Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~

January 17, 2025


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Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2024-25 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

What's Happening at Hillsdale

It's Friday, Hillsdale families, this means that another issue of the PTSO Bulletin is reaching your inbox!


Last night, PTSO hosted an event about AP Courses, Dual Enrollment, and other options. Thank you to all the HHS staff who worked to make it a success--we couldn't have done it without you! The webinar was presented in hopes to inform families about course selection options for the 2025-2026 schoolyear. We had close to 100 families in attendance. Did you miss it? Not to fear, click here for the slide deck and here for the recording (Passcode: vzw+93jx)


On that same note, the Middle College application period opened on January 16. Sophomores heard a presentation on Monday in their PE class. There will be a parent & student information evening next week, see "Upcoming Events" for the link.


Our Winter Sports are in action throughout the week and check the schedule in this bulletin for home and away matches....and our Spring Sports Tryout/Practices are coming soon. Our Athletic Director, James Madison sent an email via Parent Square with detailed information. You can also check the athletics webpage, too.


We are still actively looking for volunteers who would like to become actively involved in the PTSO for the 2025-2026 schoolyear. No experience needed, lots of guidance will be given if you want/need it---we want enthusiastic members who want to be a part of our growing team! Please reach out to us via email with your questions or interest.


Last, but definitely not least, we are having a virtual PTSO meeting on Monday, so if you are away for the long weekend--there's no excuse. Log on to learn more about what's happening at HHS and what is coming soon. Link in "Upcoming Events" section. We can't wait to see you there!!


We hope that you enjoy your long weekend in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.


Jen and Holly

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents


Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, January 20: MLK Jr. Day - No School
  • Monday, January 20: PTSO Meeting VIRTUAL ONLY PTSO Zoom Link
  • Wednesday, January 22 6:00-7:00pm: Middle College Information Night (virtual) Information
  • Monday-Tuesday, January 28-29: Staff PD Days, No School
  • Saturday, February 1: Quin White 5K (Community event) Register today


This week's Fundraisers:


This week's Volunteer Opportunities:

In the spirit of gratitude, the Foundation's staff and board would like to sincerely thank all of our HHSF donors! In these times of economic uncertainty, we all know without question that Hillsdale's Small Learning Communities are important, improve the lives of every student, and truly make our school a special place. We appreciate all of you who have made a contribution this year to help sustain Hillsdale. 


As you know, our goal this year is 100% family participation. If only 25 families from each grade--9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th--give any amount, we will increase our participation rate to 30% for this school year! Please consider giving to HHSF today. Thank you! 

Donate Here

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar


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

Bell Schedule for the Week of January 20


There is No School on Monday January 20th as it is MLK Jr Day. Please see the complete Bell Schedule here.

California Scholarship Federation (CSF)

All Applicants Fall 2024 Submission


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


Fall 2024 semester grades are in! The application form OPENS Tuesday January 14 @ 9am!


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 2024 CSF Grade Verification form by February 5th, the absolute deadline.


What is CSF and why join? General CSF Information,  CSF Official WebsiteAdvisory Presentation.


Follow these steps to keep your CSF membership updated:

  1. Complete this CSF Grade Verification online form by February 5th using your Fall 2024 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.


Active Membership for a semester requires:

Community Service and dues are submitted 1 week prior to the end of the semester. No one will be denied membership due to an inability to pay. Grades must be submitted at the start of the next semester.


Inactive membership requires Grade Eligibility only.


Please follow up with our CSF Club Advisor - Ms. Mariucci in Room 248

1st Annual Quin White 5K


Join Us for the 1st Annual Quin White 5K!


🏃‍♂️ Lace up your running shoes and join us for the Quin White 5K on Saturday, February 1st @ 8:00am! This special event will take place at the HHS Rich Mazzoncini Stadium, and we can’t wait to see you there.


🌟 Register today! Don’t forget, registration is a 2-step process, so be sure to complete both steps to secure your spot.


Let’s come together to honor Quin White and enjoy a morning of fitness and community spirit!

Junior Mock Interviews -

Volunteers Needed to Conduct Interviews!


