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Hillsdale Knights' Bulletin ~
May 22, 2026
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| What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Knights Families,
Here we are, it's the last Friday of the 2026-2027 school year! We have so many things happening over the next week, but the most exciting is that we have found someone who will be PTSO President next year! We trust that she will do a fabulous job in the position (more on that later in this blurb) and warmly welcome her.
Wednesday was our final rally of the year. As always, it was such a spirited day!! Thanks to the Leadership students, cheerleaders, dance ensemble, and folklorico--the rally wouldn't be the same without you! Special thanks to Sabrina Braccini, Activities Director, for organizing, supporting, and ensuring all our events went smoothly this year.
Last night, the Spring Music Concert #1 took place. Did you miss it? Spring Music Concert #2 is tonight. Definitely take the opportunity to see our musicians and vocalists perform if you haven't this year. Tonight is also the HIT Spring Show where our more of our VAPA students will be showcasing their talents.
Today students will take their first period finals. PTSO would like to give students a motivational quote, "Sending you Knight strength. Take a deep breath and show them what you're made of!" To the teachers, "Summer is within your reach and will be here before you know it. You've got this!" Next week are second-seventh period finals, with graduation on Thursday.
Speaking of graduation, have you seen the leis that the junior class is selling as a class fundraiser? (Purchase Here) You can still purchase for delivery/pick-up at graduation. Already bought one? Spread the word...2026 seniors, let's support the rising 2027 seniors before you graduate!
Junior families--we are looking to kick off senior year in style, starting in June! We will be having a parent/family mixer at the beginning of summer. (Flyer)
One more week, one more bulletin--
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
And now some words from next year's president...
Hi Hillsdale Families,
My name is Lorraine Felix, and I’m excited to be taking over the role of PTSO President. Hillsdale has been a wonderful community for our family, and I look forward to working with parents, teachers, and students to help make it even stronger.
Before looking ahead, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our outgoing Co-Presidents, Jen and Holly. Their dedication, time, and leadership have been incredible, and we are so grateful for everything they have done for our school and community. Thank you as well to all of the board members who are moving on. Your commitment has made a meaningful difference.
As we look ahead to a new year, the PTSO is focused on creating opportunities for connection, support, and involvement. We currently have open board positions and committee lead opportunities, and we’d love your help in building our school community. It’s a great way to get involved, and every contribution truly makes a difference.
I’m looking forward to working alongside all of you to make this a fantastic year for our students and staff. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, share ideas, or get involved — we’d love to hear from you. Click here to learn more about available opportunities.
Happy Summer,
Lorraine
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Upcoming Events:
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Now until May 28: Summer in Style Clothing Drive (Flyer)
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Fri May 22: Period 1 Final Exam
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Fri May 22 @7 pm: Spring Music Concert: Bands and Jazz Ensemble (Tickets)
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Fri May 22 @7 pm: HIT Spring Show (Little Theater)
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Mon May 25: Memorial Day - No School
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Tue May 26: Period 2 & 3 Final Exams
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Wed May 27: Period 4 & 5 Final Exams
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Thur May 28: Period 6 & 7 Final Exams / Last Day of School
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Thur May 28: Graduation
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Tue June 8 @5pm: Senior Class of 2027 Mixer (Fieldworks) (Flyer)
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June/July: Mock Trial Camp (Flyer)
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Thur Aug 6: Maze Day for incoming freshmen and transfer students
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Wed Aug 12: First Day of School for 2026/27 School Year
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Candy Graduation Leis (Junior Class) (Flyer)
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HHSF Senior Brick or Plaque (Instructions)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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PTSO Board Interest/Nominations for 2026-27 (Click Here)
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Hillsdale High School Foundation (email)
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Peace Pantry: Fridays 7-8am (Sign Up Here)
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Yearbook Distribution
Students can pick up their copies at the Little Theater Box Office during lunch and after school.
Please remind your student that they have a copy to pick up. If you are not sure whether you bought a copy, check your email for a Friesens.com receipt. We have less than 150 left to sell, so do not wait! To buy a yearbook, please go to https://ybstore.friesens.com/C768274
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Thank You!
You made it happen. We made our Goal!
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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.
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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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“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.
Public Poetry Reading: It’s in the Details
Redwood City Downtown Library, Community Room
Wednesday, May 27th, 6–7:30pm
1044 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City, CA 94063
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,
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Spring Music Concert
Shake off the winter chill at Hillsdale High School's annual Spring Music Concert Series.
Feel the rhythm and energy as our Bands and Jazz Ensemble take the stage on Friday, May 22, 2026, 7pm.
Both will be held in The Hillsdale High School Main Theater. Tickets : Student/Free, Adult/$10, Senior/$5. Purchase at https://hillsdalemusic.blogspot.com/
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Empowerment Through Action
Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet ~ ETA Career Exploration Committee
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May 2026
"Love in action is service to the world." ~ Mother Teresa
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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!
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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
Can’t attend a live webinar?
Visit the Parent Venture free Video Library for access to 400+ video recordings, including 60+ webinars in Spanish.
Check out The Parent Venture's upcoming free webinars, including:
Wednesday, May 27, 5:30 p.m.
Concerns Over Adolescents' Use of Nicotine Pouches (including Zyn
Register Here
Thursday, May 28, 5:30 p.m.
Strategies to Help Students Thrive in College, Work, and the Age of AI
Register Here
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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
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Youth Poetry and Collage Project
The Center for Creativity is excited to offer a new FREE Poetry & Collage Project (https://www.rwccfc.org/poetry-collage-project) for San Mateo County middle and high school students.
This unique program invites students to explore creative expression through both writing and visual art, guided by accomplished poets and artists. The program includes hands-on workshops, a public poetry reading, and a month-long exhibition of the student's work.
Program Details:
Open to students in grades 6–12 (San Mateo County)
Workshops: Saturday & Sunday, May 16–17 | 1–4 PM
Location: Center for Creativity, 800 Main Street, Redwood City
Poetry Reading: Wednesday, May 27 | Redwood City Main Library
Exhibition: Student work on display throughout June at the CfC
Register for the Poetry and Collage Project
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California Coastal Commission’s Climate Storytelling Contest
Entries due May 28
The California Coastal Commission invites you to answer this prompt through a podcast, photo essay, or narrative essay: What are your feelings about climate change? How could those feelings lead to action?
Choose a medium:
- Podcast: Record voice audio that answers the prompt (up to 7 minutes).
- Photo Essay: Take 8-10 original photos to answer the prompt and compile a photo essay
- Narrative essay: Write a personal narrative essay answering the prompt (up to 650 words)
Learn more about requirements and deadlines: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climatechallenge/
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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
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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
| | Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |
