Dear Parents,

My two favorite aspects of this time of year are the start of the NFL (National Football League) season and Back to School Night (B2SN). Now that Game 1 has passed, it's time to get geared up for B2SN. In addition, we have the kick-off of our Hillview Parent Education Series this week, an opportunity for you to give us ideas for our spring Mini-Courses, and the "Are You In?" Joint Campaign for our PTO and MPAEF.

Our annual Back to School Night is this Thursday, September 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Due to the anticipated large crowd, we will begin with our opening ceremonies in the main quad with an official welcome, important information and the "State of the School" address wherein I will share our goals for this year. Following the welcome, parents will "live" a day in the life of their student visiting the same classes the students visit each day. All families should have received a mailing this past week with a blank schedule for you to complete with your student. Please bring that schedule with you to B2SN. If you did not receive the mailing, please contact the front office. We look forward to seeing you! Please note: If your child has Qu3ST during Open Session, your B2SN will end at the end of 6th period; if your child has elective, PE or Success Center during Open Session, you will be meeting with the teachers following 6th period.

The night before B2SN will be the official kick-off to our Parent Education Series. Join me this Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Performance Art Center (PAC), as I share part one of "Raising Teens Without Losing Your Mind." Back by popular demand, this short series will remind you why your child is changing so much during the season of adolescence and provide you with effective strategies to make the most of this difficult time. Babysitting will be available on site for FREE sponsored by Hillview's very own Service Club. Join us all year long for additional outstanding programs aimed at bringing the Hillview community together and increasing our efficacy as parents. Please note: There will be a College Bound dinner prior to the Parent Ed Series on Wednesday for those involved in this program. Contact Ms. Devoto for details.

You've heard the buzz and the buzz is REAL! For the first time, Hillview will be offering an amazing week-long learning experience for all students to engage in hands-on exploration around a topic of their choosing through our Mini-Course program March 17 - 21. We want your feedback and ideas. This is your chance to tell the planning committee what programs you would LOVE to see offered in March. The window to provide your input for this year will close soon, so log on now and complete this quick online survey. The survey will close on Monday, September 23.

None of these exciting programs would be possible were it not for the support of our amazing Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation (MPAEF). If you have not already given or pledged, I hope you would consider doing so this week. The Mini-Course program, the Parent Ed Series and much more only exist due to your generous contributions to these organizations. It doesn't matter how much you give, what matters is that we all put some 'skin in the game'. My family gives to both organizations. I hope you will give what you can, as well.

To give and join Hillview's PTO, please click here.

To give and join the MPAEF, please click here.

That's the latest from the Principal's Desk. I hope you are enjoying the start to the school year. Thank you for all you do to support Hillview being the world-class middle school that it is.