Hillsdale PTSO Website



PTSO 2024-25 Membership Form (No Donation Required)

Happy Friday, Knights Families!

We hope you are liking our new format. Please let us know your feelings with this brief, anonymous survey. Bulletin Survey Thanks so much for your time!

"Tis the season for giving and what better way to give than to give to HHS Families. Scroll further down the bulletin for ways you can give to the ETA Program (Peace Pantry, Community Closet, etc) Your giving will absolutely make a difference.

Students are getting ready for finals and PTSO is getting ready to support our teachers and staff for December. We are planning a bag of goodies & snacks for them to have during Finals. We would love to have you donate, click here December Hospitality Sign Up 

Note that during finals, there will be schedule changes as the students take their exams. Check the 2024-2025 Bell schedule for details.

Last night was the first night of Improvalooza and there will be another performance tonight.  For those who don't know what that is, it is a show with the HIT Squad (an improv club) and HHS Improv Alumni facing off against Aragon's Improv Club/Alumni. Details below.

There is a Wrestling Tournament at HHS this Saturday. Come support our Knights Wrestlers. And while you are on campus...

There will be HHS Fiestas y Tradición- Event on Saturday December 7 @ 11:00 am 1:00 p.m. This is a family-friendly, food-filled event in the Multi-Use Room that is being put on by our Latino Parent Association. All are welcome!

We hope you have a fantastic week and are enjoying the calm before the busy December activities start to hit. Note a few below. Check the HHS Calendar for up-to-date events, too.

Jen and Holly 

Upcoming Events:

• Friday 12/6 7:00pm @ Little Theater -- Improvalooza vs Aragon (students free, adults $5)
• Saturday 12/7 11:00am-1:00pm @ HHS Cafeteria -- Fiestas y Tradicion
• Tuesday 12/10 5:00pm-6:00pm @ allCove --Into the Workforce: Employment Options for Young Adults
• Tuesday 12/10 6:30pm @ Room 110 -- Empowerment Through Action Informational Meeting (Scroll further for links/details)
• Wednesday 12/11 3:30 - 6:30pm @ allCove --Out of the Shadows: Human Trafficking Education and Prevention (in partnership with Love Never Fails)
• Wednesday 12/11 7:00pm @ Little Theater -- Winter Dance Showcase--all are welcome
• Thursday 12/12 7:00pm @ San Mateo Performing Arts Center -- Winter Concert Series #1
• Friday 12/13 7:00pm @ HHS Auditorium -- Winter Concert Series #2
• Friday 12/13 5:00pm @ HHS Little Theater -- Musical Eras Tour - Fall Drama Showcase (free admission)
• Monday 12/16 6:30pm PTSO Meeting @ HHS/Virtually--all are welcome
• COMING SOON (in January) - HHS Parent Education Knight--Topic: AP Classes what you need to know

This week's Fundraisers:

• HHS Holiday Giving Campaign (see below)
• See's Candy (Dance Ensemble)-- LAST DAY TODAY! (flyer)
• PJs Pizza Co.(HHS Track & Field)--Monday 12/9th-14th (mention Hillsdale when ordering) (flyer)
• Chipotle (Sophomore Class)--Monday 12/9 5:00-9:00pm @ Park Place (Use code 79XJZBN when ordering online) (flyer)
• HHS 3D Art and Ceramics Sale--Wednesday 12/11 7:00pm @ HHS Little Theater (during Winter Dance Showcase pre-show and during intermission) Items sold for $1-$5
• HHS Athletic Jackets (Athletic Booster) (flyer)
• Purchase your yearbook
• Yearbook Senior ads - go up in price January 1st (flyer)

This week's Volunteer Opportunities:

• Community Garden harvest support--Thursdays 3:30-5:00pm (no experience needed, just show up)
• Peace Pantry distribution or delivery--Friday mornings starting at 7:00 or 7:30 (no experience needed sign up here)
• Knight Rider Basketball Concessions--coming soon. If you are interested, please let us know.
• December Hospitality with Leadership December Hospitality Sign Up

4th Annual HHS Holiday Giving Campaign

December 1-31, 2024

HHS Stands Together to Support Vulnerable Families in our Community

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to help us continue to serve families in need through our Peace Pantry, Community Closet and Community Garden!

Community is more important than ever as we continue to address the high cost of rent, gasoline and food. The Peace Pantry, Community Closet and Community Garden are scheduled to run out of funds this January and our goal is to raise $80,000 by January 1.

Please consider making a donation to our Holiday Giving Campaign so we can continue to offer this critical support. Tax deductible donations can be made through the Hillsdale Foundation, a 501c3. If your employer matches gifts, you can double your impact.

• $50 a month...supports a Hillsdale family with groceries and essential items from Mi Rancho Market every other week. 
• A pledge of $600…supports a Hillsdale family with supplies from Mi Rancho Market for the next twelve months.
• A pledge of any dollar amount…supports a HHS family experiencing food insecurity and allows us to maintain our year round community closet and community garden.

Check out our Hillsdale ETA Holiday Giving Campaign 2024-25 Video to learn more.

We wish you and your family well during this holiday season and thank you for standing with Hillsdale in providing this support. Make no mistake, raising $80,000 will be a community effort and will need to be family to family and community member to community member. See below for Volunteer Opportunities and more ways to support and/or get involved with supporting our community. 

Thank you,

Jeff Gilbert, Principal and Brett Stevenson, Dean of Students

December Volunteer Opportunities

Peace Pantry

If you would like to volunteer at our Peace Pantry this Friday OR other Fridays in December, 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. No experience required. 

Community Garden

If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to learn more. We currently need Thursday harvest and garden maintenance support from 3:30pm-5:00pm. All you need to do is show up. No experience required. Our Community Garden Team is currently producing a weekly harvest of organic fruits and vegetables which directly supports Hillsdale families enrolled in our Peace Pantry. *Follow us on Instagram @hhs_community_garden

Community Closet

Our Community Closet Team is working hard on our Community Closet expansion project. Soon, students will be able to access a well designed space to shop for clothes and essential items. Our volunteer team is currently in need of (ONLY) men’s (high school age) jeans, HHS gear/swag, new socks, new undershirts, shampoo/conditioner and essential items. We accept donations Wednesdays @ 2:45pm-4:00pm OR Fridays @ 7:30am-8:30am in the Alameda Parking Lot. *Follow us on Instagram @hhs_community_closet

HHS Athletic Contest Calendar

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

Fiesta y Tradiciones / Fiesta and Traditions

Fiesta para toda la familia! Queremos celebrar en comunidad! / A community celebration for the whole family! Sabado, 7 de diciembre / Saturday December 7 @ 11am - 1pm in the HHS Cafeteria.

For more information:

ETA Website

Overview Slides

SMUHSD LinkedIn

SM Daily Journal

ETA Informational Meeting

Interested in learning more about Empowerment through Action (ETA)? Please join us on Tuesday, December 10th @ 6:30-8:00 PM for a gathering in our Community Resource Center at Hillsdale High School as we take a deeper dive into this important program. RSVP here.

We will be sharing the evolution of ETA, stories about its positive impact on our community and ways you can become more involved in 2025. This is for anyone interested in joining a local movement of people helping people. Big thanks to those of you who’ve already jumped in!

How can you help support ETA?

1. Connect us to potential supporters - We’re looking for corporations, large/small businesses or high-wealth individual donors to ensure ETA can continue to support currently enrolled students and the Class of 2027 for their entire high school journey.
2. Explore opportunities to get involved - Perhaps you’re interested in becoming an ally, volunteering, mentoring, helping us find internship/job opportunities, etc. for this community-based program. 

We appreciate your efforts to help us spread awareness about ETA. Your support will ensure that our program and community can continue to grow, evolve and thrive.

We hope you can make it on December 10th @ 6:30-8:00pm. RSVP here

Brett Stevenson, Rachel Lauderdale & Ed Canda - Co-Executive Directors of ETA at HHS

Christy Knott & Doriel Nishioka - Community Connector Committee Co-Chairs

6th Annual Winter Show ~ Dance Ensemble

Join us for our 6th Annual Winter Show, presented by the Hillsdale Dance Ensemble. All pieces are student choreographed and guaranteed to fill you with holiday spirit. Mark your calendar for Wednesday December 11, this is an event you won't want to miss!

We are also excited to welcome the HHS 3d Art & Ceramics program End of Semester Holiday Gift Sale in the Great Court (before the show and during intermission). Items are created by students and are priced to sell from $1-$5. All proceeds will support a ceramics based field trip spring semester.

HHS Winter Concert Series

Hillsdale High School’s Music Department warmly invites you to our Winter Concert Series, where our talented students will fill the air with festive melodies and captivating performances.

