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Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
October 24, 2025
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| | What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Knights Families,
Oh what a Knight...A Knight 4 the Cure was such a success! To the players, coaches, cheer, and dance who entertained us; to the Leadership students and faculty.staff volunteers, plus each and every family who donated food/decor, volunteered throughout the evening, and those who came to attend the event. It takes a village and we are so appreciative to you all! Congratulations to the Seniors who beat the Juniors to win the A Knight 4 the Cure trophy!!
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Fall sports Senior Knights are happening as the Class of 2026 is wrapping up their final Fall in high school. Check the Athletics schedule for dates of home/away matches and events.
Going from seniors to incoming freshmen--last night, we hosted 8th grade families on campus to see all of the amazing things that Hillsdale has to offer. It makes us so proud to overhear people talking about our school and how there's something for everyone.
Last night was also the opening of the Halloween HIT performance. If you missed it, there's one tonight! We highly recommend. (See Flyer)
Next week it's quiet on campus as we get ready for Homecoming Spirit week during the first week of November.
Have a fantastic final week of October. Until next week...
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Oct 23-24: HIT Squad Halloween Show @ 7pm, Little Theater (Flyer)
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Nov 3-7: Spirit Week for Homecoming
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Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Rally
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Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game vs Aragon @ HHS
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Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance at Devil's Canyon Brewery
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Nov 13-16: HHS Drama Into The Woods (Flyer)
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Fri Nov 14: Yearbook/Senior Ad Pre-sale Pricing Ends (Flyer)
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Mon Dec 1: SCSCA Summer Exchange Application Due (Flyer)
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Sat Oct 25: Pub Crawl (Class of 2026) (Flyer)
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Until Wed Nov 5: Corsage/Boutonnieres (Class of 2026) (Flyer)
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Wed Nov 5: Maverick Jack's (Drama) (Flyer)
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Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance (Cheer) at Devil's Canyon
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Sun Nov 23: Quin's 2nd Annual 5K (Flyer)
Volunteer Opportunities:
| | Did You Know it Takes Less Than 5 Seconds to Check? | | |
If your employer will match your tax deductible gift to the Hillsdale Foundation? It is an easy and free way to double your impact! Click here to check.
Our Hillsdale community brought in over $90,000 in corporate matching last year. Be part of this amazing group today! Make a direct difference in supporting our students.
Every dollar counts! Double your Impact Today!
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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Penny Wars is Starting!
Put coins in your advisory’s jug to earn positive points and put cash in other advisories’ jugs to give them negative points. If donating online, click here. The advisory with the most points wins a Halloween party!
To earn an extra 10 points for your advisory, fill out this form.
Go to https://hhseffect.wixsite.com/hillsdale-effect to see learn more about Penny Wars and our cause.
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2026 Summer Exchange Program
San Carlos Sister City Association (SCSCA) is excited to share an opportunity for high school students in San Mateo County to participate in our International Student Exchange Program with our sister city, Omura, Japan in July 2026. For a week, students will live with a Japanese host family where at least one member speaks English. In exchange, San Mateo/San Carlos students host their Japanese counterparts in the weeks following. Students do not need to know the Japanese language to participate!
- Eligibility: Mature and curious high schoolers within San Mateo County
- Cost: No program fee (Student families will cover their own airfare and spending money, but we make no profit from the program)
- Application Deadline: Monday December 1st, 2025
Apply here: https://forms.gle/g5n7F2wNw6mhRSCR9
For further details or questions contact: Ryan.Tomita03@gmail.com
Please CC on any inquiry emails: johnjhoffmann@icloud.com, sancarlossistercityassociation@gmail.com
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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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🍻🎃 Pub Crawl – Saturday, October 25th 🎃🍻
Don’t have plans this Saturday Knight? 🛡️🍻
Join your fellow HHS parents for a fun night out at the Senior Class Pub Crawl!
Open to all who are 21+
This is NOT a school-sponsored event...just a great way to connect, relax, and support our seniors!
🎭 Costume Contest: Dressing up is encouraged but not required!
💵 $75 per person: includes 4 drink tickets + food
📱 Scan the QR code for all the details!
Don’t miss out on a Knight to remember! ⚔️
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Maverick Jack’s ~ Drama Fundraiser
Join Hillsdale’s drama dept, at Maverick Jack’s on Wednesday November 5th, all day for delicious food and drink.. No flier needed just mention Hillsdale Drama in restaurant and use code “Giveback” when ordering online directly on the website!
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💐 Corsage & Boutonniere Fundraiser!
Support the Senior Class and get ready for the big KNIGHT in style! Boutonnieres are $25, corsages are $35, or grab both for $50. Click the QR code on the flier to place your order by Wednesday November 5th!
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HHS Drama ~ Into The Woods
Get your tickets for Into The Woods. It is going to be a fun show. Don't miss it!
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Buy Your Yearbook Now!
The Shield 2026 staff has begun production on the next edition of Hillsdale's yearbook. Editors, photographers and copy writers are hard at work creating the next amazing book of memories. The pre-sale price of $80 lasts until November 14, 2025.
Senior Ads are also on sale at our Friesens Publisher store link: https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274
¡Compra tu anuario ya!
El equipo de The Shield 2026 ha comenzado la producción de la próxima edición del anuario de Hillsdale. Editores, fotógrafos y redactores están trabajando arduamente para crear el próximo y maravilloso libro de recuerdos. El precio de preventa es de $80 y dura hasta el 14 de noviembre de 2025.
Los anuncios para estudiantes de último año también están a la venta en el enlace de nuestra tienda Friesens Publisher: https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274
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Quin’s 2nd Annual 5K
Please join us for Quin’s 2nd Annual 5K on Sunday, November 23rd. This special event is an opportunity to come together as a community to honor Quin, enjoy time with friends and neighbors, and start the day with fun and fitness. Whether you choose to walk, jog, or run, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating Quin’s spirit and making lasting memories. The event will take place rain or shine! We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Here
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Welcome Class of 2026!
Senior Fall Events
Save these *tentative* dates for upcoming senior events!
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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 **
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Empowerment Through Action at Hillsdale
Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet
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October 2025
In Lak’ech
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
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Ways to Get Involved:
Peace Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in October 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
For the month of October, the Community Closet is in need of HHS Swag, Jeans, hoodies, new socks, t-shirts and the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodorant 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 | | | | |
Parent Venture Webinars For Parents / Guardians
Are You Mad at Me? Helping Kids (and Parents) Break Free from People Pleasing and Perfectionism
Wednesday, October 29, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
Values in College Admission - Getting There, Being There - What's New, What's Not
Thursday, October 30, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
Helping Your Child Build Good Habits - Parent Forum #43 (English)
Friday, October 31, 12 - 1 p.m
Learn more and register
Talk to Your Boys: Help Tweens/Teens Grow into Confident, Caring Young Men
Wednesday, November 5, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
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2025 United Against Hate Week is October 19-25
Our communities deserve support and healing when targeted by hate. October 19 -25 is #UnitedAgainstHate week: We stand against hate and discrimination toward immigrant communities. Let's celebrate our diversity and protect our neighbors from hate. If you witness or experience an act of hate, report it by calling 833-8-NO-HATE or visiting CAvsHate.org. Reporting is available in 200+ languages over the phone and 15 languages online.
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La Semana Unidos Contra el Odio 2025 se celebra del 19 al 25 de octubre
Nuestras comunidades merecen apoyo y sanación cuando son blanco del odio. Del 19 al 24 de octubre es la semana #UnitedAgainstHate (Unidos contra el odio): Nos oponemos al odio y la discriminación hacia las comunidades de inmigrantes.
Celebremos nuestra diversidad y protejamos a nuestros vecinos del odio.
Si es testigo o sufre un acto de odio, denúncielo llamando al 833-8-NO-HATE o visitando CAvsHate.org. Las denuncias pueden realizarse en más de 200 idiomas por teléfono y en 15 idiomas por Internet.
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In-Person Financial Aid Workshops
These workshops are open to all SMUHSD families
Save the dates for the following in-person workshops offering students and their families with assistance in filling out financial aid paperwork.
In-Person Workshops
December 2, 6 - 8 p.m., Capuchino High School
More in-person workshops will be scheduled for January 2026 - visit www.smuhsd.org/financial-aid to stay up-to-date.
All families-- regardless of home school-- are welcome to attend either event. More events will be coming starting in January!
Additional information
Refreshments will be served.
No RSVP needed, drop in between 6 - 8 p.m.
As a reminder, filling out the FAFSA or CADAA is a graduation requirement!
Learn more
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Talleres sobre ayuda financiera en persona.
Asista a estos talleres en persona si:
Necesita ayuda para completar la forma FAFSA o la CADAA
Tiene preguntas sobre el proceso de solicitud de ayuda financiera
Reserve las fechas:
martes 2 de diciembre, 6-8 p.m. en Capuchino High School
Se programarán más talleres en persona para enero del 2026
Todas las familias están invitadas a asistir a cualquiera de los eventos, independientemente de la escuela a la que asistan sus hijos. ¡Habrá más eventos a partir de enero!
Información adicional
Se servirán refrigerios.
No es necesario confirmar asistencia
Puede acudir en cualquier momento durante el taller
¿Tiene alguna pregunta? Póngase en contacto con el asesor de ayuda financiera de su escuela
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October 29: Media Literacy Webinar for Students and Parents/Guardians
Attend this webinar to learn more about how you can spot generative AI content and misinformation.
Details
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 p.m.
Register: bit.ly/AILit25
This webinar is presented by Sons & Brothers, Healthy Online Platforms for Everyone Coalition (HOPE) and the Youth Leadership Institute.
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Saturday, November 1: Black College Awareness Fair at CSM
The College of San Mateo is hosting the Ivy and Pearls Foundation, and Rho Delta Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for their 33rd Black College Awareness Fair on Saturday, November 1.
The Fair will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the the CSM Theatre (Building 3).
The 33rd Black College Awareness Fair is a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons and take the next step towards a brighter future. Students and their families are invited to explore the rich legacy and amazing opportunities offered at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It will be a day filled with inspiration, learning, connection, and fun. Whether they’re students mapping out their college journey or a parent eager to support their student’s future, this event is for them!
What to Expect:
- Meet HBCU alumni and representatives from various colleges
- Informative guest speakers and workshops
- Potential scholarships and information on financial aid
- Enjoy FREE registration, lunch, and raffle prizes!
Students and families can register online
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November 15: Environmental Youth Leadership Summit
The San Mateo County Office of Education is hosting its Environmental Youth Leadership Summit on Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The summit is organized by students, for students and aims to educate and empower students to take action and be part of creating a sustainable future.
The summit is FREE and breakfast and lunch are provided. SMCOE is looking for students who would like to provide input, organize a breakout session, and/or help plan the summit! Interested students please fill out this Google Form.
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California Teen Poet Laureate Applications Due November 30
The California Arts Council (CAC) announced today that the application process is now open for the state’s first California Teen Poet Laureate. The role offers young adult word artists within our state the unique opportunity to promote literary arts and engage with diverse communities throughout California. All eligible teenaged poets are encouraged to apply.
This new position, established through Senate Bill 748, authored by Senator Henry Stern and signed into law in 2019, will serve as an advocate for poetry throughout the Golden State.
Learn more and apply at capoetlaureate.org.
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The 2026 Scholastic Awards Are Now Open for Submissions
The Scholastic Awards are the nation’s longest running, and one of the most prestigious recognition programs for creative teenagers across America and a significant source of scholarships for young artists and writers. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization manages the growing program.
One of the benefits of entering the Scholastic Awards is the opportunity to have your work considered for national scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,500. Learn more
Visit the What You Need to Know page to find out everything you need to participate, including the Awards AI Policy, category changes, new category updates, and portal updates.
Teens and educators can visit artandwriting.org now to log in or create an account in the portal.
Deadlines
Region at Large West Writing Deadline: December 2, 2025, 8:59 p.m.: https://www.artandwriting.org/regions/WRALW/details
California Bay Area Art Region Deadline: January 6, 2026, 8:59 p.m.: https://www.artandwriting.org/regions/CA005A/details
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Apply Now for Creative Youth Awards
The Creative Youth Awards (CYA) is an annual program founded by the Bay Area Creative Foundation to celebrate, cultivate, and inspire creativity in youth and young adults.
The Awards are an opportunity for San Francisco Bay Area high school students to submit original artworks and performances across a range of creative disciplines, including visual art, film, music, dance, photography, and writing.
Submission deadline: December 10, 2025.
Learn more and apply: https://www.creativeyouthawards.org/creative-youth-awards
Aplique para los Premios Creativos para Jóvenes
Los Premios Creativos para Jóvenes (CYA) son un programa anual fundado por la Fundación Creativa del Área de la Bahía para celebrar, cultivar e inspirar la creatividad en los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes.
Los premios son una oportunidad para que los estudiantes de preparatoria del Área de la Bahía de San Francisco presenten obras de arte y actuaciones originales en un amplia gama de disciplinas creativas, incluyendo artes visuales, cine, música, danza, fotografía y escritura.
Fecha límite para aplicar: 10 de diciembre de 2025
Obtenga más información y presente su aplicacion en: https://www.creativeyouthawards.org/creative-youth-awards
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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 | | | | |
