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Hillsdale Knights' Bulletin ~
January 30, 2026
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| | What's Happening at Hillsdale | | |
Knights Families,
Here we are at the end of January--it's been a short week, but such a long month. We are just starting February, yet lots of events will be happening starting mid-month, so take those calendars out--we need you now!
PTSO will be hosting an informative AP Parent Informational Night along with our monthly meeting on Monday February 9 @ 6:30pm VIA ZOOM ONLY. If you have general questions you'd like to see addressed during the meeting, you can add them here. Click here to enter your AP Meeting Questions Although students are choosing courses now, courses can be changed by you/your student for the next couple of months, so don't worry!
We also need your help with donations for our February 11th Hospitality breakfast we are co-hosting with Leadership. We've made it simple--you can donate to gift cards, deliver directly to school/someone's home ahead of time, or even drop off that day. Click here to help--February Hospitality
We would like to in"formally" ask for your help/donations/support for Winter Formal. ALL grade level families are welcome to help! (Sign up here for more information, no commitment required at this point)
One of the amazing annual events that Hillsdale offers Juniors is quickly approaching. Junior Mock Interviews. All Juniors have been working on their resumes in advisory and we are looking for volunteers to give them an authentic interview experience. Volunteers can attend one, two, or all three days of interviews. Sign up here
The HHS Community Closet is having their annual "One Warm Coat" drive right now. They are halfway through the drive and are still looking for coats, sweaters, HHS gear, and winter attire. Drop off details are listed on the flyer here.. flyer here
We appreciate all that you do to support Hillsdale--every little bit counts. Some people give money, others give time, and others spread the word about needing money/volunteers/attendees for events. Without you, our community wouldn't be what it is, so thank you!
Have a fantastic last couple of days of January,
Jen and Holly
HHS PTSO Co-Presidents
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Upcoming Events:
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Jan 19 - Feb 6: One Warm Coat Drive (Flyer)
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Sat Jan 31 @10am: E-Bike Safety Forum (More Info/RSVP)
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Mon Feb 2 @ 6:30pm: Athletic Boosters Meeting
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Wed Feb 4: CSF Fall Grades Due
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Mon Feb 9 @ 6:30pm: AP Parent Info Night & Monthly PTSO Meeting (Flyer)
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Tues Feb 10: Drama Boosters Meeting
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Thur Feb 12 @ 6PM: ETA Career Networking Social
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Wed/Thurs Feb 18-19 @ 7pm: Pops Concerts
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Fri Feb 20 @ 7pm Winter HIT Show
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March 13-15: HHS Drama "Shakespeare in Love" (Flyer)
Current/Upcoming Fundraisers:
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LAST DAY Jan 30: See's Spring Candy Fundraiser (Junior Class) (Flyer)
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Wed Feb 4: Maverick Jack's (Drama) (Flyer)
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Wed/Thurs Feb 11 & 12 @ Great Court: Cruel Donuts (Junior Class)
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Sat Feb 28: Winter Formal (Junior Class) (Flyer)
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Sat March 21: Athletic Boosters Auction Event (Flyer)
Volunteer Opportunities:
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HHS Athletic Contest Calendar
Come support our athletes! Go Knights! (Games in BLUE = home games)
Link to game schedule
| | The Annual Fund Keeps our House Lights On | | |
We are now at $500,000
Several families heard our call last week, including an anonymous donor who generously gave $25,000.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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Every dollar goes towards our unique and special House System. A Small Learning Community model designed to understand every child and help them feel connected to their peers and their teachers.
These connective bonds are the #1 indicator proven for academic, social and mental health success.
Join Our Community of Givers
3 Easy Ways to make your tax deductible gift:
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Give to the Annual Fund: Help close the funding gap and support our teachers & students! Our annual ask is $750/student. Click here to give.
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Opt for monthly payments: Spread your gift into monthly payments! Every gift is deeply appreciated. Click here to give monthly in any amount.
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Make a gift of stock to the Foundation: Click here for easy instructions.
Please reach out to Foundation Executive Director Amy Michael for more information. amymichael@hillsdalehsfoundation.org
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E-Bike Safety and Policy Solutions Forum: Improving Regulation, Safety, and Traffic Laws - Especially for Youth
Join Assemblymember Diane Papan and SMUHSD for a forum on rising e-bike safety concerns - particularly for youth. The forum will take place on Saturday January 31 from 10am-12pm at Mills High school
Click here to learn more and to RSVP
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California Scholarship Federation (CSF)
Fall 2025 Grades Submission
*** Only smuhsd.org emails will have access to these documents
New Students are welcome and should follow the steps to submit eligible forms below.
9th Graders - While your application does not go toward lifetime membership, it's great to start getting into the habit of completing CSF applications.
Please submit your Fall 2025 CSF Grade Verification form by February 4th, the absolute deadline.
What is CSF and why join? General CSF Information, CSF Official Website, Advisory Presentation
Follow these steps to keep your CSF membership updated:
- Complete this CSF Grade Verification online form by February 4th using your Fall 2025 grades (Students are NOT allowed to retroactively submit CSF application forms.) Refer to this CSF List of eligible classes.
- Counselors will check grades for final approval. No need to attach transcripts. Active Membership for a semester requires: 5 Hours of Community Service, Grade Eligibility, $5 dues
- Community Service and dues are submitted 1 week prior to the end of the semester. No one will be denied membership due to an inability to pay. Grades must be submitted at the start of the next semester.
Inactive membership requires Grade Eligibility only.
Please follow up with our CSF Club Advisor - Ms. Mariucci in Room 248
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One Warm Coat Drive
We are also excited to announce our One Warm Coat Drive, which will collect coats, sweaters, HHS gear, and winter attire to help those in need. The drive will begin Monday January 19 and run through Friday February 6. Donations can be dropped off at the 31st parking lot on Wednesdays from 2:30pm–4:00pm and Fridays from 7:45am–9:00am. Students may also drop donations in Room 211 or the main office. We appreciate everyone who is able to donate and hope you can help support this important cause.
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Dear ETA Community and Supporters,
The greatest gift we can give others in our community is our time. . .If you are a volunteer at our Peace Pantry or Community Garden and looking for new ways to get involved and make a difference in our Hillsdale Community in 2026, please consider joining our ETA Career Exploration Committee. Supporting a student with landing their first summer job at the age of 16 is an empowering action. Supporting a rising senior with a summer internship in another empowering action. As supportive members of our ETA students at Hillsdale, we want to invite you to some opportunities to help students with their career exploration needs.
ETA is excited to announce that in 2026, we are ready to launch the workforce development arm of the ETA Career Exploration Committee. Empowerment Through Action is looking for dedicated volunteers interested in joining this important ETA committee work.
Last March, we had our first ETA Career Networking Social which was a huge success. Our ETA juniors were able to practice their interview skills and prepare for real job and internship interviews. This year, our committee has planned a sequence of events to expose them to different career speakers, teach practical interview skills on professionalism and communication during lunch time sessions called “You’ve Got This!”, and plan to mentor students with applications for jobs and careers. If you are interested in leading a "You Got This!" session on professionalism and communication skills, please let us know using the survey link.
Our committee plans on using this year's ETA Career Networking Social on Thursday, February 12th as a culminating event for our ETA juniors to apply the lessons learned from their advisories and our “You’ve Got This!” sessions to better prepare them for their summer job and internship opportunities which open in March.
This year's ETA Career Networking Social on Thursday, February 12th at 6PM in the HHS library is a culminating event for ETA juniors to apply the lessons learned from their advisories and “You’ve Got This!” sessions. We aim to better prepare them for their summer job and internship opportunities. Many of our students do not have a professional network nor have a space to get advice about their career path. Please complete this FORM to be part of the community to help our first-generation ETA students. Whether you are interested in short commitments such as the Networking Social and "You Got This!” sessions, or on-going commitments to encourage and support ETA students to become internship/job/career ready, please let us know via the FORM. Please reach out with any questions.
- Thurs, Feb 12 from 6PM - Career Networking Social
Feel free to share this message and form with anyone interested in hearing more about how they can get involved. Thank you again for supporting our students!
The ETA Career Exploration Committee
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Brett Stevenson
Dean of Students
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Maverick Jack's ~ HHS Drama Fundraiser
Hillsdale drama dine and donate at Maverick Jack’s San Mateo, on Wednesday February 4th @ 11am-8pm dine in or take out, be sure to mention Hillsdale drama!
