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Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
August 22, 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 | | |
Happy Friday, Knights Families!!
To the Seniors, Juniors, and Sophomores--welcome back and to the Freshmen welcome to Hillsdale 2025-2026! For some this is the beginning of the last year here, for others', the beginning of the first. However you look at it--we have an exciting year ahead!!!
Want to stay in the know?? Join the PTSO--it is FREE and all that we ask of you is to fill out a quick form--yes, you need to resubmit the form each school year. It's super simple!! See the flyer with the QR code below. We are holding a contest to see which class can get the most PTSO sign ups...will your student's class be the winner? Only time will tell...contest updates next week.
This weekly bulletin is your One-Stop-Shop for all things Hillsdale. We have flyers for events and activities, notes about schedule changes, information about what is happening around campus and even off campus.
Here are the top five things to remember when reading the bulletin this year:
1. Always scroll to the bottom. This is where you will find the flyers attached that may be clipped/compressed when you open it on your phone.
2. The PTSO newsletter represents ALL things Hillsdale--all boosters, grade levels, and, of course, academics.
3. If you have questions about ANYTHING you read in the newsletter, let us know--we can get you an answer or direct you to someone who has it.
4. The newsletter will list upcoming fundraisers, events, volunteers needed, and activities in a bullet pointed section--so in a time crunch, skip the reading & check that section for dates and opportunities.
5. If you miss the newsletter via email, it is always listed on the PTSO webpage for easy access
*** Due to lower than expected attendance and RSVPs, the Class of 2029 Mix and Mingle will be POSTPONED. We are already in the works of planning a new date and will update flyers and RSVP links as soon as things are finalized. We appreciate your patience and can't wait to meet everyone! ***
We wish you a wonderful weekend and an amazing Week of Welcome next week. More to come next Friday!!
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Aug 21-25: HHS Drama Fall Musical Auditions (Flyer)
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POSTPONED Freshman Mix & Mingle
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Mon Aug 25: Make Up Picture Day (Flyer)
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Aug 25-29: WOW Week (Week of Welcome) (Flyer)
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Fri Aug 29 8-9am: ETA Community Connector Info Session - Stadium parking lot (Flyer)
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Fri Aug 29: Welcome Rally (during school)
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Mon Sept 1: NO SCHOOL for Labor Day
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Mon Sept 8: Athletics Booster Meeting
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Thur Sept 11: Back to School Knight
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Tue Sept 16: Spain Trip- Parent Interest meeting
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Thur Sept 18: Back to School Concert
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Tue Aug 26: Chipotle Fundraiser (Girls Water Polo) (Flyer)
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Until Aug 27: HHS Jacket (Athletic Boosters) (Flyer)
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Until Sept 12: Double/Triple Your Donation (HHS Foundation) (Donate Here)
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Thur Sept 4: Chipotle Fundraiser (Class of 2027)
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Thur Sept 11: Back to School BBQ (Class of 2027)
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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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Fri Aug 22: Freshman Mix and Mingle - General Help (email here)
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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 (Register here) 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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A Note from our Lead Principal, Jeff Gilbert
Hillsdale High School is known in San Mateo-Foster City, and in the larger education world, for our Small Learning Communities.
All three of those words are meaningful and today 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, and traditional large high schools often fail in creating consistent relationships that allow students to grow into their potential.
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.
Please read the important message from the Hillsdale Foundation to learn about how you can support Hillsdale. Thank you.
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Have You Made Your Student’s Annual Contribution Yet?
The Hillsdale Foundation is kicking off the school year with the goal of raising $600,000 to support our Small Learning Communities (House System), reduced class sizes, technology upgrades and grants to Dance, Drama, Music & the PTSO.
Although the recommended donation amount is $750 per student, we ask each family to give what they can to support their student’s education. For those families who are in a position to give more, please consider a larger gift to uplift every child. Hillsdale is stronger together.
Double & Triple your Match!
From now until Sept 12th, the Hillsdale Foundation Board will match every dollar up to $55,000
Triple your impact: Corporate Matching works! Over $13,000 of the Board Match is from Google & Microsoft.
Thank you!
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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HHS Make Up Picture Day
All students that did not get their photo's taken on August 6th or 7th can have their photo taken on Monday, August 25th. Please see the scheduled times below.
Photo RETAKES will take place in early October.
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HHS Drama Auditions ~ Into the Woods
Hillsdale Drama is excited to kick off the year by announcing our fall production: Into the Woods!
Auditions will be held August 21–25, with acting/vocal auditions on August 21-22, and dance auditions on August 25. Callbacks are scheduled for Monday, August 25.
We are also looking for students interested in joining the crew — everything from costumes to lighting to backstage support!
An informational meeting for all interested students will be held on Monday, August 18 at lunch in the Little Theater Green Room.
Students can sign up using the QR codes on the poster (below or around campus) or reach out directly with any questions. Thank you so much for your support of our program!
Show Dates: November 13–16, 2025
Contact: Ms. Marshall – mmarshall@smuhsd.org
Follow us on Instagram: @hillsdaledrama
Follow us on our Website: hillsdaledrama.org
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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, August 15 @ 8:00am-9:00am - in-person
- 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 (DelMonte 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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Chipotle ~ Girls' Water Polo Fundraiser
Don't want to cook? Come support the Girls Water Polo team at Chipotle on Tuesday August 26! Thanks in advance for supporting our first dine-out fundraiser!
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Hillsdale Athletic Booster Jacket Fundraiser
Show your Knight pride! Order your Hillsdale Athletic Booster Jacket today and support our school community. Don’t wait!! Orders must be placed by August 27th
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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!
Please join our Instagram site @hhs2026parents for more information about senior activities!
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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
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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 ~ Senior KNight
Don’t miss out on Senior 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.
| | HHS Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet | |
August
“Caring has the gift of making the ordinary special.”
~ George R. Bach
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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
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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 | | | | |
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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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/
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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
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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
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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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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
| | Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |
