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Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
September 12, 2025
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,
Last night was an evening full of energy and Knight Pride as families came on campus to walk in their student's shoes--attending each of their classes to learn about what is to be expected this year. Now you know how much time it really takes to get from PE to the 800 building. hahaha Thanks so much to the faculty and staff for all of the extra time they put into their presentations and getting ready to welcome us all for the evening. Thanks also to the Parent Booster Groups, Leadership students, and the Class of 2027 families (who helped put together a wonderful BBQ fundraiser) for their contributions too.
If you didn't have the chance to make it to the Senior Meeting, scroll down this bulletin to the Senior Section for a link to the slide show. All other grade levels, you can reach out to your student's teachers via email for information or questions you may have.
Next week is ELECTION WEEK!! The Freshmen campaigning will be happening and wrapping up with speeches from the candidates on Friday. We wish all who are running the best of luck!
Have you noticed that the Hillsdale Foundation is doing their donation drive right now? They have also given a challenge of raising $55,000 by TODAY! The Foundation makes so many things schoolwide possible--and they also support the parent booster groups, helping us keep our Knight Community so strong. If you are financially able, please consider giving. If you aren't able, you can support by having a business or employer donate--their donations are tax-deductable AND can even be split into payments. (Donate Here) Stay tuned for an update next week!!
Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the bulletin for all of the flyers and information about all things Hillsdale....click where it may say "clipped" at the bottom. We don't want anyone missing out.
We hope you enjoy your weekend!
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Fri Sept 12: Minimum Day (dismissal 12:40pm)
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Tue Sept 16: Spain Trip- Parent Interest meeting (Flyer)
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Wed Sept 17: Music Booster Meeting (Flyer)
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Thur Sept 18: Back to School Concert
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Wed Sept 24: CSF Grade Submissions due (Online Form)
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Mon Sept 29- Fri Oct 3: Semana Latino
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Mon Oct 6- Fri Oct 10: Pink Week
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Mon Oct 13- Fri Oct 17: Pride Week
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Until Sept 12: Double/Triple Your Donation (HHS Foundation) (Donate Here)
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Tue Sept 16: Pizza My Heart ~ Girls' Golf Fundraiser (Flyer)
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Thur Sept 18: Mendocino Farms ~ Girls' Golf Fundraiser (Flyer)
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Fri Sept 26 5-7pm: HHS Grill & Chill (Class of 2026) (Flyer)
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Sat Sept 27: Rev and Roam: Car show and Marketplace (Community Event) (Flyer)
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Fri Oct 3: Ritmo Latino Dance
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Sat Oct 18: A Knight 4 The Cure (all classes AND Breast cancer charity)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Sat Sept 27: Rev and Roam: Car show and Marketplace (Community Event) ~ To be a vendor or participate in the car show (Flyer) Questions? (email here)
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Sat Oct 18: A Knight for the Cure
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Concessions: During games (Sign Up here)
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Peace Pantry: Fridays 7-8am (Sign Up here)
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Community Garden: Thursdays 3:30pm-5pm (email here)
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Our $55,000 Foundation Board Match ends at Midnight Tonight
Thank you so very much to those who have already given to the Foundation this year. We are deeply grateful for every donation.
Thank you for being a part of making Hillsdale a community like no other.
Double every dollar: Please consider a gift today.
You can divide your annual gift into monthly installments. Choose the amount that’s right for you! Our annual ask of $750 per student, comes to $75 a month for 10 months.
For those who are in a position to give more, help us uplift every child. Hillsdale is stronger together!
Triple every dollar: Corporate Matching works! Click here.
www.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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Kickoff to an Unforgettable Year
—Your Child’s Trip to Spain is on!
Dear families,
Welcome back! We’re thrilled to share that we’re heading to Spain this Spring Break 2026 and we’d love for your student to join us.
This educational program is designed for advanced Spanish students (students who are currently enrolled in or have already taken at least Spanish 3). We will be doing more than simply checking off sights. Students will build confidence, independence, and global perspective as they explore new places, connect with different cultures, and apply classroom learning in the real world. At our upcoming meeting, I’ll cover the itinerary highlights, hands-on learning activities, what’s included, the total cost, and how to enroll.
