Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2024-25 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

Happy Friday, Hillsdale Families!

Congrats to our Varsity Mock Trial team who placed SECOND in the State Championships! We are so proud to have you representing Hillsdale!

Radium Girls had shows all last weekend and we are proud to say that they had RECORD sales, with two nights selling out! We are so proud of our HHS drama department, the cast & crew of Radium Girls, and the parent boosters who made this production so successful!!

Thanks so much to all who gave to our March Hospitality. We can't do it without you!! With Spring Break around the corner, we have our April Hospitality coming soon. If you are interested in donating to that event, please click here. We appreciate your continued support!!

Our current Juniors and Sophomores have completed the planning for their next year's classes. The counseling department is wrapping up the current freshmen's class planning. This week, they also completed scheduling for current 8th graders who plan to attend HHS in the fall. Thank you to the counseling department for juggling all the logistics to ensure everyone gets the classes that they need! If you have any questions, please reach out to your student's advisor and/or counselor. 

If you are interested in finding out more about ANY of our parent booster groups, click here to sign up for the 2025-2026 PTSO--and we can get your email directed to the booster groups you choose. No experience or donation required!

Yes, our blurb is short this week, enjoy the calm before "year end excitement" starts up.

Have a fantastic week!!

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday March 25 (Webinar): Dangers of Vaping: What Parents Need to Know ~ register here
• Thursday, March 27: Jazz with Friends ~ Jazz Ensemble (Flyer)
• Thursday, March 27 @ San Mateo High School ~ Financial Aid workshop (12th graders and their families)
• Tuesday April 1: Deadline to Register for Grad Knight SF Bay Cruise (Flyer)
• Friday, April 18: SMUHSD Pride Prom RSVP by April 6
• May 1, 2, 3: Knight Moves XXVII--tickets sales coming soon

This week's Fundraisers:

• NOW-April 4: See's Candy Fundraiser ~ Sophomore Class (Flyer)
• Wednesday, March 26 2:00pm-closing @ Mendocino Farms~ Junior Class (Flyer)
• Thursday March 27 6:30-8:30pm @ HHS: Freshman Movie Night (RSVP here)
• Purchase your yearbook
• Thursday, April 10 @ Panda Express MOBILE/ONLINE ORDERS ONLY~ CSF (California Scholarship Federation) (Flyer)
• April 13: Knight Moves Business Ads (Flyer)
• April 13: Knight Moves Love Notes / Personal Ads (Flyer)
• Saturday, April 18 5-7:30pm @ HHS: Cultural Knight. Link to help/donate
• Friday April 25: 17th Annual Golf Tournament, Banquet and Auction (Flyer)

This week's Volunteer Opportunities:

• Thursday March 27 @ HHS: Freshman Movie Night Link to help/donate
• Saturday, April 18 5-7:30 @ HHS: Cultural Knight. Link to help/donate
• April 19, 2025 8:30am-12:30pm: Annual Spring Planting and Work Day ~ Community Garden
• April Hospitality--link here
• Teacher/Staff Appreciation--coming soon

Now Accepting Applications for Our Board of Directors!

Dear HHS families, 

HHSF wants YOU! Hillsdale High School Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds for our Small Learning Communities program (AKA our House system). HHSF's mission is to sustain this excellent, internationally-recognized program, which costs more to run than district funding provides. 

HHSF consists of an Executive Director and 11 active board members, plus ad-hoc committees. The board is comprised of parents, alumni, faculty, and staff who contribute a wide range of expertise. We meet every 2 months on campus. This is a great opportunity to get involved, make a positive impact on our school and community, and make your voice heard! Please email Marcine Jansen at execdirector@hillsdalehsfoundation.org with any questions. 

Learn More and Apply Today!

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar

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

Link to game schedule

Class of 2028 - Freshman Movie Night 

Due to some scheduling conflicts, we are going to postpone our Parent Meet & Greet. Please watch your email and the Sunday Memo for a new date/ time.

