A HUGE thank you to our amazing garden volunteers, Betsy Colby and Kristi Waldron for the hours and hours they have spent planning, creating and teaching about the Hillview garden.

The parents, who are master gardeners, have been in teacher Julie Hilborn's environmental science class every week, teaching kids about organic gardening, integrated pest management genetically modified food and more. They also helped set up the garden shed and composter, and worked with the district gardener to get the sprinkler system running.

Thank you Betsy and Kristi!

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Substitute Teachers Needed

Would you be interested in a flexible, part-time job opportunity that benefits kids? Do you know someone who might be interested in helping MPCSD? The improved economy has resulted in a decrease of qualified and effective substitute teachers throughout the county.

At MPCSD, we want to ensure that our children have access to top quality individuals who can provide a seamless transition when a teacher is out sick or participating in Professional Development. If you or someone you know has a Bachelor's degree, works well with kids and teams of teachers, and is willing to take and pass the state's CBEST exam (California Basic Educational Skills Test), we would like to talk to you/him/her.

We find that some of our best subs are parents in our community with flexible schedules and big hearts. The CBEST is offered nearly every weekend; please see the flier for more information. For answers to your questions about becoming a substitute teacher, email Kathryn Christopherson, MPCSD Director of Human Resources.

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Seeking Mini Course Volunteers

Teachers have started brainstorming about their Mini-Course sessions in March and the excitement is growing as they begin putting together some really cool learning programs for our kids.

We need one parent to partner with each teacher to serve as logistical support as they continue planning their session. Some tasks that will be coordinated by the logistics parent ahead of March might be:

shop for supplies
contact field trip locations/book visit
brainstorm with teacher about industry contacts or activities
schedule guest speakers
coordinate various arrangements on the group's behalf

Specific courses that we assistance with are: Bike Maintenance, Aviation and Rocketry, Child Development, Bay Area Backroads, Climbing on the Hero's Journey, Filmmaking, Forensic Science and Law Enforcement, Fitness Expeditions, Behind the Scenes Sports, Baking, Veterinary Medicine, Video Game Design and Craft Faire.

If you would like to support our teachers and this program, please email volunteer@hillviewpto.org for more information.

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Magazine Drive

Show your HILLVIEW SPIRIT by selling magazines! This is the very last weekend to sell and support our magazine drive. The final day to submit your orders is Wednesday, November 13 at lunch in the Student Center. Bring your magazine orders and money to collect your prizes. Online orders? Check in at the turn-in tables to collect prizes for your online orders.

Profits earned will go towards projects that benefit every Hillview student including: spirit weeks, color competitions and prizes, Hawkaplooza, the Block H program, the Student Center, motivational speakers, dances and much more!

To help support our school, order online.

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Dance and Cheerleading Squad

If you have spirit for our number one school, HILLVIEW, then this team is for you! The Dance and Cheerleading Spirit Squad is looking for enthusiastic students to join the team. The team will perform at various school events such as basketball games, noon events and rallies.

The Spirit Squad will develop the following skills:

Dance and cheer technique
Explore various dance styles (hip-hop, jazz, modern, tap, etc.)
Basic elements of dance and cheer: body, energy, space, and time
Choreography skills
Performance skills

The program will run from Tuesday, January 14 - Tuesday, March 11 after a placement audition. Students will attend one practice and perform in one basketball game a week.

Practices will be on Tuesdays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m., in the Fitness Room. For students with Tuesday afternoon conflicts, there will be an alternative practice that will be determined in January (i.e. Wednesday mornings or lunch time).
Basketball games will vary from week to week. Most students will perform at games on Mondays, but more information will follow.
Students will need to attend a placement audition on Wednesday, December 18 from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. in the Fitness Room. Students should come to audition in athletic clothes with their hair secured.

All students will make the Dance and Cheerleading Spirit Squad. A "Blue" and "White" team will be set up based on experience. All students will have the same opportunities to practice and perform. Everyone makes the team!

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Salem.

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Romeo and Juliet

Come see the Hillview Drama Department's interpretation of Shakespeare's classic, Romeo and Juliet.

In this production Juliet's family is Latino, and Romeo's family is not, adding to the already stressful tensions between the two proud families. Romeo and Juliet meet at a Day of the Dead ball and fall instantly in love. The Drama Department has collaborated with the English, Woodshop, Music and Art Departments to bring this historic story to life. Join us for a night of laughs, loss and timeless love.

Performances will be held in the Hillview PAC Thursday, November 21 at 3:30 p.m.; Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, November 23 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online soon.

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Math Competition

Hillview will be hosting a math competition called the AMC 8 on Tuesday, November 19. The contest is one of the oldest and most prestigious math competitions in America. It focuses on problem solving techniques and is designed to challenge students who enjoy doing mathematics in a timed format.

For more information, visit the AMC 8 website.

To look at previous tests and solutions, please visit Mr. Doroquez's (Mr. D) website.

If your child is interested in participating, please tell him or her to come to room D-7 during brunch or lunch and talk with Ms. McNinch or email her at mmcninch44@gmail.com. Space is limited.

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Math Festival

Introduce your kids to the beauty of mathematics by solving thought-provoking problems at the Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival on Saturday, November 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the San Mateo County Office of Education in Redwood City.

The festival is open to kids in Grades 4 - 8 and is named after the late Julia Robinson, a mathematics professor at the University of California who's best known for her solution of Hilbert's Tenth Problem.

More information and registration is available online.

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Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation

We Need 506 Families

to Reach 80 Percent Participation!

Your support of the MPAEF's Annual Parent Campaign directly impacts every aspect of your children's school day - from the number of kids in their class, to their exposure to music and art education, from the fact that they have a credentialed librarian at their school, to the reality that their teachers are able to fund innovative programs in the classroom and at the school. All of this is possible because our families make a commitment to great education by making a commitment to the MPAEF.

Only 11 days to go to the close of our campaign. We are asking all families to pledge or donate at a level that is meaningful to them. Together, we can continue the strong tradition of great public education in our District!

Make your commitment today in any of these ways:

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Chic Boutique

This is the LAST WEEK to make a date to have brunch/lunch and do some seasonal shopping while benefiting our schools. The Chic Boutique at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park has seatings available but they are going fast! So purchase your tickets today. Advanced reservations for brunch and lunch are required by Friday, November 15.

Entry is free during Boutique hours on Friday, November 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Bring your friends and neighbors.

Specialty vendors include Janet Falkner Designs, M&M Bling, Mindy Rosenberg Floral, Bubble, Man Crates and Poco Dolce Chocolates. But wait, there are more! See the full list of fabulous vendors.

If you would like to volunteer, we would love to have you! Contact Carolyn Bowsher.

All proceeds go toward the Foundation's annual grant to the MPCSD.

Video Game Research Update

Our team at SRI International was thrilled and overwhelmed with the interest level from the Hillview students to help test the GlassLabs educational games for research. Unfortunately, we have received participation forms from more students than we can accommodate. Our plan is to randomly select interested students for the study.

The team wants the Hillview community to know that we are working on garnering funding for more research studies, and hope to test future versions of this and other games at Hillview, and include more interested students.

Once we have selected the participants, we will begin calling or emailing parents to schedule the labs with the students. A reminder: each selected student will need to attend TWO sessions, of approximately 90 minutes each to complete what we are calling a single cognitive lab.

If you have any questions regarding the study, please email Amy Hafter or call (650) 859-4566.

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Physical Education

Intramural volleyball or badminton will continue this week in the gym during lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Tournament play will be offered during PE classes for the next few weeks.
The Phys Ed department requests a note from a medical doctor if a student is unable to participate in PE class for more than three consecutive days.

Questions regarding Phys Ed should be directed to Mr. Bell, Mr. Eaton, Mrs. Gee or Ms. Salem. Phone: 326-4341, ext 2601 for Bell, ext 2602 for Eaton, ext 2603 for Gee and ext 2604 for Salem.