Thursday, December 12: Choirs and Orchestras @ San Mateo Performing Arts Center

Experience the soaring harmonies of our choirs and the lush sounds of our orchestras. These performances will stir your soul and bring the spirit of the season to life.

Friday, December 13: Bands and Jazz Ensemble @ Hillsdale High School Auditorium

Feel the rhythm and energy as our bands and jazz ensemble take the stage, delivering a dynamic night of music filled with holiday joy and festive cheer to warm your heart.

Doors open at 6:45 PM, with performances beginning promptly at 7:00 PM.

Eras Tour Musical ~ HHS Drama

Come see the Drama Students perform their Fall Showcase on Friday December 13 @ 5pm in the Little Theater. Free Admission

For Class of 2025...

GRAD NIGHT TICKETS

SF Bay Cruise - Thursday, May 29th @ 8 pm - 2 am (Promptly after graduation)

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!

SENIOR MERCH

Hillsdale Class of 2025 Senior merchandise! Designed by the students and ready to wear proudly through winter and spring. T-shirts, Sweaters & Sweatpants available.

This link expires on December 20 and it will be the ONLY opportunity to purchase!!

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!)

CAMISAS MAYORES

¡Mercancía para personas mayores de la Clase Hillsdale 2025! Diseñado por los estudiantes y listo para usar con orgullo durante el invierno y la primavera.

Camisetas, suéteres y pantalones deportivos disponibles.

Este enlace vence el 20 de diciembre y será la ÚNICA oportunidad de compra!!

Senior Ads for the Yearbook are on sale now!

Create a beautiful memory for your graduate by adding a special message and photo collage to The Shield 2025. We will design the ad using your words and pictures.

Early bird pricing ends on January 1, 2025.

Go to the Friesens store website to purchase your ad and we will be in touch with instructions. https://ybstore.friesens.com/768274

Dancing into the Holidays with See's!

TODAY is your LAST DAY (Friday December 6) to do some holiday shopping while supporting your favorite dance team! All orders will ship directly to your home and our storefront will be open through today. All sales will support Knight Moves XXVII.

HHS Athletic Jackets ~ Athletic Booster Fundraiser

Stay cozy and show your school spirit! Don’t miss out on ordering your school jackets—perfect for cooler weather and showing Knight pride.

Orders are due by December 8th, so act fast!

For details and to place your order scan the QR code!!

PJ's Pizza Co. Fundraiser ~ HHS Track & Field

With the holidays and finals approaching, why not make dinner easy while supporting the HHS Track & Field program. Next week, from December 9-14, the generous folks at PJ's Pizza Co. (168 W. 25th Ave.) will give 20% of every order back to our program! Simply mention you are with HILLSDALE.

Our track & field team is working towards getting enough money to purchase/install a pole vault at Hillsdale. There's no easier way to raise the funds we need than to eat good food!

College & Career Counseling

Current Workshops, College Rep Visits and Events

Please reach out with any questions:

Ms. Laura Burtness

Hillsdale's College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor

LBurtness@smuhsd.org

650 558 2613

Upcoming Allcove Events and Workshops

allcove San Mateo's events are held at their drop in center, located at 2600 S. El Camino, Suite 300, San Mateo

Game Night

Friday, December 6, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Into the Workforce: Employment Options for Young Adults

Tuesday, December 10, 5 - 6 p.m.

Out of the Shadows: Human Trafficking Education and Prevention (in partnership with Love Never Fails)

Wednesday, December 11, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.

See all of allcove San Mateo’s upcoming events.

Art Takes a Bus Ride Competition

Art Takes a Bus Ride is an art competition for San Mateo County students grades 1 through 12. The event is sponsored by the San Mateo County Transit District and the San Mateo County Office of Education. The 2024-2025 theme is Connecting our Community with SamTrans.

Showcase the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods of San Mateo County and how SamTrans brings people together. Highlight local landmarks and everyday moments that illustrate the unity and shared experiences of riding public transportation, connecting everyone in our community. Artwork must be original and created by students only.

Submission deadline is December 20. Learn more.

Concurso Art Takes a Bus Ride (El arte viaja en autobús) 

El concurso Art Takes a Bus Ride es un concurso de arte para los estudiantes del Condado de San Mateo de los grados 1 al 12. El evento es patrocinado por el Distrito de Transito del Condado de San Mateo y la Oficina de Educación del Condado de San Mateo. El tema de 2024-2025 es Conectando nuestra Comunidad con SamTrans. Mostrar los vecindarios vibrantes y diversos del Condado de San Mateo y como SamTrans une a las personas. Destacar los puntos de referencia locales y momentos cotidianos que ilustran la unidad y las experiencias compartidas de viajar en transporte público conectando a todos en nuestra comunidad. Las obras de arte deben ser originales y creadas únicamente por estudiantes.

La fecha límite para presentar su obra es el 20 de diciembre.Obtenga más informacion. 

Step Into the Light Art Contest

Call all Bay Area High School Artists! Participate in a Creative Competition that Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

Submissions are now being accepted for the Step Into the Light Art Competition!

Submissions can include Essays, Poetry, Video, Fine Art, Photography, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media!

Entry forms must be submitted by January 24, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Learn more.

Dr. Cora Clemons Emerging Young Samaritan Award

Inspired by the devotion to community service demonstrated by our

founder, Dr. Cora Clemons, Samaritan House is proud to announce

the establishment of the Dr. Cora Clemons Emerging Young

Samaritan award. This annual $2,000 award recognizes a young San Mateo

County changemaker whose work exemplifies the selfless spirit and energy

of Dr. Clemons.

Applicants/nominees must be San Mateo County residents, 16-22 years old on January 1, 2025, and pursuing their service work in the County.

Submission deadline is January 24, 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit www.samaritanhousesanmateo.org/dr-clemons-award/

Premio Dra. Cora Clemons de Casa Samaritana (Samaritan House)

El premio Dra. Cora Clemons está inspirado en el trabajo de servicio comunitario y el espíritu desinteresado de nuestra fundadora, la Dra. Cora Clemons.

Este premio anual de $2,000 reconoce a dos jóvenes creadores de cambios en el condado de San Mateo, cuyo trabajo de servicio comunitario modela el compromiso de la Dra. Clemons con el servicio. El comité de premios da la bienvenida a los nominados que toman la iniciativa para generar un impacto en su comunidad y ejemplifican el valor y el poder de la compasión y la empatía. Los nominados pueden postularse directamente o ser nominados por un miembro de la comunidad.

El comité de premios da la bienvenida y valora todos los proyectos y trabajos que honran el legado de la Dra. Clemons de luchar contra la pobreza y mejorar vidas.

Los solicitantes/nominados deben ser residentes del Condado de San Mateo, tener entre 16 y 22 años para el 1 de enero de 2025 y realizar su trabajo de servicio comunitario en el condado.

La fecha límite de presentación es el 24 de enero de 2025.

Para obtener más información y presentar una solicitud, visite: https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/dr-cora-clemons-premio-joven-samaritano-emergente/

In-Person Program Teaching Youth to Manage Emotions Starts in January

NAMI San Mateo County invites youth (ages 11-18) to a six week program that focuses on teaching teens/pre-teens how to manage emotions and learn coping skills that can be applied to their everyday life.

This group meets in person in San Mateo starting on Monday, January 27 and will meet every Monday for six weeks from 6-7 p.m.

Parents/students: Learn more and register.

Programa en persona que enseña a los jóvenes a manejar las emociones - Este programa empieza en enero

La organización NAMI del Condado de San Mateo invita a jóvenes (de 11 a 18 años) a un programa de seis semanas que se enfoca en enseñar a adolescentes y pre adolescentes cómo manejar las emociones y aprender habilidades de afrontamiento que pueden aplicarse a su vida diaria.

Este grupo se reúne en persona en San Mateo a partir del lunes 27 de enero y se reunirá todos los lunes durante seis semanas de 6 a 7 p.m.

Padres y estudiantes: Obtenga más información y registrese aquí

Upcoming District Concerts and Plays

Visit the District website at smuhsd.org/vapa for more information. These concerts and plays are open to anyone in the community.

Aragon

• December 6: Choir/Orchestra Concert
• December 13: Band Concert
• December 20: Jazz Concert

Burlingame

• December 12: Winter Concert featuring String Orchestra, Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra
• December 13: Winter Concert featuring Jazz Band, Concert Percussion and Symphonic Band

Capuchino

• December 12-13: Winter Concert

Hillsdale

• December 5-6: H.I.T. Squad Improvapalooza
• December 12: Winter Concert Series #1 (San Mateo Performing Arts Center)
• December 12: Winter Concert Series #2
• December 13: Drama Fall Showcase

Mills

• December 13: Winter Concert

San Mateo

• December 10: Instrumental Winter Concert
• December 12: Choral Winter Concert

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!