Meeting details:
Save the Date: September 16th @ 6 pm MUR (Cafeteria) at Hillsdale High School
Registration link: https://bit.ly/3J59FER
We’ll open enrollment during the meeting. Space is limited, so attending is the best way to secure a spot for your child. I hope to see you there. This could be a powerful and unforgettable chapter in your student’s school year and their life.
Best,
Marina Barcelona
mbarcelona@smuhsd.org
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Hillsdale High School Music Boosters Meeting
Hi Music Families,
Please join us for our Music Boosters meeting on Wednesday, September 17 @ 7pm on Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87215860106
Meeting ID: 872 1586 0106
Passcode: 431962
Our musical calendar is very full this year with lots of exciting opportunities for our students. We would love your support to help make each event a success! Join us at the meeting to learn about our upcoming season and how you can get involved. All music families are welcome, including orchestra, choir, bands, symphony, and ensembles. Hope to see you there!
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Back to School Concert
Hillsdale Music is proud to present our first concert of the year. All are welcome to join us in the Hillsdale Main Theater on Thursday, September 18th @ 7pm for this free event.
Donations and volunteers for hospitality sales are much appreciated. Sign up to donate or volunteer at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4AA9AB2AA6FA7-58492103-2025
We look forward to ringing in the new school year with you!
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California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
All Applicants
Spring 2025 Submission
**** Only smuhsd.org emails will have access to these documents ****
Spring 2025 semester grades are in! The application form OPENS FRIDAY 8/22/2025 at 9am!
New Students are welcome and should follow the steps to submit eligible forms below.
9th Graders - While your application does not go toward lifetime membership, it's great to start getting into the habit of completing CSF applications.
Please submit your Spring 2025 CSF Grade Verification form by September 24th, the absolute deadline.
What is CSF and why join? General CSF Information, CSF Official Website, Advisory Presentation.
Follow these steps to keep your CSF membership updated:
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Complete this CSF Grade Verification online form by September 24th using your Spring 2025 grades (Students are NOT allowed to retroactively submit CSF application forms.) Refer to this CSF List of eligible classes.
- Counselors will check grades for final approval. No need to attach transcripts.
Active Membership for a semester requires:
Community Service and dues are submitted 1 week prior to the end of the semester. No one will be denied membership due to an inability to pay. Grades must be submitted at the start of the next semester.
Inactive membership requires Grade Eligibility only.
Please follow up with our CSF Club Advisor - Ms. Mariucci in Room 248
**** Only smuhsd.org emails will have access to these documents ****
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We are the Stanford Parenting Center, an academic center seeking to empower parents with evidence-based strategies to help them foster healthy parent-child relationships and support their children’s mental health and well-being.
We offer online parenting classes, free webinars, free online video resources, and individual treatment options for a wide variety of parenting topics. We encourage you to visit our website for more information, and to check out our Instagram for bite-sized parenting research and event updates.
We are currently enrolling for five online parenting classes this fall. These are small, interactive group courses facilitated by Stanford clinicians and faculty:
- Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions
- Mealtime Made Easier: Tools for Tackling Picky Eating
- DBT Caregiving Strategies for Teens with Emotional Challenges
- Supportive Parenting for Little Ones with Big Feelings
- Parenting With Confidence: Handling Challenging Behaviors
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Connect with the Hillsdale High School Community
We’d like to invite you to (re)connect with the Hillsdale High School (HHS) Community by becoming a supporter of the Empowerment Through Action (ETA) Program. Please take a few minutes to read this message to learn more about this initiative to support the Hillsdale community.
How can you help support ETA?
- Help with Peace Pantry on Friday mornings OR with our Community Garden on Thursday afternoons.
- Join an upcoming Community Connector Info Session to learn more about the ETA program.
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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 2029 for their entire high school journey.
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Explore opportunities to get involved - Perhaps you’re interested in becoming an ally, volunteering, mentoring, helping us find internship/job opportunities, etc.
