November 16, 2025

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Superintendent's Weekly Message

Dear HBCSD Community,


As we prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving Break, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our entire Hermosa community. This time of year reminds us of the importance of connection, gratitude, and shared purpose. I am continually inspired by the collaboration between our staff, families, and community partners who work together to support our students and strengthen our Hermosa Schools.


We are excited to share an inspiring new opportunity for our students to join the Wholeheartedly Club, a collaboration between the Hermosa Beach City School District, Los Angeles Chargers Kicker Cameron Dicker, and his Wholeheartedly Foundation.


The goal of this exciting program is to empower students in grades 5-12 to make a meaningful impact in their community. Through the Wholeheartedly Club, students will work individually or in small teams to design and lead service projects that address real needs in the Hermosa Beach and South Bay communities, with project funding support provided by the Wholeheartedly Foundation.


We invite all interested students and their families to join us for our:


HBCSD: Wholeheartedly Foundation Kickoff & Pitch Event

Monday, December 15, 2025

3:30-5:50 PM

Hermosa Valley School


During this event, students will have the opportunity to share their project ideas directly with Cameron Dicker and his Wholeheartedly Foundation team for consideration and potential funding. Even if you do not have a project idea, you are encouraged to attend. There will be local volunteer tables with ready-to-join opportunities and ways to get involved.


How to Get Started

  • All interested students in grades 5-12 are invited to sign up using this Google Form.
  • Identify a need in your community, either on your own or with a group of friends.
  • Design a project that addresses this need.
  • Create a short slideshow presentation (5 slides total):
  • Slide 1: Who are you and your team members?
  • Slide 2: What is the need you hope to address?
  • Slide 3: What will your project be, and when will it take place?
  • Slide 4: Why does this matter?
  • Slide 5: How much money do you think you need to get your project started?
  • Submit your slideshow presentation to this Google Form by Sunday, December 14, 2025, by 5:00 PM.


To learn more, watch this video message from Cameron Dicker. It's also linked below.


We are proud to partner with the Wholeheartedly Foundation to give our students the opportunity to dream big, serve others, and lead with heart. We look forward to seeing the creativity and compassion that our Hermosa students will bring.


Warm regards,

Dr. Susan Wildes

Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District

You're Invited: Measure HV - Building Our Future Together (Community Input Session)


Families, staff, and all HB community members are invited to join the Hermosa Beach City School District for a Measure HV - Building Our Future Together Conversation on Monday, November 17, from 6:00-8:00 PM, in the Hermosa Valley MPR. This interactive meeting will focus on sharing our progress to date and what we’ve learned about the Valley campus, as well as gathering ideas to guide the modernization of the Hermosa Valley campus. Your feedback will help shape safe, modern, and inspiring learning environments that reflect our community's shared values.


Kindly RSVP by Monday, November 17, at 10:00 AM, and please share this invitation with any community members or neighbors who might be interested!

The next Wave Watch rolls in on November 30th!

CAC Parent Workshop:

ADR - Having Hard Conversations


Southwest SELPA is hosting a virtual Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Parent Workshop: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) - Having Hard Conversations on Wednesday, November 19, from 10:00-11:30 AM via Zoom. This session is designed to help families navigate challenging conversations effectively and with confidence, using ADR strategies.


See flyers for more information about upcoming parent workshops this school year.

Join the HBCSD Learner Profile Taskforce on Thursday, November 20!


HBCSD is seeking parent, student, and staff volunteers to help shape our Learner Profile—the final piece of the HBCSD Strategic Plan. This guiding taskforce will define what it means for our students to “Thrive TK–8” by outlining the skills, attitudes, and characteristics we want every 8th-grade student to carry forward.


Meeting: Thursday, November 20, from 4–6 PM

Location: Hermosa Valley School Library


If you’re interested in contributing your voice and perspective, please contact Dr. Susan Wildes at swildes@hbcsd.org. We hope you’ll join us!"

Parenting in a Digital World Tip #8: Talking to Your Teens About Online Gambling


This tip comes from Parenting Teens & Tweens.


Teen online gambling may not be on your parenting radar, but it should be. New laws, aggressive social media advertising, and tech loopholes are making it easily accessible to adolescents. Check out this article from Parenting Teens & Tweens to learn about a growing concern regarding online gambling.


Missed a tip? Check out our HBCSD Parenting in a Digital World Tips Page.

Hermosa View School Principal News

As we head into our final week before the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to share my heartfelt gratitude with our Hermosa View community. I am incredibly thankful for our dedicated staff, our amazing students, and our loving, supportive families who make this school such a joyful place. As the new View Principal, I have felt the warmth and welcoming spirit of Hermosa from the very beginning, and I am truly honored to be part of something so special during such an important stage in our students’ educational journey.


Over the break, our K–1 students will have access to Geodes, giving them wonderful books to enjoy and practice their growing reading skills. I hope your families find time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate together. Thank you for your partnership, your positivity, and the many ways you contribute to the heart of our school. 


Wishing each of you a warm and happy Thanksgiving!


Warmly,

Dr. Jessica Ghobrial, Hermosa View Principal / HB Preschool Director

Hermosa Vista School Principal News

We are looking forward to a full week of learning before we head into Thanksgiving Break. I hope you enjoy the holidays and have a wonderful time celebrating your special traditions with loved ones. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Vista community as your principal and to learn alongside each of your children on this journey. 


As we approach the holiday break, I would like to remind you of the importance of consistent attendance in helping students thrive. It can be hard to catch up on lessons and classroom activities, so let’s finish strong by being present and engaged right up to the break!


