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Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
October 17, 2025
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| | What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Hillsdale Families,
This morning, we are hosting a Pink Breakfast for the faculty and staff. Thank you to all who donated items. Pictures will come next week. Thanks also to Leadership for helping to support the event!
Tonight is the Pink Football game at home--that is the "kick-off" to our Friday and Saturday pink events on campus...
The HHS community is coming together again for A Knight 4 the Cure and we are pleased to say that our pre-sales of tickets have been great!
How can you help? We'd love for you to help however you can
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Sign up to volunteer for a shift or two (bring a friend--it will be fun!) Shifts have been adjusted, so check the Sign-Up Genius here
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Pre-order your ticket (Tickets) to save some time entering
- Come hungry--there will be food sold (cash and via Omela)
- Purchase pink spirit items, pumpkins, etc. at the event
We are switching from Pink to Halloween next week with HIT's Halloween show on Thursday and Friday @ 7pm in the Little Theater. For those unfamiliar, HIT is Hillsdale's Improv group. They work hard and their performances show the strength of their talent. It's always such entertaining two evenings.
Before you know it, we are jumping into November, Spirit Week, and Homecoming. Make sure to check out the bulletin, memos, and emails for information of what's happening and how you can support.
We appreciate all that you do to help and support us---thank you!!!
Have a wonderful week,
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Fri Oct 17: Pink Game (JV/Varsity Football)
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Mon Oct 20: Minimum Day, dismissal at 12:40
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Tues Oct 21: Financial Aid Workshop @ HHS Library 6:00pm
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Oct 23-24: HIT Squad Halloween Show @ 7pm, Little Theater (Flyer)
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Nov 3-6: Spirit Week for Homecoming
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Fri Nov 6: Homecoming Rally
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Fri Nov 6: Homecoming Game vs Aragon @ HHS
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Sat Nov 7: Homecoming Dance at Devil's Canyon Brewery
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Nov 13-16: HHS Drama Into The Woods (Flyer)
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Fri Nov 14: Yearbook/Senior Ad Pre-sale Pricing Ends (Flyer)
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Fri Oct 17: Pura Vida Bracelets (Class of 2027) (Flyer)
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Sat Oct 18: A Knight 4 The Cure (all classes AND Breast cancer charity) (Flyer)
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Wed Oct 22: Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser (Class of 2027) (Flyer)
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Tues Oct 28: Chipotle Fundraiser (Class of 2028)
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Until Wed Nov 5: Homecoming Corsage/Boutonnieres (Class of 2026) (Flyer)
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Sat Nov 7: Homecoming Dance (Cheer) at Devil's Canyon
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Sun Nov 23: Quin's 2nd Annual 5K (Flyer)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Hillsdale: A Community Like No Other
Hillsdale is home to a thriving community of parent volunteers. Hear from Alicia Heneghan, co-president of the Hillsdale Athletics Boosters, pictured here with her daughter Elise.
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"As a neighbor to Hillsdale High, I’ve had the unique joy of hearing Friday night football games from my backyard and watching the excitement around the Small Learning Communities from a distance for many years—eagerly awaiting the day our family would officially become Knights. Now that our daughter is a Junior, I’ve experienced firsthand how those traditions and experiences—from the Battle at Dawn to the Sophomore Passion Projects—truly bring the Hillsdale spirit to life. From the start, I’ve appreciated how the SLC model ensures every student is seen, known, and valued. Our daughter built a strong foundation during her first two years in Kyoto that gave her the confidence to take on demanding coursework. This year she feels a genuine sense of belonging in Cusco, surrounded by classmates and mentors who help her grow with confidence and care.
That same spirit of connection is what our family has found through the Athletic Boosters. As Co-President, I’ve met so many families who share the same pride and commitment to all of our student-athletes. The Boosters are more than a parent group—we’re a family that celebrates the highs, supports one another through challenges, and shows up for every student. Hillsdale truly is a community that cheers each other on, both on and off the field."
For fun & community, click here to check out the Athletic Boosters.
| | It All Starts With Our Unique & Special House System | | | | |
Help us fund our House System and the connections that make Hillsdale so special.
Every gift is deeply appreciated. Our annual ask of $750 per student, comes to $75 a month for 10 months. Click here to give.
For those who are in a position to give more, help us uplift every child.
Thank you for being part of making Hillsdale a community like no other.
www.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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Bell Schedule for the Week of October 20
There is a Minimum Day on Monday October 20th with 7th period dismissal at 12:40 due to student conferences.
Please see the complete Bell Schedule here.
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Congressional App Challenge
hosted by Congressman Kevin Mullin
Do you know a middle or high school student who is interested in technology, coding or building an app? Then please encourage them to apply for this year’s nationwide Congressional App Challenge! Rep. Mullin is excited to announce that he is hosting the local competition for students in California’s 15th Congressional District.
Students learn the exciting process of developing their own software application for mobile phones, tablets, or computers. Participants can register as individuals or as a team, and applications are due October 30, 2025 @ 9am PT.