During 11th grade advisory, every student will write a professional resume and participate in a 30-minute mock interview. This long-standing project is a great way to support students as they prepare for the world after high school. We need your help to make the experience authentic!


Interviews will be on February 19, 20 and 21 (Wed/Th/Fri) and will be both in person and via Google Meets. Friends, family and community members are welcome to participate.


Sign up for a shift(s) at https://bit.ly/HHSMockInterview25.


Questions? Contact Hillsdale teacher Jenny Macho at jmacho@smuhsd.org

Fundraising and Sales

Panda Express Fundraiser ~ Class of 2028


Go to Panda Express and and support the Freshmen class of 2028 and help fundraise for future events.


Will be held at the Hillsdale Mall Panda Express, Friday, January 17th @ 10:30am-8:30pm. Flyer link

Snack Shack for Basketball Quads


We are looking for volunteers to help run the Snack Shack during Basketball Quad events. The snack shack benefits go to the Athletic Boosters which supports all sports. All parents are welcome to help!  Sign Up Here

HHS Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet

January 2025



"The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices."

~ Jimmy Carter. . .closing remarks during that same Nobel Peace Prize address.

Peace Pantry

If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in January 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.

*We will need additional support in March and April as we hope to expand our garden and prepare to plant in April.


Community Closet

Our Community Closet Team is working hard on our Community Closet expansion project. In February, students will be able to access a well designed space to shop for clothes and essential items. **January 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 Winter Formal and 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


For the Class of 2025...

HHS Senior Information

Grad Night Tickets


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!)

News from the College and Career Center

College and Career Counseling link

@hhscollegeandcareercenter

College & Career Counseling

 

Current Workshops, College Rep Visits and Events


Please reach out with any questions:

Ms. Laura Burtness

Hillsdale's College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor

LBurtness@smuhsd.org

650 558 2613

Volunteer Opportunities for Teens!

Check this site for virtual volunteer opportunities https://teensvolunteer.org/

The inclusion of an opportunity in this document is not an endorsement or recommendation by SMUHSD.
Important District Updates

Updates from SMUHSD


For the latest updates, please click here.


Next Board Meeting is Thursday February 13 @ 7pm

Maximize College Financial Aid Options


Great news: college financial aid applications are now being accepted! Apply today to maximize your financial aid opportunities and see if you qualify for free money to attend a California college, university, or vocational school – regardless of your documentation status.


Students have through March 2 to submit their applications. Even if you think you don’t qualify, many college scholarships require you to apply for financial aid. Learn more at www.smcoe.org/financialaid.



In-Person Workshop Dates:

Wednesday, January 22, 6 - 8 pm: San Mateo High School

Thursday, January 30, 6 - 8 pm: Aragon High School

Wednesday, February 5, 6 - 8 pm.: Burlingame High School

Saturday, February 15, 10am - 12pm: Mills High School

Saturday, February 22, Time 10am - 12pm: Capuchino High School

Monday, February 24, 6 - 8pm: Hillsdale High School


RSVP for any of the above workshops. More information will be posted on the SMUHSD website.

Talleres sobre Ayuda Financiera


¡Buenas noticias! Ya se están aceptando solicitudes de ayuda financiera. Solicite hoy mismo para aumentar sus oportunidades de ayuda financiera y ver si califica para recibir dinero gratis para asistir a un colegio comunitario, universidad o escuela vocacional de California -independientemente de su estatus de documentación.


Los estudiantes tienen hasta el 2 de marzo para enviar sus solicitudes. Incluso si piensa que no califica, muchas becas universitarias requieren que solicite ayuda financiera. Obtenga más información en www.smcoe.org/financialaid.


No lo olvide: SMUHSD estará ofreciendo talleres de ayuda financiera en varias escuelas en enero y febrero para que los estudiantes del grado 12 y sus familias obtengan ayuda práctica para completar las solicitudes de FAFSA y California Dream Act.


2025 Talleres:

miércoles, 22 de enero, 6 - 8 pm: San Mateo High School

jueves, 30 de enero, 6 - 8 pm: Aragon High School

miércoles, 5 de febrero, 6 - 8 pm: Burlingame High School

sábado, 15 de febrero, 10 am - 12 pm: Mills High School

sábado, 22 de febrero, 10 am - 12 pm: Capuchino High School

lunes, 24 de febrero, 6 - 8 pm: Hillsdale High School


Para confirmar su asistencia visite: www.smuhsd.org/financial-aid-workshops

¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con el Asesor de Ayuda Financiera de su escuela.

Parent Venture Family Education Webinars


All webinars are free and offer simultaneous Spanish interpretation.


Happy, Confident & Strong: Helping Your Child Develop a Healthy Body

Wednesday, January 22, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Andrea Archibald, PhD, psychologist

Learn more and register.


On Beautiful Conversations: How to Stay Connected to Your Adolescent Child

Thursday, January 23, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Chris Balme, Educator, author, and school founder

Learn more and register.


Free Money for College? Facts and Myths About Scholarships and Grants

Tuesday, January 28, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Mario Alberto De Anda, Director of Scholarships, Silicon Valley Community Foundation and Alice Kleeman, retired College Advisor, Menlo-Atherton High School

Learn more and register.


Understanding Eating Disorders: What Parents/Caregivers Need to Know

Friday, January 31, 12 - 1 p.m. 

Kelly Bhatnagar, PhD, FAED, eating disorders expert and Immediate Past President of the Academy for Eating Disorders (AED)

Learn more and register.


How to Give Advice Your Child (Might) Listen To

Friday, February 7, 12 - 1 p.m.

Dr. Eran Magen, population health psychologist and founder of Parenting for Humans, a organization that supports a relationship-first, judgment-free approach to parenting

Learn more and register.


You Can Do Anything: Surprising Power of a "Useless" Liberal Arts Education

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6 - 7 p.m.

George Anders, NY Times bestselling author, journalist and public speaker

Learn more and register.

Parent Connect Family Group Winter and Spring Sessions Announced


Raising teens can be one of the most challenging jobs you may ever have. If your student is not attending school or is exhibiting difficult behaviors, we can help.


The San Mateo Union High School District has developed a Family Support Group with parents and primary caretakers in mind.


Learn about:

Teens and Mental Health

Impact of Technology on Adolescent Development

Building Connections Through Effective Communication

Parenting Styles & Dynamics

Understanding Independence & Setting Expectations


Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to proactively resolve conflicts with your teens, improve their attendance and enhance their well-being.


Winter and Spring 2025 Sessions

Sessions are offered in English and in Spanish. Parents/guardians can join the sessions at any date:

Session 1: Tuesdays, February 4 - March 18, 2025, 6 - 8 p.m.

Session 2: Tuesdays, April 8 - May 13, 2025, 6 - 8 p.m.


English group session location: San Mateo High School, BioTech Room


Spanish group session location: San Mateo High School, MPR Building


Learn more: smuhsd.org/parent-connect

Programa Parent Connect - Grupo de apoyo para familias a partir del 4 de febrero de 2025


Criar adolescentes puede ser uno de los trabajos más difíciles que pueda tener. Si su estudiante no asiste a la escuela o muestra comportamientos difíciles, podemos ayudarlo.


San Mateo Union High School District ha desarrollado un GRUPO DE APOYO PARA FAMILIAS con padres y cuidadores de los estudiantes de nuestras escuelas.


Aprenda acerca de:

Los adolescentes y la salud mental 

Impacto de la tecnología en el desarrollo de los adolescentes

Construyendo conexiones a través de una comunicación efectiva

Estilos y dinámicas de crianza

Comprender la independencia y

Establecer expectativas


Nuestro objetivo es brindarle las herramientas que necesita para resolver de manera proactiva los conflictos con sus adolescentes, mejorar su asistencia y mejorar su bienestar.


Sesiones de invierno y primavera de 2025

Los padres/guardianes pueden unirse a las sesiones en cualquier fecha. Estas sesiones son para familias de habla español: 

Sesión 1: Martes 4 de febrero - 18 de marzo de 2025, 6 - 8 p.m.

