Last week students prepared for and began taking the Smarter Balanced Field Test. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) develops the assessment materials associated with the new Common Core State Standards, and the State of California has decreed that this year will be a "field test," which some describe as a "test of the test." Scores from this year's test will never be reported, and the results will be used by the state to improve the system for 2014 - 2015, when scores of individual students will be reported (school scores, in the form of API, will not be published until the 2015 - 2016 school year).

Unlike the old STAR paper and and #2 pencil testing system, SBAC is a technology-rich, adaptive test that our students are taking on their iPads. Teachers generate a "Session ID" from their computers, and students sign in to the system on their iPads. Once in the test, students navigate from item to item, using the embedded universal tools in the testing environment to demonstrate their knowledge. Both the content and the ways in which students demonstrate their knowledge are different than how they did so on STAR. We encourage you to explore this interface on your student's iPad (they can teach you how to turn on Guided Access and use the Air Secure Test app), or you can go to this link to look at practice materials on your laptop or desktop computer.

You may also be interested in exploring the "Mini-Lessons" we had student complete in order to be prepared for the start of testing on Friday:
Mini-Lesson 1 - Turning on Guided Access and logging on the testing site using the Air Secure Test app
Mini-Lesson 2 - Introductory Video and Practice Test
Mini-Lesson 3 - "Rules and Tools" - General Testing Rules and Embedded Universal Tools, Training Test

We've learned a lot in getting ready for the field test, and it went really well on Friday. Students found the interface at times a little glitchy, but for the most part they were able to respond to the testing items. Ask them how it went! Please direct any questions to Mr. Haug.  

 

 

The Hillview PTO Nominating Committee is proud to present the slate for the 2014-15 Hillview PTO Executive Board.

Co-Presidents                                        Katie Angioletti and Jill Kispert
Co-Vice Presidents                                Michelle Box and Kate Kennedy
Treasurer                                               Ana Ruiz
Vice Treasurer                                       Naed de la Vega
Financial Secretary                                Beth Shvodian
Recording Secretary                              Parke Treadway               
Communication Chair                            Sara Richter               
Auditor                                                   Bernice van der Meer                           
Volunteer Coordinator                           Mary Murphy            
After School Activities Coordinator        Nami Turner
Parliamentarian                                     Dean Wilkins            

We will officially vote in the new board at the Hillview PTO General Meeting on Thursday, May 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Hillview PAC. Please join us!

 

 

The Menlo Park City School District Council Nominating Committee is proud to present the slate for the 2014-15 District Council.   

 

Co-Presidents                                    Carolyn Baigorria Lynch and Tracy Watt
Secretary                                            Chris Sewell
Treasurer                                            Teresa Bergeron
Auditor                                                Stacy Dekshenieks
Campaign Coordinators                     Jenny Freiermuth and Fiona Walker
Recognition Coordinator                    Allison Chao
Directory Coordinators                       Tricia Barr and Monty Gong
Community News: Coordinator          Sharon Dauskardt
District Lunch Program Coordinator   Desiree Vogt
Programming Coordinator                  Jennifer Allen  

 

 

Calling all 7th grade parents! 

 

 

To donate food items:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA4A622A57-food 

 

To donate your time:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA4A622A57-volunteers  

 

Chaperones for 8th grade grad party: 

7th grade parents are also needed to chaperone the post-graduation party. If interested, please contact Heather Wall.   

  

 

Attention 7th grade parents!

 

Last week, students were introduced to Hillview's Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) program. WEB, a nationwide program, is part of the transition program for incoming 6th graders. Its goal is to help 6th graders adjust to Hillview and help them achieve success in their first year of middle school. The WEB program helps run Camp Hillview and provides year-long support to the 6th graders.   

 

We are currently recruiting WEB leaders. Students interested in becoming a WEB leader should fill out an application, obtain required teacher signatures, and turn in the application by Friday, May 9 at 3:30 pm. Applicants will be interviewed the week of May 12-16 in group interviews. Leaders are chosen based on their willingness to lead others and try new things. WEB leaders should also be kind, enthusiastic, and a positive role model. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Watts, Mr. Sullivan or Mrs. Mathenia.  

Bike To School Day is this Wednesday, May 7 - Ride With Us!
Parents and children: Ride a bike to school (then to work) for National Bike to School Day. Need to increase your child's visibility to drivers? Pick up a safety vest at your school's office (Hillview - from PE). Join us in the bike ride this Wednesday !