However, Freshman Movie Night is STILL ON! We will be shifting our menu to Pizza and our sign-up slots have been updated accordingly. We have now included an option to donate $10 towards a Costco pizza. No need to pick-up/ deliver, we have someone on point for that. We will still be collecting chips, drinks, and candy. Please help us fill our remaining slots! (All proceeds benefit the Class of 2028 class fund).

Click here to RSVP to the event for your student (for headcount/ food purposes)

Click here to sign-up to help/ donate items for the event.

We look forward to seeing your student there!

HHS Culture Knight

Did you know that Cultural Knight is on April 18th @ 5:00pm-7:30pm in the MUR?!?! A night where we celebrate the wonderful vibrant cultures we have here at Hillsdale. This is a fundraiser event where student clubs of Hillsdale sell dishes that represent our community. We will have some entertainment as well. All in our community are invited and encouraged to come!!

 Google Form if anyone wants to sign up to help/contribute to Culture Knight? 

FREE Heart Screenings for Youth & Young Adults (12-25)

Peninsula Health Care District, in collaboration with the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation, and San Mateo Union High School District will be providing free heart screenings for youth and young adults ages 12-25. 

Details

Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm 

San Mateo High School Small Gym

506 N Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94401

Youth Heart Screening Sign up link

Youth Heart Screenings Save Lives!

1 in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). The current standard approach to health history and annual physical examinations misses about 90% of at-risk youth. Early detection of heart abnormalities, which often go undetected until a traumatic cardiac event, can save lives.

Mendocino Farms ~ Class of 2026 Fundraiser

Skip the hassle of packing lunch or cooking dinner and join us at Mendocino Farms on Wednesday, March 26th @ 2:00pm-9:00pm! When you dine in or take out, 20% of sales will be donated back to the Class of 2026.

Mark your calendar, bring your friends and family, and enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a great cause. See you there!

Jazz with Friends Concert

Don't be a square! Come catch some hot jazz when the Hillsdale High School Jazz Ensemble welcomes the St. Francis High School Jazz Ensemble and Guest Pianist Cristina Galisatus for a joint concert on Thursday, March 27, 2025 @ 7 pm in the Hillsdale Little Theatre.

Ms. Galisatus graduated from Stanford with a degree in Jazz Piano Performance and she writes, performs, records, and teaches in a variety of settings. Her album Without Night was released in 2023. Join us for this special evening!

Tickets available at http://hillsdalemusic.blogspot.com $10/adult, $5/senior, free/students.

Save the Date for KNIGHT MOVES XXVII! ~ KM DATES May 1, 2, 3

The twenty-seventh edition of Knight Moves is coming your way! Our talented Dance Ensemble will showcase their talent and will be joined by a fabulous Guest Ensemble. KMXXVII is sure to entertain and a show you don't want to miss, so mark your calendars!

Have your own business or know of someone looking to promote their own? Advertise in the KMXXVII full-color premium program and support Knight Moves at the same time! Ad specs and details can be found in the Business Ad flyer by clicking here. Ads are due April 13th.

Help support Knight Moves and your favorite dancer(s) by purchasing a "Love Note" or "Personal Ad" in our program. Submissions are due by April 13th. Click here for more information.

Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. It takes a village and we have lots of opportunities to participate - a little or a lot! 

For more information on any of the above, please contact: dancelovenotes@gmail.com

Sees Candies Fundraiser ~ Class of 2027

Orders can be placed between March 1st - April 4th at bit.ly/Sees2027

17th Annual Golf Tournament & Dinner/Auction Banquet ~

Athletic Booster

💙⛳❤️ Calling all amazing parents! ❤️⛳💙

We need YOU to help make our Golf Tournament a huge success! This is a fantastic way to connect with our community, have some fun, and support a great cause. There are plenty of ways to get involved—just click the LINK to see where you can lend a hand!

