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| | Superintendent's Weekly Message | | |
Dear Hermosa Families,
Regular attendance is one of the most important contributors to student success. When students attend school consistently and arrive on time, ready to learn, they build strong academic skills, ensure necessary executive functioning abilities, and develop positive routines that support long-term success.
Absences—especially frequent or late arrivals—can disrupt a student’s learning and make it harder to keep up with instruction. They can also affect the flow of the classroom, requiring teachers to reteach lessons and adjust instruction, which impacts all students. With the implementation of a new, English language arts curriculum rooted in rigorous, collaborative learning, there will be key learning experiences that can’t be replicated due to absences.
We understand that absences are sometimes unavoidable due to illness, and we appreciate your partnership in prioritizing school. Together, we can help ensure every student has the opportunity to fully participate, stay connected, and thrive each day.
Thank you for your continued support of our students and schools.
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
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Multicultural Week & Night - A Meaningful Community Celebration
Our first districtwide Multicultural Week & Night, organized by the S.E.E.D. Committee, were a vibrant celebration of the cultures and traditions that shape our Hermosa Schools community. From planned activities throughout the week to an unforgettable Multicultural Night, it was inspiring to see our students, families, and staff come together to learn from one another.
Thank you to everyone who helped plan, participate, and attend. Your time, creativity, and enthusiasm made Multicultural Week & Night truly meaningful.
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Celebrate Excellence: CAC Award Night Nominations Now Open
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC), in partnership with Southwest SELPA, is excited to announce the 13th Annual Staff and Community Partners Awards Night on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the West High School Performing Arts Center. This year's theme is “Honoring the 50th Anniversary of IDEA," and it will be an inspiring evening honoring the outstanding educators and community partners who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families across our region. The nomination form is now open and will close on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Nominate someone today!
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Parenting in a Digital World Tip #16: Build AI Literacy at Home
This tip comes from Common Sense Education.
What is AI? A guide for parents - Watch this short video and access an activity guide for talking to your kids about AI. For middle school-aged students ready to start high school, we particularly like the conversation cards and scavenger hunts.
Missed a tip? Check out our HBCSD Parenting in a Digital World Tips Page.
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Hermosa View School Principal News | |
Before the break, we had a fun, jam-packed week at View! From Zero the Hero flying through our kindergarten classrooms (thanks to Peter Spragg!) to our 100-Year-Old TK students to our 1st grade 101 Dalmatians on top of a week full of Multicultural Events, we were busy! At our Multicultural Night, we ended the week with an amazing celebration of all the cultures that make our community so special.
We look forward to welcoming our wonderful students back on Tuesday, February 17, after the week off. We hope you had a great time with your family and friends.
Warmly,
Dr. Jessica Ghobrial, Hermosa View Principal / HB Preschool Director
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California Young Reader Medal Voting at View
Kids vote, kids decide. Hermosa View students are helping choose the winners of the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM), a prestigious statewide book award. Throughout February and March, Ms. West, the View Librarian, will read this year’s nominated books aloud during class library visits. At the end of March, students will cast their votes with Ms. West during their library visit, and she will submit the votes online. Families can check out the 2026-2027 nominees on the California Young Reader Medal website. This long-standing program encourages a love of reading and has been inspiring young readers for over five decades. Ask your child which CYRM books they are enjoying most!
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
Before Presidents' Week Break at Vista, we had the joy of celebrating Multicultural Week through engaging activities that explored different cultures. The week culminated in a wonderful Multicultural Night that brought our community together.
I hope you enjoyed a restful break! As we begin the second half of the school year, our students are settling back in and ready to learn. This week, we will review behavior expectations as a grade level and will also send the PowerPoint home in our next Wave Watch. Please take a moment to review these expectations with your child.
Warmly,
Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal
| | Hermosa Valley School Principal News | | |
Welcome back! We are officially in the second half of the school year, with Trimester 2 ending on March 6th. Now is not the time to fall behind, so be sure to turn in any missing assignments and complete all test corrections as soon as possible to ensure the best possible outcome.
A huge thank you to the parents and students who participated in and presented at Multicultural Night prior to the break, as well as to those who came out to support the event. We were truly impressed by the booths and grateful for the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultures that make up the Hermosa school community.
We are continuing to work intentionally on building student autonomy and responsibility. To support this, school drop-offs of homework, lunches, and water bottles should not be brought to the office. Students have access to school-provided lunches and water throughout the day, which helps them practice taking care of their own needs and grow in independence.
Lunchtime Reminders
Please be mindful of students’ nutrition and lunch times when picking them up. With many lunchtime activities taking place, it can be challenging to locate students during this time. Your cooperation helps ensure a smooth and safe lunchtime experience for all.
Elective Course Selection
Students currently in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades will begin selecting elective courses starting Tuesday, February 17. Please refer to the Hermosa Valley Course Catalog and review the offerings for your student’s incoming grade level. Once we have received a selection from every student, we will be sending these selections home for parent/guardian acknowledgment. Thank you for your partnership in supporting your child’s choices and being part of the conversation with them.
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
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Swing Into Spring with the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
Come to the Swing Into Spring with the World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra on Tuesday, March 10, from 6:30-9:00 PM at the Hermosa Beach Community Theater. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of swing, jazz, and timeless classics as the legendary sounds of the Swing Era come alive. Presented by the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, this special event invites students, families, and the community to come together for a night of live music and shared celebration. Tickets are $35, and proceeds will benefit the Hermosa Valley School Band. We hope to see you there!
Middle School Student Opportunities
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Middle School Students may earn service points for volunteering.
- Four (4) PBIS reward points will go to students who attend the concert. (Be sure to sign in with your ticket!)
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RUHS Counselors: Incoming 9th Grade Parent Information Event
RUHS Counseling presents an Incoming 9th Grade Parent Information Event covering graduation requirements, A-G requirements, and 9th Grade scheduling. Families may attend in person or virtually on Wednesday, February 18, 2026:
9-10 AM: In-Person in the RUHS Library
2-3 PM: Online via Microsoft Teams (meeting link)
The virtual session will be recorded and posted on the RUHS website.
Parents and guardians, please RSVP in advance and submit any questions using this linked form. The link will close on February 11, at 3 PM.
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1/5-3/13: Valley Yearbook: 8th Grade Dedication Pages & Baby Pictures
2/9-16: HBCSD: Presidents' Week Break - No School
2/17-2/20: Valley: Incoming Middle School 2026-2027 Electives Selection Google Form
2/17 (7:30-9 PM): HVPTO/HBEF: Joint General Meeting in the Valley MPR
2/18: RUHS Counseling: Incoming 9th Grade Parent Information Event 9-10 AM - In-Person in the RUHS Library and 2-3 PM Online via Microsoft Teams (meeting link)
2/18 (3:15-5:15 PM): Valley Winter Sports: HVS Boys & Girls Basketball & Soccer vs. CHADWICK (HOME Game)
2/19 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Winter Sports: HVS Boys & Girls Soccer vs. ESMS (AWAY Game)
2/19 (4 PM): MCHS: Math Pathway Information Webinar
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Stay Connected with Community Flyers!
Visit our Community Flyers webpage to explore more opportunities and events from our community and education partners, including the City of Hermosa Beach, Mira Costa High School, and Redondo Union High School. To submit a flyer for consideration, please complete this form.
| | | Hermosa Schools Office Staff | | | | |
