Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2025-26 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

Happy Friday, Knights Families!!

What a week it's been!! It was WOW Week (Week of Welcome) and students have had spirit days all week--with today being the most spirited of all--BLUE BLOODED! We'd also like to take a quick moment to thank the faculty and staff for all of their hard work kicking off this school year to make our students (and their families) feel welcomed! There will be a student rally today complete with class contests, performances by dance and cheer, and more. Not only can you SEE the Knight Pride, but you can FEEL it, with excitement in the air as we wonder which class will come out on top with the most spirit points after today. Stay tuned for an announcement next week, or ask your student after school!

Fall is always a time with "sign up for this", "donate to that", "did you register?" It's a lot to juggle, especially if you have multiple students at multiple schools. Guess what? We've done our best to help you with that. 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. Why sign up?? The #1 reason--it's COMPLETELY FREE and NO OBLIGATION TO VOLUNTEER (although donations and volunteering are very much appreciated) The #2 reason is to stay in the know of what is happening in and around Hillsdale. This way you can encourage your students to attend events or maybe even confirm event logistics...whatever your reason, signing up for PTSO will help you!! Think of us as a booster cafeteria---you can pick and choose what you want. Perhaps you want to do something now, but not later--we support that too. Seriously? Why wouldn't you sign up??

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!

And now it's the part of the bulletin where we remind you to...check the Upcoming Events section and attend an event or two; check the Fundraiser section to support the many groups at HHS, including a Double/Triple donation match if you/your business supports the Foundation; check the Volunteer section to help our school be the community we love, including BBQing at Back to School Knight or sharing your crafts/car at our 1st Annual Car Show & Marketplace.

Thanks for another great week! 

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

Upcoming Events:

• Fri Aug 29 8-9am: ETA Community Connector Info Session - Stadium parking lot (Flyer)
• Fri Aug 29: Welcome Rally (during school)
• Mon Sept 1: NO SCHOOL for Labor Day
• Fri Sept 5 3pm: Girls Water Polo Battle of the Bay (Flyer)
• Sat Sept 6 8am: Girls Water Polo Battle of the Bay (Flyer)
• Mon Sept 8 6:30pm: PTSO Meeting (Room 428 and Zoom) (Flyer)
• Mon Sept 8 6:30pm: Athletics Booster Meeting
• Thur Sept 11: Back to School Knight
• Tue Sept 16: Spain Trip- Parent Interest meeting (Flyer)
• Thur Sept 18: Back to School Concert
• Wed Sept 24: CSF Grade Submissions due (Online Form)

Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:

• Until Sept 12: Double/Triple Your Donation (HHS Foundation) (Donate Here)
• Thur Sept 4: Chipotle Fundraiser (Class of 2027) (Flyer)
• Thur Sept 11: Back to School BBQ (Class of 2027)
• Fri Sept 26 5-7pm: HHS Grill & Chill (Class of 2026) (Flyer)
• Sat Sept 27: Rev and Roam: Car show and Marketplace (Community Event) (Flyer)

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Thur Sept 11: Back to School BBQ (grillers, servers, etc) (email here)
• Sat Sept 27: Rev and Roam: Car show and Marketplace (Community Event) ~ To be a vendor or participate in the car show (Register here) Questions? (email here)
• Concessions: During games (Sign Up here)
• Peace Pantry: Fridays 7-8am (Sign Up here)
• Community Garden: Thursdays 3:30pm-5pm (email here)

“Being a high school teacher myself, I know how important community is to a student’s school experience. When my own kids started at Hillsdale as freshmen, I was thrilled the House System would give them that sense of community even in a large public high school. 

They formed close friendships and looped with teachers who got to know them as individuals. They’re seniors now and part of a different house, but they still speak so highly of their time in Florence!  It made all the difference.”  Tina Ehsanipour with her twins Shireen Orr and Nadav Ehsanipour.

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 House System.  
• An advisor teacher is assigned specifically to your child who will offer continuity of support for 2 years.
• Integrated curriculum:  Impactful projects and specialized learning, made possible only through House System collaboration.

Double your Impact:  The Hillsdale Foundation Board will match every dollar up to $55,000 until September 12th  Click here.

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.

Every gift at any amount is deeply appreciated by the teachers and students of Hillsdale High School.

Triple your Impact:  Corporate Matching works!  Click here.

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.

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar

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

Link to game schedule

Bell Schedule for Week of Sept 1

There is NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 1st as it is Labor Day. Please see The Hillsdale 2025-26 Bell Schedule here.

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!

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)

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!

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

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:

1. 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.
2. Counselors will check grades for final approval. No need to attach transcripts.

Active Membership for a semester requires:

• 5 Hours of Community Service
• Grade Eligibility
• $5 dues

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 ****

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

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?

