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| | Superintendent's Weekly Message | | |
In 2025, the South Bay Parkland Conservancy (SBPC) joined the ongoing efforts of the Hermosa Valley School Sand Dune Restoration Project, a program originally launched in 2014. This unique site integrates public access with an outdoor learning environment, allowing students to study and experience coastal ecology firsthand within their local community.
The restoration focuses on reviving California native plants, enhancing the dune’s ecological value, and providing a critical corridor for the endangered El Segundo Blue butterfly, directly supporting species recovery.
This special project is led by Hermosa Valley’s 8th grade students and Mr. Beaudin, guided by the tireless dedication of Suzanne Evans, a longtime Hermosa Beach resident. Each year, students learn about the dune’s history, remove invasive ice plant, and replant native species. This year, our students proudly completed Stage 12 of the restoration.
Learn more about this inspiring, hands-on environmental program in this short video.
Best,
Dr. Susan Wildes
Superintendent of Schools, Hermosa Beach City School District
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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.
Questions? Email Paula Montalbo, Chief Business Officer, at pmontalbo@hbcsd.org.
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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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Red Ribbon Week at HVS
From October 27-31, 2025, Hermosa View, Vista, & Valley Schools will join students nationwide in celebrating National Red Ribbon Week, promoting healthy choices and drug-free living. This year's theme is "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free."
Each Hermosa School will host fun and meaningful daily activities throughout the week to encourage students to make positive choices. View your school's flyer for details:
Hermosa View & Vista Flyer
Hermosa Valley Flyer
To learn more about this national event, visit redribbon.org.
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Hermosa View School Principal News | |
First and foremost, thank you for your generosity! Hermosa View rose to the top as the highest fundraising school in our district for the Skechers Walk! Your incredible support directly benefits the amazing programs that enrich our students’ learning experiences every day.
Our United Against Hate Week celebrations brought our community together in such a special way. The Community Chalk event was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who joined us! It was amazing to see our sidewalk transformed into a vibrant display of kindness, inclusion, and creativity. Each square told a story of unity, coming together as a masterpiece that beautifully reflects the heart of Hermosa View.
Our students also took part in a Unity Walk and showed their spirit by wearing orange in support of kindness and togetherness.
At lunch, students had a blast playing soccer during two days of Sand & Surf with Coach Nick and Coach Matt—thank you both for bringing the energy and fun to our playground!
In the Classrooms
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Ms. Traudt’s 1st Grade class had a fantastic music session with Mr. R, who led students through a complex (and fun!) voice warm-up.
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Ms. Speese’s Kindergarten class practiced their letter sounds using whiteboards during Fundations. It’s wonderful to see our young learners growing in confidence and skill every day.
We wrapped up the week with our HVPTO's Halloween Carnival, which was an absolute hit! The laughter, games, and excitement filled the campus, and yes, plenty of students took the opportunity to dunk me in the dunk tank! (Still not sure what I did to deserve that! 😉)
It’s so much fun being a principal at Hermosa View. Every day, I’m reminded how lucky we are to be part of such a caring, joyful community. Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us!
Warmly,
Dr. Jessica Ghobrial, Hermosa View Principal / HB Preschool Director
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Hermosa Beach Preschool, View, & Vista - Halloween Costume Parade
HB Preschool, View, and Vista families, join us on Friday, October 31, for our annual Halloween Costume Parade! Please note that you will not be required to check in at the front office for this event.
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At View: Families will enter at 8:45 AM via the fire lane on the north side of campus and remain on the grass. The parade will go from 9:00-10:00 AM on the View blacktop.
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At Vista: Families will enter at 1:40 PM via the front entrance gate. The parade will go from 1:45-2:30 PM.
If your child would like to wear a costume to school, they are welcome to do so, but please keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Students may not bring items resembling weapons (e.g., no fake knives, swords, guns, etc.)
- Masks are allowed only during the parade. Afterward, parents/guardians must take the masks home, or students should store them in their backpacks.
- Makeup should not drip, smudge, or interfere with their schoolwork. Any makeup must be applied at home, as there won’t be time to do this at school. Please use makeup sparingly and leave it at home.
- Gruesome costumes or makeup (e.g., no fake blood) are not allowed.
- Costumes must follow the school dress code.
- Teachers may ask students to remove parts of elaborate or cumbersome costumes during class time. Please provide a change of clothes or check with your child’s teacher if you’re unsure of what’s acceptable.
- Students should arrive at school already dressed in their costumes, as there won’t be time to change upon arrival.
- Students must wear closed-toed shoes.
Please note: Do not send candy to school after Halloween for the children to eat. Any candy brought to school will be confiscated.
