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In This Issue
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Annual Survey
Mini-Courses
Electives
7th Grade iPads
Author Wendy Mass
8th Grade Parents
Smarter Balanced Assessment
Water Reduction
HV PTO
Spring Meeting
Are You In RUN
Community Service
Drama Camp
Sports
Thank You
Shop.MPAEF.org
Community Partners
Water Polo
Teen Library Events
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Quick Links
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Questions? Email:
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This Week
Monday, April 13 - Friday, April 17
Monday, April 13
- Late Start, 10:00 a.m., *please check your individual MiniCourse schedule as class start times may vary by course
- MPCSD Board Meeting, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., District Office, TERC Building
Wednesday, April 15 - Thursday, April 16
- Late Dismissal, 3:05 p.m.
- Early Dismissal, 12:00 p.m.
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Looking Ahead
Monday, April 20 - Friday, April 24
Wednesday, April 29
- Local Control Accountability Plan Parent Advisory Committee meeting, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., TERC
Thursday, April 30
- Window closes for online elective registration
Friday, May 1
- Talent Show, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 2
- Talent Show, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 7
- Spring PTO General Meeting, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., HV PAC
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Hillview School & Menlo Park District News
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Hillview News
Annual Hillview Parent Survey:
Deadline is MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, April 12th:
Thank you so much to all of you who have filled out Hillview's 2015 Parent Survey. We realize how valuable your time is and really appreciate your feedback. If you haven't taken the survey yet, please click here. You can complete it in under 10 minutes.
The feedback we receive from the completed surveys is extremely important in helping make Hillview the best possible school it can be for your children. Thank you in advance for participating! Questions? Contact Site Council Chairperson Andrea Luskin, Associate Principal Willy Haug or Principal Erik Burmeister.
It's finally here! Mini-Courses begin tomorrow! Months of thought and planning have gone into this week and we are ready to get started. Please look here to see if there are any last minute needs you can help with. We love it when our kids are out on field trips representing Hillview with the respectful behavior and positive attitude we see on campus. Remind your children to keep an open mind, be amazed, and enjoy this special week of "School, Only Different." And most importantly, an enormous thank you to all the parent volunteers and generous community members who offer their time, talent and resources to make this week happen. Let's do it!
Online Elective Registration for 2015 - 2016: The window for online elective registration for current 5th, 6th, and 7th graders opened this past Wednesday, and will close at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. There is no advantage to submitting your choices early; everyone who submits by April 30 will get the same priority. To register:
- Go to the Hillview Website and scroll down to the "Hillview News..." section. There you will see links to our online "print" and video catalogs.
- Review the catalogs and consider what electives your child might enjoy next year. Make some notes of those choices.
- If necessary, watch the screen cast linked here to learn how to log on to PowerSchool and navigate to the Class Registration page
- Log on to PowerSchool with your student's username and password (Don't know this information? Call the Hillview office and they can tell you.) Click on the "Class Registration" tab in the upper left.
- Read through the various sections of the online registration, make choices, and be sure to click Submit when done.
Update on 7th Grade iPad Work: We want to thank our 7th grade families for helping to migrate our devices over to the new management system. This process proved challenging, and we appreciate everyone's patience and perseverance as we communicated with you about Apple IDs and passwords. Our tech department did the heavy lift of wiping and re-enrolling the iPads on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and we are still working through a number of exceptions. Apple's system is not as friendly to schools as it could be, and we continue to focus on solving the problems so that every student can get his or her iPad back to support the learning process. While we are experiencing a bit of pain in the present, the long-term benefits of getting the iPads under a more robust management system are worth it.
Author Wendy Mass coming to Hillview! The ever-popular Wendy Mass will be skyping with our Author, Author minicourse. She's offering to sign any of her books for students - download the order form and get a head start on summer reading!
Parents of Menlo-Atherton High School Class of 2019: Parents of current eighth graders are invited to join the Principal and board members of M-A's Foundation for the Future for beverages and appetizers at the home of Kim and David Mullarkey, 1260 Bay Laurel Drive, Menlo Park on Thursday, May 7 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Please come and meet other parents, learn about the many opportunities for your student and how to be ready for the transition to high school at M-A. The Principal will deliver remarks at 7:00 pm. Hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Kim McNerney.
8th Grade Graduation Gown Orders Due May 1: Click here to order your child's graduation gown by May 1! You may order a new one or request to borrow one. All 8th grade families should have received a letter outlining expectations for students as well as important information about the events leading up to and through Graduation night. Can't find it? This information can also be found on the website.
District News
The Smarter Balanced Assessment will begin right after spring break for students in grades 3-8. For more information on the assessment, please go to our Parent Pages.
Governor Brown Directs First Ever Statewide Mandatory Water Reductions: this week we announced that the MPCSD will be taking measures to save water per Governor Brown's directive for the first ever statewide mandatory water reductions; here is a list of the actions our district is taking:
MPCSD has a modernized landscaping irrigation and plumbing system infrastructure that is very water efficient. The District's landscaping includes drought resistant plants and a synthetic field at Hillview Middle School. To meet the Governor's Executive Order B-29-15 to reduce water consumption, the District is implementing the following water conservation efforts:
- Water conservation education for student and staff
- Classroom education and school assemblies
- Water conservation education through posters and newsletters
- Landscape water irrigation reduction and shut off
- Landscape areas to be limited to irrigation only twice a week
- Irrigation to be shutdown and shut off in certain area
- Signs to be placed throughout the campuses informing the public of water conservation efforts
- Inspection of all school plumbing fixtures and repairs as needed to ensure no water leakage
- No hardcourt or building wash downs
- Reduced District vehicle and bus washing
- Meet with local water company personal to explore further water reduction efforts
While MPCSD will do our part to save water, like so many in our State, the cut back in water usage will have an impact on not only the beauty of our landscaping, but it will also have a negative financial impact until we recover from the drought. While the cost to our landscaping depends on how long the drought lasts, we believe that it is essential to take steps to support the conservation of California's vital resource. Please know that we will continually monitor our measures and will keep you informed.
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PTO News
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Save the date for the PTO Spring General Meeting: Thursday May 7, from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. All members of the Hillview PTO are invited! Come enjoy coffee, juice and treats with Mr. B and other great Hillview staff in the PAC lobby. Then, move up to the Tank in the Hillview library to hear Mr. B's update on what's new at Hillview as well as vote on next year's PTO Executive Board slate and proposed budget. Details will be announced soon. Meanwhile, please mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!
On Your Marks, Get Ready - Early Registration Open for the RUN: Early online registration opens today for the Are You In RUN for Education to be held at Oak Knoll School on Sunday, May 31. Register before May 10 and and receive a discounted entry fee of $25. After May 10, the entry fee will increase to $40. Choose to enter either the 2.5K (1.5 mile) family walk/ run, or the competitive, chip-timed 5K. Both runs will start at 9:00 a.m. and the course will wind through the streets of West Menlo Park.
We hope you will consider becoming a Family Sponsor. With a donation of $500 you will receive four race entries, your family or team's name will appear on the race t-shirt, and you will be our VIP guest at an exclusive carbo-load dinner provided by our presenting sponsor, Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors.
The Are You In RUN for Education is being organized by the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, as well as the PTOs of the MPCSD. Funds raised will support our children's education. To register and learn more about the RUN, visit our event website.
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Programs & Activities
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Hillview Community Service
Earn Block H points for community service while having lots of fun: Students are needed to help with the Community Spring Fling - Peace and Love on Haight - in the Willows neighborhood on Saturday, May 2. Students who assist will also be invited to attend a staff tie-dye party on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. You will make your own staff t-shirt and learn how to teach the technique to others. An alternate day will be scheduled since this may conflict with some Spring Break plans. If you would like to sign up, please fill out this Google Form. Thank you so much for your help!
