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Weekly news & updates
Keeping you up to date
on the latest news and events
in the Hillsboro School District

January 10, 2022
Listen to the HSD Hot News Podcast on one of the following platforms!
SELECT UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY
11
5:15 p.m.

6 p.m.

14
No School Student/Staff Support Day

17
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

Click here for the full calendar
Health and Safety Updates
As we embark on a new calendar year, we wanted to take a moment to reiterate the health and safety protocols we have in place in our schools and encourage all students and families to remain consistent in following these measures so we can keep schools operating in as normal a fashion as possible. 

You may have seen that the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority issued a School Health Advisory for Continuity of Instruction on Jan. 3, 2022. Highlights of that guidance and HSD’s response are available in the communication we sent to all families on Jan. 4; please refer to the advisory for full details. (Please also see our communication from Jan. 7 with additional updates to HSD operations.)

Our schools are currently employing layered mitigation strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, which continues to circulate in our community. The Omicron variant has proven to be especially transmissible, so it is imperative that each of us remains vigilant with proper mask wearing, physical distancing, staying home when ill, washing/sanitizing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated and/or boosted, if eligible. 

Schools, like other businesses and organizations, are facing challenges to their ability to function safely and as normal due to COVID-19. Our intent and goal is to continue operating schools and extracurricular programs as long as we can do so safely. In the event we do not have enough staff to run certain bus routes or hold school, we may need to make changes that will impact some students and families. We are not planning to implement any preemptive closures or changes to our normal programming, but remain poised to respond quickly to situations as they arise. Please be aware of this possibility and know that we will communicate as quickly and thoroughly as possible if changes become necessary. 

Thank you all for your patience, understanding, and assistance as we continue navigating this pandemic and work collectively toward a return to a bit more normalcy in our daily lives.
Featured Staff and Students:
Master Recyclers and Quatama Green Team
Congratulations are in order for HSD Resource Conservation Manager Mia Hocking and Quatama first grade teacher Sheila O’Leary for finishing the eight-week Master Recycler program. Both are well on their way to becoming “certified” Master Recyclers, which requires the completion of volunteer hours. According to Mia, Sheila “has been a tremendous recycling and sustainability resource for the school over the years. Her dedication to the Quatama ES Green Team has proven results in the form of a Learning Garden funded by a grant awarded last summer. She has also been responsible for the coordination of the PlanetCon events hosted at the school in years past.” Pictured here are Mia (blue mask) and Sheila (green mask) along with members of Quatama’s Green Team.
NEWS
No School Days
There will be no school for all students on Friday, Jan. 14, which is a student and staff support day; and on Monday, Jan. 17, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School will resume for all students on Tuesday, Jan. 18. Reminder for high school students: A/B days are not affected by the additional day off on the 14th - they will remain as scheduled. 
Bond Update: Upcoming Projects in 2022
Design, permits and bids have already begun for the 24 (so far) bond projects that will take place in 2022. Ranging from large projects such as ES29’s building and Liberty’s solar array to smaller projects like window replacements, entry vestibules and security glass film across the district, the schedule is being set for this next-to-final year of the bond. Keep track of the progress at hillsboro-bond.org.
Immunization Exclusion Day is February 16
Immunization Exclusion Day occurs in mid-February of each year. By this date, students must have received all required immunizations or have a valid exemption to avoid being excluded from school. Please note that the COVID-19 immunization is not yet required for school attendance; click this link (Spanish) to see the immunizations required by grade level.
2022 Crystal Apple Awards: New Nomination Deadline is February 7 
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 Crystal Apple Awards, sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Crystal Apple Awards celebrate excellence in education and are awarded to staff in the categories of licensed, classified, and administrator. Please note the nomination deadline has been moved up to Feb. 7…
2023 Oregon Teacher of the Year
Know a teacher who deserves statewide recognition? Then consider nominating them for Oregon Teacher of the Year! Nominations are due by Monday, Jan. 31. Nineteen regional winners will be announced in May and a statewide winner will be selected later this year…
Stress Relief: Make your Next Walk a More Mindful One
Getting outside for a walk is a great way to spend time with your kids and teach them a healthy habit that could last a lifetime. Did you know you can reduce your stress, calm your mind, and increase your focus for work and school projects just by adding mindfulness to your walking routine?
System of Care Community Project
System of Care is a collaborative assembly of youth, families, and the systems that serve them. They have received a grant and would like community input on what type of project the money should fund. Join them at a virtual meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 to share your thoughts; register here.
Washington County Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment
Washington County is considering two locations for a new substance use treatment center. Join them virtually on Jan. 12 or 13 to learn more about the planned center, ask questions, and give feedback. Additional information and registration links are available here.
The HSD Board of Directors comprises seven elected members serving four-year terms and three student representatives serving a one-year term. Board members are community volunteers and do not receive compensation for their work. Board members establish policy based on Oregon and Federal laws governing schools. The Board approves policies for the Superintendent to implement. Email: School Board.

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Hillsboro School District Communications Department
3083 NE 49th Place, Hillsboro, OR 97124   503.844.1500
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