Community Connector Info Sessions: Please RSVP here
- Friday, September 12 @ 8:00am-9:00am - in-person
- Thursday, September 25 @ 6:00-7:00 - in-person
- Thursday, September 25 @ 7:15-8:00 - on Google Meet
- Friday, September 26 @ 8:00am-9:00am - in-person
The Thursday evening in-person sessions will take place at the ETA Resource Center at the top of Hillsdale's campus (Del Monte parking lot). More location details (or the Zoom link) for the Thursday evening sessions will be sent out a couple days prior to the event.
The Friday morning in-person sessions will be held at the Peace Pantry (at the Alameda/Stadium parking lot).
Brett Stevenson
Dean of Students
Hillsdale High School
bstevenson@smuhsd.org
https://www.etahhs.org/
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Congressional App Challenge
hosted by Congressman Kevin Mullin
Do you know a middle or high school student who is interested in technology, coding or building an app? Then please encourage them to apply for this year’s nationwide Congressional App Challenge! Rep. Mullin is excited to announce that he is hosting the local competition for students in California’s 15th Congressional District.
Students learn the exciting process of developing their own software application for mobile phones, tablets, or computers. Participants can register as individuals or as a team, and applications are due October 30, 2025 @ 9am PT.
Learn more about the App Challenge
Every year, this competition highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) education and fields. For more information on the rules and timelines, please visit the Congressional App Challenge website.
The winner of the Congressional App Challenge will be invited to Washington, D.C. next spring for an opportunity to present their project. I hope to see a creative submission from you soon!
Watch Rep. Mullin’s interview about the Congressional App Challenge.
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Support Our Girls Golf Team – Two Fundraising Events!
We have two exciting opportunities to support our Girls Golf Team! Join us for dine-in or takeout on Tuesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 18 to help raise funds for the team.
Every meal counts, so be sure to spread the word to friends and family. Thank you for your support!
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Concession Volunteers
Hello Knights Family!
It is almost time! The football season is here!
We are looking for volunteers to staff our concession stand during the football games. Proceeds from the sales is a part of the Athletic Boosters fundraising, which supports our entire athletic program.
Chef PJ will be managing the grill and we will offer weekly specials. Volunteers will receive free entry to the game and a free meal to thank you for your time.
We will have a soft opening for the scrimmages this Friday (August,22) with hamburgers, hotdogs and polish dogs in the menu. Please help us kick off another great season.
Please sign up here
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HHS Grill & Chill ~ Class of 2026 Fundraiser
Join us for the Chill & Grill on Friday, September 26th and help support the Class of 2026! 🍔🌭 This fun event is the perfect chance to enjoy a delicious dinner while giving back. Sign up now simply scan the QR code to preorder your meals today.
Each ticket includes a tri-tip (or portobello) sandwich, some kind of salad, a drink and dessert!! There’s something for everyone.
Don’t wait! Get your tickets early and be part of a great Knight with food, friends, and community spirit!
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Welcome Class of 2026!
Senior Fall Events
Save these *tentative* dates for upcoming senior events!
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Fri Sept 26 5-7pm: Grill & Chill-Senior Fundraiser; Football Field vs Burlingame
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Sat Sept 27: Rev and Roam (All Class fundraiser)
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Fri Oct 3: Ritmo Latino Dance
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Sat Oct 18: A Knight 4 the Cure (all class community event and fundraiser)
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Sat Oct 25: Senior Class Pub Crawl (this is NOT a school sponsored event, but a fundraiser for the Senior class) 21+ and older only
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Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game - Football
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Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance
Please join our Instagram site @hhs2026parents for more information about senior activities!
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Senior Portraits
Class of 2026 - Get your Graduation Portraits Taken Now
This will be the senior's picture in for the year book and you will have the opportunity to purchase photos.
See Flyer for more information.
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Class of 2026 ~ Grad KNight
Don’t miss out on Grad KNight! 🎓⚓
The Class of 2026 will set sail for an unforgettable Bay Cruise! It will be an evening of music, dancing, food, casino fun and celebrating this milestone year. Reserve your student’s spot today! Let’s make this a knight they’ll remember forever.
** 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 **
| | HHS Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet | |
September 2025
“Empathy is about standing in someone else’s shoes, feeling with their heart, seeing with their eyes.”
~ Daniel H. Pink
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Ways to Get Involved:
Peace Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in September 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. *Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
Community Garden
Now is the time we really need help in the garden with our harvest in full swing. If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to learn more OR stop by and meet our volunteer team who work in the garden every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:00pm and complete various gardening tasks. No experience required. *Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
Community Closet
Our Community closet resumed service August 20th. For the month of September, the Community Closet is in need of the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste and laundry soap.
*Please follow us on Instagram @etatogether.
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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 | | |
Save the Date! The Districtwide College Fair is Wednesday, October 15 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
This year the annual College Fair will be held at San Mateo High, located at 506 N. Delaware Street.
More than 75 representatives from colleges across the country will be in attendance.
The Fair is open to all SMUHSD students and families!
More information will be posted at www.smuhsd.org/collegefair
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Reserve esta fecha: La feria universitaria del Distrito es el 15 de octubre
Este año la feria universitaria se llevará a cabo en San Mateo High School el 15 de octubre de las 6:30-8 p.m. Este evento está abierto a todos los estudiantes de SMUHSD y sus familias.
Aspectos destacados de la feria universitaria:
¡Habrá más de 75 representantes de diferentes universidades!
¡Habrá presentaciones sobre cómo pagar la universidad y más!
Más información sobre la feria universitaria, incluyendo una lista de universidades participantes, será publicada al final de septiembre en: www.smuhsd.org/collegefair
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Financial Aid Informational Webinar is September 23
English and Spanish sessions offered
The San Mateo Union High School District invites 11th and 12th Grade Students and their Parents/Guardians to attend a Financial Aid Information Night Webinar on Tuesday, September 23 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Webinar Links
English Webinar
Spanish Webinar
*A webinar for Spanish speaking families, will be held on the same day and time.
Note: In-Person Financial Aid Workshops will take place at multiple school sites starting in January.
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San Mateo Union High School District invita a todos los estudiantes y sus familias de los grados 11 y 12 a la :
Noche virtual de información sobre Ayuda Financiera
martes, 23 de septiembre | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Enlace al seminario web de Google meet
La presentación incluirá información sobre ayuda financiera y la solicitud.
Este seminario web es en español.
Nota: Los talleres de ayuda financiera en persona se llevarán a cabo en varias escuelas a partir de enero
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Pathways to Success: Career Workshop Series at allcove San Mateo
This workshop series helps students explore life after graduation—covering career and education pathways, financial aid options, and how to write a strong personal statement. Unsure where to start?
Financial Aid 101: Tuesday, September 16, 5 - 6 p.m.
Get tips on financing college or trade school and learn the basics of money management to support your education journey.
Craft Your Personal Statement: Tuesday, September 23, 5 - 6 p.m.
Learn how to write a strong, persuasive personal statement you can use for college applications, resumes, and more.
Location: allcove San Mateo
2600 S El Camino Real, Suite 300, San Mateo, CA 94403
Learn more and register
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Webinars For Parents / Guardians
Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Parents and Schools
Thursday, September 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Register and learn more
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Engage in Climate Justice: Attend the 6th Annual Bay Area Youth Climate Summit on September 21
The Bay Area Youth Climate Summit (BAYCS) is excited to share an opportunity for students to engage in climate justice and connect with peers across the Bay Area!
The Sixth Annual Bay Area Youth Climate Summit (BAYCS) will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at The General’s Residence in San Francisco.
This youth-led event invites students and community members to come together for a day of collaboration, learning, and action. The summit will feature:
- 12 interactive workshops led by local organizations and change-makers
- Hands-on activities during lunch
- Panels and discussions with inspiring leaders in the climate movement
If you’re interested in climate action, this is the perfect space to connect, learn, and take part in shaping solutions.
- Register on Eventbrite
- This event is free but space is limited so register ASAP.
- Location: The General’s Residence, 1 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94109
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For questions, please reach out to bayareaycs@gmail.com
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High School Student Opportunity: Lead Engaging Vaping Prevention Sessions for Middle School Students
In partnership with the California TUPE program, CATCH Global Foundation (https://catch.org/) is excited to host two upcoming CATCH My Breath Students-Teach-Students Trainings for individuals working with student groups who are interested in participating in the pilot program during the 2025–2026 school year.
As part of this pilot, the CATCH My Breath team will offer these two training opportunities, along with ongoing support through optional community of practice meetings where participants can share challenges and successes.