Date: Friday, April 25th

Times: Slots available from 11:30am-9:00pm

✨ BONUS: Sign up to help with check-out at the end, and you’ll score FREE entry to the banquet dinner! 🎉🍽️

Let’s make this event unforgettable! We can’t wait to see you there! 💙⛳❤️

HHS Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet

March 

“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan

Read the March 2025 Newsletter here

Peace Pantry

If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in March 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 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 please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to learn more. The winter months are a slow time of year in our garden but we can add you to our weekly WhatsApp Group Chat outlining how many volunteers we need each week and the specific garden tasks. Our volunteer team meets in the garden Thursdays from 3:30pm-5:00pm. No experience required. *Please follow us on Instagram, @hhs_community_garden, for updates.

*Save the date: April 19, 2025 8:30am-12:30pm for our Annual Spring Planting and Work Day in the Garden.

Community Closet

Our Community Closet Team is working hard on our Community Closet expansion project. In April, students will be able to access a well designed space to shop for clothes and essential items. **March Ask: Our volunteer team is currently in need of jeans, hoodies, coats/jackets, Hillsdale gear/swag, new socks, new undershirts, shampoo/conditioner and essential items. We would also appreciate donations of solid/dark ties and other dress clothing for Prom. We can accept donations every Wednesday from 2:45pm-4:00pm OR Friday mornings from 7:30am-8:30am in the Alameda Parking Lot. *Please follow us on Instagram @hhs_community_closet

Grad Night Tickets ~ DEADLINE April 1

SF Bay Cruise - Thursday, May 29th @ 8 pm - 2 am (Promptly after graduation).

Complete the registration form and pay through Go Fan.

$185 (includes boat cruise, food & drinks, DJ, and tons of special add-ons, plus bus transportation to and from school as well as Go Fan fees) This is our December price so BUY NOW!

Entradas Para La Noche de Grad

Crucero por la bahía de San Francisco - jueves, 29 de mayo @ 8 pm - 2 am (Inmediatamente después de la graduación)

Complete el formulario de registro y pague a través de Go Fan.

$185 (incluye crucero en barco, comida y bebida, DJ y toneladas de complementos especiales, además de transporte en autobús hacia y desde la escuela, así como tarifas de Go Fan). Este es nuestro precio de diciembre, así que ¡COMPRE AHORA!)

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

March 27 Financial Aid Workshop

Financial Aid Application deadline was extended to April 2

Due to the Financial Aid Application deadline being extended to April 2, 2025, SMUHSD will be hosting a final financial aid workshop!

12th graders and their families to get hands-on assistance with completing the FAFSA and California Dream Act applications.

Thursday, March 27, 6 - 8 p.m.

San Mateo High School Library

506 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo

All SMUHSD 12th grade students can attend this workshop regardless of what school they attend.

Spanish interpreters will be on hand to assist Spanish-speaking families.

College Financial Aid representatives will be available to assist families.

Parents/Guardians: Bring your 2023 taxes

Students: Bring your school-issued Chromebook

No RSVP necessary, just show up!

27 de Marzo: Taller sobre Ayuda Financiera

Jueves, 27 de marzo, 6 - 8 p.m.

Biblioteca de San Mateo High School

506 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo

¡Recuerde: Es un requisito de graduación solicitar ayuda financiera!

¡Debido a que la fecha límite para solicitar ayuda financiera se extendió hasta el 2 de abril de 2025, SMUHSD ofrecerá un taller final sobre ayuda financiera! Los estudiantes del grado 12 y sus familias recibirán ayuda práctica para completar las solicitudes de FAFSA y la California Dream Act.

Todos los estudiantes del grado 12 de SMUHSD pueden asistir a este taller independientemente de la escuela a la que asistan.

Habrá intérpretes en español disponibles para ayudar a las familias de habla hispana.

Representantes de ayuda financiera del Colegio estarán disponibles para ayudar a las familias.

Padres/Tutores: Traigan su declaración de impuestos del 2023 Estudiantes: Traigan su Chromebook proporcionada por la escuela.

