Be a part of the celebration. There are only five days left in the MPAEF's Annual Parent Campaign, and we still need 448 families to reach our goal of 80 percent participation. We all know the saying "it takes a village" and it takes just that to have excellent public schools in California.

Right now, 55 percent of our village of families has supported our schools. If you haven't yet pledged your support or donated, please do so by Thursday, November 21. Any level of support will help us reach 80 percent participation and will make a difference in our kids' educational experience. Every donation matters!

Make your commitment today in any of these ways:

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Orange Thursday at Hillview

With the conclusion of the annual fundraising campaigns, it's time to celebrate all our families and their commitment to our schools. Your support of the MPAEF and Hillview's PTO help make possible an incredible education for every child in our District. So let's celebrate with Are You IN Day on Thursday, November 21! We look forward to seeing our students, teachers, staff and parents all sporting ORANGE!

Any student or teacher who wears orange will earn spirit points for their Color Team. Why orange you may be asking yourself? Because orange is the color that shows support for our students, our schools and our school district. For one day, orange is the color of Hillview. We look forward to seeing Hillview's spirit in action!

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The wait is over... the "Chic Boutique" is here!

Bring your friends and your shopping list to the Chic Boutique - a unique opportunity to buy special one-of-a-kind items for yourself and everyone on your holiday list. There will be fabulous vendors for Holiday Sparkle, Home and D�cor, Fashion and Delicious Delicacies. And it is all for supporting our schools.

Champagne and Shopping - Thursday, November 21 from 6 - 9 p.m. The first 100 people to purchase a ticket receive a tote bag.

Come and Shop - Friday, November 22 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 pm. Entry is free. You don't want to miss this!

Come and Volunteer - Contact Carolyn Bowsher.

See the full list of fabulous vendors. The list includes some of our own district parents! All proceeds go toward the Foundation's annual grant to the MPCSD.

School Directory

By now you should have received a copy of the MPCSD directory, compliments of your PTO. It was sent home with your youngest child in the district. Directories were delivered to teachers last week.

Extra directories or mini-versions of the directory (they fit in your glove compartment!) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis in the Hillview front office for $10 each.

The data in the directory comes from the PowerSchool Program, which is populated with information from district registration forms filled out by parents. Parents are asked annually to update and verify that information through the InfoSnap website. If the information printed in the directory is incorrect, or if you're not listed in the directory and wish to be, please email districtdirectory@mpcsd.org. The corrections will be made in the PowerSchool database and you will be asked to verify them next summer.

Thanks also to parent John Kelly and Blackstone Discovery for their continued outstanding service in publishing the district directory!

Questions? Please email districtdirectory@mpcsd.org.

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New Student Council Website

HillviewASB.com, our Hillview Student Council website, has the latest news created by students, for students. The latest new addition is our HawkTalk Channel where you can check out our dozens of student-created videos about Hillview designed to inform and entertain on our morning news show, HawkTalk. Mr. Darmanin's Broadcast and Leadership students will update this news channel with the latest HawkTalk videos each week for parents and students to enjoy. Please bookmark it and check it out.

How do you get there? Just head over to www.HillviewASB.com and check out the HawkTalk Channel at the top of the site.

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Second Step: Character Education

Hillview is introducing the Second Step Program. Students will be engaged in a series of four discussions about important character building topics such as:

Communication
Empathy
Leadership
Bullying
Coping with Stress
Anger Management
Negotiating and Compromising

Classes are led by parent volunteers. The first session was on November 6 and 7, the remaining sessions take place on December 11 and 12, February 12 and 13 and March 19 and 20.

You might want to ask your child about the lesson they were introduced to earlier this month. For

7th graders, the topic was: Disagreeing Respectfully, and for 8th graders, it was: Leaders and Allies.

For more information, please contact Debbie Devoto.

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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 or 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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Math Competition

Hillview will be hosting a math competition called the AMC 8, a nation-wide math competition that involves problem-solving skills in a timed format. Traditionally, all geometry students take it to give them some sort of exposure to math competitions and to broaden or review their math skills.

The contest will be held on Tuesday, November 19. If your student is not in Mr. Doroquez's Geometry class, the test will be administered on Tuesday, November 19, after school at 3:05 p.m. in room B-7 (Mr. Doroquez's room).

This contest is one of the oldest and most prestigious math competitions in America. The contest focuses on problem-solving techniques and is designed to challenge students who enjoy doing mathematics.

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 mathematics or excels in the subject and 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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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 laughs, loss and timeless love.

Performances will be held in the Hillview Performing Arts Center (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.

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8th Grade Parent Coffee

Parents of 8th Graders: Want to get the scoop on M-A? The Foundation for the Future is sponsoring a coffee solely for the purpose of community education.

Join mothers who currently have students at M-A for an informal conversation about the school on Wednesday, November 20 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the home of Nancy Kessler, 75 Catalpa Drive, Atherton. Coffee and refreshments provided. Bring only your questions.

Please send an email to rsvp@mafoundation.org, if you plan to attend.

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Hillview Science Fair

The Hillview Science Fair for all grades will be held Thursday, January 23.

Last year, more than 70 students participated in the Hillview Science Fair with some truly innovative and interesting experiments on topics ranging from light, food, animal behavior, music, computer memory, chemical reactions, photography, sports, etc. Come join the fun and think out of the box!

Registration closes on Monday, December 2.

To register, log into Edmodo as a student. Look in the Group Posts section of the Hillview Science Fair group for the sign up link. Use the code: qkpsp3.

Questions? Students can go see Mr. Espinoza or Mr. Ritter.

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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!

Register at sportablity.com/Hillview. Registration closes on Thursday, December 19. The registration fee is $100; scholarships are available.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Salem.

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Physical Education

Intramural volleyball or badminton will continue this week in the gym during lunch on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
New trimester classes for 7th and 8th graders will be based on interest as much as possible.
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: This is the final week of the program. Monday, November 18 is playoffs for 8th graders. Monday is also final league games for 7th graders with playoffs on Tuesday, November 19. Tuesday is also playoffs for 6th graders. Please return uniforms immediately following the last game.

Flag Football: The season is now over. We thank players, parents and coaches for their efforts. Another fine season. Please return your uniform to Mr. Bell or coaches immediately if you haven't already. More than 15 uniforms need to be returned.

Fencing: Fencing resumes Friday, November 22 for its final session this season.

After School Basketball: After School Basketball registration for all three grade levels is now closed. Teams have now been selected. Coaches should contact all players by Monday, November 18. If you haven't heard which team you are on, please let Mr. Bell know. 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. First league games will be: Friday, December 6 for 7th grade boys; Tuesday, December 10 for 6th grade girls; Wednesday, December 11 for 6th grade boys; Thursday, December 12 for 7th grade girls; and Monday, December 16 all 8th graders.

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

Menlo-Atherton Parent Education Series

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, M-A Parent Education Series Program Director or call (650) 868-0590.

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Common Core Standards at M-A HIgh School

Wednesday, December 4

9:30 a.m.

M-A Performing Arts Center Cafeteria

Are you interested in learning more about the Common Core Standards and what they mean for future students of M-A High School? Please join us for coffee as the Menlo-Atherton PTA hosts Principal Zito and speakers from the Sequoia Union High School District for a discussion about the new Common Core Standards.

What are the Common Core Standards?
What do the Common Core Standards mean for parents and students?
What is the district's plan for implementing the Standards?

The speakers will answer these questions and more. The district will be making important decisions on math pathways in January. Parent input is important. Please come to this informative discussion in the PAC Cafeteria behind the PAC on M-A's campus.

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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 Performing Arts Center

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

2013 Holiday Train. Friday, December 7 and Saturday, December 8. Caltrain, in partnership with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, is excited to bring back the dazzling show train decorated with more than 60,000 glittering lights. The train will be visiting nine stations between San Francisco and San Jose. Bring a toy to greet the train. This free family event collects and distributes more than 4,000 gifts annually to thousands of local children. For more information, visit www.caltrain.com/holidaytrain or to make a donation to the event visit www.holiday-train.org.

Menlo Park Library Holiday Book Mini-Sale. Saturday, December 8, 12 - 4 p.m., Library Meeting Room downstairs. Almost all categories are displayed at the usual bargain prices. Most priced at $2.00 or less for gently used books. For more information, view the flyer.

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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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