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Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
September 5, 2025
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| | What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Happy September, Knights Families!!
Since last week's bulletin, we've had our first rally! We would like to thank the cheerleaders, Dance Ensemble, Folklorio Dancers, and Pasifika Club for amazing performances. The Leadership students for their hard work throughout the week preparing lunchtime activities and planning our spirit days, and rally activities. Don't worry--our faculty and staff have their own spirit...check out their beginning of the year picture!
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Have you still not signed up for PTSO for the 2025-2026 school year? Simply scan the QR code or click the flyer to sign up for PTSO for the 2025-2026 school year. Note--you need to sign up each school year, as we start new lists with the start of the school year. It's COMPLETELY FREE and NO OBLIGATION TO VOLUNTEER (although donations and volunteering are very much appreciated) Currently, our sign ups are lower than in previous years and we are hoping to get those numbers up! Did we mention that signing up keeps you in the know about your student's grade level, schoolwide, and community activities!!
Monday, September 8, we have our second PTSO meeting of the year in Room 428 and via Zoom. ALL are welcome! During the meeting there will be class specific updates, as well as updates from Principal Gilbert, Sabrina Braccini the Activities Director, and other parent booster groups. We would love for you to join us!!
This Thursday, we have Back-to-School Knight. You get to attend each of your child's classes---getting to see how long it really takes them to get from one class to the next, hahaha. You can have a BBQ dinner (Flyer) to support the Junior Class. You can stop by the Booster Parent tables to learn more about the ways you can support and/or be involved. Most importantly, you can also see/meet other families who are in our HHS community.
When you visit your student's classes and advisory on Thursday, keep in mind that having the House System wouldn't be possible without the support of our foundation. Right now, the Hillsdale Foundation is having a donation drive where the Foundation will match every dollar up to $55, 000 until September 12. If your workplace or you know of a business who can donate--their donations are tax deductible! It's a win for them AND Hillsdale.
One more thing about Back-to-School Knight. There will be a Senior parent meeting in the Little Theater at 6:15pm. All Senior parents who want to be in-the-know should attend--flyers, sign-ups, and important information will be shared. Junior, Sophomore, and Freshmen families stop by the PTSO table to see what is upcoming for your students this year!
We can't wait to see everyone on Thursday!
Have a fantastic week!
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Fri Sept 5 3pm: Girls Water Polo Battle of the Bay (Flyer)
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Sat Sept 6 8am: Girls Water Polo Battle of the Bay (Flyer)
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Mon Sept 8 6:30pm: PTSO Meeting (Room 428 and Zoom) (Flyer)
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Mon Sept 8 6:30pm: Athletics Booster Meeting
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Thur Sept 11: Back to School Knight
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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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Thur Sept 18: Back to School Concert
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Wed Sept 24: CSF Grade Submissions due (Online Form)
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Until Sept 12: Double/Triple Your Donation (HHS Foundation) (Donate Here)
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Thur Sept 11: Back to School BBQ (Class of 2027) (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)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Thur Sept 11: Back to School BBQ (grillers, servers, etc) (email here)
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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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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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Hillsdale High School: A Community Like No Other
“I have been thinking about the word "Community" and how Hillsdale has been able to create impactful and transformational communities for students. Adolescents need communities to thrive.
In the same vein, our school needs our parents in order to do the work that we do--as amazing as our staff is, we can't do the work on our own. We want to thank you all for the time, energy and support you provide in this great partnership to raise our children.”
Jeff Gilbert, Lead Principal
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Hillsdale is the only high school in the district to offer:
- Advisory Classes at each grade level that meets 4 times a week, forming the backbone of our Small Learning Communities (House System).
- An advisor teacher assigned specifically to your child: They serve as mentor, teacher & support coordinator.
- Unique grade level projects supported by Foundation funding: Golding Trial, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Junior Humanities Project and the Senior Symposium.
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 your Impact: Corporate Matching works! Click here
www.HillsdaleHSFoundation.org
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Join our Team: Foundation Executive Director
The Hillsdale Foundation is looking for a new Executive Director to join our effort. The Foundation is comprised of dedicated parents and teachers whose mission is to fundraise in support of our Small Learning Community model. Email:execdirector@hillsdalehsfoundation.org for more information.