City of Menlo Park El Camino Real Corridor Study Project - MPCSD Parent Input Invited
The City of Menlo Park is inviting MPCSD parents to give their ideas and feedback on how El Camino Real can become a more safe and accommodating transportation resource for all users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. Please click here to submit your thoughts and get notified about community meetings.

 

Come show your Hillview Spirit on Tuesday, May 13 with Flannel Pants! That is right! We now have Hillview flannel pants. They are incredibly soft and are a great addition to your Hillview logowear. Get them before they are gone and show your Hawk pride! On sale now for $25 (cash or check) at the Blue Student Center.  

 

 

Every year, Hillview teachers and staff look forward to Flower Day, when they receive beautiful bouquets of flowers on behalf of the students to thank them for their hard work. This year, Flower Day is on Thursday, May 22.  

 

• Please mark your calendar -- we'd like all Hillview students to contribute a few flowers on May 22.
• Sign up to help -- we need parents to help arrange or deliver flowers on the day of the event. Visit the sign-up sheet to participate in this fun tradition! 

For more information, please email Lyn Denend.                

 

 

Reno Jazz Festival: Congratulations to the Hillview Jazz Band on receiving their highest score yet at the Reno Jazz Festival. This was our fourth time attending this prestigious festival. Groups come from all over the Western United States as well as Canada, Japan, Australia and Korea. Our score was 3 "Excellents" with 5 awards for Outstanding Solos.    

Upcoming Performances: 

 

Jazz Band performs TODAY Sunday, May 4 at the Menlo Park Farmer's Market 9 to 12:30 p.m.

 

7/8 concert band and 7/8 string orchestra perform on Friday, May 9 at CMEA Music Festival, Hillsdale High School, San Mateo. Concert band performs at 3:10 p.m. and orchestra at 4 p.m.  Free and open to the public!

 

Spring Concert, Tuesday May 13: Come hear all of our wonderful ensembles (Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Band). The music begins at 7 p.m. Bring a Friend!

 

Elective sign-ups for music will begin soon! Next year is a Disney Tour year for all 7/8 Ensembles. Audition music for Jazz Band will be available beginning Tuesday. The Chorus is looking to grow! There are a lot of things happening in the Music Program. Be a Part of It!! 

 

• Intramural sports: Due to popular demand basketball will continue this week.  
• 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 continue to be Decades Dancing for 8th graders, state mandated fitness testing for 7th graders (any student not being able to perform any state test must give PE department a note from a doctor), Greek Olympics for 6th graders, track meet for 7th and 8th graders. Please note this year's Decades Dance performances will take place 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. Both teams have matches. Varsity A team has three on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

 

Track continues this week. There will be practice on Monday, May 5 and the second meet is on Wednesday, May 7 at M-A High School from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

After School Basketball: We thank everyone who has returned basketball uniforms from the after school sports program. If you still have your uniform please return it to Mr. Bell as soon as possible.

 

Basketball Programs: The May Madness basketball program will continue this week on Friday, May 9. Registration for summer league basketball will be available soon. All games to be played in the Hillview gym. 

 

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

 

 

Please join us in congratulating our 2014 MPCSD service award winners. These are parents, teachers and staff who have gone above and beyond to help our schools and district. Many school programs would not exist were it not for this talented and dedicated group of volunteers.
 
District Council 
    Continuing Service Awards:
    Measure W Team: Tricia Barr, Katie Ferrick
    Honorary Service Awards:
    Sam Bacic, Stephanie Chen, Stacey Jones, Lisa Lajous, Suzanne Pellican,  

    Andrea Potischman, Stephanie Thomases  

    Golden Oak Awards:
    Shari Conrad, Elizabeth Katz, Andrea Palmer, Laura Rich
    President's Awards:
    Allison Chao, Stacey Jones
 
Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation
   Honorary Service Awards:
   Karen Dearing, Cyndy Hogan, Omar Kinaan, Diane Sonsini, Chrisie Wendin
   President's Awards:
   Scott Hinshaw, Kristin Seuell
 
Hillview Middle School
   Honorary Service Awards:
   Bill Hairston, Hilary Holmquest, Maria Mills,
   Continuing Service Awards:
   Katrien Burlinson, Mary Murphy       

   Mini Course Team: Katie Angioletti, Monica Bosch, Pam Fernandes, Pam Larkin,
   Parke Treadway

   Golden Oak Awards:
   Harry Bell, Susan Brochin, Debbie Devoto, Nancy Kessler, Aimee Paquin, Linda Pebet
   Sharron Thompson, Marleen Zwiers
   President's Awards:
   Valerie Ambwani, Dean Wilkins
 
Encinal Elementary School
    Honorary Service Awards:
    Rachel Knight, Bernice van der Meer, Janet Meister, Kari Riedel, Robin Soran
    Continuing Service Award:
    Kim Nguyen
    Presidents' Awards:
    Rick Bentley, Carolyn Lynch
 
Oak Knoll Elementary School
     Honorary Service Awards:
     Aparna Bhardwaj, Joanne Lofthouse, Cathy Petersen, Ariel Tinajero
     Continuing Service Award:
     Barbara Snow
     President's Award:
     Tracy Watt
 
Laurel Elementary School
    Honorary Service Awards:
    Gina Andrighetto, Marcus Blunt, Monty Gong, Steele Harris, Michelle Vivar, Desiree Vogt,

    Fiona Walker      

Golden Oak Award:

    Gail Bradley
    President's Award:
    Jenny Freiermuth 

 

 

On Tuesday, May 6, MPAEF is thrilled be a part of Silicon Valley Gives, where we join other local non-profits in a 24-hour online fundraising event designed to inspire our local community to support philanthropic causes. 

Support our MPAEF Endowment with a donation of just $10.
Any size donation helps us qualify for matching funds!

Donate Now!

Learn more about how to schedule your donation today and the best times and ways to give here.  We'll receive 1% matching if you pay via PayPal, and don't miss out on dollar-for-dollar matching during the hours of: 12:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 7:00 pm.
       
The MPAEF Endowment has contributed over $500,000 to our District's schools and is a fund designed to benefit the District for generations. As a restricted revenue source, the Endowment is solely dedicated to fostering academic excellence, especially in areas of writing, math, science, and music through professional development, particularly teacher leadership and design thinking innovation.  

Citizens for Sequoia Union High School - Yes on A. The Sequoia Union High School District has a bond up for vote on the Tuesday, June 3 election. The district's great high schools have drawn families to their communities, causing an increase in student enrollment by 20 percent over the last 12 years and are expected to grow another 20 percent in the next seven years. Measure A will provide additional classrooms and labs, as well as updated technology to help the district continue its excellent academic programs as student enrollment grows. Please visit the Yes on A website to learn about Measure A and how you can help. If you have additional questions about Yes on A, please email Jennifer Le. 

 

Paid Emotion Regulation Research at Stanford. We are currently conducting a research study at Stanford University on emotion regulation and are recruiting candidates (ages 8-22) with ASD, ADHD and typically developing children (i.e., children without a diagnosis of ASD, ADHD or any other psychiatric illness). Up to $200 in total potential cash reimbursement. US Citizens only. Please contact aserr.samson@stanford.edu if you are interested in having your child participate. For more information about the study, click here. 

 

Alpine Strikers FC Tryouts, fall 2014. Want fun competitive soccer for the fall? Join the Alpine Strikers FC! High quality professional coaching and fun play in local league games. Tryouts for all age groups, 6 years and up, start the week of May 13. To register, please visit www.alpinestrikers.org. 

 

Library Volunteers Needed in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. We are seeking library volunteers to work with students in the K-8 Ravenswood School District. Volunteer opportunities include reading with children, helping them discover new books to read, checking out books, and providing much-needed encouragement. To find out more, please join us for a coffee on Thursday, May 15 at 9 a.m. in Menlo Park. To RSVP, please click here or email amy.arnold@yahoo.com. More information is available at http://readerstakeflight.org.

Mamma Mia! Mother's Day sing-along. Saturday, May 10 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., 555 Middlefield Rd, Atherton. The City of Menlo Park Community Services Department and Guggenheim Entertainment bring you an interactive fun-filled afternoon at the Menlo-Atherton PAC. Guests can dress up as their favorite Mamma Mia! character and play along with the movie. This sing-along event is highly interactive with in-movie antics and a special "Fun Pack" for advance ticket buyers; $5.00 per person (FREE for Moms!). Purchase your tickets in advance to ensure that you are not left out of the fun! For more information, please visit www.menlopark.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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