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Annual Athletic Booster Auction
Join us for an evening in support of Hillsdale Athletics at our annual Athletic Booster Auction. This special event brings together our school community to celebrate our student-athletes and raise vital funds that support athletic programs, equipment, travel, and team experiences across all sports.
Guests can look forward to an exciting selection of auction items, great company, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Hillsdale’s athletic community. Your participation helps ensure that our athletes continue to grow, compete, and represent Hillsdale with pride.
We look forward to celebrating with you on Saturday, March 21st, and thank you for your continued support of Hillsdale Athletics. ALL are welcome!!!
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Snack Shack Volunteers Needed
Have a free hour or two?
Come help out in the Snack Shack during our Basketball Quad Games!
Click the link or scan the QR code to sign up. Grab a friend (or two!) and join the fun!
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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.
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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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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January 2026
“The fundamental law of human beings is interdependence. A person is a person through other persons.”
~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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Ways to Get Involved:
*Please follow us on Instagram, @etatogether, for updates.
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 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. We will be closed December 26 and January 2.
Community Garden
If you are interested in joining our Community Garden Team for basic winter projects, please email bstevenson@smuhsd.org to be added to our What’sApp Garden Group to join special projects. No experience required.
Community Closet
For the month of January, the Community Closet is in need of HHS Swag, Jeans, hoodies, new socks, warm coats and the following essential items: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste/tooth brushes, deodorant and laundry soap.
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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 | | |
We Want Your Opinion: Take the Panorama Survey
SMUHSD Parents/Guardians: Take the SMUHSD 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: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/familysurvey/surveys
Spanish: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/encuestafamiliar/surveys
Your thoughts improve the future of our District and Schools for our entire school community. The deadline to complete the survey is February 6, 2026.
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Padres/Tutores de SMUHSD: ¡Complete la encuesta Panorama de SMUHSD 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: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/encuestafamiliar/surveys
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 6 de febrero.
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Parent Venture Webinars
The following webinars are free to attend and offer simultaneous Spanish interpretation unless otherwise noted.
Visit the Parent Venture free Video Library for access to 400+ video recordings, including 60+ webinars in Spanish.
Wednesday, February 4, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (In Spanish)
Navegando la neurodiversidad y las diferencias de aprendizaje en la escuela
Register Here
Friday, February 6, 12 - 1 p.m.:
Parent Forum #45 - How to Give Advice Your Child (Might) Listen To
Register Here
Wednesday, February 11, 6 p.m.
Discovering AI - A Parent's Guide to Navigating the Future of Education
Register Here
Wednesday, February 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (In Spanish)
Los nueve duelos de los migrantes
Register Here
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January and February: In-Person Financial Aid Workshops, Drop in and Virtual Financial Aid Support
Students and their parents/guardians who need assistance with their financial aid applications, can join us at in-person workshops in February:
Tuesday February 3, 6 - 8 p.m. at the District Office
Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Mills High School
In addition to these above workshops, school sites are offering the below drop-in and virtual opportunities for more assistance. All families, regardless of home school, are welcome to attend any support opportunity:
In-Person Support (English / Spanish Assistance)
Thursday, January 28, 2 - 4 p.m.
Burlingame High School Alumni Room
1 Mangini Way, Burlingame
Monday, February 2, 2 - 4 p.m.
Hillsdale High School College and Career Center, 3115 Del Monte Street, San Mateo
Tuesday, February 24, 2 - 4 p.m.
San Mateo High School College and Career Center, 506 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo
Thursday, March 5, 2 - 4 p.m.
Capuchino High School College and Career Center, 1501 Magnolia Avenue, San Bruno
For all of the above opportunities, please sign in at the School’s Main Office.
Virtual Support (English Only)
Fridays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Google Meet Link
Or dial: (US) +1 443-507-8043 PIN: 874 390 048#
Learn more, including what paperwork you need to bring, registration and more: www.smuhsd.org/financial-aid
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¡Se han agregado más talleres en persona sobre ayuda financiera al calendario!
Acompáñenos:
martes 3 de febrero de 6-8:00 p.m. en la oficina del distrito (650 N. Delaware St. San Mateo)
el sábado 21 de febrero de 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. en Mills High School (400 Murchison Drive, Millbrae).
¿No puede asistir a nuestros talleres sobre ayuda financiera el 3 de febrero o el 21 de febrero?
