Thank you to all of our incredible partners and parent volunteers who helped make last Wednesday’s HBCSD’s All-Staff Country BBQ a heartfelt and memorable event. Your time, energy, and generosity brought warmth and joy to our entire staff.

As we near the end of the school year, a time filled with excitement, deadlines, and transitions, it’s more important than ever to pause and enjoy each other’s company. This gathering reminded us of the value in coming together to celebrate, reflect, and simply be present with one another.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our hardworking employees—maintenance crews, food services, office and support staff, classified staff, including classroom and special education aides, our dedicated teachers, and our outstanding administration. Your commitment continues to shape the heart of our schools.

With gratitude,

Dr. Susan Wildes

Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District

Sandy Skora, Hermosa View Interim Principal, will be out until Wednesday, May 28. During her absence, Ms. Sylvia Gluck, our HBCSD Executive Director of Administrator Services, will be on site and supporting the school.

While Ms. Skora is away, we invited Hermosa View & Vista Schools Counselor, Troi Boucher, to share an update on the social-emotional learning work happening at View.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) at Hermosa View

Recently, students across grades explored themes of self-awareness, self-esteem, and healthy self-expression, aligned with the Second Step curriculum:

• TK learned about self-expression and body boundaries through greetings. Students practiced asking for consent (like hugs or high-fives) and learned to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. They learned the mantra: “My body is mine. I know what I like. I check in with myself and say what feels right.” Continue to reinforce these words at home.

• Kindergarten focused on self-esteem, building confidence in their unique qualities, and learning how to bounce back from hurt feelings. They ended with a powerful affirmation: “I am kind. I am strong. I am brave and unique. The world is better because I am here.” Continue to reinforce these words at home.

• 1st Grade worked on self-awareness and resilience, using the metaphor of “bouncing vs. splatting” to understand how to recover from challenges with a positive mindset. Encourage your child to share how they can “bounce back” at home!

Aside from SEL lessons, students have access to the counselor whenever they are having challenges throughout the school day. Friendship Club, which meets every other Wednesday, is a fantastic way for students to connect and build their social skill set in a structured and fun environment. Permission slips can be found in the front office. However, if you'd like a PDF copy or would like to contact the School Counselor for any other inquiries, please reach out to tboucher@hbcsd.org.

We’re proud of our students for growing their emotional skills this year!

Troi Boucher, School Counselor at Hermosa View & Vista Schools

As we head into the last week of May, our calendar is packed with exciting events! We invite you to join us:

• Our final Vista Flag Ceremony of the year will take place this Tuesday, May 27, at 8:40 AM. Join us as we recognize students who have been SURFing at school and maintaining excellent attendance. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments together.
• Don’t miss the Vista Open House on Wednesday, May 28, from 5:30-6:30 PM. This is a fantastic chance to explore your child’s classroom and see all the work they’ve done this year. To help ease parking, we encourage families to walk or bike if possible. Please note that students will be dismissed before lunch on this day as follows: 2nd grade at 12:20 PM, 3rd grade at 12:10 PM, and 4th grade at 12:15 PM.
• Come see your student in our Vista Spring Sing Concert on Friday, May 30 (see image above for grade level performance times), in the Vista MPR. Our students will showcase their musical talents in a fun-filled celebration of the season! Special thanks to our Hermosa Beach Education Foundation for generously funding our music program.

I look forward to seeing you on campus as we celebrate this exciting close to the school year!

Warmly,

Hillary Overbeck, Hermosa Vista Principal

As the year is coming to an end, the events are ramping up! Here are the exciting events that coming up next week: 

Wednesday, May 28

• Spirit Games Beach Day: Students will begin their day at school and attend all six periods before heading down to the sand at 10:10 AM with all 5th-8th grade students. While at the beach, they’ll get to participate in fun activities like sandcastle building, volleyball, spikeball, or simply relax with friends. Please note: Students will not be permitted in the water. Pizza lunch will be provided, but we recommend bringing extra snacks just in case. Students should also bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and a towel. Phones are not allowed. If students bring one, the school is not responsible for lost or damaged devices. We’ll return to Hermosa Valley by 1:45 PM for a 1:51 PM dismissal. If your child needs to leave early, they must be signed out at school first before being picked up at the beach. We’ll be located just south of the Hermosa Pier. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating water, please sign up. Thank you for your support!  

Thursday, May 29, is a big day for Hermosa Valley. Here are the events for the day:

• Minimum Day Schedule (see Valley Bell Schedule)
• Middle School Career Day: Students will complete a Career Interest Profiler to help them explore careers that interest them. They will also listen to guest speakers talk about their profession, followed by a Q&A. 
• Incoming 6th Grade Advanced Math Placement Test (Opt-In): Administered during the school day. The opt-in or out form closes on Wednesday, May 28.
• Valley Open House: Come celebrate all the learning and growth our students have accomplished this year from 5:30-6:30 PM. We encourage you to walk or ride your bikes.
• Young At Art 2024-2025 Art Show: Plan to stop by the Valley MPR from 5:30-7:30 PM to check out the TK-8 Grade Young at Art Projects. YAA will have a refreshment stand featuring an old-school bake sale and a simple pizza meal. All proceeds go to YAA Hermosa Beach.

Friday, May 30 

• 4th to 5th Grade Transitions Assembly & Tour: 4th grade students will be making their way to Hermosa Valley to learn all about 5th grade from 9:45-11:40 AM! They will meet the principal, Student Council, visit 5th grade classrooms, and get a school tour. 
• HVS Bands at Forum Music Festivals: Our middle school Concert and Jazz Bands are participating in the event being held at Biola University. Afterwards, they will have fun at Knott's Berry Farm.

It’s shaping up to be a fantastic week! We’re excited for what’s to come!

Warmly, 

Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal

3/24-6/7: HVPTO: 8th Grade Photo Slideshow - Submit Photos

4/27-6/30: HVPTO: 1st Day School Supplies Fundraiser

5/4-6/9: HVPTO: 8th Grade Promotion Fundraiser

5/5-30: Vista & Valley: CAASPP, CAST, & CAA Testing

5/24-26: HB Chamber: Fiesta Hermosa

5/24-25 (9:30 AM-5:30 PM) & 5/26 (10:00-4:00 PM): HVPTO: Hermosa Valley Parking Lot Fundraiser

5/26: Memorial Day - No School

5/27 (During Lunch): Sand & Surf Soccer Club at View

5/27 (8:40-9:10 AM): Vista Flag Ceremony: Tidal Wave - 2nd-4th Grades

5/27 (3:30-5:00 PM): HVS: PAC & LCAP Meeting in the Valley School IDEA Lab

5/28: Vista: Minimum Day (Early Dismissal: 2nd Grade -12:20 PM, 3rd Grade - 12:10 PM, & 4th Grade - 12:15 PM

5/28 (12:30 PM): HBEF: Hearts of Hermosa Flash Parties - Marcus Medical Spa Unlimited Botox Party; SOLD OUT!

5/28 (10:10 AM-1:30 PM): Valley: Spirit Games at the Beach (5th-8th Grade)

5/28: View: Spring Sing Concert (TK - 11-11:30 AM, Kinder - 9:35-10:05 AM, & 1st Grade - 8:55-9:25 AM) in the View Bowl

5/28 (5:30-6:30 PM): Vista: Open House

5/29: Valley: Minimum Day (Early Dismissal: 5th-8th Grade - 12:25 PM)

5/29: Valley: Middle School Career Day

5/29 (9:00-9:30 AM): View: Japanese Cultural Assembly - A Musical Journey with Hiroko Masuda

5/29 (During the School Day): Valley: Incoming 6th Grade Advanced Math Placement Test (Opt-In)

5/29 (4:00-5:30 PM): HBCSD: Hermosa Valley Senior Send-Off - HVS Class of 2021/Seniors 2025 in the Hermosa Valley Bowl

5/29 (5:30-7:30 PM): HVS: Young at Art Show 2025 featuring TK-8 Grade

5/29 (5:30-6:30 PM): Valley: Open House

5/30: HVS: Last Day to Check Out Books and Visit HVS Libraries

5/30: View Flag Ceremonies - SURF: 1st Grade (8:55-9:15 AM), Kinder (9:30-9:50 AM), & TK (1:45-2:05 PM)

5/30 (9:45-11:40 AM): Vista & Valley: 4th to 5th Grade Transitions Assembly, School Tour, & Classroom Visits

5/30 (11:00-11:30 AM): HB Preschool: Spring Sing in the View Bowl

5/30: Valley: HVS Bands at the Forum Music Festivals followed by Knott's Berry Farm (11:50 AM - Concert Band Performance, 12:50 PM - Jazz Band Performance, and 1:40 PM Award Ceremony)

5/30: Vista: Spring Sing Concert (2nd Grade - 9:45-10:15 AM, 3rd Grade 2:05-2:35 PM, & 4th Grade - 8:45-9:15 AM) in the View Bowl

5/30 (6:00 PM): 17th Annual HVS Talent Show (Hosted by Family Theatre, Inc.) at the HB Community Theatre (See the HBCSD Disclaimer mentioned above)

5/30 (6:00-8:00 PM): HBEF: Hearts of Hermosa Flash Parties - Nosotros Mixology Tasting; Buy Tickets

5/31 (7:00-10:00 PM): HBEF: Hearts of Hermosa Flash Parties - Hermosa Ping-Pong Championship; SOLD OUT!