No es necesario confirmar asistencia, ¡sólo tienes que venir!

Parent Venture Family Education Webinars

All webinars are free and offer simultaneous Spanish interpretation.

Navigating Mental Health, Identity, and Family Between Cultures

Wednesday, March 26, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Speaker: Sahaj Kaur Kohli, founder of Brown Girl Therapy, a mental health and wellness community organization for adult children of immigrants; a licensed therapist; and a columnist for the Washington Post’s advice column, "Ask Sahaj"

Learn more and register

The Seven Principles for Raising a Self-Driven Child

Thursday, March 27, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Speakers: Bill Stixrud, PhD and Ned Johnson, Best Selling authors of The Self Driven Child and What Do You Say?

Learn more and register

Stanford Medicine REACH Lab presents Two Webinars for Parents/Guardians About Substance Use Awareness and Prevention 

Live Spanish interpretation is available

Join Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, founder and director of REACH Lab at Stanford University, in this free virtual training: 

Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness: Critical Information and Prevention Resources

Monday, March 31, 10 – 11:15 a.m. 

Zoom registration link 

Flyer/Registration-English

Flyer/Registration-Spanish

In this session, Dr. Halpern-Felsher will provide information on the dangers of illegal fentanyl, its impact on teens and adolescents, harm-reduction strategies, and educational resources available to educators, students, parents, and others with youth in their lives.

Webinar - Dangers of Vaping: What Parents Need to Know

Tuesday, March 25, 6 p.m.

This year, vaping, tobacco and nicotine use among youth and young adults are still major concerns. Every day, more and more discreet vapes enter the market. They are meant to sneak past adults by camouflaging as common household objects, video games, toys, and school supplies. Behind the enticing flavors and flashy colors of e-cigarettes are harmful chemicals and nicotine addiction.

Now is the time to remain vigilant and learn the essentials to help kids avoid or quit vaping! 

Register for this free event

Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest

Submissions due March 31

The San Mateo County Tobacco Education Coalition (TEC) Youth Advisory Group (YAG) and San Mateo County Office of Education TUPE are hosting the fourth annual anti-tobacco PSA contest for middle school and high school students! 

The YAG invites middle and high school students from across the county to submit a PSA for the contest. 

There are three categories (poster, audio, and video), each of which will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. 

Details

Deadline: Monday, March 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. 

Theme: Better for a second, worse for a lifetime

Tagline: How does vaping negatively affect a person’s mind and body? 

Guidelines: https://bit.ly/PSA2025Guidlines (Eng/Sp)

Submission Google form 

Upcoming allcove San Mateo Events and Workshops

allcove San Mateo's events are held at their drop in center, located at 2600 S. El Camino, Suite 300, San Mateo. allcove recognizes the importance of resources from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. allcove team members can provide services in English and Spanish.

Monthly Events for Students

Fridays March 21, April 4, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.: Movie Night

Workshops for Students 

Blues Teen Support Group

Wednesdays, March 5, March 12, March 19, March 26, and April 2, 5-6 p.m.

This support group is an interactive, six-week support program that works to teach youth about emotional resilience and how to reduce low mood and anxious thoughts. Our group consists of six, one-hour sessions coupled with home tasks to help students practice various coping skills. This event is in collaboration with NAMI.

Yoga Motion Workshop Workshop 

Monday, March 24, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Yoga-Motion helps you develop core strength, balance, and confidence. You will learn classic yoga poses and self-calming techniques as you create your own unique yoga experience. Register.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Video Game Social 

Tuesday, April 8, 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Join us for an exciting night of Nintendo Switch gaming, where you can challenge your friends, show off your skills, and enjoy some friendly competition. Materials will be provided. This event is in collaboration with California Clubhouse. Please click here to register.

