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Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
November 7, 2025
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| | What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Knights Families,
It's been a spirited week, wrapping up today with a rally (Note: today will be a rally schedule) homecoming football & cheer/dance/football senior knights tonight, and the dance tomorrow. We will update with pictures and thank-yous next week!
This bulletin, we are focused on our Fall show---Into the Woods which is opening next week!! We would like to wish the cast, crew, boosters, and all involved the best of luck for what we know will be a spectacular show!!
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An Into the Woods synopsis (taken from Stanford University's Department of Music) "This enchanting musical weaves together beloved fairy tales, exploring the desires and challenges of characters from Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood. As their paths cross, remember: be careful what you wish for... Come experience the twists and turns that reveal the true costs of chasing your dreams."
Dates and times: Thursday Nov 13, Friday Nov 14, Saturday Nov 15 @ 7:00pm; Sunday Nov 16 @ 2:00pm
Ticket info: Click here to purchase. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for Seniors (65+) or Students.
Candy Grams or a Candy Bouquet are available for purchase here This a candy and a personalized note from you hand delivered backstage to your cast/crew member during intermission.
Flower Grams are also available for purchase here. This is a flower and personalized note from you hand delivered backstage to your cast/crew member during intermission.
Concessions, flower/candy grams will also be sold in the lobby during each performance.
There will also be handmade ornaments, earrings, and sweatshirts available for purchase.
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The Into the Woods cast and crew would love for you to attend a performance. Hope to see you there!!
Good luck to our football teams at tonight's games. It will be a great evening of food, football, and fun regardless of the outcome....but we are definitely hoping for a WIN.
GO KNIGHTS!!!
Have a great week!
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Click HERE for Winter Sports and HERE to Email Winter Sports coaches
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Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Rally
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Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game vs Aragon @ HHS
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Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance at Devil's Canyon Brewery (Tickets)
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Mon Nov 10: HHS - Odd Day Schedule
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Mon Nov 10: PTSO Monthly Meeting @ 6:30 Rm 428 and Zoom (Flyer)
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Tue Nov 11: No School - Veterans' Day
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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)
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Wed Nov 19: Winter Sports Parent Meeting @ 6pm Auditorium & Gym
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Wed Nov 19: Music Booster Meeting @ 7pm Rm 501 and Zoom (Flyer)
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Thur Nov 20: HHS Joint Instrumental Concert @7pm
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Thur Nov 20: Water Equity-a panel discussion @ 7pm Little Theater (Flyer)
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Nov 26-28: No School - Thanksgiving Break
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Mon Dec 1: SCSCA Summer Exchange Application Due (Flyer)
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance (Cheer) at Devil's Canyon (Flyer)
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Unitl Dec 5: See's Candy (Dance Ensemble) (Link)
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Tue Nov 18: Maverick Jack's (Music Boosters) (Flyer)
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Sun Nov 23: Quin's 2nd Annual 5K (Flyer)
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Tue Dec 2: HHSF Giving Tuesday (Link)
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Thur Jan 1: Senior Ads Early Bird Pricing Ends (Link)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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Giving Tuesday (Dec 2, 2025) is a call for community, generosity and the collective good.
3 Easy Ways to finish your tax deductible end of year giving:
- Give to the Annual Fund: Help close the funding gap and support our teachers & students! Click here to give.
- Opt for monthly payments: Spread your gift into monthly payments! Every gift is deeply appreciated. Click here to give monthly in any amount.
- Make a gift of stock to the Foundation: Click here for easy instructions.
Benefits of Stock Donations:
- Eliminate capital gains taxes and the Medicare surtax, which combined could be up to 23.8%
- Take an immediate income tax deduction in the amount of the full fair market value if you itemize your deductions
- Maximize your support of Hillsdale! Donating stock that has grown $10,000 in value could result in an additional $2,380 donated to HHSF vs. donating cash!
Questions? Email Hillsdale Foundation Director Amy Michael: 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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Bell Schedule for Week of Nov 10
Monday November 10 will be an Odd day and there is No School on Tuesday November 11 as it is Veteran's Day. Please see the complete Bell Schedule here.
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Music Booster Meeting
Please join us for our November Music Boosters Meeting to get an update on all music happenings at Hillsdale and how you can help support our program. We will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 @ 7 pm. Join us in room 501 or on Zoom at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81931142303. Meeting ID: 819 3114 2303. Passcode: 444690
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Community Event ~
Water is Life: Victories and Challenges in Water Equity
Hillsdale High School will host a special community event on Thursday, November 20 @ 7:00pm in the Little Theater: Water is Life: Victories and Challenges in Water Equity.
