Superintendent's Weekly Message | |
|
Over the past few months, the HBCSD community, including teachers, administrators, and staff, has been engaged in a districtwide study of effective literacy practices rooted in The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler and the “Sold a Story” podcast. As a learning community, we are working to build our background knowledge around the Science of Reading prior to our work this spring in a K-8 English/Language Arts curriculum adoption process.
While we build our knowledge, there are things that families can do to strengthen literacy at home. Beyond the classroom, you can make a lasting impact on your child’s learning by looking for opportunities that build background knowledge in science and social studies topics. Consider reading aloud together, particularly around subject matters of interest to your child—it's a powerful way to introduce new ideas and expand vocabulary. Exploring different types of media, such as documentaries or podcasts, can also spark their interest and provide diverse perspectives. Podcasts, in particular, help expand knowledge and strengthen close listening skills. Some of my favorites are:
As we continue our own learning journey as educators, we are excited to share our knowledge with your children to nurture their curiosity, build essential knowledge, and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
| |
The next Wave Watch rolls in on December 1st!
| |
12th Annual SW SELPA CAC Staff & Community Partners Awards Night - Nominations - Nominations Open!
The Southwest Special Education Local Plan Area (SW SELPA) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is now accepting nominations for the 12th Annual Staff & Community Partners Awards Night under the theme, "Empowering Learners through Collaboration and Inclusion."
Nominate outstanding individuals who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities, whether they are teachers, paraprofessionals, special education service providers, maintenance and operations staff, office personnel, administrators, volunteers, or community members dedicated to fostering the academic, social, or emotional growth of students with disabilities. View the flyer with more details and submit your a Nomination Form. Deadline for nominations is Monday, January 13, 2025, by 5:00 PM.
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the North High School Performing Arts Center, which will include celebrating two honorees from Hermosa Beach City School District.
| | |
Prioritize Wellness This Thanksgiving
Join our Hermosa Schools in prioritizing mental wellness this Thanksgiving Break. The holiday season can bring added stress, so take a moment to pause, breathe, and focus on your well-being.
Care Solace has put together helpful Tips and a Gratitude Journal to encourage mindfulness and positivity for students, staff, and families.
Hermosa Beach City School District partners with Care Solace to provide a complimentary and confidential care coordination service. Whether you need mental health or substance use treatment options, Care Solace is here to help.
-
Call: (888) 515-0595 (Available 24/7/365 with multilingual support)
-
Visit: CARESOLACE.COM/HBCSD to search for support or click “Book Appointment” to connect via video chat, email, or phone.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!
| | |
Hermosa View & Vista School Principal News | |
|
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to pause and express my heartfelt gratitude for the many ways you enrich our schools. I feel truly fortunate to be part of this special little community. Your partnership, involvement, and commitment bring so much to our families and staff, creating a welcoming and uplifting environment for everyone. Wishing you and your family a joyful Thanksgiving, filled with love, laughter, and precious moments with your children.
Warmly,
Hillary Overbeck, Hermosa View & Vista Principal
| |
Lice Check: Stay Ahead of the Spread
We want to remind families of the importance of preventing the spread of head lice in our Hermosa Schools community. Please take a moment to check your child’s head regularly for lice and their eggs (nits), especially if they show symptoms like excessive itching. Head lice spread through direct head-to-head contact or by sharing items, so remember: “Never Share What Touches the Hair.” Encourage children not to share personal items like hats, combs, and pillows. Treating lice promptly with over-the-counter shampoos, removing nits by hand, and washing or sealing fabric items also help control the spread. For extra protection, consider keeping long hair tied back and using preventative sprays like tea tree oil. Lastly, it is critical that families report to the school nurse if your child has lice so we can monitor cases at the school site. Working together, we can help keep lice from spreading.
| | |
Hermosa Valley School Principal News | |
|
On Wednesday, 11/20, Redondo Union High School and Mira Costa High School will be visiting our Valley campus for our annual 8th Grade Roadshow. Our 8th graders will have the chance to learn about the amazing opportunities available at these two great high school options, setting the stage for an exciting transition next year. Following the roadshow, there will be a Zoom meeting for parents at 6:00 PM featuring both high school principals: Dr. Jennifer Huynh from MCHS and Mr. Marvin Brown from RUHS. Use this Zoom Link to access the November 20th meeting.
On the teaching and learning front, I recently presented to the school board an update on FOSS, our newly adopted science curriculum for grades 5-8. This adoption was the result of a robust process, guided by valuable input from both staff and parents. We’re always grateful for our dedicated community, whose involvement ensures we make high-quality, student-centered decisions. I welcome you to view the presentation.
Lastly, this year marks my fourth Thanksgiving with this community, and every year, I am reminded of the kindness, resilience, and sense of belonging that fills our school. It’s an honor to work alongside such thoughtful students, dedicated staff, and supportive families.
I hope you all enjoy the Thanksgiving break, and our able to relax and take part in activities that bring you the most joy - savor these moments.
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
| |
|
10/12-12/20: HVPTO: Minted Fundraiser
11/1-30: November is Native American Heritage Month
11/1-30: November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
11/1-30: HVPTO Support & Play FUNraiser: Dave & Buster's Power Cards
11/11-25: HB Chamber: The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt (Ends 11/25 at 5:00 PM)
11/12-22 (By 6 PM): HBPD: Fifth Annual Winter Holiday Greeting Card Contest
11/20 (8:20-9:15 AM): Valley: 8th Grade Roadshow with MCHS & RUHS in the Valley MPR
11/20 (During Lunch): Valley: HVS Athletics Winter Sports Talk with Coach Vasquez in Room 33 near the Valley Gym
11/20 (5-6 PM): View: Books Before Bedtime (Cookies & Milk provided by HVPTO) in the View Library
11/20 (6-7 PM): Valley: MCHS & RUHS Principals' Zoom Meeting for 8th Grade Families
11/22: View: Flag Ceremonies - Up for a Challenge: 1st Grade (8:55-9:15 AM), Kinder (9:30-9:50 AM), & TK (11-11:20 AM)
11/22: Valley: PBIS Spirit Day Friday
11/22-24: HB Chamber: Hermosa for the Holidays
11/25-29: HBCSD: Thanksgiving Break - No School
11/28: Thanksgiving Day
11/30: Small Business Saturday
| |
STAR Education Program (TK-5) | |
|
SAVE THE DATE
PRESIDENTS' WEEK CAMP AT VIEW
February 10-14, 2025
| |  |
|
SAVE THE DATE
SPRING CAMP AT VIEW
April 14-18, 2025
| | |
Check Out Our Community Flyers!
We encourage you to visit our Community Flyers web page to see what our Education & Community Partners, Mira Costa High School, and Redondo Union High School, have to offer our school community. If you'd like to include a flyer, simply use this form.
| | |
Hermosa Schools Office Staff | | | | |
