|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This Week
| |
Monday, September 29
- "Raising Teens without Losing Your Mind, Part 2" with Principal Erik Burmeister, Hillview Speaker Series, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
Tuesday, September 30
- Hillview Drama Club "The Miracle Worker" Potluck, 5:45 - 8:00 p.m., Hillview
Thursday, October 2
- Picture Make-up/Retake Day
Friday, October 3
- Deadline to submit Washington, D.C. Mini-Course commitment form
|
|
| |
Monday, October 6
- No School, Staff Development Day
Tuesday, October 7 to Friday, October 10
- Minimum Days, Classes end at 11:45 a.m.
- Parent-Student-Teacher Conferencing
Sunday, October 12
- MPCSD ParentEd Conference, 1:30 - 5:00 p.m., Hillview
Wednesday, October 15
- "Raising Doers" with Mike Lanza, author, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Hillview Speaker Series, Hillview PAC
Wednesday, October 22
- Menlo-Atherton 8th Grade Information Night, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., Meet in Ayers Gym, Menlo-Atherton High School
Friday, October 24
- 7th and 8th Grade Halloween Dance, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 25
- Menlo-Atherton Campus Tour, 10:00 - 11:45 a.m., Meet in library, Menlo-Atherton High School
|
|
|
|
MPAEF & Hillview PTO Joint Campaign
|
The PTO and the MPAEF say THANK YOU to all of our families and teachers who have come together during the past six weeks to support Hillview. Your donations to the PTO and the MPAEF make a real difference in the education that Hillview provides to our children.
Your donations to the PTO are still coming in and being counted. We are at 76% participation and very close to our financial goal. Every donation matters. So if you haven't yet, please donate now by clicking here. THANK YOU AGAIN to all of our families and teachers who donated to the PTO.
THANK YOU to our families and teachers who have already pledged or donated to the MPAEF. The Annual Parent Campaign closes on November 20th and we are approximately 48% of the way toward reaching this year's goal.
If you choose to pledge your donation amount now, please know there are three pledge fulfillment dates: November 20, December 15 and March 15. And remember to please consider employer matching options or donations of stock.
Click here to make your commitment today!
|
Hillview Speaker Series Tomorrow: Mr. B Part 2
|
The Hillview Speaker Series is filled with great topics and engaging speakers discussing important parenting issues facing us today. Click here for this year's line up and put the dates on your calendar now. These events are open to all district parents and community members and take place in the Hillview Performing Arts Center. Free childcare is provided for all potty trained children.
Raising Your Teens Without Losing Your Mind - Part 2
Erik Burmeister, Principal
Hillview Middle School, PAC
Monday, September 29
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
From mood swings, to puberty, to the complex life changes that are a result of growing up in the 21st century, raising a healthy and responsible teenager is a task that can boggle the mind of even the most seasoned caregivers. Join Hillview Principal, Erik Burmeister, as he discusses the difference between how girls and boys react to their changing physical and emotional environments, the way in which our daily routines can affect how our kids grow and perform in and out of the classroom, and the boundaries and limits we can expect to have challenged as our kids strive to become more independent. Missed Part 1? Don't let that stop you. Part 2 will still be a very informative event. For more information, contact Jennifer Allen.
|
Hillview Parent-Student-Teacher Conferencing
|
A reminder that Hillview's annual conferencing season is coming up fast during the week of October 7-10. Our students will be on a minimum day schedule for these four days (and there is no school on Monday, October 6, as we have a Staff Development Day), with students attending only four classes per day and getting out of school at 11:45 a.m. Another minimum day special circumstance: While SamTrans buses run in the mornings and take students TO school, there is no return service home after our minimum day release. Please make the appropriate transportation arrangements for the week.
As a large comprehensive middle school, Hillview does not have the time to meet with all its families. We prioritize our conferencing to focus on those students who may be struggling academically, socially, or emotionally. Our teachers reach out to those families proactively, and if you are contacted, please make an appointment. It means that the conference is a priority.
Once teachers have set their conferences based on the criteria above, we do open up our online conferencing portal for the remainder of our families. Please expect an email with instructions on how to do so on Thursday, October 2. Follow the link and the instructions to arrange a conference, but be aware that there may not be availability at that point. If you are unable to make a conference, please reach out to your child's teacher(s) and express your desire to meet. They will do their best to accommodate you. Finally, please note that the window for making conferences closes 48 hours prior to the day of the conference, in order to allow our teachers to prepare for the appointment. As an example, you may arrange a conference for Friday, October 10 up until Wednesday, October 8.