Sesión 2: Martes 8 de abril - 13 de mayo de 2025, 6 - 8 p.m.


Las sesiones grupales se llevarán a cabo en San Mateo High School MPR, 506. N. Delaware Street, San Mateo.


Si tiene preguntas, envíe un correo electrónico a Nancy Yance-Chavez a Nyancechavez@smuhsd.org o Lucero Govea a lgovea@smuhsd.org.

Crop Report Art Contest 

Submission deadline is March 20, 2025


San Mateo County students grades 6-12 are invited to participate in this year’s Crop Report Art Contest, highlighting SMC agriculture. 


Last year’s 1st place winner was a student from San Mateo High School! 


Entries must feature one or more crops from the following list on your cover art: pumpkins, brussels sprouts, cut flowers, and/or potted plants.


Additional commodities can also be included in the artwork if they are produced in San Mateo County, including: fruits and vegetables, livestock, Christmas trees, and field crops. 


Please see the 2023 San Mateo County Crop Report for a more comprehensive list. Farmworkers may also be included.


Learn more and apply.

Concurso de Arte Informe de Cultivo (Crop Report)

Fecha límite de presentación es el 20 de marzo de 2025


Los estudiantes del Condado de San Mateo de los grados 6 al 12 están invitados a participar en el Concurso de Arte Informe de Cultivo (Crop Report) de este año, destacando la agricultura del Condado de San Mateo.


¡El ganador del primer lugar del año pasado fue un estudiante de San Mateo High School!


Las participaciones deben incluir uno o más cultivos de la siguiente lista en su portada: calabazas, coles de Bruselas, flores cortadas y/o plantas en macetas.


También se pueden incluir productos adicionales en la obra de arte si se producen en el Condado de San Mateo, incluidos: frutas y verduras, ganado, árboles de navidad y cultivos extensivos.


Consulte el Informe de cultivos del Condado de San Mateo de 2023 para obtener una lista más completa. También se pueden incluir a los trabajadores agrícolas.


Obtenga más información y presente su solicitud

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.

In-Person Program Teaching Youth to Manage Emotions Starts in January


NAMI San Mateo County invites youth (ages 11-18) to a six week program that focuses on teaching teens/pre-teens how to manage emotions and learn coping skills that can be applied to their everyday life.


This group meets in person in San Mateo starting on Monday, January 27 and will meet every Monday for six weeks from 6-7 p.m.


Parents/students: Learn more and register.

Programa en persona que enseña a los jóvenes a manejar las emociones - Este programa empieza en enero


La organización NAMI del Condado de San Mateo invita a jóvenes (de 11 a 18 años) a un programa de seis semanas que se enfoca en enseñar a adolescentes y pre adolescentes cómo manejar las emociones y aprender habilidades de afrontamiento que pueden aplicarse a su vida diaria.


Este grupo se reúne en persona en San Mateo a partir del lunes 27 de enero y se reunirá todos los lunes durante seis semanas de 6 a 7 p.m.


Padres y estudiantes: Obtenga más información y registrese aquí


NPR Student Podcast Challenge

Application period: January 6 - May 2


NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is opportunity for students in grades four through 12 all around the country to record their stories and share them with NPR. Learn more. 

Girls Who Code Challenge: AI + Sustainability 


Girls Who Code (GWC) Challenges are annual community competitions in which participants can build a project addressing a real-world problem and win prizes.


Learn more and apply by February 12, 2025.

Spring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshops for Girls 


Registration period is January 15 - March 1. Space is limited. 

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) at Skyline College is excited to host a Spring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshops for girls in grades 6 through 12.

Date/Time: Saturday, March 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Skyline College

Registration is free and open from January 15 - March 1, 2025.


Details:

Join for a day of discovery, featuring hands-on activities led by researchers, scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals from the community. Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot! Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of workshops to participate in, selecting three of their choice. A morning snack and lunch will be provided, but please bring your own if you have specific dietary needs, restrictions, or food allergies. Visit https://skylinecollege.edu/eyh/ for workshop details, or email eyh@smccd.edu for more information.

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

Armor Level $2,500
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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