|
Hillsdale Knights' Bulletin ~
April 24, 2026
Some email applications may automatically clip messages - to see the entire bulletin, please click 'View entire message' at the end or click View as Webpage.
| | | What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Knights Families,
Prom is over. Great times were had by all in attendance. Thanks to the Senior Class, Senior PAC, Leadership, and volunteers who helped make the event a success.
This week's bulletin is very short and sweet---to give you a moment to breathe before the chaos of May! But until then...
- Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day. PTSO and Leadership gave our office staff treats and plants to show a little appreciation for all that they do to keep our school running.
-
Tonight there's HHS Drama One Acts (Flyer)
-
Next week we Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week (Sign Up Here) PLUS have Knight Moves XXVIII (Flyer) and Baseball at Oracle Park (Flyer).
We can't say it enough--check your emails, messages, and this bulletin for dates and locations of things that are happening.
Pro-tip: Seniors check outside the Dance Room to see if you turned everything in for Senior Knight and Senior Day! We are still looking for volunteers from all grades click here if you are interested.
Here's a few questions to help you start planning summer....
Have questions about your student? Ask them (and then ask their advisor)
Have questions about next year? Ask your student's advisor or counselor
Have questions about summer sports? Check the Athletics' Webpage here AND make sure to attend the webinar on Wed May 6.
Have questions about tryouts/auditions for VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts)? Check the Dance, Drama, Music webpages and/or reach out to the teacher
Have questions about summer school for your student? Reach out to your student's advisor
When does school start for the 2026-2027 school year? August 12 full calendar
Have a fantastic weekend and we can't wait to update you on all of the exciting events for next week's Teacher and Staff Appreciation.
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
| | | |
Upcoming Events:
-
Fri-Sat Apr 24 & 25 @7pm: HHS Drama One Acts - Little Theater (Flyer)
-
April 27-May 1: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
-
Apr 30-May 2: KM XXVIII (Flyer)
-
Sat May 2: Baseball Game @ Oracle Park (Flyer)
-
Mon May 4: Advanced Drama Auditions
-
Wed May 6: Summer Athletics Webinar
-
Fri May 8: Cheer Tryouts
-
Fri May 8: Commit to your Future Day
-
Fri May 15: Senior Night
-
Mon May 18: Senior Day
-
June/July: Mock Trial Camp (Flyer)
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
-
HHSF Senior Brick or Plaque (Instructions)
-
Spring Fund-A-Need: San Mateo Public Library (Flyer)
Volunteer Opportunities:
| | |
HHS Athletic Contest Calendar
Come support our athletes! Go Knights! (Games in BLUE = home games)
Link to game schedule
| | | | |
For Students Enrolled in AP Exams
The AP Exam Schedule and Logistics information has been posted to our school website under Programs > Advanced Placement > AP Exams > Spring 2026 AP Exam Schedule & Logistics (also linked here). Please review this BEFORE your exam. You must arrive at your exams at the time listed in the document and follow all of the guidelines listed in order to take your AP exams. Please review every guideline listed so that you are able to take your exams.
Students testing with accommodations will NOT be taking their exams at Hillsdale. You will be taking their exams at the SMUHSD District Office and Adult School and will receive separate communications from the SMUHSD Assessments Office with exam information.
Reach out to your AP teachers with questions about AP exams. Thank you and good luck!
| |
One Acts ~ HHS Drama
Come See the One Acts on Friday April 24 and Saturday April 25 @ 7pm! These single act performances are directed, produced and performed by our amazing Advanced Drama Students. Some of these shows are even written by the students themselves. Admission is Free!
| |
KNIGHT MOVES XXVIII!
~ Tickets on sale now!
We are incredibly excited to be back in the Hillsdale High School Auditorium for our 28th production of Knight Moves! Tickets are now ON SALE!
Visit https://www.hillsdalehighschooldance.com/ for more information on tickets and ways to contribute to this amazing program! We hope to see you there!
| |
Final Call for Grad Knight Tickets
Get them by May 7th
Grad Knight Tickets Register Here. Once Bus #3 is full, any additional students will be placed on a waitlist for Bus #4. Please note that Bus #4 is not guaranteed—we will only be able to add it if we have enough students (about 50) to fill the bus. If you would like to add your student to the waitlist, please use the link below. The waitlist is time and date stamped.
We are also looking for chaperones, we cannot have this event without the help of 10 chaperones. If you have a recent HHS grad, they are able to chaperone and they will be compensated for their time, but not parents. If you are interested in volunteering for Grad Knight or have a recent HHS grad, please sign up using the SignUp Genius link below.
| | ** Please note that Grad Knight is NOT a school sponsored event and takes place immediately following the graduation ceremony. It is an event organized by parent volunteers from the class of 2026 ** | | |
Empowerment Through Action at Hillsdale
Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet
| |
April 2026
Neighborism is a community-focused movement prioritizing local connection, mutual aid, and the protection of neighbors over national politics or ideology. It emphasizes "hyper-local" action—on our blocks, in our schools, and parks—to build safety, support young people and vulnerable residents, and strengthen communities from the ground up.
| | |
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 April 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 April to prepare our Summer garden. All volunteers are welcome. No experience required.
Community Closet
For the month of April, 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)
All of our ETA Juniors and Seniors have been encouraged to seek summer career opportunities by applying for jobs and internships. We are about to roll out our ETA job board and have encouraged our students to be paired up with a mentor. Dr. Korsmeyer has reached out to about 10 volunteers who have begun the clearance process to become an official mentor. If you are interested in becoming a mentor please complete this short form or if you have any questions or comments about any of these programs or events, please email Ed Canda at ecanda@etahhs.org. Thank you for your support!
| |
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:
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 p.m.
How to Get the Most Out of College (Starting Now)
Register Here
Wednesday, April 29, 5:30 p.m.
How to Life a Meaningful Life: Design Thinking to Unlock Purpose, Joy, Flow
Register Here
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program Now Accepting Applications
Whether you're a California student eager to lead on climate issues in your community or an educator who knows a student who is ready to make a difference, the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program is a powerful opportunity for real change.
What is the California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program?
CYCP is a knowledge-to-action program that supports youth to lead an advocacy campaign to advance environmental focused policy actions (or builds on existing policies) in their school or district. Students receive mentoring from adult coaches and support in developing a personal leadership plan and advocacy campaign. The program is a partnership between Ten Strands, UndauntedK12, and the Sierra Club.
Who should apply?
Students entering 9th through 12th grade in California.
Key information:
Applications due April 30: tinyurl.com/youthclimateleaders
Applicant decisions in mid-June
Program runs: July 2026–January 2027
$500 stipend upon program completion
Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply: tinyurl.com/youthclimateleaders
Learn more about the California Youth Climate Policy (CYCP) Leadership Program
| | | | |
May 2: Black Parents Association Baccalaureate Ceremony
The Black Parents Association (BPA) of the San Mateo Union High School District is hosting its Baccalaureate Mass for Class of 2026 graduates, open to all Black/mixed-race Black students in the area (not limited to students from SMUHSD).
Details
Saturday, May 2, 6 p.m.
Trinity Baptist Church of San Mateo, 39 E 39th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403
RSVP for the May 2 Baccalaureate
Learn more about the BPA: https://bpasmuhsd.org/
| | | | |
Experience the Healing & Energizing Power of Nature: Montara’s Forest Bathing Group
Forest ‘Bathing’ - the practice of mindfully immersing yourself in nature through all your senses - lets you connect with yourself, other humans, other beings, and the natural world.
Founded in the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing has tremendous impacts on ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us through improving our mental, physical, social, and emotional health.
Experience the power of Forest Bathing yourself by joining Montara’s Forest Bathing Group!
Come to the next meet:
When: Sunday, May 3, 1 - 2 p.m.
Where: Trailhead at Pedro Mt. Rd. and Corona Street, Montara
Learn more: https://naturejournalingclub.wixsite.com/mysite
| | |
San Mateo County Youth Commission Applications Due May 3
SMC Youth Commission seeks applicants between the ages of 13-21 who live in San Mateo County and are passionate about elevating youth voice in local government.
Commissioners provide youth perspective on:
- Civic Engagement
- Community Equity
- Educational Equity
- Environmental Justice
- Health and Wellness
- Immigrant Youth
The application deadline is Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 5 p.m.: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/how-to-join
Learn more about the SMC Youth Commission
Follow SMC Youth Commission on Instagram: @smc.youthcommission
| | |
La fecha límite para presentar solicitudes a la Comisión Juvenil del Condado de San Mateo termina el 3 de mayo
La Comisión Juvenil del Condado de San Mateo busca candidatos de entre 13 y 21 años de edad que vivan en el condado de San Mateo y que se interesen por darle voz a la juventud en el gobierno local.
Los jóvenes miembros de esta comisión ofrecen su punto de vista en los siguientes temas:
- Participación ciudadana
- Igualdad en la comunidad
- Igualdad educativa
- Justicia ambiental
- Salud y bienestar
- Jovenes inmigrantes
La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el domingo 3 de mayo de 2026 a las 5:00 p.m.: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/how-to-join
Obtenga más información sobre la Comisión Juvenil del Condado de San Mateo
Siga a la Comisión Juvenil en Instagram: @smc.youthcommission
| | | | |
Saturday, May 9: Move 4 Mind 5K
The Health and Wellness Subcommittee of the San Mateo County Youth Commission invites you to attend its Move For Mind 5K at Seal Point Park in San Mateo on May 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Move 4 Mind is a free community 5K run/walk dedicated to promoting both mental and physical health—and raising awareness of how deeply connected they are.
Move 4 Mind brings together youth, families, and community members for an energizing and welcoming experience that goes beyond fitness. Participants will have access to county and community mental and physical health resources, interactive information tables, free snacks and drinks, and live entertainment.
The goal is to create a space that is uplifting, supportive, and informative—where people can move their bodies, connect with others, and learn about the resources available to support their well-being. While the event is youth-focused, all community members are welcome to attend.
Learn more and register for the May 9 5k
| | |
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
| | | | |
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
| | Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |