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Hillsdale Knights' Bulletin ~
May 15, 2026
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| What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Happy Friday!
We are almost at the end...Senior Night is tonight. We need extra hands to help if you're available (especially Junior families) If you can help, send an email to the Senior PAC rep Victoria Cayetano at cayetanolanefamily@gmail.com or us at hhsknightsptsopresident@gmail.com and we can give you details. Insider tip--you won't be supervising, just lending a hand to restock food, hand out prizes, keep the line moving, etc. We'd love to have you!
We would also like to congratulate the students who have taken AP Exams the past two weeks. We know it can be a stressful time and we are proud of you all!
What would a school year look like without having a yearbook to remember it? If you haven't purchased a yearbook, there are limited copies left...click here
Speaking of memories...you can leave a lasting memory of your family at Hillsdale by purchasing a brick or a chair plaque. Click here for more information.
Soon summer will be upon us...Hillsdale's Community Closet is having a drive for summer (and back-to-school) clothes, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, lotion, and hair brushes. Senior families--if you are purging HHS gear, now is a great time to donate so incoming students can have the opportunity to show school spirit in August. Click here for drop off information
The Junior class is taking orders for Candy Graduation Leis NOW! Purchase a lei and support the class of 2027 at the same time. Orders will be taken via Omella and pre-order only. Click here for flyer and purchase information
Don't stop reading, yet! We still have a few more bulletins before we wrap up the school year. PLUS we have our Spring Music Concerts next week, HIT shows AND our end-of-the-year rally...this means Spirit Week starts Monday (see details below) The end-of-the-year rally is always a fan favorite, especially when the classes get to "rise" to their next grade level on the bleachers. We've got some fantastic traditions at HHS!
Proud to be Knights!
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Spirit Week May 18-22
Students show your Knight Spirit one last time for the 2025-2026 school year! Please make sure to check your classes' Instagram page for up-to-date information.
Monday: College Merch-wear college gear
Tuesday: Rhyme Without Reason-rhyme with someone or a group
Wednesday: Rally Day--Class Colors-Juniors/Freshmen Red; Seniors/Sophomores Blue
Thursday: Tropical ReTreat-summer attire
Friday: Blue Blooded AND Anything But a Backpack Day
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Upcoming Events:
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Now until May 28: Summer in Style Clothing Drive (Flyer)
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Fri May 15 @ 7:30pm: Senior Night (Great Court)
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Mon-Fri May 18-22: Spirit Week
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Mon May 18: Senior Day
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Mon May 18: Year Book Distribution (Little Theater Box Office) (Details)
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Tues May 19: Dance Ensemble Auditions (Flyer)
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Wed/Thurs May 20-21: Dance Ensemble, Team, Folklorico Auditions (Flyer)
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Wed May 20 @6pm: Music Booster Meeting (Celia's Restaurant) (Flyer)
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Thur May 21: 1-7 Day Scehdule
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Thur May 21 @7pm: Spring Music Concert: Choirs and Orchestras (Tickets)
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Fri May 22: Period 1 Final Exam
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Fri May 22 @7 pm: Spring Music Concert: Bands and Jazz Ensemble (Tickets)
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Fri May 22 @7 pm: HIT Spring Show (Little Theater)
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Mon May 25: Memorial Day - No School
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Tue May 26: Period 2 & 3 Final Exams
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Wed May 27: Period 4 & 5 Final Exams
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Thur May 28: Period 6 & 7 Final Exams / Last Day of School
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Thur May 28: Graduation
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June/July: Mock Trial Camp (Flyer)
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Wed August 12: First Day of School for 2026/27 School Year
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Candy Graduation Leis (Junior Class) (Flyer)
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HHSF Senior Brick or Plaque (Instructions)
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Spring Fund-A-Need: San Mateo Public Library (Flyer)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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PTSO Board Interest/Nominations for 2026-27 (Click Here)
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Hillsdale High School Foundation (email)
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Peace Pantry: Fridays 7-8am (Sign Up Here)
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Thank You!
Thank you to all of the generous families, alumni, and community members who have supported the Hillsdale High School Foundation so far this year. Your contributions make our Small Learning Communities possible and support programs, resources, and opportunities that enrich the experience of our students and strengthen our school community. We are grateful for every gift and every donor—please view our year-to-date Donor Roll here.
Still want to donate for this year? Click here to contribute today.
If you have any questions about the Foundation or the donor list specifically, please contact Amy Michael, HHSF Executive Director, at amymichael@hillsdalehsfoundation.org.
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HHS Athletic Contest Calendar
Come support our athletes! Go Knights! (Games in BLUE = home games)
Link to game schedule
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Yearbook Distribution starts on May 15th - Senior Knight
The Shield 2026 staff is excited to announce that the yearbooks have left the publisher and are on their way to Hillsdale! Students can pick up their copies at the Little Theater Box Office during lunch and after school starting Monday May 18. Seniors can pick theirs up at Senior Knight, Friday May 15th.
Please remind your student that they have a copy to pick up. If you are not sure whether you bought a copy, check your email for a Friesens.com receipt. We have less than 150 left to sell, so do not wait! To buy a yearbook, please go to https://ybstore.friesens.com/C768274
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Music Booster End of Year Meeting
It's time to celebrate the Music Department's and Music Boosters' hard work this year! Please join the Boosters, Mr. G, and Mr. R at Celia's Mexican Restaurant at the Laurelwood Shopping Center on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 6 pm for dinner and drinks (both no host). This will be our last meeting of the year.
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Spring Music Concert Series
Shake off the winter chill at Hillsdale High School's annual Spring Music Concert Series.
The Music Department warmly invites you to experience the beautiful sounds of our Choirs and Orchestras on Thursday, May 21, 2026, 7pm.
Feel the rhythm and energy as our Bands and Jazz Ensemble take the stage on Friday, May 22, 2026, 7pm.
Both will be held in The Hillsdale High School Main Theater. Tickets : Student/Free, Adult/$10, Senior/$5. Purchase at https://hillsdalemusic.blogspot.com/
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Empowerment Through Action
Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet ~ ETA Career Exploration Committee
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May 2026
"Love in action is service to the world." ~ Mother Teresa
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Ways to Get Involved:
*Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
Peace Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in May please sign up here. Our volunteer team meets in the Alameda Parking Lot every Friday morning at 6:45am-7:15am (shift #1) and/or 7:15am-8:00am (shift #2) to provide weekly groceries and essential items to families. Volunteers can sign up to help set up and/or work a station at our Farmer’s Market and/or break down. No experience required.
Community Garden
If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team for basic winter projects, please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to be added to our What’sApp Garden Group to join special projects. You may also just stop by the garden every Thursday from 3:45pm-5:00pm to join our volunteer team for weekly harvest and tasks. The spring months are picking up right now and we will be busy with projects in May to prepare our Summer garden. All volunteers are welcome. No experience required.
Community Closet
For the month of May, the Community Closet is in need of preparing for Back to School Clothing for August 2026. We are also always in need of the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodorant and laundry soap.
ETA Career Exploration Committee (Still Looking for Mentors)
Exciting news from the ETA Career Exploration Committee! Our first group of juniors have not only interviewed for career opportunities, but they have started to be selected for internships. If you are aware of any organizations still looking for interns, please reach out to Ed Canda.
Another new resource for our students is Larry Marcone, ETA Job Coordinator. Larry has been calling in our students to discuss job opportunities and offer support with their application process. He is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-5:00 and Wednesdays from 2:35-4:00 in the CRC.
Finally, we have connected our ETA juniors pursuing internships with our new volunteer mentors. Our mentors provide positive encouragement, an empathetic ear and expert advice. If you are interested in becoming a mentor next year or if you have any questions or comments about any of these programs or events, please email Ed Canda at ecanda@etasmc.org. Thank you for your support!
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Opportunities Slide Deck for All Students!
This is a wonderful, frequently-updated slide deck that features volunteer opportunities, job openings, community engagement activities, summer opportunities, career exploration, research positions, and more. bit.ly/SMUHSDCareerOpportunities
| | Important District Updates | | | | |
Parent Venture Webinars
Can’t attend a live webinar?
Visit the Parent Venture free Video Library for access to 400+ video recordings, including 60+ webinars in Spanish.
Check out The Parent Venture's upcoming free webinars, including:
Friday, May 15, 12 p.m.
Parent Forum #48 (English) – Summer Reset: Helping Kids Build Better Habits
Register Here
Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 p.m.
Concerns Over Adolescents' Use of Nicotine Pouches (including Zyn
Register Here
Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.
Strategies to Help Students Thrive in College, Work, and the Age of AI
Register Here
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Serve on the California Youth Empowerment Commission
The California Youth Empowerment Commission provides a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, influence positive change, and help build a stronger, more vibrant community for all youth.
If you're between the ages of 14–25 years old, a California resident, and ready to serve a two-year term, apply to be a California Youth Empowerment Commissioner today!
The California Youth Empowerment Commission was created to ensure that young people have a direct advisory role in shaping policies that affect their lives.
Youth Commissioners:
- Advise the Governor, Legislature, and Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Develop policy recommendations and resolutions
- Elevate youth priorities across California
- Help bridge lived experience and state government decision-making
This is not symbolic participation — this is meaningful civic leadership.
Learn more about requirements and eligibility
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Youth Poetry and Collage Project
The Center for Creativity is excited to offer a new FREE Poetry & Collage Project (https://www.rwccfc.org/poetry-collage-project) for San Mateo County middle and high school students.
This unique program invites students to explore creative expression through both writing and visual art, guided by accomplished poets and artists. The program includes hands-on workshops, a public poetry reading, and a month-long exhibition of the student's work.
Program Details:
Open to students in grades 6–12 (San Mateo County)
Workshops: Saturday & Sunday, May 16–17 | 1–4 PM
Location: Center for Creativity, 800 Main Street, Redwood City
Poetry Reading: Wednesday, May 27 | Redwood City Main Library
Exhibition: Student work on display throughout June at the CfC
Register for the Poetry and Collage Project
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California Coastal Commission’s Climate Storytelling Contest
Entries due May 28
The California Coastal Commission invites you to answer this prompt through a podcast, photo essay, or narrative essay: What are your feelings about climate change? How could those feelings lead to action?
Choose a medium:
- Podcast: Record voice audio that answers the prompt (up to 7 minutes).
- Photo Essay: Take 8-10 original photos to answer the prompt and compile a photo essay
- Narrative essay: Write a personal narrative essay answering the prompt (up to 650 words)
Learn more about requirements and deadlines: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climatechallenge/
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Sunday, June 7: Black Family Hangout for
San Mateo County Middle and High School Families
The Black Youth Advisory Board of San Mateo County, in partnership with BACHAC, invites Black/African American Middle and High School Students and Community Members to attend the Black Family Hangout on Sunday, June 7, 3:30 - 6 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus in Menlo Park.
This gathering, designed by youth, creates a joyful atmosphere promoting community, support and freedom. Come celebrate a fun environment recognizing hard work, resilience and achievements while enjoying fun activities. Join for soulful games, delicious food, local youth performances, and a lively DJ.
Register now for this free event
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California Student Mock Election
Registration closes September 9
To encourage students to become active voters once they are old enough to cast a ballot, Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber Ph.D., and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond invite high school and middle school students, teachers, and principals to participate in the 2026 California Student Mock Election.
Registration for schools is now open
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