Representatives from the Karuk Native community, River Partners, and San Francisco Bay Keepers will discuss their work on dam removal, river restoration, and the fight against pollution the in the SF Bay. Assembly Member Diane Papan will provide opening remarks.
The event is sponsored by the SMUHSD Sustainability Committee and is open to all SMUHSD students, staff, parents, and community members. We hope you can join us!
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2026 Summer Exchange Program
San Carlos Sister City Association (SCSCA) is excited to share an opportunity for high school students in San Mateo County to participate in our International Student Exchange Program with our sister city, Omura, Japan in July 2026. For a week, students will live with a Japanese host family where at least one member speaks English. In exchange, San Mateo/San Carlos students host their Japanese counterparts in the weeks following. Students do not need to know the Japanese language to participate!
- Eligibility: Mature and curious high schoolers within San Mateo County
- Cost: No program fee (Student families will cover their own airfare and spending money, but we make no profit from the program)
- Application Deadline: Monday December 1st, 2025
Apply here: https://forms.gle/g5n7F2wNw6mhRSCR9
For further details or questions contact: Ryan.Tomita03@gmail.com
Please CC on any inquiry emails: johnjhoffmann@icloud.com, sancarlossistercityassociation@gmail.com
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The Addams Family ~ Community Theater
Come support community theater. The Addams Family opens Saturday November 1st.
For tickets : tinyurl.com/addams-etc
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Yearbook Senior Ads
Senior Class parents! Please consider purchasing a Senior Ad in the 2026 yearbook for your graduate. It is a fun way to commemorate their years of education. You can get a 1/4, 1/2 or full page ad. You provide the pictures and words, the design is done by a professional at Friesens Publishing Company. Prices go up January 1st. Order at: https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274
Avid young journalists and designers from Hillsdale can attend the National High School Journalism Conference using these funds and experience in depth learning about publishing and broadcast.
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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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Maverick Jack’s ~ HHS Music Booster Fundraiser
Support our Music Boosters! Enjoy a meal at Maverick Jack’s (4000 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo) on Tuesday, November 18, and 20% of the bill will be donated to the HHS music program. Mention the HHS Music Boosters to your server if ordering in person, or use the code GIVEBACK if ordering takeout. Thanks for supporting our fabulous music program!
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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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Dancing Into The Holidays with See's!
Do some holiday shopping while supporting your favorite dance team! Storefront will be open until December 5th and orders will ship directly to your home.
All sales will support Knight Moves XXVIII.
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Welcome Class of 2026!
Senior Fall Events
Save these *tentative* dates for upcoming senior events!
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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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November 2025
“Imagine a circle of compassion and no one is standing outside of it.”
~ Father Gregory Boyle
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November 1, 2025
Hillsdale Community,
There is no simple or easy way to explain the concern we share about the ongoing federal government shutdown and the impact on our Hillsdale community. Starting today, November 1st, CalFresh benefits will halt with no new funds being added to a families EBT card until federal funding is restored. (NPR: With the outlook for SNAP benefits uncertain, food banks are warning of a crisis) In addition, SNAP benefit cuts are beginning to roll out as part of HR1. In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, our Hillsdale Peace Pantry will continue to provide weekly groceries and essential items to our families on Friday mornings.
In the coming days, Empowerment Through Action will be announcing additional steps we are preparing to take, in partnership with our school district, to ensure our Hillsdale families have the groceries they need to get through the coming weeks ahead if the Federal Shutdown continues. . .we will need volunteer and community support.
In closing, we are heartened by the fact that we have established a Community Resiliency Model at Hillsdale that allows us to respond quickly and scale our support to families in moments like we are in now. Make no mistake, our Hillsdale Community can and will respond because the people in our community show up for each other throughout the year. Service to others through our weekly Peace Pantry, Community Closet and Community Garden is part of the culture of Hillsdale and our San Mateo community. We cherish all of you who show up weekly to volunteer. Thank you to all of you who have donated to our annual Holiday Giving Campaign last December because this allows us to tap into our reserves for moments like this when a basic human right. . . like access to food becomes more and more at risk!
Hillsdale Stands Together!
Hillsdale Stands Together,
Brett Stevenson
Hillsdale ETA Co-Executive Director
ETA Website, ETA Overview Slides. ETA Donation Page
Read the complete November 2025 Newsletter here..
