Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2023-24 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

HHS Families,

Valentine's Day is next week and have we have some ways to highlight love this week...keep reading for candy, music, dancing, giving back, and more!

*We LOVE our counseling department and want to wish them a happy end to NATIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING WEEK! Thank you for all that you do!

*Who doesn't love getting a little treat? TODAY is the last day for students to purchase Valentine's Day Grams to be delivered! (flyer attached)

*Show your love to your Spring Athletes by dropping them off Monday evening at the Spring Athletes' Sports meeting in the Theater, then head over to the library to attend this month's PTSO meeting in person! (Spring Athlete only 6:30pm on Monday, Parents of Spring athletes meeting is Thursday 6:00pm)

*Love to stay home, we've got you covered---the PTSO meeting is virtual, too (see flyer for details)

*Who doesn't love the Hillsdale neighborhood? The City of San Mateo will be presenting information about the traffic signal at Alameda de las Pulgas and Hillsdale Blvd at our Monday night PTSO meeting

*We love our HHS faculty/staff and love being able to show that love in the form of treats. It's not too late to sign up to donate --click here for February Hospitality.

*If you love music, there is a Pops Concert Series Thursday (choral) at San Mateo Performing Arts Center and Friday (instrumental) at Hillsdale's Theater. (Flyer attached)

*Love a Senior? Buy a senior add to express your love and pride for all they've accomplished. (details below)

*Is your Senior college bound and you'd love to help financially, but aren't sure how much you can do? Attend Tuesday night's FAFSA/CADAA support workshop at San Mateo High School (details below)

*When your student gets dressed up, do you love to take pictures? Then you want to make sure they purchase their Winter Formal tickets starting next week! We are also sure that they'd love a reminder that they need to be eligible to attend before purchasing a ticket. (details below)

*We loved seeing everyone dropping Community Closet donations at the basketball game on Wednesday. If you love doing some early Spring cleaning, send those new/gently used clothing items our way. (details below)

*Who doesn't love a sparkling gem stone for a gift? The Foundation is offering engraved bricks (not a gem, but still a stone) in the walkway to the football stadium and the patio in front of the Science/World Languages building. It's such a unique way to leave a lasting memory of your time at HHS. Plus, by doing so, you support the Foundation (who loves to support so many things at HHS)

Last, but surely not least we love you! One of the important parts of PTSO is support from families, so thank you for all of the positive feedback, volunteering, donating, and promoting that you constantly give us and our events. We love to see you show up in whatever way you are able. Your love for your school and community shows!

Until next week...

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

Cement Your Name in Hillsdale History!

Are you looking for a way to celebrate the achievements of the high school senior in your life? Or perhaps a way to say thank you to your child’s favorite teacher? Combine a gift that will last a lifetime with a gift that supports Hillsdale’s Small Learning Communities by ordering a brick from the Hillsdale High School Foundation today! We have open spots for engraved bricks in the walkway leading to the football field AND the patio in front of the Science/World Languages building.  Check out this webpage for more information on size and message options, or order your brick here.  We’ll place our next engraving order in June, so there’s plenty of time to come up with the perfect message!

HHS Athletic Contests Calendar

Come Support our teams! GO FIGHTING KNIGHTS!

Home games are in BLUE.

• GoFan Ticket Link (needed for Wrestling and Basketball)

Monday - Spring Athlete's Meeting 6:30pm -7:45pm

Thursday - Spring Sports Parent Meeting 6:00pm-8:30pm

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) ~ Applications Due SUNDAY

*** Only smuhsd.org emails will have access to these documents ***

Fall 2023 semester grades are in! In order to update your CSF membership and attain Lifetime Membership (Seniors), please submit an eligible CSF form for Fall 2023. According to CSF bylaws, students must submit eligible forms from the previous semester prior to four weeks of the current semester. 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 Fall 2023 CSF forms by February 11th, the absolute deadline.

What is CSF and why join? General CSF Information and the CSF Official Website.

Follow these steps to keep your CSF membership updated:

1. Complete this CSF online form by February 11th using your Fall 2023 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.

Please email your counselor directly with any questions. 

POPs Concert Series

Please join us for our annual POPs Concert Series featuring popular and familiar music sure to energize your weekend. Tickets are available at: http://hillsdalemusic.blogspot.com

Our Choral Concert will be held at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center and will include performances from Hillsdale HS, San Mateo HS, and Bowditch Middle School. The Instrumental Concert will include all Hillsdale orchestras, bands, and Jazz ensemble.

Choral Concert: Thursday February 15th at 7PM

Instrumental Concert: Friday February 16th at 7PM

Students are FREE

Adults: $10

Seniors: $5

Music families, we need volunteers for this event. You can sign-up at this link: https://bit.ly/48Rhkyh

Spring Athletic Apparel Store

Our annual Spring Athletics Apparel Store has opened! We have great options available for purchase until March 3rd (when the online store closes). You can access the online store by clicking on the link below. All proceeds go to the HHS Athletic Boosters. Thank you in advance for your support.

James Madison

HHS Athletic Director

Hillsdale High School

https://2024hillsdaleboosters.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Hillsdale Athletic Boosters ~

Executive Board 2024-2025

The Athletic Boosters have two open positions for next year's Executive Board:

• Vice President
• Secretary

Current officers Scott Wellwood and Stacey Sierra will continue to be active with their support but are currently doing multiple jobs! If you are interested in making a significant positive contribution for our Hillsdale High School community, please consider joining our Board!

Please message directly with questions or to volunteer.

Jenna Carson , Hillsdale Athletics Booster President

650-207-5989     [email protected]

Committee Volunteers Needed for the Annual HHS Golf Tournament

We are looking to form a committee to plan the Annual HHS Golf Tournament.

Date: Friday, May 10

Time: 1:00 PM

Place: Poplar Creek/Par 3

Golf will be followed by a banquet dinner and auction (live and silent).

We are forming the following subcommittees:

• Participant Recruitment
• Donations--Auction
• Marketing
• Planning/Decorations

If you are able to help, please let me know AND/OR if you know of others who you think might enjoy helping, send me their names!!

Thanks so much!

Stacey Sierra

[email protected]

Athletic Booster Secretary

HHS Winter Formal Ticket Information

Hillsdale High School's Winter Formal will take place Saturday, February 24th @ 8:00pm - 11:00pm in the HHS gym! 

Tickets

Tickets sales will take place February 13-22 in both the Dance Room and the Leadership Room (428). Tickets cost $25.00 and can be paid for with check or cash. Checks should be made to "Hillsdale High School." All ticket sales are final. The ticket sale schedule will be sent out in the coming weeks. 

Financial Assistance

If you qualify for free/reduced lunch OR are a senior requesting financial assistance, please complete this form.

Eligibility to Attend

Students must be attendance eligible to purchase a ticket. You must have less than 4 periods of cuts and less than 9 tardiness events from January 9 to February 12 to attend. 

Non-HHS Guests

If a student plans on bringing a guest from another school, completed guest forms must be submitted at the time of purchase. Those forms can be found in the main office. 

Have fun!

Peace Panty/Community Garden/Community Closet

February 6, 2024

Hillsdale Community,

February is one of the quieter months in our garden as we tend to our cover crop and celebrate a significant citrus harvest. We want to express our appreciation and gratitude for the Peninsula Multifaith Coalition’s MLK Jr. Day of Service in support of our Peace Pantry and Community Garden. Over 30 volunteers worked tirelessly on MLK Day to sand and stain our redwood picnic tables, build four new raised beds, an informational board, trellis for garden extension and put down a fresh coat of wood chips. Special thank you to Greg Thornhill for his leadership and guidance. Our Community Closet Team welcomes HHS IA Breanne Yee who has accepted a stipend to serve as our Community Closet Lead and will work closely with our dedicated HHS Parent Leads Alyssa Morimoto and Joanne Curley. In addition, Breanne will support our amazing student leaders for the Community Closet Club: Lauryn Matsumoto, Alex Carreon, Lila Corkish and Marina Sanchez. Starting week of February 5 please note that our new hours to volunteer or drop off clothes/essential items will be Wednesdays from 2:30pm-4:00pm. Finally, we want to celebrate our Peace Pantry team who show up Friday mornings to work our Emergency Food Drive Thru or who deliver groceries to HHS families without transportation. Most importantly, thank you for your kindness, laughter and determination to support this important work. . .rain or shine! 

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, check out our website or follow us on Instagram: 

• Hillsdale Community Closet: If you would like to volunteer at our Community Closet (Alameda Parking Lot) in February please email [email protected] for information. *Please follow us on Instagram @hhs_community_closet
• Hillsdale Community Peace Pantry: We need February volunteers to work the drive thru OR deliver groceries to 2-3 families who do not have transportation. If you would like to volunteer in February, please sign up here. 
• Hillsdale Community Garden: https://www.hhscommunitygarden.com/ Our Hillsdale Community Garden provides organic fruits and vegetables to Hillsdale families enrolled in our Peace Pantry. Primary volunteer opportunities are Thursday harvest support from 4:00pm-5:00pm and Friday morning projects from 8:00am-11:30am. Please follow us on IG at @hhs_community_garden for updates. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Brett Stevenson at [email protected].

We are making February about our need for Winter Coats and Essential Items i.e. toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner etc. Community Closet will be open Wednesdays 2:30-4pm and Friday mornings 7:30-8:30am to receive donations in Alameda Parking Lot. If those times don’t work please feel free to drop off in main office. It has been really cold and rainy and a warm coat matters. 

Hillsdale Stands Together!

Warriors Game ~ Spirit Squad Fundraiser

Support the Cheer team - Gather your family and friends and join Hillsdale High School Nights at Chase Center as your Golden State Warriors take on the Utah Jazz on Sunday, April 14 @ 12:30pm! Last day to buy tickets is February 23, 2024.

See Flyer for details...

FAFSA/ CADAA Support

Need support with the FAFSA or CADAA financial aid application? Please the Financial Aid Workshops list in the flyers below.

Questions? Contact Laura Burtness, Hillsdale's College, Career and Financial Aid advisor at [email protected] or 650 558 2613

Flyer Link English / Spanish

Senior Yearbook Ads

Looking for a special way to recognize your Senior for all of their hard work? Buy a Senior ad today!

Use this link to purchase: https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274

*After you purchase a senior ad, please complete this google form (https://bit.ly/HHS_SeniorAds) to enter a message and photos you want in the ad.

-The Shield Staff

Senior Day and Senior Knight Forms

Senior Families--please print and fill out forms for Senior Day and Senior Knight. Hard copies of both forms are available in the office. Senior Knight is free for all students. A payment is needed for Senior Day only*.

All forms and payments are due BY March 1 (at the front office).

*scholarships are available contact Andrea Savage [email protected] for details

February College & Career Newsletter

Greetings, and happy February, 12th grade families!

Here (https://bit.ly/Latestseniornews) is the latest 12th grade newsletter.

Highlights of this Senior Newsletter:

• Promise scholarship at our local community colleges!
• What should students be doing now for after Hillsdale plans?
• Upcoming workshops: FAFSA/DREAM + How does the Transfer Guarantee work from CSM to a 4 year college?
• New scholarships!

As always, contact me with questions or concerns.

Best--

Laura Burtness, [email protected]

Hillsdale's College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor

650 558 2613 (direct line)

The 2nd Annual Pride Prom will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at the College of San Mateo.

Celebrate the 2nd Annual Pride Prom, an inclusive, safe, welcoming, night to remember for 9th-12th grade students who attend high school in San Mateo County.

This FREE event will celebrate and uplift LGBTQ young people and advocate for the sustained and continued efforts in our County to build places where youth are seen and supported in environments free from hate and discrimination.

We recognize that while high school district proms are inclusive and welcoming, not all

students have an opportunity to celebrate themselves at their prom. This event will provide

a variety of activities, including dancing and a DJ, lots of food, drinks and much more.

Dress code: Just be You!

Students can RSVP now for this free event: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWPYCWcenzBYVJxWyX3GiCFshspGf3LKMqd3EJ-4e5Y7L0-Q/viewform

Baile de Graduación Del Orgullo 2024

La fecha límite para inscribirse es el 11 de febrero. Viernes, 23 de febrero, 6:30 - 10 p.m. Ubicación: College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd.

College Center Edificio 10, 2.º piso

Estacionamiento gratuito: lotes G y M o cualquier otro lote para alumnos. Sin costo para los alumnos Código de vestimenta: ¡Sé tú mismo!

Celebra el segundo baile anual de graduación del Orgullo, una noche inclusiva, segura y acogedora para celebrar a los estudiantes de noveno a duodécimo grado que asisten a la escuela preparatoria en el condado de San Mateo. En este evento GRATUITO, celebraremos y animaremos a los jóvenes LGBTQ, y promoveremos los esfuerzos continuos de nuestro condado por construir lugares en los que los jóvenes se sientan tomados en cuenta y apoyados en entornos sin odio ni discriminación.

Si bien la noche debe ser para divertirse con amistades, también es una celebración de esta comunidad entrañable. Las personas de cualquier identidad sexual y de género están invitadas a expresarse y divertirse.

Sabemos que, aunque los bailes de graduación de las escuelas preparatorias del distrito son inclusivos y acogedores, no todos los alumnos tienen la oportunidad de celebrarse en dicho evento. En este evento, se organizarán diversas actividades, incluido el baile y DJ, habrá mucha comida, bebida, y mucho más.

Obtenga más información en: www.smuhsd.org/prideprom

February is National Black History Month! This National Black History Month is an opportunity to teach students about racial progress and our shared and collective responsibility to address racial injustice towards the Black community.

This year, we celebrate African American artists – including poets, writers, visual artists, and dancers – who have historically served as change agents through their craft.

Check out an extensive list of resources on Black History Month for ways to celebrate and learn more: www.smcoe.org/bhm.

Read the Black History Month proclamation, presented at the January 18 Board Meeting: www.smuhsd.org/proclamations.

El Mes Nacional de la Historia Afroamericana es una oportunidad para enseñar a los estudiantes sobre el progreso racial y nuestra responsabilidad compartida y colectiva para hacer frente a la injusticia racial hacia la comunidad negra.

Este año rendimos homenaje a los artistas afroamericanos (incluidos poetas, escritores, artistas visuales y bailarines) que históricamente han servido como agentes de cambio a través de su arte.

Consulte una amplia lista de recursos sobre el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana para saber como celebrarlo y obtener más información: www.smcoe.org/bhm.

Lea la proclamación del Mes de la Historia Afroamericana, presentada en la reunión de la Junta Directiva del 18 de enero: www.smuhsd.org/proclamations.