Learn more about the App Challenge
Every year, this competition highlights the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) education and fields. For more information on the rules and timelines, please visit the Congressional App Challenge website.
The winner of the Congressional App Challenge will be invited to Washington, D.C. next spring for an opportunity to present their project. I hope to see a creative submission from you soon!
Watch Rep. Mullin’s interview about the Congressional App Challenge.
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A Knight 4 the Cure!
Join us for the annual Knight for the Cure on Saturday October 18th! This is an amazing community event packed with flag football games coached and played by Hillsdale students. With great food and halftime performances, this is an event you won't want to miss! Proceeds from the event are split between all four classes AND a portion is donated to Breast Cancer Awareness. Don't miss it, get your tickets today!
FYI A Knight 4 the Cure, has flag football games with teams of HHS girls, coached by students, as well as a pink themed marketplace (pink pumpkins, shirts, poms, memorial locks, and more), and event food concessions throughout the evening. The halftime routine is a dance with the players, cheer, and dance ensemble. The proceeds from the day are split five ways--one for each of the classes and the fifth goes to a breast cancer charity. Donations welcome AK4TC Sign-Up.
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Chick-Fil-A ~ Class of 2027
The Class of 2027 is excited to announce their Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser on Wednesday October 22nd @ 5pm-8pm! Use the promo code HHS27 when placing your order in app OR take a photo of your receipt and send it to their Instagram @hillsdale.2027.
Remember the more money we raise from these fundraiser, the more exciting our events can be! Can't wait to see you there! Go Knights! 🩵❤️
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🍻🎃 Pub Crawl – Saturday, October 25th 🎃🍻
Get ready for a night of friends, fun, and festivities at this year’s Class of 2026 Parent Pub Crawl on Saturday October 25th! Click the QR code to sign up through the Google Form...payment info is all there. Costumes are encouraged (but not required), and there will be prizes for the best looks! Grab your crew, mark your calendars, and join us for a night you won’t want to miss!
** Please note that this is not a school sponsored event - it is an event organized by parent volunteers from the class of 2026 **
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🌹 Homecoming Corsage & Boutonniere Fundraiser! 🌹
Get ready for Homecoming on November 8th and support the Class of 2026!
Order your corsage or boutonniere through our fundraiser. You’ll save money and support the senior class at the same time! Orders due by Wednesday November 5.
✨ Scan the QR code or click this link to place your order today.
Don’t wait! Order yours today!!
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HHS Drama ~ Into The Woods
Get your tickets for Into The Woods. It is going to be a fun show. Don't miss it!
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Buy Your Yearbook Now!
The Shield 2026 staff has begun production on the next edition of Hillsdale's yearbook. Editors, photographers and copy writers are hard at work creating the next amazing book of memories. The pre-sale price of $80 lasts until November 14, 2025.
Senior Ads are also on sale at our Friesens Publisher store link: https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274
¡Compra tu anuario ya!
El equipo de The Shield 2026 ha comenzado la producción de la próxima edición del anuario de Hillsdale. Editores, fotógrafos y redactores están trabajando arduamente para crear el próximo y maravilloso libro de recuerdos. El precio de preventa es de $80 y dura hasta el 14 de noviembre de 2025.
Los anuncios para estudiantes de último año también están a la venta en el enlace de nuestra tienda Friesens Publisher: https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274
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Quin’s 2nd Annual 5K
Please join us for Quin’s 2nd Annual 5K on Sunday, November 23rd. This special event is an opportunity to come together as a community to honor Quin, enjoy time with friends and neighbors, and start the day with fun and fitness. Whether you choose to walk, jog, or run, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating Quin’s spirit and making lasting memories. The event will take place rain or shine! We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Here
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Welcome Class of 2026!
Senior Fall Events
Save these *tentative* dates for upcoming senior events!
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Sat Oct 18: A Knight 4 the Cure (all class community event and fundraiser)
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Sat Oct 25: Senior Class Pub Crawl (this is NOT a school sponsored event, but a fundraiser for the Senior class) 21+ and older only
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Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game - Football
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Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance
Please join our Instagram site @hhs2026parents for more information about senior activities!
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Senior Portraits
Class of 2026 - Get your Graduation Portraits Taken Now
This will be the senior's picture in for the year book and you will have the opportunity to purchase photos.
See Flyer for more information.
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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 **
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Empowerment Through Action at Hillsdale
Peace Pantry ~ Community Garden ~ Community Closet
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October 2025
In Lak’ech
Tú eres mi otro yo.
You are my other me.
Si te hago daño a ti,
If I do harm to you,
Me hago daño a mi mismo.
I do harm to myself.
Si te amo y respeto,
If I love and respect you,
Me amo y respeto yo.
I love and respect myself.
