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| | Superintendent's Weekly Message | | |
At Hermosa Beach City School District, we recognize that strong oral language skills are the foundation of written literacy. Speaking and listening are not just important life skills—they are essential for deep learning and critical thinking. That’s why our English Language Arts program, Wit & Wisdom, prioritizes daily opportunities for students to “speak to learn.”
A key shift in this approach is balancing classroom talk so that students, not just teachers, do most of the thinking aloud. Through structured discussions, students practice expressing their ideas, listening carefully to others, and building on each other’s thinking.
One powerful practice within Wit & Wisdom is the Socratic Seminar. In these structured academic conversations, students engage in rigorous dialogue around a thought-provoking question tied to module texts. To prepare, students gather evidence from their reading and writing. During the seminar, they apply the crafts of speaking and listening to share, extend, and refine their ideas, strengthening both their knowledge and their communication skills.
Socratic Seminars bring the joyful rigor of learning to life, turning classrooms into communities where students learn not only from books but also from one another. At the same time, teachers gain valuable insight into students’ progress in speaking, listening, and comprehension.
Through Wit & Wisdom, our students are developing the essential literacy skills needed to thrive in high school, college, careers, and beyond.
Best,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
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Walk and Roll to School Day is Coming on October 8th!
Hermosa View, Vista, & Valley Schools are excited to participate again in the Beach Cities Health District's Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. All HVS students, families, and staff are invited to join other HVS Dolphins and walk to school. Please note: HVS students will not be marked tardy if they participate in this event. Walking route maps, meet and departure times, and other details can be found in each school site PDF below:
Walk and Roll to School View
Walk and Roll to School Vista
Walk and Roll to School Valley
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Parenting in a Digital World Tip #3: Blocking Websites
This Blocking Websites Tip comes from Common Sense Media.
If you just want to limit what your kids can search for, your best option is to enable Google SafeSearch in whichever browser or browsers you use. First, you need to make sure your browsers use Google as their default search engine, and then you need to turn on SafeSearch. This is a good precaution to take as soon as your kids start going online and you want to make sure they don't accidentally stumble across something yucky.
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Reminder: Stay Connected with PowerSchool!
Parents, remember to regularly check the PowerSchool Parent Portal to stay up-to-date on your child’s progress. Through the portal, you can view class schedules, track grades, attendance, and see upcoming assignments all in one place. You can also set up alerts for important updates and communicate directly with teachers.
If you need help accessing your account or resetting your password, please refer to our PowerSchool Parent Portal Directions or contact our IT Department for assistance.
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Hermosa View School Principal News | |
It was a short week, but it was filled with lots of learning!
We kindly ask our View families to help us remind our Dolphins to S.U.R.F. at school by being Safe, Up for a Challenge, Respectful, and Friendly.
Last week’s learning highlights include our TK students beginning a brand-new theme in their classroom, “My Family and Friends”! They explored:
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How families work and play together
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How families can be alike and different
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What makes every family special and unique
TK will have lots of fun discovering just how fabulous families can be!
Kindergartners read My Five Senses by Margaret Miller and practiced noticing, wondering, and exploring the text with partners. See the pictures taken below in Ms. Ahrens' class. In math, they continued working on identifying numbers up to 5 in different configurations and drawings, as well as practicing number formation and showing numbers in many ways. In writing, they practiced writing letters, using spaces and punctuation, and adding labels to drawings. Ask your student what they learned about fire safety and Frida Kahlo!
In 1st Grade, students continued with their close reading and writing the four stages of craft instruction. They engaged in discussions on core literacy text, reviewed CVC words and short vowel sounds. In math, students continued working on solving addition problems using different strategies: drawing pictures, counting on, and using 5-group cards. Their work on understanding equivalent expressions and the commutative property continued
Hermosa View, please continue to rally family and friends around the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk. We want to get the most registrations and, more importantly, funding for many of the programs we value so much, like SPARKS Lab, music, and the library! There are great prizes at stake for the class with the highest participation! If View campus exceeds the goal of 150% (1.5x) of View enrollment in Skechers registrations, the entire campus will get an extra recess! Any class that gets 2x class enrollment in Skechers registrations will get a popsicle and a PJ party. I'm encouraging every student to register at least two people! Register today!
Thank you for your partnership and support!
Warmly,
Dr. Jessica Ghobrial, Hermosa View Principal / HB Preschool Director
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
Even though it was a short week, our Vista students accomplished so much! We officially kicked off Morning Exercises, which helped students start the day with energy and focus. Together, we practiced squats, high knees, stretches, and deep breathing. Students from each grade level even volunteered to lead the exercises in front of their classroom line. It was wonderful to see their confidence shine! We would love for parent volunteers to join us in leading Morning Exercise from 8:10-8:40 AM each day. It’s a fun way to kickstart the morning and get a pre-workout in before your usual gym time right here at Vista with our students! If you are interested, please email me at gyang@hbcsd.org.