After School Sports

Burgess League Volleyball: Games continue this week. Students in 6th grade will play on Tuesday, November 12. Next week is playoff week with finals on Monday and Tuesday.

Flag Football: The season is now over. Please return your uniform to Mr. Bell or coaches immediately if you haven't already. We thank players, parents and coaches for their efforts. Another fine season.

Fencing: Fencing resumes Friday, November 15 for its fifth session.

After School Basketball: After School Basketball registration for all three grade levels is now closed. Please contact Mr. Bell if you are interested in playing. There may be open slots in several grade levels. Students in 6th and 7th grade play in Burgess League at Arrillaga Gym. Students in 8th grade play on Mondays in the MPMSL (Mid Peninsula Middle School League) which is very similar to Burgess League Program. Team placement workouts are on Saturday, November 16 for 6th and 7th graders. League play begins in early December.

After School Sports questions should be directed to Mr. Bell at 326-4341 ext 2601.

Parent Education

Under Pressure: Helping Your Teen Find Balance,

Reduce Stress, and Build Resilience

with Lisa Medoff, Ph.D., Stanford University

Thursday, November 21

7 - 8:30 p.m.

M-A Performing Arts Center

In this presentation, Dr. Medoff will describe the cognitive and social-emotional developmental changes of adolescence and discuss ways that parents can communicate effectively with their teenagers during this time of rapid change. She will also discuss how parents can help their children develop communication and coping skills to reduce stress and build resilience.

Lisa Medoff is a developmental psychologist who specializes in adolescent mental health. She teaches courses on adolescent development in the Program in Human Biology at Stanford University, where she is an Associate Dean of Residential Education.

This event is free but registration is required.

Sponsored by the M-A PTA and the Sequoia Healthcare District. Refreshments from 6:30 - 7 p.m. in the PAC Foyer. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be offered.

For more information, please contact Charlene Margot, Parent Education Series Program Director or call (650) 868-0590.

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Project Cornerstone's

Take It Personally Class - Winter Session

Tuesday, January 7 - Tuesday, February 11

7 - 8:30 p.m., Hillview PAC

Building developmental assets in our children might be some of the most important work we do as parents. How can we help our kids thrive? This six-week parent study group will discuss how to reach that goal. RSVP to Robin Soran. For more information, visit the Parent Ed website.

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Community News

Practice Tests and Test Preparation. Omega Teaching is a non-franchised, local tutoring center owned and operated by Hillview parent Jennifer Tsay, who also teaches the Hillview after school writing program. Omega's office is located at 1030 Curtis St., #201, Menlo Park across from Trader Joe's. For more information, visit www.omegateaching.com.

Free Family Yoga Classes. Wednesday, November 27, Athleta at Town and Country Mall, Palo Alto, 9 - 9:45 a.m. Join YogiBirds led by Encinal parent Robin Soran. Registration is limited to the first 15 families that sign up. To register, email yogibirds@yahoo.com.

Redwood City Girls Softball League registration open for Spring 2014. The RCGSL fields teams for girls ages 4 1/2 - 16. Girls of any ability are welcome. Early registration discount available until Sunday, December 1. For more information, visit www.rcgsl.org or email Laurel and Hillview parent Celine Sanie.

Palo Alto Girls Softball registration open for the 2014 season. Our spring recreational league for players ages 5 - 16 has an emphasis on participation, instruction and safety, and lots of games, with pre-season clinics and special programs for beginners. Those who register by November 28 can take advantage of our $20 Early Bird discount. Scholarship assistance is available. For more information and to register, visit http://www.paloaltogirlssoftball.org/.

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Newsletter Archives

Missed an exciting edition of the Hillview newsletter or letters from the school or PTO? Look up past emailings on our online archive.

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Newsletter Submissions

To submit an announcement for a Hillview event, please email your announcement to newsletter@hillviewpto.org. Editors reserve the right to edit all announcements. The submission deadline is Thursday at noon for the following Sunday newsletter.

To submit an announcement for an off-campus community event, please email your announcement to communitynews@mpcsd.org. The submission deadline is Wednesday at noon for the following Sunday newsletter.

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