For our 2nd grade families, you will have access to Geodes at home over the break, offering additional support and reading practice for your children. Please use the login directions to help your child use Geodes at home.


I hope everyone has a joyful Thanksgiving filled with rest, gratitude, and special moments together.


Warmly, 

Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal

Hermosa Valley School Principal News

As we head into the week before Thanksgiving Break, I want to take a moment to express how grateful I am to be part of this incredible community. Since the start of the school year, I have been so impressed by the high level of teaching and learning happening across our campus.


I am thankful to work in a place where teachers and staff genuinely care about the children who attend our school—where they notice when something is off and take time to celebrate victories, both big and small. A place where families contribute countless hours to support student success, school events, athletics, and to raise good humans.


Last week, we had the joy of gathering for our first-ever HVS Fall Sports Awards Ceremony. More than 180 HVS student-athletes and their families attended the celebration, along with our Athletic Director, Nate Vasquez. It was truly uplifting to see everyone together and to watch our coaches and student-athletes shine as they were recognized for their dedication, teamwork, and a fantastic, successful season. A heartfelt thank you to HVPTO for planning and hosting this inaugural event. Their support made the evening memorable for all.


Check out our recent HBCSD School Board - Hermosa Valley Academics Presentation, which highlights the great academic work happening in 5th through 8th grade. Our focus on rigor and high-level student thinking continues to drive growth across all grade levels. I look forward to a wonderful end to 2025, filled with continued intellectual challenges, strong student support, and the joy that comes from learning together.


Wishing you and your family a safe, restful, and happy Thanksgiving!


Warmly,

Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal

HVS Winter Sports Season Kicks Off Soon/Seeking Soccer Coaches


HVS Winter Sports season is almost here, and the energy is already building! Boys & Girls Basketball and Boys & Girls Soccer tryouts will take place during the first two weeks of December, with exact dates and times to be announced soon. Our spirited HVS Cheer Team will be back on the sidelines cheering all season long at games, running from mid-January through February 2026.


To support our after-school athletics program, we are looking for enthusiastic, student-centered Boys & Girls Soccer Coaches to lead our winter teams. Coaches receive a stipend for the season and play an essential role in inspiring student-athletes. Responsibilities include communicating with players and families about practices and games, modeling positivity and professionalism, and traveling with teams on the bus to and from away games.


If you're interested in coaching our Boys & Girls Soccer teams or would like more information, please email Nate Vasquez, HVS Athletic Director, at nvasquez@hbcsd.org or Alison Montoya, Hermosa Valley Assistant Principal, at amontoya@hbcsd.org.


We're looking forward to kicking off a great HVS Winter Sports season. Go Dolphins!

The Weeks Ahead

10/12-12/19: HVPTO: Minted Fundraiser


11/1-30: HVPTO Support & Play FUNraiser: Dave & Buster's Power Cards; Buy Today!


11/17 (During Lunch): Vista: Sand & Surf Soccer Club


11/17 (6-8 PM): HBCSD: Measure HV - Building Our Future Together (Community Input Session) in the Valley MPR


11/18 (During School): Hermosa Valley Science Fair in Mr. Underwood's Classroom, Rooms 12 & 13


11/18 (10-11:30 AM): View: TK Walking Field Trip to Sunrise HB (Rooms 702, 703, & 704)


11/18 (During Lunch): Valley: Beach Kids Yoga Session 1 - Day 4


11/18 (During Lunch): View: Sand & Surf Soccer Club


11/19-21: Valley: 5th Grade Walk Through American Revolution in the Valley MPR


11/19 (8:20-9:15 AM): Valley: 8th Grade Roadshow with MCHS & RUHS in the Valley MPR


11/19 (10-11:30 AM): View: TK Walking Field Trip to Sunrise HB (Rooms 601, 603, & 701) (Rescheduled from 11/14)


11/19 (10:30 AM-10 PM): HVPTO YUMraiser - Starbird Chicken


11/19 (6-7 PM): Valley: MCHS & RUHS Principals' Zoom Meeting for 8th Grade Families


11/19 (4-6 PM): HBCSD: Learner Profile Taskforce (Rescheduled from 11/6)


11/21 (9-9:30 AM): View: Flag Ceremony (Rescheduled from 11/14)


11/21 (After 4 PM): HBCSD: HVS Lost & Found - All unclaimed items at Hermosa View, Vista, & Valley will be donated to charity


11/24-28: HBCSD: Thanksgiving Break - No School


11/30 (3-5 PM): HVPTO Fundraiser: Kendra Scott Holiday Give Back Event (The Point in El Segundo or Online - November 30-December 2 at kendrascott.com)

MOST IMAGES BELOW ARE CLICKABLE WITH MORE DETAILS

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.

QUICK LINKS

Hermosa Schools Office Staff

Wendy Coe

Hermosa View School

wcoe@hbcsd.org

(424) 333-9950 x4000

Kerri Aleman

Hermosa Vista School

kaleman@hbcsd.org

(424) 333-9960 x3000

Jasmin Martinez

Hermosa Valley School

jmartinez@hbcsd.org

(424) 333-9970 x2000

EXPLORE

HVS Office Procedures

HBCSD Communication Guidelines

Volunteer Opportunities

Visit Our HBCSD Website

Wave Watch District Newsletter Archive


HBEF/HVPTO

Hermosa Beach Education Foundation

Hermosa View, Vista, Valley PTO



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