The trainings will equip high school students with tools and strategies to lead engaging vaping-prevention sessions for middle school students.
After implementing the Students-Teach-Students program, participating educators and students will have the opportunity to provide feedback to help improve the program for future participants.
Training Opportunities:
Tuesday, September 30, 1 - 3 p.m.
Download the flyer to register
Both trainings will cover the same content, and participants may choose the date that works best for them.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sam Kelley (skelley@ocde.us) from the TUPE Capacity Building Project or Whitney Thomas (whitney@catch.org) from the CATCH My Breath team.
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Bay Area Youth Poetry Contest
Submissions deadline is September 15
This contest is open to youth across the San Francisco Bay Area and is hosted by the Atherton Town Youth Advisory Group in partnership with the Atherton Library.
Entries are grouped into three categories:
> Elementary School
> Middle School
> High School
Submissions will be judged by a panel of distinguished lecturers from Stanford University, Notre Dame de Namur University, and the Kepler’s Foundation, and winners will be recognized for their outstanding work.
Details:
Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025
How to Enter: Visit www.athertonyouth.com for full contest rules and submission guidelines
Prizes & Recognition: Winners will be honored and featured in local media
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Black Youth Advisory Board Seeks Members
Applications due September 22
The Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) is recruiting for the 2025-26 Black Youth Advisory Board (BlackYAB).
Joining the BlackYAB is a great way for Black students to connect with others across San Mateo County.
Youth will develop and design events/activities for and by Black youth in San Mateo County that focus on substance use prevention. The Youth and Young Adults will help implement recommendations of the African American Community Assessment that focus on cultural heritage identity, social connection, and outreach/engagement.
Youth will gain leadership experience, community service hours, a small financial stipend, recommendations, and an opportunity to impact the Black community.
Interested Youth who identify as Black who live, work, or study in San Mateo County are invited to apply. This leadership opportunity is October 2025-June 2026.
Applications are due September 26. https://tinyurl.com/BlackYABapplication
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NAMI San Mateo County Offers Virtual Mental Wellbeing Support for Teens
NAMI San Mateo County’s Uplift Teen Group, formerly known as the Blues Teen Group, is starting on Saturday, September 27 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Zoom.
This free 6-week support group helps students learn coping skills and methods to improve their mental wellbeing. This cohort of the Uplift Teen Group is open to students all over California in 9th-12th grade.
If you want to learn more or register for our next cohort, visit fill out the interest form.
For any questions, please email olivia@namisanmateo.org.
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Poetry Contest: Young Voices Speak Out - Celebrating United Against Hate Week
Calling all young poets, ages 11- 18 years old: The Burlingame Public Library will be celebrating United Against Hate Week by putting up five poems in front of Burlingame City Hall from October 19-25, 2025.
The deadline to submit your poem is October 1. Submissions are online only.
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2026 YoungArts Application Now Open
Calling all artists: The 2026 YoungArts application is officially OPEN! If you’re 15-18 years old or in grades 10-12 and passionate about visual, literary, or performing arts, this is YOUR moment!
Apply now at youngarts.org/apply
Why apply?
- Win cash awards up to $10,000
- Receive lifelong creative and professional support
- Access mentorship through our robust network of artists
- Be nominated for U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts
Deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 5 p.m.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent and creativity!
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San Mateo County Poetry Out Loud Registration Now Open
Poetry Out Loud (POL) gives high school students 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.
Educators, youth organization leaders, and high school students are invited to be part of San Mateo County’s Poetry Out Loud 2026 Program. Teens build public speaking skills and self-confidence, while learning about literary history and contemporary life through poetry with the help of a coach.
School/organizational champions will be mentored by local Poet Laureates and poetry teachers preparing them to effectively compete at the county, state and national levels if selected.
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program in partnership with the NEA, the Poetry Foundation, and each state’s arts agency. Important dates:
September 1 - December 12, 2025: Registration window is open
January 2026: Mentoring sessions for teens via Zoom
February 2026: San Mateo County Finals
March 15 - 16, 2026: State Finals Competition in-person in Sacramento
May 2025: National Finals in-person in Washington, DC
Learn more and register: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/poetry-out-loud-2026
| | Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |
