Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2025-26 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

Knights Families,

We hope this weekly bulletin finds you and your family getting ready for the weekend. Within this edition, you will find upcoming sports events (locations, times, and opponents); you'll also find links for upcoming meetings, hospitality, locations for this week's food fundraisers (there are two), and so much more. You can sign up to get more information about Winter Formal click here , the Athletics' Boosters Auction event click here , and how to give to the HHS Foundation click here too. 

Today is the LAST day for the Community Closet's  "One Warm Coat" drive. They are still looking for coats, sweaters, HHS gear, and winter attire. Drop off details are listed on the flyer here. Google Meet Link

Monday is our long awaited AP Parent Info Night and Monthly PTSO meeting!! ALL are welcome from the comfort of wherever you wish...home, the office, the car, maybe even at a restaurant; camera on or off; whatever suits you--just come join us for an incredible, informational evening!  (Flyer)

Wednesday is our monthly joint Hospitality event with Leadership. Thanks so much to those who have donated already, we are still in need of a few items, so if you are able, we'd truly appreciate it. (Sign Up Here)

This week's bulletin has a challenge--we challenge you to read (or at least skim) all the way through and click to open all of the attached flyers. The many groups who contribute to this bulletin's attachments would truly appreciate you looking at the products of their hard work. It's one of the many ways that you can show support to our many campus groups.

Have a great Bay Area Super Bowl weekend!!

Jen and Holly

PS--Senior families, don't forget to check the Senior Section so you don't miss anything.

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar

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

Link to game schedule

The Annual Fund Keeps our House Lights On

We are now at $519,000

If 25 families from each grade give the ask of $750, we can finish our fundraising for the year!

Every dollar goes towards our unique and special House System. A Small Learning Community model designed to understand every child and help them feel connected to their peers and their teachers.

These connective bonds are the #1 indicator proven for academic, social and mental health success.

Join Our Community of Givers

3 Easy Ways to make your tax deductible gift:

1. Give to the Annual Fund: Help close the funding gap and support our teachers & students! Our annual ask is $750/student. Click here to give.
2. Opt for monthly payments: Spread your gift into monthly payments! Every gift is deeply appreciated. Click here to give monthly in any amount.
3. Make a gift of stock to the Foundation: Click here for easy instructions.

Please reach out to Foundation Executive Director Amy Michael for more information. amymichael@hillsdalehsfoundation.org

One Warm Coat Drive

We are also excited to announce our One Warm Coat Drive, which will collect coats, sweaters, HHS gear, and winter attire to help those in need. The drive will begin Monday January 19 and run through Friday February 6. Donations can be dropped off at the 31st parking lot on Wednesdays from 2:30pm–4:00pm and Fridays from 7:45am–9:00am. Students may also drop donations in Room 211 or the main office. We appreciate everyone who is able to donate and hope you can help support this important cause.

Fundraising and Sales

Nick the Greek ~ Music Boosters Fundraiser

Enjoy a meal at Nick the Greek (1324 W HILLSDALE BLVD. in San Mateo) on Wednesday, February 11, and 15% of the bill will be donated to the HHS music program. Mention the HHS Music Boosters or show the flier to your server if ordering in person, or use the code FORCE4GOOD if ordering online or via mobile app. Thanks for supporting our fabulous music program!

We are looking forward to two great nights of music and hope to see you there! Please join us for the super fun Pops Concerts. On Wednesday February 18 enjoy Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble & Bowditch Choir. On Thursday February 19 join us for Concert Band, String Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Chamber Orchestra & Wind Ensemble. Both concerts will be in the Hillsdale High School Main Theater at 7 p.m. Please visit for https://hillsdalemusic.blogspot.com for links to purchase tickets and to sign up to volunteer at the concerts or bring treats/drinks.

HHS Drama - Shakespeare In Love

Tickets are now on sale!

Annual Athletic Booster Auction

Join us for an evening in support of Hillsdale Athletics at our annual Athletic Booster Auction. This special event brings together our school community to celebrate our student-athletes and raise vital funds that support athletic programs, equipment, travel, and team experiences across all sports.

Guests can look forward to an exciting selection of auction items, great company, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Hillsdale’s athletic community. Your participation helps ensure that our athletes continue to grow, compete, and represent Hillsdale with pride.

We look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday, March 21st, and thank you for your continued support of Hillsdale Athletics. ALL are welcome!!! 

Snack Shack Volunteers Needed

Have a free hour or two?

Come help out in the Snack Shack during our Basketball Quad Games!

Click the link or scan the QR code to sign up. Grab a friend (or two!) and join the fun!

Seniors Corner

Welcome Class of 2026!

Senior Fall Events

Please join our Instagram site @hhs2026parents for more information about senior activities!

Graduation information

Senior Family Packet

Graduation Ticket Order Form (Due by March 1)

Senior Baby Pics (Please include Student's name in caption)

Senior Class Volunteer Sign Up

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 **

Empowerment Through Action at Hillsdale

Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet

February 2026

"If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, then my living will not be in vain".

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hillsdale Community,



January was marked by a return to school from winter break and with our fair share of cold days. January also kicks off the new year and our collective work at our Peace Pantry, Community Closet and Garden. The Peninsula Multifaith Coalition honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a team of 35 volunteers working on various projects in our garden on MLK Day. Dr. King reminds us all of the power and of the importance of being in service to others in our community. 

January was the launch of our newest ETA volunteer program focused on Career Exploration and Workforce Development for students in Empowerment Through Action. Potential volunteers attended an evening meeting last week. This committee will work on ways to support an ETA student this spring with landing their first summer job at the age of 16 or supporting a rising senior with a paid summer internship. If you were not able to attend the January 28th informational meeting, please see important information below pertaining to next steps in February, 

January also was an opportunity to invest in important infrastructure for our Community Garden. Thanks to our Holiday Giving Campaign in December we were able to purchase a new Tuff Shed so that we can have refrigeration to store fruits and vegetables that we need to pick earlier in the week before our Thursday Harvest. Our Community Closet Team has done an outstanding job with our Annual Warm Winter Coat Drive and we continue to be appreciative of our Hillsdale Community for their generous donations. Finally, we take heart in our Friday morning Peace Pantry Team of Volunteers who get up early to volunteer despite the cold winter weather! 

It is never too late to get involved with one of our volunteer opportunities in Empowerment Through Action at Hillsdale. No experience is required. . . just a willingness to do the heart work in our San Mateo and Foster City community. The volunteer work is fun and rewarding while equally ensuring our community is rooted in support, compassion and care. 

Hillsdale Stands Together in 2026!

Read the complete February 2026 Newsletter here.

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 February 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. The winter months are slow right now but we still have winter projects in our garden. No experience required.

Community Closet

For the month of February, the Community Closet is in need of winter clothing: warm coats, HHS Swag, hoodies, new socks, and the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodorant and laundry soap.

ETA Career Exploration Committee (New Volunteers Needed)

Empowerment Through Action at Hillsdale is looking for dedicated volunteers interested in joining this important ETA Career Exploration Committee. Here is an overview of the mission and volunteer opportunities for this committee. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities this spring or would like a more information about future committee meetings please complete this short form. This year's ETA Career Networking Social on Thursday, February 12th is a culminating event for ETA juniors to apply the lessons learned from their advisories and “You’ve Got This!” sessions. We aim to better prepare students for their summer job and internship opportunities. Many of our students do not have a professional network nor have a space to get advice about their career path. Please complete this FORM to be part of the community to help our first-generation ETA students.

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

We Want Your Opinion: Take the Panorama Survey

SMUHSD Parents/Guardians: Take the SMUHSD Panorama Survey today! 

We want to know your thoughts and opinions on:  

• School culture and climate
• Communications from the District/school to you
• Opportunities for engagement with your school community

Take the survey: 

English: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/familysurvey/surveys

Spanish: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/encuestafamiliar/surveys

Your thoughts improve the future of our District and Schools for our entire school community. The deadline to complete the survey is February 6, 2026.

Padres/Tutores de SMUHSD: ¡Complete la encuesta Panorama de SMUHSD hoy!

Queremos conocer sus pensamientos y opiniones sobre:

• Cultura y clima escolar
• Las comunicaciones del Distrito/escuela hacia usted
• Oportunidades de participación con su comunidad escolar

Visite el enlace: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/encuestafamiliar/surveys

Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para participar. Sus pensamientos pueden mejorar el futuro de su estudiante y de los demás. La encuesta para padres / tutores se cierra el viernes 6 de febrero. 

Digital Student Arts Music Showcase Submissions Open on December 16

The San Mateo County Office of Education presents a series of digital arts showcases that serve to highlight the incredible talent and creativity of students in TK-12th grade across the county. 

These showcases will feature student work in all five art forms: dance, theater, music, visual arts, and media arts.

This project celebrates and uplifts student voices, fosters artistic expression, and provides a platform where students can share their work with the broader community. Through these showcases, we aim to inspire future artists and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of every student's educational experience. 

Explore each of the five categories, which include submission requirements, judging criteria, important dates, and other information for each showcase.

Submissions open on the following dates

Music: December 15

Art: January 12

Dance: February 9

Theater: March 16

Film: April 13

Learn more: https://creates.smcoe.org/digitalshowcases

February 19 Webinar: Learn About Nursing Pathway Programs

Nursing Pathway Programs

Learn about College of San Mateo and Dominican College Nursing Programs and the nursing career in general

Details

Thursday, February 19, 6 - 7 p.m.

Topics: 

Different careers in nursing

What can students do now, in high school, to prepare for a career in healthcare?

What is the educational pathway to becoming a nurse?

Speakers: 

Professor Melinda Nguyen, Nursing Program Director, College of San Mateo

Carlos Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Dominican College of California

Questions?

Contact your school site College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor.

19 de Febrero Seminario en línea: Programas de enfermería

El Departamento de Colegios y Carreras del San Mateo Union High School District invita a todos los estudiantes de SMUHSD y sus familias a asistir al:

Seminario en línea: Programas de enfermería

Infórmese sobre los programas de enfermería que ofrece el College of San Mateo y la Dominican University, y sobre la carrera de enfermería en general. 

Detalles del evento

Jueves 19 de febrero, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Enlace Zoom para el seminario: https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/99483533513

Escaneé el código QR o visite la página: www.smuhsd.org/calendar

Temas

Diferentes carreras en enfermería

¿Qué pueden hacer los estudiantes ahora, durante high school, para prepararse para una carrera en el sector de la salud?

¿Cuál es la trayectoria educativa para convertirse en enfermero/a? 

Oradores del evento

Profesora Melinda Nguyen, Directora del programa de enfermería del College of San Mateo 

Carlos Rodriguez, Subdirector de admisiones, Dominican University of California (San Rafael)

¿Tiene preguntas?

Contacte al Centro de Colegios y Carreras de su escuela

March 28 OYE Latinx Youth Conference: Call for Performers

OYE brings together over 400 youth and parents 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. 

Conference organizers are seeking performers to bring energy, excitement and to showcase their talents! 

Singers, rappers, musicians, dancers and poets are encouraged to apply! 

The deadline to apply is February 16. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrxfp8UH41dPNExrEATluq5hw4-whHlFbhPNXfgVch2GV94w/viewform

For any questions or issues submitting this form, please contact Elisa Chavez at echavez@redwoodcity.org 

28 de marzo: Conferencia para Jóvenes Latinx OYE: Se buscan artistas

La conferencia OYE reúne a más de 400 jóvenes y padres para explorar ideas sobre la cultura e 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, presentaciones artísticas y actividades para establecer contactos comunitarios.

Los organizadores de la conferencia están buscando artistas que aporten energía, entusiasmo y muestren su talento.

¡Se anima a cantantes, raperos, músicos, bailarines y poetas a postularse para participar en este evento!

La fecha límite para postularse es el 16 de febrero.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrxfp8UH41dPNExrEATluq5hw4-whHlFbhPNXfgVch2GV94w/viewform

Para obtener más información o si tiene problemas enviando la forma, comuníquese con Elisa Chávez en echavez@redwoodcity.org

5th Annual Districtwide Career Expo is Thursday, February 26

SMUHSD students and their families are invited to attend the 5th Annual Career Expo on Thursday, February 26, 5 - 7 p.m.

The Career Expo will be held at Hillsdale High School, located at 3115 Del Monte Avenue, San Mateo.

Attend the Expo to: 

Learn about high-paying careers

Network with industry professionals

Participate in hands-on activities 

Learn about various opportunities from the 50+ representatives from Bay Area companies, apprenticeships and training programs

One of the main goals of the SMUHSD Career Expo is to educate and expose students to opportunities for high-paying careers that don’t necessarily require a four year degree. 

Employers

If you are an employer wanting to host a table at the Career Expo, contact Jerel Reyes at jreyes@smuhsd.org.

Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/careerexpo

La 5ª Exposición Anual de Carreras Profesionales del Distrito se llevará a cabo el 26 de febrero

Los estudiantes del SMUHSD y sus familias están invitados a asistir a la 5ª Exposicion Anual de Carreras Profesionales el jueves 26 de febrero de 5:00-7:00 p.m. 

La exposición se llevará a cabo en Hillsdale High School, situada en 3115 Del Monte Avenue, San Mateo

En esta exposición podrá:

Obtener información sobre carreras bien remuneradas

Establecer contactos con profesionales del sector

Participar en actividades prácticas

Obtener información sobre diversas oportunidades de más de 50 representantes de empresas, programas de aprendizaje y formación en el Área de la Bahía

Uno de los principales objetivos de la exposición de carreras del SMUHSD es informar y dar a conocer a los estudiantes las oportunidades de carreras bien remuneradas que no requieren necesariamente un título universitario.

Empleadores

Si usted es un empleador y desea tener una mesa en la exposición de carreras, póngase en contacto con Jerel Reyes en jreyes@smuhsd.org   

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

Black Youth Advisory Board Hosts First-Ever Black Student Leadership Conference on Saturday, March 7

The Black Youth Advisory Board of the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) is proud to host the first-ever Black Student Leadership Conference (BSLC) for San Mateo County on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m., centered on the powerful theme: “The Power of Our Voice: If Not Me, Then Who?”

This inaugural conference is designed to foster community, connection, and belonging among Black students who often find themselves in the minority within their school communities. Students will engage in inspiring and interactive sessions focused on leadership development, identity, financial literacy, academic success and time management, and college preparation. The day will also include a keynote speaker, dynamic breakout workshops, a Resource Village, and entertainment.

What to Expect: 

• Interactive workshops tailored by age group
• Inspiring keynote speaker to spark action and confidence
• Engaging conversations on leadership, identity, and advocacy
• Resource Village with colleges, community organizations, and youth-serving programs
• Free meals, fun activities, prizes, and giveaways throughout the day

Parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend as well. The Resource Village will feature community-based organizations and college representatives, along with parent-focused breakout sessions, including:

The Black Minds Matter Report presented by The EdTrust - West with Niambi Clay

A college preparation workshop led by Cañada College

Details

Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Register by February 14: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/black-student-leadership-conference-san-mateo-county

This event is free to attend.

Student Cabin Leaders Needed for Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education is looking for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to serve as cabin leaders in the cabins with students at the San Mateo County Office of Education's (SMCOE) residential outdoor education program in La Honda.

Students earn 99 hours of community service for their week, and learn hands-on environmental science, education and child care skills, and lots of responsibility.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can send your students to participate, please contact Allison Collins, Director, at acollins@smcoe.org, and visit the SMCOE website.

El programa Outdoor Education (Educación al Aire Libre) está buscando estudiantes de high school de los grados 10, 11 y 12 para que se desempeñen como líderes de cabañas en el programa de educación al aire libre de la oficina del condado de San Mateo (SMCOE) en La Honda.

Los estudiantes obtienen 99 horas de servicio comunitario por su participación durante una semana y adquieren experiencia práctica en ciencias ambientales, educación, habilidades para cuidar niños y desarrollan un gran sentido de la responsabilidad.

Si está interesado en obtener más información sobre cómo sus estudiantes pueden participar, comuníquese con Allison Collins en acollins@smcoe.org 

Visite la página web del SMCOE para más información SMCOE website: https://outdoor.smcoe.org/join-the-team/cabin-leaders

Seeking Student Art Submissions for San Mateo County Print Magazine

The For(e)thought Collective is a youth-run online design and arts magazine accepting submissions for its debut issue! 

Submit design, art, or literary work that aligns with the theme ‘REBOOT.’ 

Read the editor’s note and submit your pieces at https://forethoughtcollective.org by Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Forethought Collective is a project of Ryan Chou, San Mateo County District 5 Youth Arts Fellow.

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!