Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2025-26 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

Knights families,

Welcome to the Homecoming Edition of the bulletin where you can hopefully get all of your homecoming questions answered.

This week is Spirit Week (Flyer) with each day's dress themes relating to our homecoming theme: A Knight in Rio. There will also be daily lunchtime activities and competitions. We will end the week with a rally complete with the class competitions and performances by cheer and dance. They've been rehearsing day and night, so we can't wait to see that hard work pay off!

Homecoming Dance Tickets are currently on sale for $50 at lunch outside Mr. Beame's office--you may pay by cash or check. You can also pay online via Omela (Tickets). Ticket sales are open through Friday, Nov 7. 

Student eligibility to attend homecoming is based on the grading period through TODAY. Families can refer to the 2025-2026 Parent Handbook for details regarding eligibility. Financial assistance is also available for ticket purchases to those students that qualify--linked here (information on the right hand side)

Does your student need a boutonniere or corsage? Look no further! The Class of 2026 is having a fundraiser by making them for homecoming. Boutonnieres are $25, corsages are $35--or both for $50. They come in a wide variety of colors and will be available for pick-up on Saturday at 2:00pm in San Mateo. It's an amazing deal AND you support the Senior Class! (Flyer)

Friday will be the JV and Varsity football games vs. Aragon in what is officially called "The Battle of the Fleas" It will be a busy game since it's also Senior Knight for football/cheer/dance, come early--get good parking and enjoy food from Concessions. Chef PJ's special will be delicious Wagyu Brisket with baked beans and corn souffle!! If you are free to help at Concessions during the games, we would greatly appreciate it, and so would the fans who won't have to wait so long in line! Click here PLUS you get a free meal for your efforts!

Then, Saturday is the Homecoming Dance at Devil's Canyon Brewery 935 Washington Street in San Carlos. Doors are open for admittance from 8:00-9:00. Doors close at 9:00pm and students will not be allowed to enter after that time. Doors reopen at 10:30pm. Students will not be allowed to leave during these hours without parent/guardian permission. (Flyer)

Have a Rio-ly Spirited Week!!

Jen and Holly

HHS PTSO Co-Presidents

Upcoming Events:

• Nov 3-7: Spirit Week for Homecoming (Flyer)
• Click HERE for Winter Sports and HERE to Email Winter Sports coaches 
• Mon Nov 3: Athletics Booster Meeting
• Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Rally
• Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game vs Aragon @ HHS
• Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance at Devil's Canyon Brewery (Tickets)
• Mon Nov 10: PTSO Monthly Meeting @ 6:30 Rm 428 and Zoom
• Tue Nov 11: No School - Veterans' Day
• Nov 13-16: HHS Drama Into The Woods (Flyer)
• Fri Nov 14: Yearbook/Senior Ad Pre-sale Pricing Ends (Flyer)
• Nov 26-28: No School - Thanksgiving Break
• Mon Dec 1: SCSCA Summer Exchange Application Due (Flyer)

Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:

• Until Wed Nov 5: Corsage/Boutonnieres (Class of 2026) (Flyer)
• Wed Nov 5: Maverick Jack's (Drama) (Flyer)
• Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance (Cheer) at Devil's Canyon (Flyer)
• Sun Nov 23: Quin's 2nd Annual 5K (Flyer)

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Concessions: During home Football games (Sign Up here)
• Community Garden: Thursdays 3:30pm-5pm (email here)
• Peace Pantry: Fridays 7-8am (Sign Up here)

A Note From Our New Hillsdale Foundation Executive Director

Hello!  

I’m Amy Michael, and I’m very excited to serve as the Executive Director of the Hillsdale High School Foundation. For those of you I haven’t met, I’m a proud Hillsdale parent. My husband, Bryan, and I have two Knights: Judy (a current junior) and Charlie (Class of 2023).

I’ve loved volunteering for our children’s schools over the years and most recently served on the Hillsdale Foundation Board. In my new role, I’m committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission to support Small Learning Communities. Our unique and special House system helps every student feel known, connected, and challenged. I look forward to partnering with Hillsdale families, staff and alumni to sustain and grow that impact for every student.  

I look forward to hearing from you, our wonderful Hillsdale community. I can be reached anytime at execdirector@hillsdalehsfoundation.org

With our new executive director in place, we are looking forward to finishing the year strong as we head towards Giving Tuesday, December 2. Finish your tax deductible end of year giving.  Donate to the Hillsdale Annual Fund today.

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar

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

Link to game schedule

Penny Wars!

Put coins in your advisory’s jug to earn positive points and put cash in other advisories’ jugs to give them negative points. If donating online, click here. The advisory with the most points wins a Halloween party!

To earn an extra 10 points for your advisory, fill out this form.

Go to https://hhseffect.wixsite.com/hillsdale-effect to see learn more about Penny Wars and our cause.

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

Fundraising and Sales

The Addams Family ~ Community Theater

Come support community theater. The Addams Family opens Saturday November 1st. 

For tickets : tinyurl.com/addams-etc

Maverick Jack’s ~ Drama Fundraiser

Join Hillsdale’s drama dept, at Maverick Jack’s on Wednesday November 5th, all day for delicious food and drink.. No flier needed just mention Hillsdale Drama in restaurant and use code “Giveback” when ordering online directly on the website!

💐 Corsage & Boutonniere Fundraiser!

Support the Senior Class and get ready for the big KNIGHT in style! Boutonnieres are $25, corsages are $35, or grab both for $50. Click the QR code on the flier to place your order by Wednesday November 5th!

HHS Drama ~ Into The Woods

Get your tickets for Into The Woods. It is going to be a fun show. Don't miss it!

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

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

Seniors Corner



Graduation Information

Senior Family Packet

Welcome Class of 2026!

Senior Fall Events

Save these *tentative* dates for upcoming senior events! 

• Fri Nov 7: Homecoming Game - Football 
• Sat Nov 8: Homecoming Dance

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

Gown Orders Due Today

Hillsdale seniors! 

It's time to start thinking about your graduation ceremony! Please complete the Graduation Gown Order Form by 10/31 to make sure you receive a gown in your correct size. Gowns are provided by Hillsdale and are free of charge. You will receive your gown in April.

** Please note this form must be completed from your student's school email address.

Go Knights!

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.

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

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.

Read the October 2025 Newsletter here.

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.

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

Parent Venture Webinars For Parents / Guardians

Helping Your Child Build Good Habits - Parent Forum #43 (English)

Friday, October 31, 12 - 1 p.m

Learn more and register

Talk to Your Boys: Help Tweens/Teens Grow into Confident, Caring Young Men

Wednesday, November 5, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Learn more and register

The Science of Prevention: Promoting Healthy Practices in Youth and Families

Wednesday, November 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Learn more and register

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!