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Ways to Get Involved:
Peace Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry in November 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
Our 2025 Harvest has officially come to a close. 2025 has been a record setting year! On October 30th we hosted our 4th Annual Harvest Dinner where we thanked our dedicated volunteers and leaders for their tireless effort in our Hillsdale Community Garden in 2025. This team produced 2,884 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables from January 1-October 30, 2025 to distribute to Hillsdale families at our weekly Peace Pantry! At our Harvest Dinner, we also recognized our volunteers who went above and beyond this year with our Heart of a Knight Award and presented Lauren Mansfield with our 2025 Daniel Wolfsohn Master Gardener Award. Our Community Garden exists because of the students, staff, parents, neighbors and garden leaders who are deeply committed to addressing food insecurity in our community. Gratitude and appreciation for all of you! Hillsdale High School Community Garden 2025 Heart of a Knight Award Recipients: Kirin Johnson, Zoe Chan, Adam Woo, Renee Hall, Elena Hall, Joel Hsiung, Henry Farrow, Max Gallatin, Paul Chien, Charlotte Lum-Ku. If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org so we can add you to our WhatsApp Garden Group as we complete post harvest tasks and prepare our winter garden.
No experience required. *Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
Community Closet
For the month of November, the Community Closet is in need of warm coats, jackets, HHS Swag, Jeans, hoodies, new socks, t-shirts and the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodarant 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
The Science of Prevention: Promoting Healthy Practices in Youth and Families
Wednesday, November 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
The Power of Sleep for Student Resilience, Health and Well-Being
Wednesday, November 19, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Learn more and register
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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
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.
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 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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November 15: Environmental Youth Leadership Summit
The San Mateo County Office of Education is hosting its Environmental Youth Leadership Summit on Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. The summit is organized by students, for students and aims to educate and empower students to take action and be part of creating a sustainable future.
The summit is FREE and breakfast and lunch are provided. SMCOE is looking for students who would like to provide input, organize a breakout session, and/or help plan the summit! Interested students please fill out this Google Form.
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November 20: Youth Leaders Rising - In-Person Youth Leadership Training
For middle and high school youth leaders passionate about advocating for and supporting undocumented and mixed-status folks. This session will cover:
- Know Your Rights!
- Youth Participatory Action Research
- Youth-Led Policy Development
- Peer-to-Peer Allyship
Details:
Thursday, November 20, 2 - 4 p.m.
San Mateo County Office of Education, 101 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065
Transportation Costs and Refreshments Provided!
Registration Required
Please register individually, even if attending as a team.
Questions? Contact: Rubie Macaraeg, rmacaraeg@smcoe.org
View the flyer
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California Teen Poet Laureate Applications Due November 30
The California Arts Council (CAC) announced today that the application process is now open for the state’s first California Teen Poet Laureate. The role offers young adult word artists within our state the unique opportunity to promote literary arts and engage with diverse communities throughout California. All eligible teenaged poets are encouraged to apply.
This new position, established through Senate Bill 748, authored by Senator Henry Stern and signed into law in 2019, will serve as an advocate for poetry throughout the Golden State.
Learn more and apply at capoetlaureate.org.
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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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Apply Now for Creative Youth Awards
The Creative Youth Awards (CYA) is an annual program founded by the Bay Area Creative Foundation to celebrate, cultivate, and inspire creativity in youth and young adults.
The Awards are an opportunity for San Francisco Bay Area high school students to submit original artworks and performances across a range of creative disciplines, including visual art, film, music, dance, photography, and writing.
Submission deadline: December 10, 2025.
Learn more and apply: https://www.creativeyouthawards.org/creative-youth-awards
Aplique para los Premios Creativos para Jóvenes
Los Premios Creativos para Jóvenes (CYA) son un programa anual fundado por la Fundación Creativa del Área de la Bahía para celebrar, cultivar e inspirar la creatividad en los jóvenes y adultos jóvenes.
Los premios son una oportunidad para que los estudiantes de preparatoria del Área de la Bahía de San Francisco presenten obras de arte y actuaciones originales en un amplia gama de disciplinas creativas, incluyendo artes visuales, cine, música, danza, fotografía y escritura.
Fecha límite para aplicar: 10 de diciembre de 2025
Obtenga más información y presente su aplicacion en: https://www.creativeyouthawards.org/creative-youth-awards
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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 | | | | |