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Hermosa Vista School Principal News | |
What a week we had! Hermosa Vista participated in United Against Hate Week and enjoyed meaningful activities celebrating kindness, unity, and inclusion. The week began with classroom door decorations reflecting themes of standing against hate and spreading kindness. During morning exercises, students chanted together, reminding one another that we all shine bright with helping hands and kind hearts.
Thank you for your incredible support in the Skechers Walk. We’re excited to share that we achieved our goal of 1.5x Vista students! I’ll provide you with information on when our students will receive their prize in November.
This week, Vista will celebrate Red Ribbon Week, focusing on making healthy choices. Students are invited to participate in themed activities throughout the week, and our celebration will conclude with the Halloween Costume Parade on Friday, October 31, at 1:45 p.m. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend. More details are above. Additionally, the Hermosa Beach Police Department will visit classrooms on Thursday, October 30, to share Halloween safety tips, and makeup pictures will also be taken that day.
Warmly,
Grace Yang, Hermosa Vista Principal
| | Hermosa Valley School Principal News | | |
Last week, we came together for United Against Hate Week, with Valley students participating in activities promoting kindness and the power of inclusion. It was wonderful to see our campus united with messages of compassion and community. This week, we’ll kick off Red Ribbon Week, which focuses on making healthy choices and positive decisions. Students are encouraged to participate in themed activities throughout the week.
Thank you so much for your help with the incredible number of registrations for Skechers Walk! I’m so proud of our 914 walkers registered. A special shoutout to Team Butcher for taking the top spot at Valley. While we didn’t take the top spot as the highest participating school in our district this year, we made a HUGE contribution!
We’re also looking forward to the Valley Spirit Games this Wednesday, October 29! It’ll be an exciting hour of school spirit, teamwork, and fun! Activities include tug-of-war, basketball, bracelet making, a dance party, and more. We’ll follow a slightly adjusted schedule, and participation is based on our Protocol for Participation.
Don’t forget to wear your team colors:
💙 Blue Crocodiles | 💚 Green Grizzly Bears | 🧡 Orange Leopards | 💜 Purple Jaguars | ❤️ Red Wolves | 💛 Yellow Lions
To wrap up the week, we’ll celebrate with our Halloween Costume Day Contest on Friday, October 31, during 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade lunches! Students in grades 5–8 are invited to show off their creativity, humor, and Halloween spirit. Winners will be announced during the lunchtime awards ceremony. Costumes will be recognized in the following categories: Most Creative, Best Group or Duo, Funniest Costume, Best Homemade Costume, and Judge’s Choice.
Important: Please review the Halloween Costume Guidelines before dressing up to make sure your outfit is school-appropriate.
Looking ahead, our Hermosa Valley Science Fair is right around the corner. Mark these upcoming dates in your calendar:
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11/17 - Project Deadline / Preview Day
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11/18 - Hermosa Valley Science Fair (All middle school science classes and 5th grade visit)
Warmly,
Jessica Bledsoe, Hermosa Valley Principal
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10/12-12/19: HVPTO: Minted Fundraiser
10/27-31: HVS: Red Ribbon Week
10/27 (During Lunch): Vista: Sand & Surf Soccer Club
10/28 (During Lunch): Valley: Beach Kids Yoga Session 1 - Day 3
10/28 (During Lunch): View: Sand & Surf Soccer Club
10/28 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Boys Flag Football & Girls Volleyball vs. MBMS (AWAY GAME)
10/29: Valley: Spirit Games
10/29 (3:00-4:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: HVS Cross Country Meet at HVS
10/30 (8:00-11:30 AM): HVPTO: Pumpkin Carving Contest at HVS
10/30: HB Preschool, View, & Vista: Make-Up Picture Day
10/30: HB Preschool/View/Vista: HBPD Visits Classrooms - Halloween Safety Tips
10/30 (3:30-5:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: Girls Volleyball vs. ADAMS (HOME GAME)
10/30 (3:30-4:30 PM): Valley Fall Sports: Boys Flag Football vs. CHADWICK (HOME GAME)
10/31: Valley: Halloween Costume Day
10/31: View / HB Preschool (9:00-10:00 AM)/Vista (1:45-2:30 PM): Halloween Costume Parades
10/31 (After 4 PM): HBCSD: HVS Lost & Found - All unclaimed items at Hermosa View, Vista, & Valley will be donated to charity
11/2 (at 2:00 AM): Daylight Saving Time Ends
| | MOST IMAGES BELOW ARE CLICKABLE WITH MORE DETAILS | | STAR Education Program (TK-5) | | |
VIEW & VISTA STAR NOVA - SESSION 2
Registration Opens 10/28 at STARINC.ORG • Classes Start 11/12
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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 | | | | |
