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| | Superintendent's Weekly Message | | |
Dear HBCSD Families,
From October 19-25, our district proudly joins the statewide United Against Hate Week. This is a moment for all of us—students, educators, parents, and community members—to reaffirm that hate, bullying, and discrimination have no place here. Instead, we will lift up kindness, respect, and understanding.
Highlighted Schoolwide Activities:
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Community Chalk Event: Monday morning before school at View and Tuesday before school at Vista - Students and parents are invited to write uplifting messages and draw positive images with chalk in front of the school
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Poster or Door Decorating Contest: Students at View, Vista, and Valley will create posters reflecting the themes of kindness, unity, and standing against hate
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Unity Walk & Wear Orange: On Wednesday at View, the school counselor will facilitate a “unity walk” during morning exercises and play music
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United Against Hate Positivity Wall: On Wednesday at Valley, students are encouraged to write positive notes on a post-it to add to the positivity wall at snack and lunch
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Mix it Up: On Thursday at Vista, students are encouraged to move out of their comfort zone and connect with someone new over snack
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Different but the Same: On Friday at Valley, students are encouraged to get to know people they don’t know and find something they have in common
To view all the activities, per campus, check out these flyers for View, Vista, and Valley.
These activities create shared language, shared commitment, and visible reminders that inclusion and respect are central to our values.
Ways Families Can Engage at Home:
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Use dinnertime or other small moments to talk about what hate and bullying look like, and ask your child what they see at school or online.
- Practice standing up and addressing hateful speech, in-person or virtually (Hermosa Valley students learned these skills last week via Digital4Good)
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Discuss how to be an ally — what it means to stand up when someone is treated unfairly, even if it’s hard.
- Share stories or media (books, articles, videos) that explore themes of inclusion, justice, and empathy—and talk about what stood out to your family.
- Model respectful responses when encountering unfair comments or stereotypes in conversation, news, or social media.
- Reinforce that it’s okay to ask tough questions, to make mistakes, and to learn — the goal is growth and understanding.
To support these conversations, here are key resources from United Against Hate Week (via their “20 Ideas for Action”):
Resources for Adults / Teens:
Resources for Children / Parents:
These are excellent starting points when families want guidance on addressing tough topics with care and openness.
Together, in classrooms, homes, and the wider community, we can ensure that respect, belonging, and compassion guide how we live and learn. Thank you for joining us in standing united against hate.
With appreciation,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
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City of Hermosa Beach Declares United Against Hate Week
The City of Hermosa Beach has joined communities across the South Bay in support of the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate (SBCCAH) by adopting a United Against Hate Week Resolution, officially designating October 19-25, 2025, as United Against Hate Week.
The SBCCAH was established to address the rise in hate incidents in our communities. This collaboration unites city leaders, schools, businesses, faith-based organizations, and community partners to help reduce acts of bias, discrimination, and hate in all forms. Learn more at SOUTHBAYVSHATE.ORG.
Pictured from left to right are Rob Saemann (Hermosa Beach Mayor), Scott Houston, Hildy Stern, and Maggie Bove-LaMonica (HBCSD School Board Member and SBCCAH School Board Representative and Committee Chair).
We applaud the City of Hermosa Beach and the South Bay Community Coalition Against Hate for their commitment to fostering kindness, inclusion, and respect across our communities.
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“All Call” Community Opportunity: Serve on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee
The Hermosa Beach City School District is looking for dedicated volunteers to serve on the Measures S & HV Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC). This all-volunteer group plays a crucial role in reviewing how bond funds are spent and ensuring they are used as approved by voters. Members serve a two-year term without compensation and meet only four times a year. Learn more and apply today by completing this COC Application. Applications are due Friday, October 31, 2025, at 3:00 PM.
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Parenting in a Digital World Tip #5: Blocking Websites, Filtering Content, Imposing Time Limits, and Seeing What Kids are Doing
This Blocking Websites Tip comes from Common Sense Media.
A full-featured, third-party parental control service such as Bark, Qustodio, or Net Nanny will give you a lot of control over all of your kid's devices (the ones they use at home as well as their phones). These can be pricey (especially if you have several kids to monitor), but the cost includes constant device monitoring, offering you visibility into how kids are using their devices. These parental controls can only keep track of accounts that they know your kid is using, and for some apps, you'll need your kid's password in order to monitor activity. If your kid creates a brand-new profile on Instagram using a friend's computer without telling you, for example, the parental controls won't cover that account.
How do I monitor my child’s phone? To keep tabs on your tween or teen's phone, your best bet is to download an app to monitor text messages, social networks, emails, and other mobile functions -- try Bark, Aura, or WebWatcher. These are especially helpful if you're concerned about potentially risky conversations or iffy topics your kid might be engaging in. Bark, for example, notifies you when it detects "alert" words, such as "drugs." To monitor social media, you'll need your kid's account information, including passwords. (NOTE: Create a rule in your family contract regarding hidden accounts.)
Missed a tip? Check out our HBCSD Parenting in a Digital World Tips Page.
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Join the HBCSD Learner Profile Taskforce
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 6, 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!
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Hermosa View School Principal News | |
We had a couple of firsts last week at View!
On Tuesday, we experienced our first rainy day schedule, which went smoothly thanks to the flexibility of our staff and students. That same day, we also held our first earthquake drill, practicing our “Duck, Cover, and Hold” for one minute. This was in preparation for Thursday’s Great California ShakeOut Drill, where we practiced safe evacuation procedures and our staff practiced our search and rescue protocol. I was very impressed with our team and the way our students followed directions. We all feel much more prepared in the event of an emergency.
On Friday, we held our second View Flag Ceremony, honoring students who have been “Up for a Challenge”. These students demonstrated perseverance through doing hard things, taking responsibility for their belongings, actions, and themselves, and rising to meet challenges. Hearing our View students sing The Star-Spangled Banner under the direction of our amazing music teacher, Mr. R, was inspiring. He also led Ms. Bradley’s TK class and Ms. Munson’s Kinder class in music performances. We are so proud of their hard work and enthusiasm!
As Dr. Wildes mentioned in her message above, we’re celebrating United Against Hate Week across all Hermosa Schools from October 20-24. Please see our View flyer to learn all the ways your child and family can get involved this week. We appreciate your partnership in helping us nurture a kind and inclusive school community.
And finally, take a look at some of Ms. Bradley's TK students enjoying our beautiful school garden below, smelling the sweet aroma of basil and sampling our deliciously sweet cherry tomatoes! A big thank you to all the Beach Cities Health District LiveWell Kids Program Lead Volunteers who help make hands-on learning so much fun!
Warmly,
Dr. Jessica Ghobrial, Hermosa View Principal / HB Preschool Director
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HVPTO's Halloween Carnival & Raffle
The HVPTO's annual Halloween Carnival & Raffle is happening on Friday, October 24, from 4:00-7:30 PM, at Hermosa Valley. This is one of HVPTO's biggest FUNdraisers of the year and is a spooky good time featuring carnival games & prizes, an obstacle course, a photobooth, yummy food, and a raffle with fantastic prizes.
Visit the HVPTO Halloween Carnival Central for all the spooky information you could possibly want about the Halloween Carnival and Raffle.
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Halloween Carnival - Valley Middle School Student Council Bake Sale
Calling all Halloween Bakers! The Valley Middle School Student Council is hosting their annual Bake Sale at this year's Halloween Carnival, and they need your help to make it another spooktacular success. Thanks to the generous donations from our wonderful HVS families, our Bake Sale Booth has always been a crowd favorite year after year.
If you enjoy baking, we'd love for you to donate some spooky, nut-free treats! Desserts can be dropped off on Friday, October 24, at the Valley Front Office or at the Bake Sale Booth in the Halloween Carnival Food Court before the event begins. Again, all baked goods must be nut-free.
Additionally, we ask that all baked goods be sent in disposable packaging.
Thank you for your support! We can’t wait to see your delicious dessert donations!
Ms. Brown, Valley Middle School Student Council
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
Last week at Vista, students experienced their first rainy day schedule with the much-needed rain that poured in on Tuesday. Staff and students did great and kept the learning going!
Earlier this month, we had our first Vista Flag Ceremony, where we were able to celebrate students who showed our first S.U.R.F. expectations of being “SAFE”. Students were recognized for their safe behavior as they walked through the halls, played on the field, and being safe in their classrooms. Our 2nd Grade Brownie Troop proudly led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the school singing The Star-Spangled Banner. We also heard some news about the Skecher’s Walk. We look forward to more Vista Flag Ceremonies this year as we focus on our next S.U.R.F. expectation of being “Up for a Challenge.”
In 2nd grade, students were especially excited to join Ms. Pisciotta’s Imagination Station Lunch Club, their very first lunch club experience at Hermosa Vista! Many students eagerly asked about the procedures, and it was great to see their enthusiasm. During lunch club days, students enjoy lunch first, then have the option to participate in the club or play on the playground.
This week, as Dr. Wildes shared, we will do activities for United Against Hate Week. Please remind your students about our Vista daily activities that they can join to unite against hate. We are looking forward to all the activities that will be happening this week.
Lastly, if you are dropping off at the walking gate, please remember to park on 26th Street. For everyone’s safety, do not park or stop at the crosswalk. It’s important that all families either park on 26th Street or use the valet line on the opposite side. Thank you for helping keep our students safe during arrival!
Warmly,
Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal
| | Hermosa Valley School Principal News | | |
Last week, we honored students who are Riding the Wave by Showing Respect for All at our first Valley Flag Ceremony of the school year. We are so lucky to have such kind leaders here at Hermosa Valley! These students truly embody this award by treating others with kindness, listening to different perspectives, being considerate in their words and actions, and including everyone in the school community. We also recognized 143 students with perfect attendance, including no tardies! Wow! Your dedication and responsibility are inspiring to all of us.
This week, as Dr. Wildes highlighted, we’re joining other schools in celebrating United Against Hate Week. Throughout the week, our students will participate in various activities that promote kindness, respect, and inclusion. Check out this flyer to see what’s planned for United Against Hate Week (October 20-24) and Red Ribbon Week (October 27-31) at Valley.
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Coming up next week, get ready for our Valley Spirit Games, a celebration of togetherness on Wednesday, October 29! Activities this year include a dance party, tug o’ war, basketball, bracelet making, and more. We have added even more variety, giving everyone a place to enjoy. Our team has been working hard to make the experience memorable for everyone. We have a slightly modified bell schedule for that day. Students will complete a survey to rank their interests in Advisory this week.
Middle School Participation Reminder: As shared previously, students must meet minimum service points, citizenship, tardies, and behavior requirements based on our Protocol for Participation. Those who don’t will be placed in a classroom with structured activities or service point opportunities.
And of course, don’t forget to wear your team colors - Blue Crocodiles, Green Grizzly Bears, Orange Leopards, Purple Jaguars, Red Wolves, and Yellow Lions!
We’re also exploring the opportunity to launch a Hermosa Valley Chess Team through Rookly, where students compete in weekly, skill-based online matches against peers of the same skill level and experience from other schools. Students will also have access to physical chess sets at team meetings during lunch or after school to practice and play against one another. Organizers are planning an end-of-year in-person competition in the Los Angeles area, where our students would be invited to participate. If your student is interested, please have them complete this interest form by Friday, October 31.
In the classroom, our students are engaging in exciting hands-on science learning. 5th grade students are observing how Earth’s rotation creates day and night, showing that the sun doesn't move, but the Earth spins on its axis once every 24 hours. They also conducted experiments that compared the temperature changes of soil and water by measuring how their temperatures change when exposed to sunlight and then moved into the shade. Check out the pictures below to see science learning in action.
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We are so proud of our students’ curiosity and teamwork as they explore, learn, and grow together. Let’s have another great week!
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
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10/12-12/19: HVPTO: Minted Fundraiser
10/19-25: SBCCAH/HBCSD: United Against Hate Week
10/20-24: SBCCAH/HBCSD: Food Drive for the Richstone Family Center's Single Mom Project Nutrition Pantry
10/20 (During Lunch): Vista: Sand & Surf Soccer Club
10/21 (During Lunch): Valley: Beach Kids Yoga Session 1 - Day 2
10/21 (During Lunch): View: Sand & Surf Soccer Club
10/21 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Girls Volleyball vs. WISEBURN (AWAY GAME)
10/21 (7:30-9:00 PM): HVPTO/HBEF: Joint General Meeting - Valley MPR
10/22 (2:30-4:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Boys Flag Football & Girls Volleyball vs. PVIS (HOME GAME)
10/24 (4:00-7:30 PM): HVPTO: Halloween Carnival & Raffle at Hermosa Valley
| | 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.
| | | Hermosa Schools Office Staff | | | | |