1. Help with Peace Pantry on Friday mornings OR with our Community Garden on Thursday afternoons.
2. Join an upcoming Community Connector Info Session to learn more about the ETA program.
3. 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.
4. 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, August 29 @ 8:00am-9:00am - in-person
• 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/

Fundraising and Sales

Chipotle ~ Class of 2027 Fundraiser

We are excited to announce our first fundraiser of the year at Chipotle on Thursday September 4th @ 5-9pm! We would love for families to share the word and come support the class of 2027! Don’t forget to show this flyer or use the code 4RYP6ZW on the app. Hope to see you all there! 🩵❤️

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

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!

Seniors Corner

Graduation Information

Welcome Class of 2026!

Senior Fall Events

Save these *tentative* dates for upcoming senior events! 

• Fri Sept 26 5-7pm: Grill & Chill-Senior Fundraiser; Football Field vs Burlingame
• Sat Sept 27: Rev and Roam: All Class fundraiser
• Fri Oct 3: Ritmo Latino Dance
• Sat Oct 18 5pm: A Knight for The Cure (Charity Football Game); Football Field
• Sat Oct 25: Parents Social Pub Crawl - Senior Fundraiser
• Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game - Football 
• Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance

Please join our Instagram site @hhs2026parents for more information about senior activities!

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.

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

August

“Caring has the gift of making the ordinary special.”

~ George R. Bach

August 2025 Newsletter

Peace Pantry

If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in August 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 help set up and/or work a station at our Farmer’s Market and/or break down. No experience required.

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, @hhs_community_garden, for updates.

Community Closet

Our Community closet will resume August 20th. *Please follow us on Instagram @hhs_community_closet.

For the month of September, the Community Closet is in need of the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream and laundry soap.

College & Career Counseling

Current Workshops, College Rep Visits and Events

Junior & Senior Newsletters:

12th Grade Newsletters

11th Grade Newsletters

Please reach out with any questions:

Ms. Laura Burtness

Hillsdale's College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor

LBurtness@smuhsd.org

650 558 2613

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

September 3: Back to School Supplies from allcove San Mateo

With the new school year underway, allcove San Mateo is excited to host a Back to School at the Cove event on Wednesday, September 3 from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m. They are located at 2600 S El Camino Real, Suite 300 in San Mateo. 

They’ll be giving out free school supplies including backpacks, notepads, and more! Attendees can enjoy food, a photo booth, arts & crafts, and workshops to help students start the year off strong.

RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/XSizA7BYHi

3 de septiembre: Útiles escolares de parte de la Organización allcove San Mateo 

Con el inicio del nuevo año escolar, la organización allcove San Mateo se complace en presentar el evento “Regreso a Clases” el miércoles 3 de septiembre de 3:30-6:30 p.m. en 2600 S El Camino Real, Suite 300, San Mateo.  

En este evento se repartirán útiles escolares gratuitos, como mochilas, cuadernos y mucho más. Los asistentes podrán disfrutar de comida, manualidades y talleres para ayudar a los estudiantes a comenzar el año escolar con fuerza.

Este es un evento abierto para toda la comunidad.

Reserve su lugar en: https://forms.office.com/r/XSizA7BYHi

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

Youth Climate Ambassador Leadership Program Now Accepting Applications

Are you a high schooler in San Mateo County interested in climate change and taking local action? If so, check out the Youth Climate Ambassador (YCA) Leadership Program! We are currently accepting applications from all San Mateo County high school students in grades 9 through 12.

Apply today if you or your student is interested in…

- Building leadership skills

- Taking action to address climate change

- Connecting with peers who have similar interests

- Implementing a Community Impact Project

- Learning more about the climate crisis and local solutions

- Joining a network of fellow high school students ready to take action together

- Getting paid a stipend to complete this amazing program!

Learn more about the program and apply online (link in bio): sustainsmc.org/YCA

All applications are due before September 1st 11:59 pm .

https://www.smcsustainability.org/education/students/youth-climate-ambassadors/

Students: Be a Voice of Change - Join the San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) Youth Advisory Group

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you want to create impactful events, work closely with leaders, and advocate for your peers in San Mateo County? If so, the Tobacco Education Coalition wants you to be part of their Youth Advisory Group! 

Benefits of serving include:

> Expand your network by collaborating with fellow activists against tobacco use

> Gain skills in advocacy, public speaking, and community impact

> Letter of recommendations

> Community service hours

> Earn a stipend for participating

⁠Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/SMCYAG

The application is now live to join YAG for the upcoming academic year! Application submission deadline has been extended to August 31: https://tinyurl.com/TECYAG25-26

Webinars For Parents / Guardians

What Every Parent Should Know about E-Bike Safety

Wednesday September 3, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Register and learn more



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

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.

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

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!