Just a reminder that we have a deadline for Block H coming soon. We will no longer be accepting Block H forms after May 9. May 9 will be here sooner than you think, so please get those forms in now! All forms should be turned into Mrs. Fichou in the student center during brunch or lunch.
Drama Summer Camp: MPCSD will sponsor the 3rd annual Drama Summer Camp at Hillview with productions of The Lion King Jr., June 22 - July 2, and Legally Blonde Jr., July 6 -July 17. Students participate as performers and/or backstage crew! Please go to our website for all the
info! Contact Camp Director, Mr Hairston with any questions!
Intramural Sports: The gym will be open from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday this week. Students will be able to participate in basketball, hockey, soccer and possibly badminton and/or ping pong on a first come first served basis. After Spring Break, the activity will be high jump practice for 6th graders in preparation for their Greek Olympics.
After School Tennis Varsity A and Varsity B teams continue practice and matches this week.
After School Track registration is now full. You may still be added to the waitlist. The program will begin this week on Monday and Wednesday on the MA high school track from 6:00-7:30 pm. There is no program during Spring Break (April 20-24). Participants should bring sunscreen, water, hats, and proper clothing and footwear.
New Spring Sports: Mat Club will continue this week, but there will be no program during Spring Break. Volleyball will not meet for the next two weeks, but resumes after Spring Break.
For Basketball fans: May Madness, led by Coach Eaton and Coach Bell, will once again be available on Friday afternoons in May. Currently, registration is a little more than 1/2 full. Maximum signups will be 30 players. Please register online.
Tournament Team Program: The End of an Era?: The Hillview Tournament Team program for 7th/8th grade girls in volleyball and 8th graders in basketball is in jeopardy! Mr. Bell will hold a meeting in May to discuss the future of these programs. If your children are interested in participating in either of these programs, please plan to attend. Information to follow.
Burgess League and MPMSL (8th GRADE) Basketball: Thanks to all of you who have returned after school basketball uniforms. If you still need to return your uniform, please return it in a bag with the player's and coach's name written on it. Feel free to drop it off with Mrs. Bell in the main office.
Questions regarding intramural and after school sports should be directed to Harry Bell, Athletic Director, or call 650.483.4049.
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Parent Education
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The M-A Parent Education Series: "Helping Young Athletes Reach Their Potential: What Does Research Tell Us?" with Steve Smith, PhD, Palo Alto University, Thursday, May 7,
7:00 - 8:30 p.m., M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC) Cafe. How can parents support their children toward healthy participation in sports to facilitate a lifelong healthy lifestyle and to reach their potential? In this workshop, Dr. Smith will review current research and provide guidelines for parents and coaches to consider for healthy sport participation.
Dr. Steve Smith is a licensed psychologist and professor of clinical psychology in the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium of Palo Alto University. He served as the consulting psychologist for the Division I Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at UCSB and maintains a private practice (www.sparccal.com) where he works with school, club, and professional teams and athletes of all ages from all over the country. Please register.
M-A Parent Education Series events are free, sponsored by the M-A PTA, the Sequoia Healthcare District, and the Sequoia Union High School District.
The Happy Middle School Student: New York Times columnist Jess Lahey and author Christine Carter will lead you through case studies and take questions about this tricky time in children's lives. This event will be held on Tuesday, April 21, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough. Reserve your seat here.
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MPAEF News
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Thank You for Being IN for Over 30 Years: You did it! You made a big success of "A Night in Old Hollywood," the online auction, the raffle and Fund-A-Need for Music and Performing Arts! Thank you for donating amazing parties, events, items, and experiences to the auction. Thank you for being out there in front of the schools selling and buying raffle tickets. Thank you for participating in the online auction. Thank you for celebrating over 30 years of MPAEF with us at "A Night in Old Hollywood." Thank you for donating so generously to the Fund-A-Need program for music and performing arts. Thank you to everyone in the community who volunteered time, resources and energy to make "A Night in Old Hollywood" a night to remember. Thank you for being part of the MPAEF spirit and for supporting our schools. Thank you for being IN!