Please contact the Hillview front office with any questions about our Conferencing Week.
back to top
|
Picture Makeup/Retake Day
|
Lifetouch returns to Hillview this Thursday, October 2. Students who either did not attend the first photo day or did not like their initial portrait will have picture makeups or retakes during the school day at a time convenient to both teacher and student. Students who are getting retakes can exchange their unused package at the time of the portrait; they will not need to pay for a new package. Students who missed the first photo day should have already received their order forms; extra forms are available in the office. If you have proofs already and would like to order pictures online, please follow the instructions included with the proof.
back to top
|
MPCSD ParentEd Conference
|
Don't miss the upcoming MPCSD ParentEd Conference: "What Parents Need to Know About the Common Core and More" on Sunday, October 12 at Hillview from 1:30 - 5:00 pm.
This conference will give you an insider's view on important developments relating to your children's education. This year, we'll be covering the sweeping changes to the math curriculum lead by the Common Core, as well as new student assessments and report cards. There will also be workshops, taught by district teachers and staff, that will give you first-hand knowledge about what happens in the classroom, as well as tips and tricks for helping your student succeed in school. Free childcare will be available for children ages 2.5 through Middle School (special program for Middle School students to earn Block H points) to allow as many parents as possible to attend, but advance registration is required in order to take advantage of this option.
"I learned so much by attending the District ParentEd conference -- it was really interesting and inspiring" - Lydia Lee, Encinal parent of 1st and 4th graders
Register early to get your first choice of workshops and to reserve a childcare spot.
Conference Details are on the MPCSD ParentEd Page - click here Online Registration for Parents & Childcare - click here to register by Monday, October 6.
|
International Walk to School Day
|
The MPCSD will be participating in International Walk to School Day on October 8. Since 1980, students around the world have walked and biked to school to mark this day.
MPCSD is encouraging students, families and staff to consider using human power to commute to and from campus that day. There will be prizes handed out to students who walk or bike to school that day. There will also be "walking buses" and bike groups meeting up that morning to have fun traveling as a group. Please click here or more information.
back to top
|
Be Safe on the Roads
|
As you may have already noticed, local police are continuing to increase their presence around all local schools, focusing on traffic enforcement in an effort to improve safety. This is a friendly reminder for all of us to slow down, avoid distractions, put phones away, and pay attention to the road. Be especially attentive to children biking and walking to and from school. Do not pass other cars by driving into the bike lane. And under a new state law, you must give bicyclists 3 feet of space when passing them. Remind your child bicyclists to wear their helmets and reflective or bright clothing. Never mind the fact that none of us want a ticket, let's all work together to make our roads safer for everyone!
back to top
|
|
| |
Class Description
Whether you're an amateur in the kitchen looking to progress beyond boiling water or an advanced junior chef wanting to take your cooking to the next level, Junior Chef Stars Culinary Essentials - Holiday Series is just right for you. Instead of only teaching recipes, we go beyond them and explore the techniques that are the foundations for all recipes. Understanding what's "under the hood" of a recipe (what makes it work) helps you pull it off to perfection every time. Your aspiring chef will learn the basic science, proper cooking methods and some delicious recipes that you can enjoy with your family during the holidays.
This new 4-week cooking class with Jr. Chef Stars will be held at Hillview starting on October 21 (10/21,10/28, 11/4, 11/12, three Tuesdays and one Wednesday, due to the Veterans Day Holiday) from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. The price is $120 per child. Click here to register.
|
Music Department News and Instrument Donations
|
Congratulations to Neel Sinha, guitar, and Jakob Rauen, bari sax, for being selected to perform with the Stanford Jazz Workshop's Giant Steps Middle School Band program. Look for more announcements on upcoming performances soon!
On Friday, a number of Hillview Concert Band members performed with the Woodside High Marching Band for a home football game at Woodside High. The event featured a pizza dinner, short rehearsal and then an opportunity to perform on the field and in the stands with the band. It was a lot of fun and a great way to introduce students to Woodside, which has the only remaining marching band in the Sequoia High School district.
Music Potluck Thanks
We had a wonderful evening of music and tasty treats. Special thanks to Kristi Waldron for organizing and to all the families who helped set-up, clean-up and brought food. The talent of Hillview's musicians was truly on display as the chorus, 7/8 band, and 7/8 orchestra all performed along with 5 student soloists. It is going to be a great year for music at Hillview!
Looking Ahead
During the Conference Week, the 7/8 Orchestra, 7/8 Band, Jazz Band, and 6/7/8 Chorus will be recording our audition tapes for the March 28-30, 2015 Disney Tour! Make sure to double check your dates so that your child can attend these important sessions. Look for a reminder going home this week!
Instrument Donations
The Music Department is always happy to accept gently used instruments for its instrument "bank". These are tax deductable. So if there's a clarinet, violin or trumpet (sorry, no accordians) gathering dust under the bed, please consider donating it. Also, we are looking to replace the baby grand on the PAC stage. An estate sale donation for a high quality instrument would be very much appreciated. Please keep Hillview in mind if you know of something that comes up.
For questions, please contact Richard Vaughan.
|
Washington, D.C. Mini-Course
|
8th Grade Washington, D.C.
Mini-Course Expedition
At Back to School Night on September 11, your child's Social Studies teacher made the exciting announcement that Hillview will be offering a history-focused trip to Washington, D.C. as an option for 8th graders during Mini-Course week from April 12-17, 2015. For any 8th grade parent who was not at B2SN or who did not receive a D.C. Trip information sheet, please click here, then open the "DC Trip FAQs.pdf" to read more or download and return the commitment form. For those who are interested in registering, forms should be returned to your child's U.S. History teacher or the front office no later than October 3.
|
"The Miracle Worker" Drama Potluck
|
The Hillview Drama Club will be having a potluck for students and their families involved in the fall production of "The Miracle Worker" at Hillview. The potluck will be on Tuesday, September 30 from 5:45 - 8:00 p.m., on campus at the lunch serving area tables. All family members are invited. This will be perfect opportunity to get to know everyone who will be performing, volunteering and cheering on the production. Please bring a dinner dish to share with 25-30 others (desserts not needed). Questions? Please email Mr Hairston.
|
Intramural and After-School Sports
|
Intramural Sports: Lunchtime intramural sports will continue this week during lunch. Intramurals will occur on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We will continue playing indoor soccer or indoor hockey. All students are invited, but there is a cap on how many may play at once. Limit is approximately 30 players.
Open Gym for Basketball: 8th grade girls are invited to play basketball open tournament court on Friday evenings. No cost. This is the final week. Gym will be supervised by team coach Art Weil. Please contact Coach Art for more information.
Tournament Team Basketball Tryouts: All 8th graders are invited to try out for Tournament Team Basketball. Tryouts will be held from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. during Conference Week, October 7 to 10, in the Hillview Gym. There will be two days each for boys and. Exact days to be announced. The size of each team will be approximately 12. Waiver forms must be signed before players may participate in tryouts.
Fencing: Classes will take place on six Fridays from 3:15 - 4:30 p.m. in the Hillview Fitness Room, beginning on October 3 (excluding October 10). Click here to register.
Flag Football: Games continue this week: Monday, September 29 with 8th graders and Gold at Corte Madera at 3:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m., respectively; Tuesday, September 30 with Blue at Bowditch at 4:00 p.m.; Thursday, October 2 with Blue at Terman at 4:00 p.m., Gold and 8th graders play JLS at Hillview at 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., respectively. Participants must wear a mouthpiece or they will not be allowed to play.
Volleyball: Second week of league games continue with 7th and 8th graders playing on Monday and 6th graders on Tuesday.
Tournament Team Volleyball: Matches and practice continue this week.
|
Get to Know M-A 2014-15
|
The M-A shadowing program pairs prospective 8th graders with a 9+ grade host so they can attend classes during a typical day at the school. Shadowing is very popular and appointments fill up fast, so sign-up early to reserve your spot on our website. Sign-ups are open now. The shadowing program runs from October 3 to February 27. In addition, M-A's 8th Grade Information Night will take place on Wednesday, October 22 and a campus tour will be held on Saturday, October 25. Click here to learn about Menlo-Atherton High School's Get to Know M-A program. This website includes full program details and frequently asked questions.
|
|
Community News
|
Join the 6th Annual Ride & Yoga for Ravenswood Family Health Center on Sunday, October 5, to help raise funds for people that are unable to afford health insurance and health care. Choose from a 50-mile ride along the coast, a beautiful 30 mile ride through Portola Valley, or come enjoy a 90-minute outdoor yoga session in the garden. If you cannot attend, please feel free to make a donation! Gourmet coffee, breakfast, and light lunch included. Bike jerseys available with registration. Help keep our community strong and healthy! The first ride goes out at 8:00 a.m. Click here to register now. Location: Brody Home, 210 Park Lane, Atherton. Please contact Julie Brody or call 650-796-8590 with any questions.
Bellarmine College Preparatory Information Session: Bellarmine's new Director of Admissions Scott McLarty and Fr. Paul Sheridan, S.J. the school's President, will be hosting an informational gathering for prospective 7th and 8th grade parents in Atherton on Thursday, October 9 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The program is informal, and will give parents the opportunity to discover more about Bellarmine as well as ask questions about the admissions process and meet with current students and area parents. Refreshments will be served. The event will take place at 128 Heather Drive, Atherton, CA 94027. Kindly RSVP to Gail Grothaus or 408-537-9285. Click here for more information
back to top
|
Newsletter Details
|
This newsletter is published by PTO parent volunteers every Sunday of the school year, except for Sundays preceding a full week of vacation.
Submissions: The deadline to submit for the Sunday Hillview Newsletter is Wednesday at noon. Please email your submission to newsletter@hillviewpto.org. Please note that submissions may be edited for content and/or length. Submissions received after the deadline will be eligible for inclusion the following week.
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. Archives: Missed an exciting edition of the Hillview newsletter or letters from the school or PTO? Look up past mailings in our online archive.
|
|
|
|
|
