Hillsdale Knights' Bulletin ~

May 29, 2026


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Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2025-26 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

What's Happening at Hillsdale

Knights Families,


Yesterday, we celebrated Hillsdale's class of 2026, but today, we celebrate YOU, the PTSO of Hillsdale.


P is for parents (and parent figures) Whether you were baking goodies, running to the store for treats, ordering from Amazon, volunteering time, or just showing up to support an event--we wouldn't have had such a successful year, so THANK YOU.


T is for teachers (and staff) THANK YOU- not only for showing up each day, but for the times that you worked behind the scenes--grading papers at home, sending late night emails, cleaning up after or prepping for events, or showing up at student activities. We appreciate all that you give to our students!


S is for students We are so proud of your accomplishments this year. We've seen you face big or small challenges this year. You've shown up, tried your best, and made growth. We wish you a relaxing summer and look forward to supporting you wherever life will lead you.


O is for organization Our organization would not have run as well as it has, if it weren't for our amazing board. It wouldn't be such a great HHS community without you in it! We are saying goodbye to the following this year -- Lauren Mansfield (bulletin/social media chair)

Kristi Puls (treasurer, junior interviews, and website chair), Holly Yates (co-president) and Jen Ryan (co-president) THANK YOU for your dedication to and support of the PTSO.


It's been a fabulous run writing to you each week and we know we are leaving this bulletin and all it encompasses in capable hands. We can't wait to see what the 2026-2027 school year holds--don't worry, some of us are leaving the board but we will still be around HHS for a bit longer...


Have a great summer,


Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

Upcoming Events:

  • Tue June 9 @5pm: Senior Class of 2027 Mixer (Fieldworks) (Flyer)
  • June 8-July 10: Summer College Support for Class of 2026 (Flyer)
  • June/July: Mock Trial Camp (Flyer)
  • Thur Aug 6: Maze Day for incoming freshmen and transfer students
  • Wed Aug 12: First Day of School for 2026/27 School Year


Volunteer Opportunities:

  • PTSO Board Interest/Nominations for 2026-27 (Click Here)
  • Hillsdale High School Foundation (email)
  • Peace Pantry: Fridays 7-8am (Sign Up Here)

Thank You!

You made it happen. We made our Goal!

Thanks to all of our generous donors, we have made our goal for the year!  With these funds, we can continue to support our Small Learning Communities and the advisories that are at the heart of Hillsdale.  Thank you for keeping the lights on in our Houses.


Check out our donor roll here.  You put us over the top!  Want to join the list of supporters? There is still time to give to this year's fund.


If you have any questions about the Foundation or the donor list specifically, please contact Amy Michael, HHSF Executive Director, at amymichael@hillsdalehsfoundation.org.

2026-2027 School Calendar


Have a great summer break. For returning students, the first day of school in the 2026-27 school year is Wednesday August 12th.


2026/27 SMUHSD School Year Calendar can be found here

“It’s in the Details” – Youth Poetry & Collage Events


Please join us for It’s in the Details, a series of public events celebrating the original poems and collage artwork created by San Mateo County youth through this project.


Exhibition at the Center for Creativity

800 Main Street, Redwood City

Thursday, June 4th – Sunday, June 28th


Opening Reception: Saturday, June 6, noon–2pm


Closing Reception: Sunday, June 28, 3–5pm


This Center for Creativity project was made possible through a grant from the Redwood City Arts Commission, in partnership with the Redwood City Public Library and the San Mateo County Office of Arts & Culture. Thank you,


Fundraising and Sales

Empowerment Through Action

Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet ~ ETA Career Exploration Committee

May 2026


"Love in action is service to the world."  ~ Mother Teresa

Read the May 2026 Newsletter here.

Ways to Get Involved:

*Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.


Peace Pantry

If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in May please sign up here. Our volunteer team meets in the Alameda Parking Lot every Friday morning at 6:45am-7:15am (shift #1) and/or 7:15am-8:00am (shift #2) to provide weekly groceries and essential items to families. Volunteers can sign up to help set up and/or work a station at our Farmer’s Market and/or break down. No experience required.


Community Garden

If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team for basic winter projects, please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to be added to our What’sApp Garden Group to join special projects. You may also just stop by the garden every Thursday from 3:45pm-5:00pm to join our volunteer team for weekly harvest and tasks. The spring months are picking up right now and we will be busy with projects in May to prepare our Summer garden. All volunteers are welcome. No experience required.


Community Closet

For the month of May, the Community Closet is in need of preparing for Back to School Clothing for August 2026. We are also always in need of the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodorant and laundry soap.