Varias de nuestras escuelas también ofrecerán las siguientes opciones para que los estudiantes puedan hacer preguntas y obtener ayuda adicional.
Obtenga ayuda en persona los siguientes días:
Jueves 28 de enero, 2:00-4:00 p.m. en el “Alumni Room” de Burlingame High School - 1 Mangini Way, Burlingame
Lunes 2 de febrero, 2:00-4:00 p.m. en el College and Career Center de Hillsdale High School - 3115 Del Monte Street, San Mateo
Martes 24 de febrero, 2:00-4:00 p.m. en el College and Career Center de San Mateo High School - 506 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo
Jueves 5 de marzo, 2:00-4:00 p.m. en el College and Career Center de Capuchino High School - 1501 Magnolia Avenue, San Bruno
Obtenga ayuda virtualmente los siguientes días:
Viernes 6,13,20 y 27 de febrero, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Use este enlace de Google Meet para conectarse
O marque: (US) +1 443-507-8043 PIN: 874 390 048#
Detalles:
La ayuda en persona estará disponible en inglés y español
La ayuda virtual solo estará disponible en inglés
Para la ayuda en persona, por favor registre su entrada en la oficina principal de la escuela
Todas las familias, independientemente de la escuela a la que asistan sus hijos, son bienvenidos a participar en cualquiera de estas actividades de apoyo.
Visite la sección de Ayuda Financiera del sitio web del distrito para obtener más información: www.smuhsd.org/financial-aid
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Digital Student Arts Music Showcase Submissions Open on December 16
The San Mateo County Office of Education presents a series of digital arts showcases that serve to highlight the incredible talent and creativity of students in TK-12th grade across the county.
These showcases will feature student work in all five art forms: dance, theater, music, visual arts, and media arts.
This project celebrates and uplifts student voices, fosters artistic expression, and provides a platform where students can share their work with the broader community. Through these showcases, we aim to inspire future artists and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of every student's educational experience.
Explore each of the five categories, which include submission requirements, judging criteria, important dates, and other information for each showcase.
Submissions open on the following dates
Music: December 15
Art: January 12
Dance: February 9
Theater: March 16
Film: April 13
Learn more: https://creates.smcoe.org/digitalshowcases
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Saturday, January 31: SMC Youth Commission Hosts Event on How to Get Involved in Local Government
Are you a young person who wants to make a difference?
Do you want to make change using your local government - but you’re not sure how?
If so, join the San Mateo County Youth Commission in Redwood City on Saturday, January 31, 2026 for the Civic Cafe event!
The Civic Cafe provides tools for youth to participate in local government.
Attend the Civic Cafe to participate in workshops, discuss with fellow youth, hear an inspirational yet short keynote with Q&A, network, and more.
Details
Date: Saturday, January 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Regional Operations Center, 501 Winslow Street, Redwood City
Keynote Speaker: Assemblymember Marc Berman
Workshop topics include:
- Legislation Pathways
- Getting involved in Government
- And more
Refreshments and snacks provided.
Space is limited, sign up now
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Black Youth Advisory Board Hosts First-Ever Black Student Leadership Conference on Saturday, March 7
The Black Youth Advisory Board of the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) is proud to host the first-ever Black Student Leadership Conference (BSLC) for San Mateo County on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m., centered on the powerful theme: “The Power of Our Voice: If Not Me, Then Who?”
This inaugural conference is designed to foster community, connection, and belonging among Black students who often find themselves in the minority within their school communities. Students will engage in inspiring and interactive sessions focused on leadership development, identity, financial literacy, academic success and time management, and college preparation. The day will also include a keynote speaker, dynamic breakout workshops, a Resource Village, and entertainment.
What to Expect:
- Interactive workshops tailored by age group
- Inspiring keynote speaker to spark action and confidence
- Engaging conversations on leadership, identity, and advocacy
- Resource Village with colleges, community organizations, and youth-serving programs
- Free meals, fun activities, prizes, and giveaways throughout the day
Parents and caregivers are warmly invited to attend as well. The Resource Village will feature community-based organizations and college representatives, along with parent-focused breakout sessions, including:
The Black Minds Matter Report presented by The EdTrust - West with Niambi Clay
A college preparation workshop led by Cañada College
Details
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Register by February 14: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/black-student-leadership-conference-san-mateo-county
This event is free to attend.
| | Other Ways to Support Hillsdale | | | | |