For Parents/Guardians

Parent Support Group

Tuesday, March 18: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

Join allcove’s support group to connect with other parents and guardians and share strategies to better support your child. You can expect open conversations, advice, and support from other parents and guardians. RSVP: https://forms.office.com/r/QpmfejEFrp

See all of allcove San Mateo’s upcoming events

March 22: Annual OYE Latinx Conference

On Saturday March 22, 2025, OYE will be hosting its 13th annual Latinx Youth Conference! This conference brings together over 400 youth and parents each year to explore ideas on Latinx culture and identity, obstacles Latinx community members face, and opportunities for the future through interactive workshops, keynote speakers, performers and community networking.

Register: oye2025.eventbrite.com

Watch the recap from last year’s event.

Download the flyer: English / Spanish

22 de marzo: Conferencia Anual OYE Latinx   

El sábado 22 de marzo de 2025, la conferencia OYE celebrará su 13ª Conferencia Anual de Jóvenes Latinos. Esta conferencia gratuita reúne a más de 400 jóvenes y padres cada año para explorar ideas sobre la cultura y la identidad Latina, los obstáculos que enfrentan los miembros de la comunidad latina y las oportunidades para el futuro a través de talleres interactivos, oradores principales, artistas y redes comunitarias.

Reserve su lugar

Calling All Young Filmmakers and Movie Enthusiasts!

The 8th Annual CEC Student Film Fest—a one-of-a-kind event celebrating environmental creativity and storytelling is April 22, 2025!

This festival is open to students in grades 4 to 12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County.

Whether you’re an aspiring director or a nature lover eager to share your passion, this event is for YOU! Winning entries will be screened at Burlingame High School on April 22, and you could win up to $500! Submissions are due March 23.

Younger students (grades 4-8) are invited to a FREE conference to learn filmmaking skills and get inspiration. This will be held on Saturday, February 1, 1 - 3:30 p.m. at The Nueva School’s San Mateo

campus.

For more information about the CEC Student Film Fest visit, burlingamefilmfest.com.

¡Llamando a todos los jóvenes cineastas y entusiastas del cine!

El 8º Festival Anual de Cine Estudiantil de la CEC, es un evento único que celebra la creatividad y la narración ambiental, se llevará a cabo el 22 de abril de 2025.

Este festival está abierto a estudiantes del 4º al 12º grado que vivan o asistan a escuelas en el condado de San Mateo.

Si eres un aspirante a director o un amante de la naturaleza deseoso de compartir tu pasión, ¡este evento es para ti! Los trabajos ganadores se proyectarán en Burlingame High School el 22 de abril y podrías ganar hasta $500. El último día para presentar su proyecto es el 23 de marzo.

Los estudiantes de los grados 4 al 8 están invitados a una conferencia GRATUITA para aprender habilidades cinematográficas y obtener inspiración. Esta conferencia se llevará a cabo el sábado 1 de febrero de 1 a 3:30 p.m. The Nueva School en el campus de San Mateo.

Para obtener más información sobre el Festival visite la página burlingamefilmfest.com.

Congressional Arts Competition

Deadline to submit is April 6

The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our California 15th Congressional District.

The competition is open to all high school students in the 15th Congressional District. The winning artwork of the 15th Congressional district’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page. The second and third place winners may be featured in the 15th Congressional District Office.

Learn more about requirements and deadlines Last year's winner was from Burlingame High School!

Concurso de Artes del Congreso

La fecha límite para enviar las propuestas es el 6 de abril

El Concurso de Arte del Congreso es una oportunidad para reconocer y fomentar el talento artístico en la nación, así como en nuestro 15º Distrito Congresional de California.

El concurso está abierto a todos los estudiantes de high school del 15º Distrito Congresional. La obra de arte ganadora se exhibirá durante un año en el Capitolio de los Estados Unidos.  

La obra de arte ganadora también aparece en la página del Concurso de Arte del Congreso de House.gov. Los ganadores del segundo y tercer lugar pueden aparecer en la Oficina del Distrito Congresional 15.  

Obtenga más información sobre requisitos y plazos en

¡El ganador del año pasado fue de Burlingame High School!

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!