For over 30 years, MPAEF has provided the Menlo Park City School District with an annual grant, which becomes part of the district operating budget. For over 30 years, the Foundation has relied on community volunteers to achieve the financial goals for this grant. Thank you for 31 years and counting of commitment and dedication from families like you! Click on Shop.MPAEF.org to Have Your Online Shopping Support Our Schools: Shopping for your family, home, pets, and office can turn into money for our schools. Just go to Shop.MPAEF.org, click on your favorite merchant, shop, and earn money for our schools. Find everything you need from over a hundred merchants including Amazon, Petsmart, Babies r Us and Office Depot. Shop now!
Special Recognition for our Diamond Level ($10,000) Partner - DeLeon Realty:
DeLeon Realty, Inc. is an innovative Silicon Valley-based real estate company that is home to one of the nation's top realtors, Ken DeLeon. This company offers clients a full suite of services through its specialists, who include licensed contractors, interior designers, and an in-house marketing team. Tailoring their services to meet the needs of their clients, DeLeon Realty's real estate agents are salaried professionals who are motivated to help their clients find the best home investments without the distraction of commission-based sales incentives. For more information, please call (650) 543-8500 or visit DeLeon Realty's website.
Thank You to Our $5K Platinum Business Partners
Thank You to These New and Returning Realtor Partners
Mary Gullixson & Brent Gullixson, Alain Pinel Realtors
Nathalie de Saint Andrieu, Pacific Union
Keri Nicholas, Alain Pinel Realtors
Mandy Safka, Alain Pinel Realtors
Michael Hall, Alain Pinel Realtors
Penelope Huang, RE/MAX Distinctive Properties
Carol MacCorkle, Pacific Union
Doug Andrew Gonzalez, Coldwell Banker
Juliana Lee, Keller Williams Realty
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Community News
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Interested in Water Polo? If you are interested in learning to play water polo, here is your chance to try it out! The Mid-Peninsula Water Polo Club is looking for good athletes, both girls and boys, who are interested in learning more about the sport. Men's water polo was the first team sport introduced at the modern Olympic games in 1900, and has a long history in the US and Europe. Many colleges are looking for good players. You'll get in tremendous physical shape and enjoy solid competition and friendships with your teammates.
Players should be 6th, 7th or 8th graders, strong swimmers and/or field/court players looking for another sport. Must be able to swim 200 yards minimum and be comfortable in the water.
Classes are held at the Menlo-Atherton High School pool on Sundays 10:30 -1 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. We will have a spring session that runs thru May 17.
Classes are taught by M-A coaches and varsity players. All participants must be registered with USA Water Polo. Our club designation is MidPen. Please sign up here or contact Chris Maxwell at (650) 302-3459 with questions. Scholarships are available.
Teen Blackout Poetry Contest: Throughout April's National Poetry Month, the Menlo Park Library will be hosting a Blackout Poetry Contest! Participants create poetry by leaving select words visible and blacking out the rest. Pick up a newspaper or stop by the Teen Section for used book pages. Entries should be one page and must be submitted with: Name; Age; Contact Information; and Name of School. Submit at the library or email Sydnee.Magic The Gathering Club: You asked, and we listened! This is a new club in Teen Services that will meet the 3rd Friday of each month beginning Friday, April 17 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. No registration required, as you just show up and play. It will be out on the patio of the Menlo Park Library. Cards will not be provided, nor will staff be chaperoning.Teen Spring Book Club - The second meeting will be held Saturday, May 2 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Join other book lovers (12-18 years old) to discuss The Young World, by Chris Weitz, and have a themed book party! To register for the book club, please see ourTeen Library webpage for registration.
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Newsletter Details
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This newsletter is published by PTO parent volunteers every Sunday of the school year, except for Sundays preceding a full week of vacation. There will be no newsletter on April 19.
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. 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 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.
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