ETA Career Exploration Committee (Still Looking for Mentors)

Exciting news from the ETA Career Exploration Committee! Our first group of juniors have not only interviewed for career opportunities, but they have started to be selected for internships. If you are aware of any organizations still looking for interns, please reach out to Ed Canda.


Another new resource for our students is Larry Marcone, ETA Job Coordinator. Larry has been calling in our students to discuss job opportunities and offer support with their application process. He is available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-5:00 and Wednesdays from 2:35-4:00 in the CRC.


Finally, we have connected our ETA juniors pursuing internships with our new volunteer mentors. Our mentors provide positive encouragement, an empathetic ear and expert advice. If you are interested in becoming a mentor next year or if you have any questions or comments about any of these programs or events, please email Ed Canda at ecanda@etasmc.org. Thank you for your support!

ETA Website, ETA Overview Slides. ETA Donation Page

News from the College and Career Center

College and Career Counseling link

@hhscollegeandcareercenter

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

Important District Updates

Updates from SMUHSD


For the latest updates, please click here.


Next Board Meeting is Thursday June 11 @ 7pm

Parent Venture Webinars


Visit the Parent Venture free Video Library for access to 400+ video recordings, including 60+ webinars in Spanish.

Class of 2026: SMUHSD is Offering Support During the Summer with your Transition to College or Community College 


An SMUHSD College and Career Center Counselor or a School Counselor will be available from June 8-July 10, 2026 to assist recent graduates with the following needs as they transition to university or community college:


  • Forwarding final transcripts
  • Connecting with college counselors
  • Registering for classes
  • Applying to community colleges
  • Understanding financial aid
  • Transferring 504 Plans/IEPs
  • Applying for programs
  • Job-related needs
  • Support with researching certification programs


The support line will be active from June 8-July 10, 2026. Send an email to summersupport@smuhsd.org or call/text 650-397-2285.

SMUHSD estará apoyando a los estudiantes de la Clase de 2026 durante el verano con la transición a la universidad/colegio comunitario


Un consejero del Centro de Colegios y Carreras o un consejero escolar estarán disponibles del 8 de junio - 10 de julio de 2026, para asistir con las siguientes necesidades a los estudiantes recién graduados en su transición a la universidad o colegio comunitario:


  • Reenviar las transcripciones finales
  • Crear conexión con los consejeros universitarios
  • Inscribirse en las clases
  • Presentar solicitudes para colegios comunitarios
  • Entender la ayuda financiera
  • Transferencia de su plan 504/IEP
  • Solicitud de programas
  • Necesidades relacionadas con trabajos
  • Apoyo con investigación a programas de certificación


La línea de apoyo estará activa del 8 de junio - 10 de julio de 2026. Mande un correo electrónico a summersupport@smuhsd.org o llame/mande mensaje al 650-397-2285

Serve on the California Youth Empowerment Commission


The California Youth Empowerment Commission provides a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, influence positive change, and help build a stronger, more vibrant community for all youth.


If you're between the ages of 14–25 years old, a California resident, and ready to serve a two-year term, apply to be a California Youth Empowerment Commissioner today!


The California Youth Empowerment Commission was created to ensure that young people have a direct advisory role in shaping policies that affect their lives. 


Youth Commissioners: 

  • Advise the Governor, Legislature, and Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Develop policy recommendations and resolutions
  • Elevate youth priorities across California
  • Help bridge lived experience and state government decision-making 


This is not symbolic participation — this is meaningful civic leadership.


Learn more about requirements and eligibility

Sunday, June 7: Black Family Hangout for

San Mateo County Middle and High School Families


The Black Youth Advisory Board of San Mateo County, in partnership with BACHAC, invites Black/African American Middle and High School Students and Community Members to attend the Black Family Hangout on Sunday, June 7, 3:30 - 6 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus in Menlo Park. 


This gathering, designed by youth, creates a joyful atmosphere promoting community, support and freedom. Come celebrate a fun environment recognizing hard work, resilience and achievements while enjoying fun activities. Join for soulful games, delicious food, local youth performances, and a lively DJ.  


Register now for this free event

California Student Mock Election 

Registration closes September 9


To encourage students to become active voters once they are old enough to cast a ballot, Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber Ph.D., and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond invite high school and middle school students, teachers, and principals to participate in the 2026 California Student Mock Election. 


Registration for schools is now open

Thank You to Our Hillsdale High School Foundation Business/Corporate Sponsors!

Learn How to Become a Business/Corporate Sponsor

We encourage you to support these businesses that have generously donated to HHS.

Knight Level $5,000

Shield Level $1,250
Sword Level $850

Other Ways to Support Hillsdale

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! 

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