Lastly, Hermosa Vista, please register for Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk on Sunday, October 19. Every registration brings funding directly back to our school programs. If you cannot walk in person, you can still support our Hermosa Schools by registering as a virtual walker.
Vista Incentives for Participation include:
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No Homework for the week if Vista exceeds 1.5x or 150% of Vista enrollment in Skechers registration.
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A popsicle and PJ party for any class that gets 2x class enrollment in Skechers enrollment.
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Principal for the Day for the top Vista student!
I am looking forward to the week ahead!
Warmly,
Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal
| | Hermosa Valley School Principal News | | |
Welcome back from the long weekend! I want to give a huge shoutout to our families and students for coming to school on School Census Day (the day before the long weekend). We had an incredible 99.98% attendance at Valley! Thank you for your commitment to your child’s education and for partnering with us to help our schools secure vital funding. These numbers will make a meaningful impact on our students and programs. Please read on for important updates.
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Intervention in Advisory Update
Teachers have reached out with invites for targeted interventions during Advisory, including English, Math, Executive Functioning, Counseling, and English Language Development. We are so happy to be able to offer such a robust program for our students during the school day. Advisory teachers will be informing students of their intervention times on Monday, October 6. On intervention days, students will travel directly to their assigned intervention. There is no need to check in with their Advisory teacher first.
Questions? Reach out to your child’s English or Math teacher, or for counseling questions, email Ms. Ryley.
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Digital4Good x #ICANHELP at Hermosa Valley
In honor of our participation in the United Against Hate Campaign, Hermosa Valley students will join a powerful Digital Citizenship and Literacy Assembly presented by Digital4Good x #ICANHELP on Tuesday, October 7, from 9:10–10:00 AM. This engaging program teaches students how to build a positive digital footprint, manage online conflict, and become "Digital First Responders," ready to address cyberbullying, AI misuse, and other digital challenges.
Digital4Good x #ICANHELP is a nonprofit that has empowered over 700,000 students nationwide to use technology for good. Through interactive lessons and real-world examples, students learn how online kindness can truly change lives.
HBCSD: Parent/Guardian Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, October 7, 6:00–7:00 PM — join to explore these digital skills together: Zoom Link. See the image below to learn more and review the #ICANHELP Parent Guidelines For Social Media and Device Use.
For more information, visit ICANHELP.NET.
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Middle School Outdoor Science Education Camp
As part of our middle school science curriculum, all 6th-8th grade students have the exciting opportunity to attend a yearly Outdoor Science Education Camp. The dates are as follows:
6th Grade - Pali Institute, Running Springs; April 27-29, 2026
7th Grade - CIMI at Toyon Bay, Catalina; April 22-24, 2026
8th Grade - AstroCamp, Idyllwild; January 14-16, 2026
Reminder: 8th Grade AstroCamp Forms are due Wednesday, October 8!
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HVS Athletics Fall Sports
Our Boys Flag Football and Girls Volleyball teams had a fantastic week against Ridgecrest Intermediate, winning every game by a large margin!
Next week is our first home game, so come out and support your HVS Dolphins:
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Tuesday (10/7): HVS vs. Miraleste Intermediate School (Home)
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Thursday (10/9): HVS vs. Parras Middle School (Away)
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Time: 3:30–5:30 PM
Additionally, our HVS Cross Country team is having its first meet on Friday, October 10, from 3:00-4:30 PM at the Palos Verdes Cross Country Course hosted by Chadwick.
Visit the HVS Athletics Program Website to learn more. Let’s cheer our teams to another great week of victories!
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8th Grade Sand Dune Native Plant Restoration Project
8th graders will participate in the Sand Dune Native Plant Restoration Project on October 9 and 10 through Social Studies with Mr. Beaudin. Launched in 2014, this project restores native plants, removes invasive species, and supports the El Segundo blue butterfly, all while providing meaningful hands-on learning.
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Valley Science Fair Important Upcoming Dates
10/8 - Project Submission Deadline
10/10 - Student Option to Prep with Mr. Underwood
11/17 - Project Deadline / Preview Day
11/18 - Hermosa Valley Science Fair: All middle school science classes and 5th grade visit
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Beach Kids Yoga – Valley School Lunch Time Yoga Series
Beach Kids Yoga is excited to be back at Valley School for a Fall Lunchtime Yoga Class Series! Classes will be held in Room 32 on Tuesdays: October 14, 21, & 28 and November 4.
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Grades 7 & 8: 11:35–11:55 AM
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Grades 5 & 6: 12:45–1:05 PM
Students must RSVP and commit to all four sessions. Space is limited! Once the mats are full, the doors will close.
Beach Kids Yoga can’t wait to see our 5th-8th graders on the mat this fall and winter!
Interested? SIGN UP HERE
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Save the Dates!
This year’s Valley Middle School Dances will be on December 12, 2025, and March 20, 2026, from 5:30-7:30 PM. As each date approaches, we’ll share details including the theme, participation form, and dance fee.
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Reminder: Skechers Walk is on October 19th!
Hermosa Valley wants to lead the district in registrations for the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk (and right now we are losing to View)! Every sign-up counts, and Skechers matches 3–4x our investment. Virtual participants are welcome. Register everyone you know (yes, even pets!) SIGN UP HERE!
So many amazing incentives to register!
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5th Grade: Reach 150% of enrollment = no homework for a week
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6th–8th Grade: 2+ registrations = mile-skip pass in PE (register under your student’s PE teacher)
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Any Class: Reach 200% of enrollment = popsicle party
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Bonus: One Valley student will be awarded Principal for the Day!
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Lastly, please make sure to drop off your children safely. We’ve noticed several students jumping out of cars on Valley Drive and running through traffic. This is very concerning! Also, many helmets are being worn with 4–5 fingers of space between the chin and the strap. Helmets worn this way can easily come off. For reference, review our E-Bike Safety Tips - Helmet Safety video. Safety is a top priority in our district. Let’s work together to keep our HVS Dolphins protected.
I’m looking forward to another great week!
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
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PBIS Corner
Back to Basics: Understanding PBIS in Our Schools
As we begin a new school year, we want to take a moment to step back and share some fundamentals about PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). With so many new families and students to HBCSD we thought, let’s go “back to basics” and review together.
What is PBIS?
PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. It’s a framework designed to help students make positive choices, practice responsibility, and contribute to a safe, supportive school environment. Developed more than 20 years ago by researchers, PBIS has become a trusted, research-based approach used in schools across the country.
Why do we use PBIS?
PBIS provides:
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Clarity and consistency - Clear expectations reduce stress for students and staff.
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Data to guide decisions - We can track what’s working and what needs adjusting.
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Flexibility - PBIS gives us tools to respond quickly to school needs, from routines like bathroom passes to bigger systems like cell phone use or bike safety.
Don’t kids already know how to behave?
Most students (about 80–85%) do well with general expectations and routines. But PBIS recognizes that not all students thrive under a one-size-fits-all model. Some students (about 10%) need extra support, while a smaller group (around 5%) may need more intensive interventions. PBIS helps us build consistency across classrooms and grade levels, while also ensuring we have the right supports in place for all students.
How do we support students who need more?
For students needing additional help, PBIS includes strategies like mentorships, check-ins, parent communication, and personalized supports. This is where teamwork between teachers, staff, and families makes a big difference.
How do we track progress at Hermosa Valley?
We’re using PBIS Rewards 360, which helps us:
- Reward positive choices with points.
- Document behavior concerns.
- Identify when students may need more support.
Looking Ahead
We are now in our fourth year of PBIS. So far, we’ve earned Silver recognition twice and are encouraged by positive staff and parent feedback. With Hermosa Vista beginning its PBIS journey as well, we are excited to collaborate across schools and keep building a safe, supportive learning environment for every student.
Together, with consistency and collaboration, PBIS helps us shape a school culture where all students can thrive.
Best,
Jason Coleman, 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
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10/6 (During Lunch): Vista: Sand & Surf Soccer Club
10/7 (9:10-10:00 AM): Valley Assembly: Digital Citizenship and Literacy presented by Digital4Good x #ICANHELP
10/7 (During Lunch): View: Sand & Surf Soccer Club
10/7 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Boys Flag Football & Girls Volleyball vs. MIS (HOME GAME)
10/7 (6:00-7:00 PM): HBCSD: Digital4Good x #ICANHELP Parent/Guardian Zoom Meeting; Zoom Link
10/8 (7:30-8:30 AM; 8:00 AM Meet; 8:10 Depart): HVS: BCHD's Walk and Roll to School Day - All Hermosa Schools participate (Walking Routes for View, Vista, & Valley) Please note: If students participate in this event, they will not be marked tardy.
10/8 (5-8 PM): HBCSD: Regular School Board Meeting
10/9-10: Valley: 8th Grade Sand Dune Native Plant Restoration Project - Mr. Beaudin's Social Studies Classes
10/9 (8:30-10:00 AM): Valley: Ms. Ripley's Yearbook Class Walking Field Trip to the HB Pier
10/9 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Boys Flag Football & Girls Volleyball vs. PARRAS (AWAY GAME)
10/10: Valley: Make-Up Picture Day
10/10 (8:40-9:10 AM): Vista Flag Ceremony
10/10: Valley: 6th-8th Grade Progress Reports Emailed Home
10/10 (3:00-4:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Cross Country Meet at Palos Verdes Cross Country Course (Hosted by CHADWICK)
| | 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 | | | | |
