Hillsdale Knights Bulletin ~
February 7, 2025
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What's Happening at Hillsdale | |
Knights Families,
2025 is still just beginning, but we are actively looking for people who are interested in helping with the PTSO in any capacity for the next school year. Please reach out here if you are interested--all are welcome and experience is not needed!!
February is full of VAPA fun...what is VAPA? It's the Visual and Performing Arts program. This is definitely a great month to check out what they have to offer!
Last night and tonight, the Improv Olympics are happening in the Little Theater starting at 7:00pm. (Flyer)
Today from 11am-8pm, the Music Boosters are hosting a fundraiser at California Fish Grill (Flyer)
Next Thursday and Friday will be the Choral and Instrumental POPs concerts in the Auditorium starting at 7:00pm. It's perfect timing if your student is interested in the upcoming HHS band auditions.
Dance is also part of VAPA, but the upcoming Winter Formal is a fundraiser for the Junior Class! The Juniors are fundraising to cover some of the costs of Senior year activities. They are looking for donations!!--check out the flyer below for a list.
On Monday, February 10th, ticket sales will begin for Winter Formal. Tickets will be $30, cash/check only, purchase from the Dance Room window. Check out the cool Flyer and Promo Video the Juniors made.
Speaking of Juniors, the Junior Interviews are coming soon! We are looking for volunteers to help with mock interviews. Flyer
Senior Families, don't forget to take advantage of the discounted pricing for Grad Night (SENIORS ONLY). Click here for registration & payment (flyer)
Thanks so much to all who have volunteered to donate for next week's hospitality event. We have a few empty spots if you are still interested. February hospitality
As always, thanks so much for your continued support for Hillsdale. You make us proud to be a part of the Knights Family,
Holly and Jen
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
Upcoming Events:
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TONIGHT Friday February 7 @ 7pm: Improv Olympics (Flyer)
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Sunday February 9: CPR Training by Stanford Health Care (Flyer)
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Monday February 10 @ Dance Room window-Winter Formal ticket sales begin
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Thursday February 13 @7pm: Pops Choral Concert (Info)
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Friday February 14 @7pm: Pops Instrumental Concert (Info)
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Friday March 14: HHS Band Auditions Due (Flyer)
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March 14, 15 & 16: Radium Girls ~ HHS Drama (Flyer)
This week's Fundraisers:
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TODAY Friday February 7 @ 11am-8pm: California Fish Grill ~ Music Booster Fundraiser (Flyer)
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Saturday February 22: Winter Formal @ HHS ~ this event is a Junior Class Fundraiser (Flyer)
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Tuesday March 4 @ 4-8pm: Chipotle (Park Place) --Freshmen Class Fundraiser
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Purchase your yearbook
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Friday April 25: 17th Annual Golf Tournament, Banquet and Auction (Flyer)
- Grad Night Tickets--SENIORS ONLY registration & payment (Flyer)
This week's Volunteer Opportunities:
- Knight Rider Basketball Concessions
- February Hospitality for faculty/staff click here
- Junior Mock Interviews - Flyer
- One Warm Coat Drive Extended to February 12 (Flyer)
- Winter Formal Volunteer/Donations - (Flyer)
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A Message from Lead Principal Jeff Gilbert -
Help Secure a $10,000 Matching Gift by Donating to the Hillsdale Foundation Fund today!
"Educators from Anaheim spent two days at Hillsdale this fall and kept using the phrase, "eye-opening" as they observed our school and community.
Their reactions reminded me to keep my eyes open, to value the place that our staff has created at Hillsdale--the relationships that are formed through Small Learning Communities, clubs, sports, Empowerment Through Action, electives and so much more.
All of this is built on the annual support of parents in our community. If we all give what we can, we can fully fund our kids and keep Hillsdale shining."
Your support makes all things possible. Join a Hillsdale family who will match your donation between now and Friday, February 21st, up to $10,000! Match now to double your impact!
Find out if your company will match your donation. Triple your impact!
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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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Important Reminder for Senior Families!
This is the LAST month to purchase tickets for our Grad Knight Bay Cruise event following graduation. Deadline is March 1, 2025.
To register- please fill out the registration form & pay using QR code.
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Volunteers/Donations Needed for Winter Formal
Hello Junior Class Families, Winter Formal is coming and we need your help. The Junior Class of 2026 is prepping for the the dance on Saturday February 22. With this we are asking for some donated items, set up and clean up to help make this night special and fun for all!
Please scan the QR code on flyer to get on the sign up sheet. You can also follow this link.
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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
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HHS Pops Concert Series
Come celebrate the power of music with us during two unforgettable evenings of performance and artistry, featuring a variety of fun, toe-tapping tunes.
Choral Concert: Thursday, February 13, 2025 @ 7pm
Instrumental Concert: Friday, February 14, 2025 @ 7pm
Both concerts are in the Hillsdale High School Main Theater.
Tickets: $10/adults, $5/seniors, free/students. For tickets and more information (including volunteering), visit https://hillsdalemusic.blogspot.com/.
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HHS Music Department - Band Auditions and Concert Band
Are you interested in learning to play a musical instrument? Do you already play an instrument and want to join a band? Interested in traveling during your high school career? The Hillsdale High School Music Department audition materials are live and we want YOU to join!
If you have experience playing an instrument, audition for our Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, or our NEW Symphonic Band!
If you are interested in learning an instrument, join Concert Band! No audition necessary!
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California Fish Grill ~ Music Booster Fundraiser
Mark your calendars! On Friday, February 7, grab lunch or dinner at California Fish Grill (2214 Bridgepointe Pkwy, near Target), and 25% of the proceeds will go to our Music Boosters. Mention the Music Boosters if ordering in person, or use the code FUND2025 for online orders. Ordering from the restaurant kiosk? Scan the code on the flier below. Fundraiser runs from 11 AM-8 PM. Thanks for supporting our amazing music program!
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Let's Grove Tonight ~ HHS Winter Formal
LET'S GROOVE TONIGHT!!! Get your WINTER FORMAL TICKETS.
Date: Saturday, February 22
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Location: HHS South Gym
Tickets go on Sale starting February 10th @ Dance room. $30.00 (Cash or Check only) Please pick up guest passes in the main office and have them filled out prior to purchasing your ticket as well as checking the Truancy List.
This dance is sponsored by the Junior Class - all proceeds will go towards Senior year activities.
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17th Annual Golf Tournament & Dinner/Auction Banquet ~
Athletic Booster
Come Support our Athletics Program in our BIGGEST FUNDRAISER of the Year:
17th Annual Golf Tournament & Dinner/Auction Banquet
Friday, April 25th
1:00 Shotgun Start
Don't miss the fun! Sign up NOW!!
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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
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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.
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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
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Grad Night Tickets
SF Bay Cruise - Thursday, May 29th @ 8 pm - 2 am (Promptly after graduation).
This is the LAST month to purchase tickets. Deadline is March 1, 2025. 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!)
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Volunteer Opportunities for Teens!
The inclusion of an opportunity in this document is not an endorsement or recommendation by SMUHSD.
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Important District Updates | |
SMUHSD Parents/Guardians: Take the 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
Spanish
Your thoughts improve the future of our District and Schools for our entire school community. The deadline to complete the survey is February 28, 2025.
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Padres/Tutores de SMUHSD: ¡Complete la encuesta Panorama 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
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 28 de febrero.
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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:
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.
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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:
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.
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Legal Aid Presentation: Community Concerns Around Access to Legal Services
Community members are invited to attend a Presentation by Legal Aid on Friday, February 7 from 11 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
February 7, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
To access the Zoom link, email Brenda Nuñez at Brenda.Nunez@star-vista.org.
San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Diversity & Equity Council is inviting Legal Aid of San Mateo County to present for the community.
Legal Aid will discuss community concerns around access to civil legal services with a focus on access to healthcare and public benefits for LGBTQ+, undocumented, and mental health consumers. Learn more.
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Presentación de la organización Legal Aid of San Mateo County: Preocupaciones de la comunidad en torno al acceso a servicios jurídicos.
Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a asistir a una presentación de la organización Legal Aid el viernes 7 de febrero de 11:00 a.m. a 12:30 p.m.
Este evento se llevará a cabo vía Zoom. Envíe un correo electrónico a Brenda.Nunez@Star-Vista.org para obtener el enlace de Zoom.
El Consejo de Diversidad y Equidad de Servicios de Recuperación y Salud Conductual de San Mateo está invitando a Legal Aid of San Mateo County a hacer esta presentación a la comunidad.
Legal Aid discutirá las preocupaciones de la comunidad sobre el acceso a servicios legales civiles con un enfoque en el acceso a la atención médica y los beneficios públicos para consumidores LGBTQ+, indocumentados y de salud mental. Obtenga más información.
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Parent Venture Family Education Webinars
All webinars are free and offer simultaneous Spanish interpretation.
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.
Parenting in the Age of AI
Wednesday, February 12, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Amy Love, AI Advisor and Author, "Raising Entrepreneurs: Preparing Kids for Success in the Age of AI"
Learn more and register
Executive Functioning: Navigating Key Transitions for Neurodivergent Youth
Thursday, February 13, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Nicole Ofiesh, cognitive behavioral scientist and former Executive Director of the Schwab Learning Center, Stanford/CHC
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.
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February 8: Meet the Pros - Women of Color in Aviation
Saturday, February 8, 12 - 3 p.m.
EPA Center, 1950 Bay Road East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Meet the Pros 2025 is a groundbreaking event, presented by Bay Area Urban Eagles, that celebrates and showcasing the achievements of Women of Color in Aviation. This year’s theme highlights the inspiring stories and career paths of women who are breaking barriers and soaring to new heights in aviation.
Connect with an incredible lineup of professionals, including airline pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, maintenance specialists, flight instructors, and airport operations specialists. Whether you’re an aspiring aviation professional, a student exploring career opportunities, or someone passionate about diversity and representation, this event is for you!
Highlights:
- Panel Discussions featuring trailblazing women sharing their journeys and insights
- Including Brigadier General and former NASA Astronaut Yvonne Cagle
- Networking Opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers.
- Interactive Workshops to learn about aviation careers and pathways to success.
- Hands-On Exhibits showcasing the latest in aviation technology and training tools.
Register for this free event.
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Black Youth Advisory Board Presents Movie Night
San Mateo County’s Black Youth Advisory Board (BYAB) presents Black Youth Movie Night, a free event for 12-19 year olds in San Mateo County on Friday, February 14 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. at the Redwood City Century Theatre on Middlefield Road.
Learn more and register for this event. Registration includes a drink, popcorn and a raffle ticket!
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Saturday, February 15: Black History Month Joy Fest
The South San Francisco Library and SSF Parks and Recreation invite the community to attend Black History Month Joy Fest on Saturday, February 15 from 1-3 p.m.
The event will feature music, spoken word artists and a 2 p.m. screening of the short film,
Hair Love (2019), followed by double-dutch, hopscotch, clothespin people craft, and a food tasting from SSF's own Flavas Jamaican Grill.
Learn more.
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Youth Advocacy and Social Summit (YAASS)
The Youth Advocacy and Social Summit (YAASS) aims to lead, inform, engage, and inspire all students in San Mateo County to be supportive of one another. YAASS specifically supports the work of LGBTQ+ middle and high school students and their allies to make all middle and high schools safer and more inclusive.
High school students are invited to attend the summit on Tuesday, March 4, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Register: Please check in with your GSA Faculty Advisor or School Counselor to register
The summit will feature presenters from San Mateo Pride Center, Outlet, Safe Space Center and CORA.
Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Download the flyer.
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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.
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¡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.
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Call for Art: Women’s View Art Submissions Are Due February 19
The 19th Annual San Mateo County Women’s Art Show is \accepting art submissions until February 19! This juried exhibition will be on display March 5 -30 at the Twin Pines Art Center in Belmont. Students are encouraged to apply! Learn more about eligibility and submission requirements.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |