Mini-Courses Feedback
If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to complete the parent or student survey regarding Mini-Courses. We hope you had an amazing week. Please help the organizers of Mini-Courses know what you liked and what needs to be improved. Help us decide if Mini-Courses are a program worth continuing.

• The student survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HVMCStudentSurvey  
• The parent survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HVMCParentSurvey  

School Redesign Feedback
Students and Parents: Do you like the Block Schedule? How is Qu3ST working for you? Are we offering the right choices of electives? The answers to these questions and more are important to us. Please take a moment to complete the student or parent survey about the Hillview Redesign effort. Last year Hillview underwent a powerful process using design thinking to come up with a new schedule and new course offerings. Now that we have experienced the new schedule and programs for nearly a year, we want your feedback as we consider what is working and what needs to be improved.

• The student survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/StudentRedesign14  
• The parent survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ParentRedesign14  

We need these surveys completed by Wednesday, April 2. Thanks for your time and input!

 

 
Every year our District is fortunate to have parents, teachers, staff and community volunteers give generously of their time, skills and creativity to our schools. Many programs would not exist were it not for this formidable group of volunteers, "the Pillars of our Community." Honorary Service Awards (HSAs) as well as the School Service Awards (SSAs) recognize those individuals who have contributed in an extraordinary way to our District.
 
Please take a moment to nominate someone you know who goes above and beyond to make a difference in our schools. To nominate an individual, please complete an online nomination form by Friday, April 4.

 

Hillview's very own, Amy Kingsley, was selected to serve as one of the 2014 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators. Amy was one of 100 educators selected from thousands of applicants for her outstanding digital leadership in the classroom. Madame Kingsley is Hillview's French teacher who effectively utilizes digital tools in her World Language classroom in innovative ways. As part of her recognition, Mrs. Kingsley will receive a free year of professional development and access to a network of educators that promotes the use of digital technology in the classroom. Hillview is PROUD to have Amy represent the amazing work of Hillview educators.

 

 

Attention parents of current Hillview 7th graders: If your son or daughter is interested in running for the 2014-2015 ASB Student Council, election packets are available from Mrs. O'Brien in room C-10. Please have your son or daughter complete and return the application packet by Friday, April 4. Many students picked up their packets last Friday at the informational meeting, but it's not too late! Any questions, email Mrs. O'Brien.  

 

The class of 2014 will have a group photo taken on Wednesday, April 2. You may choose to purchase a panoramic picture as a memento. The two choices are an 8 x 24 unframed picture ($22.00), or an 8 x 24 framed picture ($40.00). Cash is acceptable; checks or money orders should be made payable to Lifetouch.    

 

 

8th grade Career Day will take place on Monday, April 28. We are looking for 50-60 parents and community members to present information to the students about their careers. Please see the attached information sheet.  Please email Robyn Watts as soon as possible if you are interested in participating.      

 

 

This year, Hillview is partnering with Lifetouch to take "spring portraits". While many schools have such a tradition, Hillview has never been one of them. We will monitor the interest level to determine whether we have enough community support to do this on an ongoing basis.

 

All students will be photographed on Tuesday, April 1 (unless you request they not be photographed), and they will receive photo packets. If you wish to purchase the photos, you keep the packet and remit payment. If you do not wish to purchase the photos, have your child return them to the designated bin. The return bins will be placed prominently near the school's main office. We'll alert you again when the packets come out.

Students did receive a picture day flyer, which allows you to choose one of three poses and one of five backgrounds. Please email Mr. Haug if you do not wish for your child to be photographed; you can also send in a note to that effect with your child on Tuesday.     

 

 

Parents who read the "App-prehension" article with interest will find this recent Common Sense Media "Trend Alert" compelling. The article addresses several "temporary apps" (where content purportedly has only a brief lifespan) and "anonymous" apps" (where users do not need to identify themselves in order to communicate). While the article does cover the more familiar Snapchat and Ask.fm, it also evaluates Burn Note, Secret - Speak Freely, Whisper, and Omegle. Keep up to date with the latest "iffy apps," and engage your children in conversation around their potential pitfalls.

 

 

• Intramural sports resume on Wednesday, April 2 with March Madness Basketball. Any student is welcome to play but we can accommodate a maximum of 32 students. 
• The Phys Ed Dept requests a doctor's note if a student is unable to participate in PE class for more than three consecutive days.
• Student lockers must be locked at all times except when changing. If a locker is missing its lock, the cost to replace a lock is $10. 
• Students should take care of their personal property and lock up valuables in lockers. 
• Activities for third trimester include Mini Sessions, Decades Dancing for 8th graders, state mandated fitness testing for 7th graders, and Greek Olympics for 6th graders. (Please note that there will be two Decades Dancing events on Thursday, May 29 at 6 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.) 

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

 

 

Tennis: Regular practice continues this week. Varsity A players will have their first match this week. 

 

Track begins the week of April 21 on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. and ends on May 28. Track meets at M-A High School with the exception of May 12 and 14 (meets at Hillview). Students are welcome to register but will be placed on a waiting list. 

 

Fencing: Registration is open at sportability.com/hillview. Classes will be offered on Fridays, 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. in the Hillview Fitness Room, next to the gym, from April 11-May 23 (no class April 18).   

 

Basketball: Although the season is over, many uniforms have not been returned. Uniforms should be laundered and placed in a bag with the player's and coach's names and returned to your coach or Mr. Bell.  

 

After School Sports questions should be directed to Mr. Bell or call (650) 326-4341 ext 2601.

 

Reading and Classroom Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto. An Hour a Week Could Change a Student's Life. We are seeking parent volunteers beginning in September to assist in K-4 classrooms in the Ravenswood City School District of East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. Tutor students in a structured reading program or assist teachers in the classroom with individualized instruction. These schools have almost no parent volunteers. Our organization, All Students Matter, provides orientation/training and coordination. Click here for an informational flyer or contact parent volunteers Stacie Zell, Leigh Anne Reichow or Jill Zanolli. To sign up, see "Get Involved" at www.allstudentsmatter.org or contact Carolyn Blatman, ASM Program Director.

Get out and explore with a SamTrans Summer Youth Pass. This great travel bargain goes on sale May 21. The pass costs $40 and is good for unlimited travel for kids 17 years and younger from June 1 through August 31, a significant savings compared to purchasing a Monthly Pass. For a flyer, click here. Details can be found online at www.samtrans.com/syp. Questions? Email youthpass@samtrans.com or call 650-508-6201.    

"The College Solution," Woodside Parent Education Series, Thursday, April 3 at 7 p.m., Woodside PAC. Come hear expert information from Lynn O'Shaughnessy, College Financial Expert on the following topics: strategies to increase admission chances; how to evaluate colleges and universities academically; the real story behind college rankings; will you qualify for financial aid?; how to tap into the biggest sources of college money; how to find the most generous colleges for your child; and how investments impact financial aid. Event is free but registration required. Register: https://collegesolution2014woodside.eventbrite.com

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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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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