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| | Superintendent's Weekly Message | | |
Dear Hermosa Families,
I am proud to share that HBCSD is moving ahead with our implementation of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) in our STEAM lab programs and have been awarded implementation grants for both the Launch and Gateway programs. PLTW is a nationally recognized, hands-on STEM program that empowers students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and apply creativity and innovation through engaging, project-based learning experiences.
In our 6th grade STEM lab, students are currently immersed in the Design and Modeling unit, where they explore the design process and examine the role of creativity and innovation in everyday life. As a culminating challenge, students are applying their learning to design a therapeutic toy for a child with cerebral palsy—an experience that builds empathy, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. We are excited to expand PLTW into our elementary grades next year to create a strong, connected PLTW pathway across HBCSD. To learn more, please visit PLTW.ORG.
Thank you to the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation for your unwavering support of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in our schools.
Warm regards,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
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PLTW Puzzle Cube Design Project
Sixth grade PLTW students conducted a puzzle cube design project by using dial calipers for accurate measurements, isometric drawings for 3D sketching, designing a puzzle cube with plastic blocks, and then creating the same puzzle cubes with wooden blocks. Each puzzle cube had to have 27 pieces total with six separate parts. Three of the parts had four pieces and three of the parts had five pieces. Each part had to be unique from all other parts. To conclude the project, student groups competed to see who could solve their opponent's puzzle cube the fastest.
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Read Across America 2026
Our Hermosa Schools are participating in the National Education Association's Read Across America from March 2-6, 2026. During this week, we will have special guest readers in our TK & Kinder classrooms and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Assemblies. Additionally, this week, we're having Read Across America Spirit Week-themed days at our Hermosa Schools. Get into the spirit as follows:
Monday: Green Eggs and Ham Day
Everyone wears GREEN!
Tuesday: Cozy up with a book
Wear comfy clothes or pajamas
Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday
Wear mismatched clothes
Thursday: Oh, the Places You'll Go!
Wear a Hawaiian shirt or shirt from anywhere you've traveled to
Friday: Favorite Book Character Day!
Dress up as your favorite character from a book
To learn more about the NEA's Read Across America, click here.
Read Across America at HVS is #poweredbyHVPTO
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CAC Parent Workshop: Supporting Healthy Teen Development for Kids with Special Needs
Southwest SELPA is hosting a virtual Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Parent Workshop: Supporting Healthy Teen Development for Kids with Special Needs, on Wednesday, February 25, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM via Zoom.
This highly interactive and engaging session, presented by Dr. Danyelle Beal, is designed to help families learn practical tools and strategies to support healthy growth and independence in teens with special needs.
We hope you will consider joining the virtual workshop to take advantage of the resources available to support your family.
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Parenting in a Digital World Tip #17: Common Sense Carpool Conversations
This tip comes from Common Sense Media.
Oftentimes, finding dedicated time to talk with your child about issues that matter most in their digital lives can be challenging. That’s why we highly recommend Common Sense Carpool Conversations. These short, digestible podcasts can be enjoyed with your child during your commute, waiting in line, or even out on a walk. The purpose of the podcast is to start discussions in fun, authentic ways and to encourage sharing. The podcast series is divided by age group - a series for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, touching on topics most relevant to that age group. You can access the series from their webpage or on YouTube.
Missed a tip? Check out our HBCSD Parenting in a Digital World Tips Page.
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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!
| | | Hermosa View School Principal News | |
At our Hermosa View Flag Ceremony next Friday, February 27, at 9:00 AM, we will recognize students who have been Up for a Challenge. Students in Ms. Lange and Ms. Ahren’s classes will also be performing! Parents/Guardians, please remember to enter through the gate just past the main gate and exit the same way. If you plan to volunteer afterward, you are welcome to check in through the front office.
We would like to remind families to follow safety guidelines during morning drop-off. We have noticed students being dropped off in the middle of the driveway, which is very dangerous. If you are not parking and walking your student in, please strictly use the valet lane only. For safety and traffic flow, adults should remain in their vehicles while in the valet lane.
Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers have begun administering the Reading Difficulties Risk Screener (DIBELS). We look forward to looking at that data to help guide our instruction and support student learning.
Thank you for your partnership and for sharing your amazing children with us!
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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Taking Time: South Bay
We are excited to partner with Taking Time: South Bay to provide additional support for HBCSD students. Through this partnership, Taking Time is offering school-based, short-term counseling (4-6 weekly sessions) for students who have been impacted by divorce or separation. These sessions are designed to provide a safe, supportive space for students to process their experiences and build healthy coping skills with qualified professionals.
If you feel this support may benefit your child, we invite you to complete this referral form (one form per child). After the form is submitted, your school counselor will follow up with the next steps, answer any questions you may have, and provide a consent form for your review and signature before services begin.
If you would like additional information before deciding, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school counselor. We are happy to talk through the program and help you determine whether it is a good fit for your child.
To learn more about Taking Time and their services, please visit their website at TAKINGTIME.ORG.
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
We kicked off the week by reviewing our SURF Expectations across the Vista campus. Students were reminded to demonstrate Safe, Up for a Challenge, Respectful, and Friendly behaviors in the lunch area, during recess, and in the hallways.
Second grade also began mCLASS/DIBELS Assessments, with teachers meeting individually with each student to better understand their current literacy skills. Meanwhile, third and fourth grade students are continuing to practice with Interim Assessment Blocks in preparation for CAASPP testing this spring.
We’re proud of the students’ continued effort and focus as we support both their academic growth and positive school community.
Warmly,
Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal
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Hermosa Student Competes in National Art Contest
We are excited to share wonderful news about one of our Hermosa students. Aya S., a talented 2nd grade student at Hermosa Vista, has been selected to compete in the national art contest Bob Ross Presents: America's Most Artistic Kid. This opportunity could lead to her artwork being exhibited at the Minnetrista Museum in Indiana, an appearance on a special episode of The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins, and a $20,000 college grant. The contest also supports Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).
As Aya's parents shared, "It's thrilling to see one of our own recognized on this level! This isn't just a special recognition for our daughter; it's a beautiful reflection of the creativity and talent being nurtured right here in our HBCSD classrooms and with the Young at Art program, which she fondly loves."
The first round of public voting is currently open until Thursday, February 26. We encourage our Hermosa families, students, and community to vote for Aya today!
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Author Bethany Barton Visits 2nd Grade on February 27th!
We are delighted to welcome Bethany Barton to Hermosa Vista for Read Across America Week. Bethany Barton is an award-winning author, illustrator, and science communicator, on a mission to help kids approach STEM subjects using facts, humor, empathy, and critical thinking. Her books have earned a Children's Choice Award, Amazon Best Book of the Year, and have been featured in the New York Times. She will be the special guest reader at the 2nd Grade Assembly on Friday, February 27, from 1:20-2:20 PM in the Vista Library.
Read Across America at HVS is #poweredbyHVPTO.
| | | Hermosa Valley School Principal News | | |
I can’t believe we are already in the last week of February! It was a great — albeit short and rainy — week. We were happy to see everyone back from break.
As we head toward the end of the 2nd Trimester on March 6, this is an important time to stay focused and finish strong. Students, please be sure to turn in any late assignments and prepare carefully for upcoming assessments. These next couple of weeks matter.
I also want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of citizenship at Valley. Positive citizenship is not just a mark on a report card. It reflects how you contribute to our community through responsibility, respect, and engagement. Strong citizenship opens doors to valuable experiences, including athletic participation and the Outdoor Science Camp for our middle school students. If you currently have multiple N’s or a U in citizenship for Trimester 2, this will impact your eligibility for camp if it remains on your final report card. There is still time to improve. I encourage you to speak directly with your teachers about specific steps you can take to strengthen your citizenship before the trimester ends.
In terms of grades, a friendly reminder that before asking a teacher about extra credit opportunities, make sure all assigned work has been completed and submitted. The first step to improving a grade is ensuring the required work is done thoroughly and on time.
Let’s work together to close out Trimester 2 with effort, integrity, and pride.
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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1/5-3/13: Valley Yearbook: 8th Grade Dedication Pages & Baby Pictures
2/23-27: Vista: Vision & Hearing Screenings (2nd Grade)
2/24 (3:15-5:15 PM): Valley Winter Sports: HVS Boys & Girls Basketball & Soccer vs. MBMS (HOME Game)
2/25 (8:25-9:10 AM): Valley: Flag Ceremony
2/26-4/29: Valley: Physical Fitness Testing (5th Grade)
2/26-3/9: Valley: Physical Fitness Testing (7th Grade) Rescheduled from 1/26-2/6
2/26 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Winter Sports: HVS Boys & Girls Soccer vs. ESMS (AWAY Game) Rescheduled from 2/19
2/27 (9-9:30 AM): View: Flag Ceremony
2/27 (1:20-2:20 PM): Vista/RAA: 2nd Grade Assembly with Author Bethany Barton
2/28 (7:00 AM-7:00 PM): HVS SciOly: Science Olympiad Los Angeles Regional Tournament at Rio Hondo College
3/2-6: HVPTO: Read Across America at HVS
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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 | | | | |
