Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2024-25 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

Knights Families--

We had our monthly meeting on Monday. Thanks so much to all who attended!! 

We are trying a slightly new format this week (the bullet pointed fundraiser, events, and volunteer areas), please let us know what you think. 

Some good news...The CCS of the California Interscholastic Federation announced the recipients of the 2024-2025 Fall Season Scholastic Championship Awards. Teams with the highest collective GPA of all teams competing in that sport during that season are eligible. Three of the five teams were SMUHSD teams, and one of the three was our own Varsity Boys Cross Country! Their academic performance is yet another indication that such athletic participation enhances classroom activities. Congrats to our Cross Country Boys!! See flyer below for more Cross Country exciting news!!!

More good news...we heard from the Drama Boosters that Cabaret was the 2nd highest attended performance in recent history! (The 1st being Shrek) Congrats to our drama department, boosters, and all who were involved with the Fall show!!

Did you know that if you have a current 8th grader...registration for the 2025-2026 school year began in early November. Registering early helps the district figure out staffing for the coming year, so spread the word to register now. Click here for more information. 

We can't talk 8th grade without talking about our Seniors...Senior representatives have already been visiting Senior Advisories to talk about Senior Activities and graduation. We will be sure to publish information and links as we receive it.  

Have a wonderful short week and enjoy your Thanksgiving however you may be spending it. We are so thankful to be a part of the HHS Community and have each of you supporting us on our journey.

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

Upcoming Events & Click for HHS Calendar  or SMUHSD Calendar

• Monday 25th - PTSO/Leadership hosted treats for Faculty and Staff
• Wednesday 27th - 6:00pm Varsity/Alumni Basketball Game
• Wednesday-Friday 27-29th - NO SCHOOL for Thanksgiving Holiday
• Monday 12/2 - Athletics Booster Meeting 7:00pm in the MUR
• Tuesday 12/3 - Drama Booster Meeting 7:00pm in the Little Theater
• Wednesday 12/4 5:30-6:30pm - FREE---Parent Education Night (Virtual)---Understanding Addiction: A Community Conversation for Parents and Educators Register Here
• Thursday 12/5 & Friday 12/6 - Improvalooza vs Aragon in the Little Theater (students free, adults $5)
• Thursday 12/5 5:30-6:30pm - FREE--Parent Education Night (Virtual)--The Breakthrough Years: The New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens Register Here

This week's Fundraisers:

• HHS Athletic Jackets - Athletic Booster
• HHS Knee High Socks - Boys and Girls Basketball
• Mendocino Farms - Music Booster
• Park Lane Jewelry - Spirit Squad
• See's Candy - Dance Ensemble
• Purchase your yearbook
• Yearbook Senior ads - go up in price December 31st
• Donate to the HHS Foundation to support Smaller Learning Communities (donation flyer below) Every bit counts...

This week's Volunteer Opportunities:

• Knight Rider Basketball Concessions--coming soon. If you are interested, please let us know.
• Community Garden harvest support--Thursdays 3:30-5:00pm
• Peace Pantry distribution or delivery--Friday mornings starting at 7:00 or 7:30
• December Hospitality with Leadership (sign up coming next week...)

The Hillsdale High School Foundation board and staff would like to say a big THANK YOU to all families and sponsors who have donated to HHSF since the beginning of this school year! As you know, it takes all of our contributions together to sustain our amazing House system.

Give by Friday, December 20 to be included on our Donor List, which will be published after Winter Break!

Please email Marcine Jansen at execdirector@hillsdalehsfoundation.org for details.

Bell Schedule for Week of November 25

There is No School November 27-29 as it is Thanksgiving Break. Please see the complete Bell schedule here. Happy Thanksgiving!

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar

Come support our athletes! Go Knights! (Games in BLUE = home games)

For more information:

ETA Website

Overview Slides

SMUHSD LinkedIn

SM Daily Journal

ETA Informational Meeting

Please join Empowerment through Action (ETA) on Tuesday, December 10th @ 6:30-8:00 PM for a gathering in our Community Resource Center (Room 110) at Hillsdale High School as we take a deeper dive into this important program. RSVP here.

We will be sharing the evolution of ETA, stories about its positive impact on our community and ways you can become more involved in 2025. This is for anyone interested in joining a local movement of people helping people. Big thanks to those of you who’ve already jumped in!

Check out the November Newsletter to see the latest happenings in our community. 

How can you help support ETA?

1. Help with Peace Pantry on Friday Mornings OR with our Community Garden on Thursday afternoons
2. Connect us to potential supporters - We’re looking for corporations, large/small businesses or high-wealth individual donors to ensure ETA can continue to support currently enrolled students and the Class of 2027 for their entire high school journey.
3. Explore opportunities to get involved - Perhaps you’re interested in becoming an ally, volunteering, mentoring, helping us find internship/job opportunities, etc. for this community-based program. 

We appreciate your efforts to help us spread awareness about ETA. Your support will ensure that our program and community can continue to grow, evolve and thrive.

We hope you can make it on December 10th @ 6:30-8:00pm. RSVP here

Brett Stevenson, Rachel Lauderdale & Ed Canda - Co-Executive Directors of ETA at HHS

Christy Knott & Doriel Nishioka - Community Connector Committee Co-Chairs

Hillsdale Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet

November 2024

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us; much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds." - Theodore Roosevelt

Peace Pantry

If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry this Friday OR in November please sign up here. Our volunteer team meets in the Alameda Parking Lot every Friday morning at 7:00am (shift #1) and/or 7:30am (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 please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to learn more. We currently need Thursday harvest support from 3:30pm-5:00pm. All you need to do is show up. No experience required. Our Community Garden Team is currently producing a weekly harvest of organic fruits and vegetables which directly supports Hillsdale families enrolled in our Peace Pantry. *Please follow us on Instagram, @hhs_community_garden, for updates. *We need additional support in November putting a fresh layer of wood chips down to help prepare our garden for rain and winter. 

Community Closet

Our Community Closet Team is working hard on our Community Closet expansion project. Soon, students will be able to access a well designed space to shop for clothes and essential items. Our volunteer team is currently in need of (ONLY) men’s (high school age) jeans, Hillsdale gear/swag, new socks, new undershirts, shampoo/conditioner and essential items. We can accept donations every Wednesday from 2:45pm-4:00pm OR Friday mornings from 7:30am-8:30am in the Alameda Parking Lot. *Please follow us on Instagram @hhs_community_closet

Hillsdale Stands Together,

Brett Stevenson

Hillsdale ETA Co-Executive Director

ETA Website, ETA Overview Slides. ETA Donation Page

HHS Athletic Jackets ~ Athletic Booster Fundraiser

Stay cozy and show your school spirit! Don’t miss out on ordering your HHS jackets—perfect for cooler weather and showing Knight pride. A portion of the proceeds will go back to HHS Athletic Boosters which supports ALL of our wonderful student athletes!! Orders are due by November 30th, so act fast! For details and to place your order, visit: https://forms.gle/zrH6kcapca4Cq1qx5

HHS Athletic Socks ~ Boys and Girls Basketball Fundraiser

Great ready for the Winter sports season! Gear up with some Hillsdale athletic socks! These athletic knee highs are great for everyday, games, and gifts. Preorder yours today by December 1st. Proceeds will benefit our Boys and Girls Basketball.

Mendocino Farms ~ Music Fundraiser

Support our Music program and take a night off of cooking! On Thursday December 5, order from Mendocino Farms (1060 Park Place, San Mateo, near Whole Foods) either online or in-person and mention the code GIVEBACK. 30% will go to our fabulous Music department! The fundraiser goes from 2pm to closing. Thanks and happy eating!

Park Lane Jewelry ~ Spirit Squad Fundraiser

The Spirit Squad has partnered with Park Lane Jewelry for a fabulous fundraiser that’s sure to make the season shine. From now until November 27th, 50% of every Park Lane Jewelry purchase made through our team’s unique link will be given back directly to the Hillsdale Cheerleading Program!

Here’s how YOU can help:

• Shop the gorgeous collection: From necklaces and earrings to bracelets and rings, there’s something for everyone.
• Share the link: Forward the link to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The more people who shop, the more we raise for the team!
• Feel good, look great: You’ll support the team while treating yourself (or someone special) to beautiful holiday jewelry!
• How to Shop:
• Click the link to start shopping: https://parklanejewelry.com/f/3391

The best part? 50% of the sale price comes back to support Hillsdale Cheer, so your shopping will help fund uniforms, camp expenses, team-building events, and more!

This is a win-win opportunity – you get to add a little sparkle to your life while supporting our talented cheerleaders.

Don’t wait – the fundraiser ends on November 27th!

Dancing into the Holidays with See's!

Do some holiday shopping while supporting your favorite dance team! Storefront will be open until December 6th and orders will ship directly your home. All sales will support Knight Moves XXVII.

College & Career Counseling

Current Workshops, College Rep Visits and Events

Please reach out with any questions:

Ms. Laura Burtness

Hillsdale's College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor

LBurtness@smuhsd.org

650 558 2613

SMUHSD schools and District offices, including the Student Services department, will be closed to the public for the Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 30.

Please note: No students will be enrolled on the above dates.

Las oficinas y escuelas del San Mateo Union High School District, incluida la Oficina de Servicios Estudiantiles, estarán cerradas al público durante las vacaciones de Acción de Gracias, esto es a partir del miércoles 27 de noviembre hasta el viernes 30 de noviembre.

Por favor tenga en cuenta que no se inscribirán estudiantes durante estas fechas.

Upcoming Family Education Webinars

The below Parent Venture webinars are free to attend and offer simultaneous Spanish interpretation unless otherwise noted.

Understanding Addiction: A Community Conversation for Parents and Educators

Wednesday, December 4, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Speaker: Eduardo Torres, Founder, Pathways for Prevention

Learn more and register.

The Breakthrough Years: A New Scientific Framework for Raising Thriving Teens

Thursday, December 5, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Speaker: Ellen Galinsky, President, Family and Work Institue and Author, “The Breakthrough Years”

Learn more and register.

Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/family-ed

Próximos seminarios web sobre educación familiar

La asistencia a los siguientes seminarios web de Parent Venture es gratuita y ofrece interpretación simultánea en español, a menos que se indique lo contrario.

Comprender la adicción: una conversación comunitaria para padres y educadores

Miércoles 4 de diciembre, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Orador: Eduardo Torres, Fundador, Caminos para la Prevención

Obtenga más información y regístrese.

Los años revolucionarios: un nuevo marco científico para criar adolescentes prósperos

Jueves 5 de diciembre, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Oradora: Ellen Galinsky, presidenta del Instituto Familia y Trabajo y autora de “The Breakthrough Years”

Obtenga más información y regístrese.

Obtenga más información: www.smuhsd.org/family-ed

Upcoming Allcove Events and Workshops

allcove San Mateo's events are held at their drop in center, located at 2600 S. El Camino, Suite 300, San Mateo

Game Night

Friday, November 22, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Join for a night of fun and friendly competition.

Mindfulness Workshop

Monday, November 25, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Embark on a journey of serenity and self-discovery in this mindfulness workshop. Join for a moment of peace where you can unwind and center yourself for a chance to be present, letting mindfulness be your guide.

See all of allcove San Mateo’s upcoming events.

Art Exhibition Opportunity for San Mateo County High School Students

Selected artists will exhibit their art at Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) Community Space in Redwood City

In 2022, the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation launched an art program at the CZI Community Space to create opportunities for San Mateo County artists of all ages and abilities to showcase their artwork. This year’s theme is Metamorphosis: Evolving Identities. Learn more about the art exhibition opportunity and submit an application by November 25: https://www.rwcpaf.org/art-at-the-czi-community-space

Poetry Out Loud Competition

Registration Deadline is December 3

Poetry Out Loud (POL) inspires in high school students and teens the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—poetry. It encourages teens to learn about

poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.

Participants master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. And the best part about POL, it’s fun and easy to participate:

Ask a teacher, mentor, or group leader to be your sponsor.

1. Sign up by December 3, 2024 at bit.ly/PoetryOutLoud2025. You will receive a confirmation email and instructions.
2. Go to the POL website and choose three poems.
3. Coaching sessions will be available to a limited number of students from each school or organization to be held in January 2025 via Zoom.
4. Check out video of past participants and resources: www.poetryoutloud.org
5. Start memorizing and have fun!

The San Mateo County competition will take place on February 4, 2025.

Students: Apply now to serve in Starvista’s Health Ambassador Program for Youth (HAP-Y)

StarVista is now accepting applications for its HAP-Y Winter 2025 Cohort! This cohort will follow a hybrid model of 12 weeks virtual and the last two weeks in-person at an East Palo Alto or Redwood City location (actual location TBD). Meetings will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 7 p.m.

StarVista’s HAP-Y program trains youth ages 16-24 to become Health Ambassadors. The trainings cover common challenges in mental wellness, signs and risks of suicide, suicide prevention, and how to access mental health services. Trained Health Ambassadors become community agents who help raise awareness and help increase access to behavioral health services through information sharing and/or providing referrals when appropriate. In addition, Health Ambassadors have the opportunity to represent HAP-Y in community events such as presentations, outreach events, and trainings.

Participants can receive community service hours or internship hours in collaboration with their academic institutions.

Deadline to submit an application is December 6.

Learn more and apply: https://star-vista.org/programs/hap-y/

Estudiantes: Presenten ahora su solicitud para formar parte del Programa de Embajadores de la Salud para Jóvenes de StarVista.

StarVista está aceptando solicitudes para su grupo HAP-Y Invierno 2025. Este grupo seguirá un modelo híbrido de 12 semanas virtuales y las últimas dos semanas en persona en una ubicación de East Palo Alto o Redwood City (la ubicación no ha sido determinada todavía). Las reuniones serán los martes y jueves de 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

El programa HAP-Y de StarVista capacita a jóvenes de 16 a 24 años para que se conviertan en embajadores de la salud. Las capacitaciones cubren desafios comunes en bienestar mental, signos y riesgos de suicidio, prevencion del suicidio y como acceder a servicios de salud mental. Los embajadores de la salud capacitados se convierten en agentes comunitarios que ayudan a crear conciencia y a aumentar el acceso a los servicios de salud mental compartiendo información y/o la provisión de referencias cuando sea apropiado. Además los embajadores de la salud tienen la oportunidad de representar a HAP-Y en eventos comunitarios como presentaciones, eventos de divulgacion y capacitaciones.

Los participantes pueden recibir horas de servicio comunitario u horas de pasantías en colaboración con sus instituciones académicas.

La fecha límite para presentar una solicitud es el 6 de diciembre.

Obtenga más información y presenta su solicitud en: https://star-vista.org/programs/hap-y/

Dr. Cora Clemons Emerging Young Samaritan Award

Inspired by the devotion to community service demonstrated by our

founder, Dr. Cora Clemons, Samaritan House is proud to announce

the establishment of the Dr. Cora Clemons Emerging Young

Samaritan award. This annual $2,000 award recognizes a young San Mateo

County changemaker whose work exemplifies the selfless spirit and energy

of Dr. Clemons.

Applicants/nominees must be San Mateo County residents, 16-22 years old on January 1, 2025, and pursuing their service work in the County.

Applications open October 1, 2024, and the submission deadline is January 24, 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit www.samaritanhousesanmateo.org/dr-clemons-award/

Premio Dra. Cora Clemons de Casa Samaritana (Samaritan House)

El premio Dra. Cora Clemons está inspirado en el trabajo de servicio comunitario y el espíritu desinteresado de nuestra fundadora, la Dra. Cora Clemons.

Este premio anual de $2,000 reconoce a dos jóvenes creadores de cambios en el condado de San Mateo, cuyo trabajo de servicio comunitario modela el compromiso de la Dra. Clemons con el servicio. El comité de premios da la bienvenida a los nominados que toman la iniciativa para generar un impacto en su comunidad y ejemplifican el valor y el poder de la compasión y la empatía. Los nominados pueden postularse directamente o ser nominados por un miembro de la comunidad.

El comité de premios da la bienvenida y valora todos los proyectos y trabajos que honran el legado de la Dra. Clemons de luchar contra la pobreza y mejorar vidas.

Los solicitantes/nominados deben ser residentes del Condado de San Mateo, tener entre 16 y 22 años para el 1 de enero de 2025 y realizar su trabajo de servicio comunitario en el condado.

Las solicitudes se abren el 1 de octubre de 2024 y la fecha límite de presentación es el 24 de enero de 2025.

Para obtener más información y presentar una solicitud, visite: https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/dr-cora-clemons-premio-joven-samaritano-emergente/

Upcoming District Concerts and Plays

Visit the District website at smuhsd.org/vapa for more information. These concerts and plays are open to anyone in the community.

Aragon

• November 21-24: Sister Act The Musical
• December 6: Choir/Orchestra Concert
• December 13: Band Concert
• December 20: Jazz Concert

Burlingame

• December 4: Winter Concert

Capuchino

• December 12-13: Winter Concert

Hillsdale

• December 5-6: H.I.T. Squad Improvapalooza
• December 12: Winter Concert Series #1 (San Mateo Performing Arts Center)
• December 12: Winter Concert Series #2
• December 13: Drama Fall Showcase

Mills

• November 22: Fall Film Festival
• December 13: Winter Concert

San Mateo

• December 10: Instrumental Winter Concert
• December 12: Choral Winter Concert

Become a Basementeer! 

Register as a Basementeer. Basementeers' receive a 10% discount and Sports Basement gives back 10% of the profit to HHS. Just select Hillsdale High School as your beneficiary!