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Ways to Get Involved:
Peace Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in October 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. *Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
Community Garden
Now is the time we really need help in the garden with our harvest in full swing. If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to learn more OR stop by and meet our volunteer team who work in the garden every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:00pm and complete various gardening tasks. No experience required. *Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
Community Closet
For the month of October, the Community Closet is in need of HHS Swag, Jeans, hoodies, new socks, t-shirts and the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodorant and laundry soap.*Please follow us on Instagram @etatogether.
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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 For Parents / Guardians
How to Raise a Citizen
Tuesday, October 21, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
Four Ingredients for a Meaningful Life: Helping Adolescents Make Wise Choices
Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
Are You Mad at Me? Helping Kids (and Parents) Break Free from People Pleasing and Perfectionism
Wednesday, October 29, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
Values in College Admission - Getting There, Being There - What's New, What's Not
Thursday, October 30, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
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October and December In-Person Financial Aid Workshops
These workshops are open to all SMUHSD families
Save the dates for the following in-person workshops offering students and their families with assistance in filling out financial aid paperwork.
In-Person Workshops
October 21, 6 - 8 p.m.: Hillsdale High School
December 2, 6 - 8 p.m., Capuchino High School
More in-person workshops will be scheduled for January 2026 - visit www.smuhsd.org/financial-aid to stay up-to-date.
All families-- regardless of home school-- are welcome to attend either event. More events will be coming starting in January!
Additional information
Refreshments will be served.
No RSVP needed, drop in between 6 - 8 p.m.
As a reminder, filling out the FAFSA or CADAA is a graduation requirement!
Learn more
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Talleres sobre ayuda financiera en persona. Primer taller el martes 21 de octubre a las 6:00 p.m. en Hillsdale High School
Asista a estos talleres en persona si:
Necesita ayuda para completar la forma FAFSA o la CADAA
Tiene preguntas sobre el proceso de solicitud de ayuda financiera
Reserve las fechas:
martes 21 de octubre, 6-8 p.m en Hillsdale High School
martes 2 de diciembre, 6-8 p.m. en Capuchino High School
Se programarán más talleres en persona para enero del 2026
Todas las familias están invitadas a asistir a cualquiera de los eventos, independientemente de la escuela a la que asistan sus hijos. ¡Habrá más eventos a partir de enero!
Información adicional
Se servirán refrigerios.
No es necesario confirmar asistencia
Puede acudir en cualquier momento durante el taller
¿Tiene alguna pregunta? Póngase en contacto con el asesor de ayuda financiera de su escuela
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Saturday, November 1: Black College Awareness Fair at CSM
The College of San Mateo is hosting the Ivy and Pearls Foundation, and Rho Delta Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for their 33rd Black College Awareness Fair on Saturday, November 1.
The Fair will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the the CSM Theatre (Building 3).
The 33rd Black College Awareness Fair is a wonderful chance for students to broaden their horizons and take the next step towards a brighter future. Students and their families are invited to explore the rich legacy and amazing opportunities offered at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It will be a day filled with inspiration, learning, connection, and fun. Whether they’re students mapping out their college journey or a parent eager to support their student’s future, this event is for them!
What to Expect:
- Meet HBCU alumni and representatives from various colleges
- Informative guest speakers and workshops
- Potential scholarships and information on financial aid
- Enjoy FREE registration, lunch, and raffle prizes!
Students and families can register online
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The 2026 Scholastic Awards Are Now Open for Submissions
The Scholastic Awards are the nation’s longest running, and one of the most prestigious recognition programs for creative teenagers across America and a significant source of scholarships for young artists and writers. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization manages the growing program.
One of the benefits of entering the Scholastic Awards is the opportunity to have your work considered for national scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,500. Learn more
Visit the What You Need to Know page to find out everything you need to participate, including the Awards AI Policy, category changes, new category updates, and portal updates.
Teens and educators can visit artandwriting.org now to log in or create an account in the portal.
Deadlines
Region at Large West Writing Deadline: December 2, 2025, 8:59 p.m.: https://www.artandwriting.org/regions/WRALW/details
California Bay Area Art Region Deadline: January 6, 2026, 8:59 p.m.: https://www.artandwriting.org/regions/CA005A/details
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San Mateo County Poetry Out Loud Registration Now Open
Poetry Out Loud (POL) gives high school students the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—poetry. It encourages teens to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.
Educators, youth organization leaders, and high school students are invited to be part of San Mateo County’s Poetry Out Loud 2026 Program. Teens build public speaking skills and self-confidence, while learning about literary history and contemporary life through poetry with the help of a coach.
School/organizational champions will be mentored by local Poet Laureates and poetry teachers preparing them to effectively compete at the county, state and national levels if selected.
Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program in partnership with the NEA, the Poetry Foundation, and each state’s arts agency. Important dates:
September 1 - December 12, 2025: Registration window is open
January 2026: Mentoring sessions for teens via Zoom
February 2026: San Mateo County Finals
March 15 - 16, 2026: State Finals Competition in-person in Sacramento
May 2025: National Finals in-person in Washington, DC
Learn more and register: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/poetry-out-loud-2026
| | Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |
