In This Issue

7th Grade iPads

Hillview in the News

I Have a Dream 

Mini-Course Update

Service Awards 

 

Volunteers Needed

Are You In RUN 

 

Cooking Class
Sports

 

Parent Education
Liz Wiseman
Frank Bruni

 

Salesforce Help
Auction Sneak Peek
Realtor Partners
Business Partners 
 
Quick Links




Questions? Email:

This Week

 

Tuesday, March 10
  • MPCSD Board Meeting, 6:00 p.m., TERC Building, 181 Encinal Ave.

Wednesday, March 11

  • 8th Grade I Have a Dream Exhibition, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Hillview PAC
Thursday, March 12
  • MPAEF Presents "An Evening with Liz Wiseman," author of The Multiplier Effect and Rookie Smarts, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Hillview PAC

Friday, March 13

  • 8th Grade vs. 9th Grade Alumni Basketball Games, 5:30 p.m. (girls) and 6:30 p.m. (boys), Hillview Gym
  • Deadline to submit Mini-Course Permission Slips
Looking Aheadlookingahead

Thursday, March 19
  • Spring Musical, Willy Wonka, 3:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
Friday, March 20 
  • Spring Musical, Willy Wonka, 7:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
Saturday, March 21
  • Spring Musical, Willy Wonka, 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Hillview PAC

Tuesday, March 24

  • Spring photos in PE class
Wednesday, March 25
  • Star Party, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m., Hillview Green Top/Basketball Courts, weather permitting

Newsletter Button
Hillview School & Menlo Park District NewsHVNews

Hillview News
 

7th Grade iPad Update: 7th graders will have their iPads moved over into the new Mobile Device Management System in early April. The district technology team will wipe all of the content from the iPads and enroll them into the new system, which is called Casper Suite, by JAMF Software. Many 7th grade families have already created the Apple IDs necessary for the transition. We will be contacting the remaining 60 or so families and asking them to complete this task, which is a prerequisite for moving the iPads over. If you are a 7th grade parent and have not yet created your child's special school Apple ID, wait for the contact. If you have already done so, make sure you know what the Apple ID password is. We will need this information for the transition.

Hillview in the News: So much is going on at Hillview, and sometimes we get some press for all that we are doing to make our students' learning experiences as awesome as possible. We have begun to catalog these "spotlight moments" with a link on the front page of our website called "Hillview in the News." When you visit the page, you will be able to read some brief context about the article in question and link directly to it. If you have other news items you think we've missed, please let us know and we'll get them up!

 

I Have a Dream Exhibition for 8th Grade Families: This celebration and display of 8th grade student work from the new I Have a Dream unit, will take place on Wednesday, March 11, from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. in the Hillview PAC. All 8th grade students, parents, and family members are invited to attend. Please help us make the Exhibition special by volunteering to bring refreshments.  If you are interested, please sign up here.  

 

Mini-Course Update: The countdown to Mini-Course week has started and it will be here before we know it. Packets were mailed home to all students last week and you have several permission slips and other forms to sign to ensure your child's participation in his or her chosen course. Please read your letter, note the field trips and possible special drop-off and pick-up locations and times, and sign and return all forms by THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 13. Forms may be turned in directly to the office or to your child's first period teacher. The time for students to request a course change ended January 30, however if you need to request a change because of health or logistical issues, please email [email protected] at your earliest convenience. Please also watch your email for invitations to volunteer, chaperone and donate supplies for your child's course. We are in this together and we need and appreciate your help!

 

District News

 

Call for Service Award Nominations - Tell Us About an Exceptional Volunteer! 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 if it was 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 3. 


Newsletter Button
PTO NewsPTONews

More Volunteers Needed for Fantastic Hillview Breakfast Cafe: For a number of years, a small group of dedicated Hillview volunteers has provided a nutritious breakfast at school in the morning to a group of about 35 students who otherwise would not have one.  This program is called Breakfast Cafe and is a component of Hillview's College Bound program. To date, we have recruited volunteers primarily through word of mouth, but we need to expand our volunteer base and also want to ensure everyone who feels strongly about helping these kids is aware of the program. Volunteering is easy - you can sign up to bring food once a week, once a month, or even just once a year, and deliver the food to school either first thing in the morning or the day before - whatever works best for your schedule! Click here for more information or to sign up or email co-chairs Amy Hamilton, Flavia Herrod, or Andrea Luskin. Thank you!

Are You In RUN Volunteer Opportunities: Have you been looking to get involved and love to be a part of a fun team? We have two open coordinator roles on the RUN team this year. We'd love to have you come on board! Below are the two roles, with details about what is involved. Both roles have a commitment scope of one meeting per month from December to March with the planning team; two meetings per month during April and May; must be able to work the event on May 31 from 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Volunteer Coordinator (OPEN): point person for all the amazing volunteers leading up to and at the event. Key responsibilities include:
  • Leading the volunteer registration sign up through our online portal.
  • Help with recruiting volunteers to ensure the athletes and sponsors have a great time.
  • Be the point of contact for volunteer coordination leading up to and at the event.
  • Lead volunteer coordination on the day of the event (May 31). Ensure all locations are covered and volunteers are properly trained to their specific "station".
Race Course Coordinator (OPEN): a marksman for details, loves dotting the i's and crossing t's to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible come game day.  Key responsibilities include:
  • Ensuring the race course is properly marked and working across the RUN team to ensure logistic needs are met (water stops, volunteer needs, marketing needs, etc) 
  • Work with city officials and the rest of the team to ensure the course is safe as well as fun for the runners.
If you have any questions, feel free to email the Are You In RUN co-chair.

Newsletter Button
Programs & ActivitiesPrograms

After School Classes 
 
After School Cooking Class: Registration is now open for the spring session, which begins on March 23, and runs for 9 weeks. Junior Chef Stars will introduce the students to fine dining fundamentals such as plating techniques and knife skills, and enable them to experience being a culinary student. Please visit here for more details, or click here to register.
 
Hillview Sports 

Alumni Basketball Games -- 8th vs. 9th Grades: Hillview is bringing basketball March Madness to the gym! Join us on Friday, March 13 for an annual tradition. The current 8th Grade boys and girls tournament basketball teams will challenge returning 9th grade alumni to a game, starting at 5:30 p.m. for the girls and 6:30 p.m. for the boys. The 8th Grade Gift Committee will also be selling snacks as a fundraiser for the 8th Grade class gift. This is a fun, all-school event so come out, cheer on the teams, and support Hillview and our 8th Grade teams. 

NEW Spring Volleyball: Hillview Spring Volleyball is a new after-school program intended to help players practice and improve their volleyball skills during the spring trimester at Hillview. The program is open to all Hillview students regardless of previous volleyball experience. Participants will be grouped into teams of six to eight players and meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at the Hillview gym for volleyball drills and scrimmage. The program will run for 8 weeks from March 24 to May 28 (no practice during spring break and Mini-Course weeks). The cost is $100 per player and is open to all grades, boys and girls (co-ed). Click here to register.

NEW Mat Club (Spring Wrestling): Mat Club's mission is to help you become more athletic, stronger, and faster through the high-energy learning experience of wrestling. Our practices consist of constant movement, strength training, flexibility, and dynamic agility exercises. On the first day of club you will learn how to safely move, roll, land, somersault on a shock-resistant mat. By the end of 6 weeks you will have basic defense and offense skills such as a double-leg takedown, arm throw, and escapes. Invite your friends! You will need partners! Practices consist of a significant amount of partner workouts such as having to lift, roll, and carry your partner across the mat. We play games such as the Queen/King of the mat, Sumo, mat ball. You will be flexible like a gymnast, be as explosive as a sprinter, and move and roll like a boxer. As a team we will have an opportunity to compete in tournaments or against local teams. Join us for the most fun and challenging workout of your life! The program will run for six weeks from March 23 to May 8 (no class during spring break). Practices will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 - 5:15 p.m in the Hillview gym. The cost is $100 per player and is open to all grades, boys and girls. Girls are especially encouraged as wrestling is the fastest growing sport nationwide. For more information please contact Charles Washington, Head Coach, or Advisors, Phil and Don. Click here to register.

Intramural Sports: Intramurals will resume with soccer and hockey. This will continue through March as long as there is interest.

Burgess League and MPMSL (8th Grade) Basketball: We congratulate the efforts of the 6th/7th grade boys teams and 8th grade girls teams who completed their season last week. 8th grade boys, 6th and 7th grade girls will complete their season this week with their finals. When the season is over, please return laundered uniforms in a bag with the player's and coach's name written on it unless your coach has other plans for team collection.
 
After School Tennis: Varsity A and Varsity B teams have been selected. Official practices will begin on Sunday, March 8. Participants should go to SignUpGenius to obtain official practice slots. Each player should have 2 practices per week. League Matches will begin later in March. Season ends mid-May with no program during Spring Break.

 

After School Track: Registration continues, since there are still a few spots left. The program will begin on April 13 and conclude on May 27. The location is primarily at the M-A high school track from 6:00� - 7:30 p.m. Almost all dates are Mondays and Wednesdays with one exception on Tuesday, May 26 due to the May 25 holiday. There is no program during Spring Break (April 20�-24).   
 
After School Fencing: Sessions have already begun and are held in the Hillview Fitness Room in the Gym complex from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m. Remaining dates are March 6, 13, 20, 27 and April 4.  Registration is available here.

 

There may be more sports offered in the Spring including badminton and basketball clinic. More information to follow.

 

Questions regarding intramural and after school sports should be directed to Harry BellAthletic Directoror call 650.483.4049.
  
Newsletter Button
Parent EducationParentEd
 
MPAEF Presents "An Evening with Liz Wiseman," on March 12, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Hillview PAC: Please join us as MPAEF hosts "An Evening with Liz Wiseman," author of Multipliers, The Multiplier Effect, and Rookie SmartsGreat leaders bring out the best in others. They create an environment in which people do their best thinking and contribute at their fullest, whether it is in the workplace, the classroom, or with our children in our homes. Liz Wiseman, local parent and president of the Wiseman Group, is recognized by Thinkers50 as a top leadership thinker. This interactive talk will offer a way of leading and parenting that enables others to think and act with reason, solve complex problems, and embrace new challenges. You'll leave with practical tips you can apply that night at home or the next day at work. 

Interested in Ms. Wiseman's books? You may buy them via shop.mpaef.org and support MPAEF with your purchase! All MPCSD families and community members are encouraged to attend.  Space is limited and we recommend that you register in advance to ensure your seat.  As usual, light refreshments will be served and free childcare for potty-trained children will be provided by Hillview Staff members Becky Galvez and Sia Langi with advance reservations.

Menlo-Atherton High School PTA Presents 
"Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: 
An Antidote to the College Admission Mania" with Frank Bruni, New York Times columnist and bestselling author, Monday, April 6, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Menlo-Atherton High School ("MAHS") Performing Arts Center. Register here as soon as possible; the event is almost sold out.

Over the last few decades, Americans have turned college admissions into a stressful and occasionally devastating rite of passage, preceded by test prep, tutors, all kinds of rankings and a conviction among too many young people that their futures will be determined and their worth established by which schools say "yes" and which say "no." That belief is wrong. And in "Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be", Bruni explains why, giving students and their parents a new outlook on this brutal, deeply flawed competition and a path out of the anxiety that it provokes. 

Frank Bruni has been an Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times since June 2011, focusing on a range of subjects including higher education. In two decades at The Times, he has also been the paper's chief restaurant critic, its Rome bureau chief, a White House correspondent, and the lead reporter covering George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign. He is the author of two best-selling books, the memoir Born Round and Ambling into History, a chronicle of Bush's rise to the presidency. He has appeared frequently as a commentator on CNN, MSNBC and other networks.
 
MAHS Parent Education Series events are free, sponsored by the MAHS PTA and other organizations. For more information, contact Charlene Margot at (650) 868-0590. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available. 

back to top

Newsletter Button
MPAEF NewsMPAEF

Are You an Expert in Salesforce? The MPAEF is looking for help with configuring its Salesforce platform and creating tools/scripts for automated jobs. Would you or your organization be willing to donate time and expertise to help the MPAEF with this project? Please email us to learn more.

Sneak Peek at Auction Items - Online Auction Opens April 3: Thank you again for the wonderful auction donations! We have a wide array of parties for kids and adults, fabulous teacher items, unique experiences, and popular getaways. Here's a sneak peek at a few of those offerings:
  • A wine Mini-Course with Mr. B!
  • One week at a luxury oceanfront condo in Cabo San Lucas
  • Warriors floor seats and VIP parking
  • Ball Girl and Ball Boy positions for Stanford basketball games
  • Kids in Training: Vet for a Day
  • Four Nights in the Heart of Tuscany
Auction catalogs will go home at the end of March, and the online auction launches on April 3. 

Please consider underwriting our event! Underwriting support helps defray event costs, allowing money raised at the auction to go directly to our schools. As an underwriter, you will be recognized in the auction catalog and on the night of the auction on our Hollywood Wall of Fame. We thank you in advance for your kind and generous support!  Underwriting levels are as follows:
  • Producer $5,000: Two tickets to the Auction, four teacher tickets, 20 Raffle Tickets
  • Director $2,500: Two tickets to the Auction, three teacher tickets, 12 Raffle Tickets
  • Super Star $1,500: Two tickets to the Auction, two teacher tickets, 5 Raffle Tickets
  • Star $1,000: Two tickets to the Auction, one teacher ticket, 5 Raffle Tickets
  • Diva $500: Two tickets to the Auction
Auction & Raffle Tickets: Individual auction tickets are $130. Raffle tickets are $10 each, 12 for $100, or 20 for $150.

Please make your sponsorship donation online here and in the notes column add "2015 Spring Auction." If you have questions, please email Event Co-Chair Cyndy Hogan. The deadline for sponsorship is March 11 to be included in the auction catalog. After March 11, your name will appear on the event night "Hollywood Wall of Fame."

Thank You to These New and Returning Realtor Partners
 
Thank You to Our New and Returning Business Partners
Please support those businesses who support our schools!

Newsletter Button
Community NewsCommunity

M-AKING FASHION H15TORY Tickets now on sale online: Menlo-Atherton High School's annual fashion show is a 35-year tradition the PTA's largest fundraiser, providing funds for many of the school's important student and school services. The fashion show is a professionally choreographed, high-energy production starring M-A's incredible senior class and celebrating M-A's unique spirit. This year's show takes place on Saturday, March 21 in the Performing Arts Center. There will be three performances: 1:00 p.m. (preceded by a catered luncheon), 4:00 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. This is a show you won't want to miss! Please purchase tickets here. There are also many volunteer opportunities throughout the day. If you have time to help out, go to SignUpGenius to find both big and small jobs listed by start time. Thank you for supporting M-A!
 
Newsletter Button
Newsletter DetailsNewsletter

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 [email protected]. 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. Submissions are eligible to run for
up to two weeks
.

To submit an announcement for an off-campus community event, please email your announcement to [email protected]. 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.