoe construction and trades teacher Todd Patterson, as well as Hilhi engineering teacher Wayne Clift and vet tech teacher Meg Marchand. They were each recently surprised with sizable donations from Intel and the Hillsboro Schools Foundation (HSF). Todd’s program received $23,670, Wayne’s program received $6,499.51, and Meg’s program received $7,045.49 - including a CPR dog! - to support the expansion of career-technical education modules from Paxton Patterson into high schools. We are incredibly grateful and excited for these donations and know that the teachers will use them to provide students with hands-on, engaging learning opportunities in their areas of study.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Click here for the full calendar

NEWS

Winter Break


There will be no school for all students from Dec. 18 - Jan. 1 for winter break. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Hot News will also be on hiatus and will return after the New Year. Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

2024-25 and 2025-26 Calendar Preview


Draft calendars for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years - taking into account feedback from several hundred students, staff, and families gathered in December 2022 - are currently on first reading for the Board and will be voted on in late January…READ MORE

Black Village Family Advisory Committee Meeting & Book Reading Event


The next meeting of the Black Village Family Advisory Committee is Monday, Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Zoom. Then please join them from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 in the Event Room at the Brookwood Public Library for a reading of the children’s book The Me I Choose to Be, by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley…READ MORE 

Play Smart Heart Screening


Free heart screenings for youth ages 12-18 takes place at the Providence Health Center at Reed’s Crossing in Hillsboro on Saturday, Dec. 16. Learn more and sign up for an appointment at welcometobasecamp.org/playsmart

2024-25 In-District Transfer Priority Window


The priority window for 2024-25 in-district transfer requests is Jan. 1-31, 2024. Resident HSD students who wish to either continue a current in-district transfer or request a new in-district transfer for the 2024-25 school year are encouraged to apply during this time for the best chance of approval…READ MORE

Nominate an Outstanding Staff Member for a Crystal Apple Award


Winter break is a great time to work on nominations for the Chamber of Commerce’s Crystal Apple Awards. These awards celebrate excellence in education in the categories of licensed, classified, and supervisory/technical or administrative staff. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024…READ MORE

Vaccine Events at our Century School-Based Health Center


Our school-based health center at Century High School is holding a series of vaccine events to ensure students have all required vaccinations in advance of Immunization Exclusion day in February. The next event will take place on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024…READ MORE

Community Safety Forum


HSD and the Washington County Juvenile Department invite you to join us for a community forum series where we will discuss high-risk behaviors and actionable steps families and caregivers can take to prevent students from engaging in pathways to violence. The first session takes place on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024…READ MORE

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Winter Wonderland


Enjoy the magic of the season at Jackson Bottom Wetlands’ Winter Wonderland from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16. Create ornaments, see pet goats dressed as reindeer, listen to winter stories, and more! $5 per person at the door, children under 3 are free.

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