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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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2nd Annual Girls' Water Polo Tournament - Battle of the Bay
Get ready to make a splash at the 2nd Annual Girls' Water Polo Tournament - Battle of the Bay, happening Friday, September 5 @ 3:00pm and Saturday, September 6 @ 8:00am! Two action-packed days, 10 fierce teams, and 15 epic games! Dive in to cheer on the girls as the JV and Varsity face off against teams from across the Bay Area, including Carlmont, Lick Wilmerding, Gunn, Terra Nova, and Moreau Catholic. Only $10 to get in, with tasty concessions and cool apparel on sale!
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Hillsdale High School’s Back to School Knight!
Thursday September 11th at Hillsdale High School
5-7pm: Hillsdale Family BBQ (food for purchase, cash only, see Flyer)
6:15pm: Senior Class Meeting for Senior Families Only in the Little Theater
6:45*-9pm: Follow your student’s schedule to visit their classes and meet their teachers!
*Please note that families whose students have a 0 period class will begin in their 0 period class at 6:45pm. All families will continue to Advisory at 7pm.
Please make sure your student provides you with a copy of their schedule prior to the event.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus! Go Knights!
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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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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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Back to School Night BBQ ~ Junior Class Fundraiser
Pre-sale tickets for the Back to School Night BBQ are now on sale! Please see the this flyer for all the details. You can use the QR code on the flyer to purchase your tickets today and secure your spot. Tickets will be sold on the night of the event too but purchasing via pre-sale is recommended. Thanks for supporting the Junior Class!!
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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 5pm: A Knight for The Cure (Charity Football Game); Football Field
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Sat Oct 25: Parents Social Pub Crawl - Senior Fundraiser
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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, it is an activity provided by the Parent Volunteers of the 2026 class. ***
| | 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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September 2025 Newsletter
September 2, 2025
Hillsdale Community,
We hope all of you are off to a great start to the 2025-26 school year at Hillsdale. If you are new to Hillsdale or new to the San Mateo/Foster City Community, we are pleased to share that we support 150 Hillsdale families with weekly groceries, essential items, organic fruits and vegetables harvested directly from our community garden access to our Community Closet and access to our Community Closet.
During the 2024-25 school year we had over 200 volunteers at our Peace Pantry, Garden and Closet proving that Hillsdale is a community that stands together to support all families.
Almost all of our volunteers start by simply showing up to a shift at the Peace Pantry or Community Garden. By jumping in as a volunteer, you soon understand the levels of support offered by these programs at Hillsdale and what the volunteering entails.
One thing we do know is that community members who show up at our weekly garden harvest or Peace Pantry almost always leave with a smile and a full heart knowing that the greatest gift we can give to someone else in our Hillsdale community. . .is our time.
Hillsdale Stands Together,
Brett Stevenson
Hillsdale ETA Co-Executive Director
ETA Website, ETA Overview Slides, ETA Donation Page
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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 | | | | |
Updates from SMUHSD
For the latest updates, please click here.
Next Board Meeting is Wednesday September 10 @ 7pm
* Meeting is on Wednesday due to Back to School night
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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?
Next Steps After High School: Tuesday, September 9, 5 - 6 p.m.
Learn about community college, university, trade school, and other common pathways to plan your next steps.
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
How to Be Your Child's Favorite Conversation Partner
Friday, September 5, 12 - 1 p.m.
Register and learn more
Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Parents and Schools
Thursday, September 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Register and learn more
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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 9, 1 - 3 p.m.
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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HOPE Youth Coalition Seeking Members for 2025-26 School Year
HOPE Youth Coalition organizes to create healthy online platforms for everyone by holding social media companies accountable for the messages and advertising that we all receive online. They are looking for ten youth across the state to push forward healthy social media platforms that center community growth.
If you are Interested in organizing across California to build healthy online protective factors, learn more about applying to serve on the HOPE Youth Coalition.
Deadline to apply is Friday, September 12.
Coalition members:
> Attend weekly virtual meetings (Tuesdays)
> Have an opportunity to build storytelling, policy making and researching skills
> Conduct research and move it into action
> Strengthen public speaking & team collaboration
Learn more about what the coalition does.
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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 | | | | |
