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In This Issue
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Community Input Session
Smarter Balanced Assessment Testing Mini-Course Survey
Tdap Vaccination
WEB Leader Applications
Library Book Fair
District News
Wellness Month
HV PTO
General Meeting
Executive Board
Flower Day
PTO Volunteer Luncheon
Teacher Gift Fund
Are You In RUN
Community Service
Sports
Auction Thank You & Parties
Diamond Partner
$5K Platinum Partners
Realtor Partners
Alpine Strikers
Principal Ackerman
M-A Auction Parties
Menlo Park Library Teen Night
Menlo Park Library Teen Advisory Group
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Quick Links
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Questions? Email:
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This Week
Tuesday, May 5
- Community Input Session on Hillview's next Principal, 8:30- 9:30 a.m., Hillview PAC
Wednesday, May 6
- Deadline to submit WEB Leader applications to the office
- Hillview Chorus Concert with Stanford Jazz Middle School Choir, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Hillview PAC
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Testing begins for 8th graders
Thursday, May 7
- Hillview PTO Spring General Meeting, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., Hillview PAC Lobby, then Library Conference Room ("Tank")
Saturday, May 9 - Last day to submit Block H points
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Looking Ahead
Monday, May 11 to Friday, May 15
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Testing
Monday, May 11
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Hillview Library
Tuesday, May 12
- Tournament Team Volleyball and Basketball meeting, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Hillview Library
Wednesday, May 13
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Hillview Library
Thursday, May 14
- Flower Day
- Hillview Open House, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., Hillview Library
Friday, May 15
- 6th & 7th Grade Dance, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
- Hillview Relay for Life, 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., Hillview Track
Sunday, May 17
Tuesday, May 19
Wednesday, May 20
- Hillview PTO Volunteer HSA/SSA Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
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Hillview School & Menlo Park District News
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Hillview News
Community Input Session on Hillview's Next Principal: On Tuesday, May 5, from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. in the PAC, Superintendent Ghysels invites community members to give feedback to the district as to what they'd like to see in Hillview's next principal.
Hillview's Smarter Balanced Assessments begins the week of May 11: Hillview's state standardized testing window for this year is May 11 - 15 for 6th and 7th graders, and May 6 - 15 for 8th graders. It is very important that you reschedule any morning appointments for the week of May 11; we want to avoid make-ups so that students miss as little instructional time as possible. For more information on the tests, links to practice tests, and the mini-lessons we are giving our students in preparation, refer to the front page of the Hillview website under "Hillview News."
2015 Mini-Course Week Parent Survey: Once again we have enjoyed a wonderful Mini-Course week exploring new places and ideas, making new friends, and getting to know teachers in unexpected new ways. Of course, Mini-Course week could not happen without the tireless volunteer time and energy of so many parents and community members. Whether you served as a Logistics Volunteer, chaperoned a field trip, brought a lesson from your hobby or profession to the classroom, donated supplies, or sent your child off to school each day with an open mind, we appreciate you, we depend on you, and most of all we THANK YOU! Please click here to complete this year's parent survey, as we continually strive to strengthen and improve this unique program.
ACTION REQUIRED! Attention: Parents of Current 6th Graders - Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Tdap Vaccination: All incoming 7th graders in the 2015-16 school year are required by law to provide proof of a whooping cough booster, or Tdap shot (Td does not meet the requirement). Students will not be admitted to school if proof is not received before the first day of school.
To avoid exclusion on the first day of school in August, parents are being asked to provide proof of Tdap now. Please bring an updated copy of your child's immunization record showing proof of Tdap to the school office. Do not mark or highlight the copy. If there is a verified medical condition against vaccination, you are required to provide the school with a doctor's written statement which must include the specific nature and probable duration of the medical condition. If there is a personal belief for not vaccinating, you are required to obtain a personal belief exemption from your child's physician (form CDPH 8262).
Acceptable proof of immunization includes:
- Print-out or copy of immunization record from your child's clinic or physician's office;
- A copy of the yellow immunization record;
- A certification of Tdap booster letter from your child's clinic or physician's office.
All of these documents must have your child's name, date of birth, date Tdap was administered, and a stamp or physician's signature from the clinic. For more information about the law and whooping cough, visit District Health Services or shotsforschool.org, or contact Nancy McMahon, Health Services Assistant at (650) 321-7140, x5912. Attention 7th Graders: WEB Leader applications are due by May 6! WEB stands for Where Everybody Belongs and as a WEB Leader you would be welcoming our new 6th graders to Hillview by helping with activities for Camp Hillivew in August. Leaders also help the 6th graders with peer mentoring throughout the year. Being a WEB Leader is a wonderful opportunity that is fun and a great way to be involved at Hillview. We're looking for a diverse group of leaders who are enthusiastic, positive, and ready to help others. Applications are available on your science teacher's Edmodo page. Your teachers will also have copies of the application. The application is due by Wednesday, May 6, by 3:00 p.m. to the office. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Mathenia, Mr. Sullivan, or Ms. Watts.
Hillview Library Book Fair: Get your books for summer reading at the Book Fair! Hours are: May 11 and 12, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; May 13 and 14, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., with Open House night hours from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m. You can preview the lists on the library website.
District News from the Director of Student Services, Ginny Maiwald
May is Wellness Month!
Time is of the essence. Anxiety is high. Am I doing the right thing? I often feel so busy. Are these comments familiar to you? Despite the fact that technology and social media make it easier than ever to be "connected" to lots of people all the time, we are becoming less and less connected to one another. As parents and professionals, it's important to remember that little matters more to our well being than our relationships with other people.
This is especially true for children. Relationships prove to be among those things that have the most significant effect on kids' healthy growth and well-being. Nurturing our children and embedding them in a strong network of family, friends, school, relatives and community, teaches them emotional security, safety and greatly affects their childhood happiness.
What we do: We are deeply committed to the emotional well being of our students as we continue to plan and implement our student wellness plan. Support for our students focuses on three critical areas: Social Emotional Learning, Social Emotional Health, and Academic Supports. Social emotional learning supports are uniquely tailored at each of our school sites. The Pivot program and the Thrive elective at Hillview, the Fly program at Encinal, the U-turn program at Oak Knoll and the Character Education program at Laurel all focus on the five competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Additionally, all sites feature social-emotional curriculum and lessons around these competencies. Our school psychologists, counselors, inclusion specialists and interns collaborate on therapeutic services that foster social skills in children that teach compassion, gratitude, establish rapport, resolve conflict and teach skills that build strong relationships. Academic supports include collaborative classes, intervention programs, specially designed academic instruction, and individualized plans and programs for our students.
What can you do? It is important to reflect on what we model for children. What do we have time for? Do you model kindness to yourself? Kindness is contagious. Research suggests that parents who are kind to themselves and others, raise children who show kindness to themselves and others. Kindness works by redirecting our energy toward things that make us feel good, reducing the toll that negative feelings have on our health and happiness. Be gentle on yourself, it is good for your health and your family's too! Renew your energy, reconnect with your loved ones and as a community we will positively influence our children's wellness.
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PTO News
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Hillview PTO Spring General meeting is Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m.: All members of the Hillview PTO are invited to the Spring General Meeting on Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m. Come enjoy coffee, juice and treats with Mr. B. and other great Hillview staff in the PAC lobby. Then, at 9:00 a.m., move up to the Tank in the Hillview library to hear Mr. B's update on Hillview and his appointment to Assistant Superintendent, and vote on next year's PTO Executive Board slate listed below and the proposed budget (available here and in the Hillview office). We hope to see you there!
Proposed 2015-16 Hillview PTO Executive Board Slate: The Hillview PTO Nominating Committee is proud to present the slate for the 2015-16 Hillview PTO Executive Board:
2015-2016 Executive Board Candidates
Co-Presidents: Michelle Box, Kate Kennedy
Co-Vice Presidents: Jody Buckley, Julie Nelson
Treasurer: Naed de la Vega
Vice Treasurer: TBD
Financial Secretary: Ken Wang
Recording Secretary: Gina Skinner
Communications Chair: Sara Richter
Auditor: Carolyn Lynch
Volunteer Coordinator: Beth Shvodian
After School Activities Coordinator: Erica Galles
Parliamentarian: Katie Angioletti
We will officially vote on this slate at the Hillview PTO General Meeting on Thursday, May 7. (Note: Co-Presidents and Treasurer were elected to serve 2 year terms in May 2014; the Parliamentarian is appointed by the Co-Presidents).
Sign Up to Help with Flower Day: We still need more volunteers to help arrange and deliver flowers to teachers and staff on Thursday, May 14! Please devote a couple of hours between 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. to help us show the members of the Hillview team how much we appreciate everything they do. Visit the sign-up sheet to participate in this fun tradition! For more information, please email Lyn Denend or Michelle Box for more information. Thank you!
PTO Volunteer Luncheon: Save the Date: May 20, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Hillview PAC. All volunteers are invited to lunch as we celebrate you and all you do for Hillview. We will also honor this year's Golden Oak and Service Award winners. To help us plan, please RSVP by clicking here. Thank you!
End of Year Teacher and Staff Gift Fund: Wondering how to recognize your child's teacher at the end of the school year? At Hillview, we have a tradition of gifting to the staff as a community. Parents are encouraged to contribute to a centralized Teacher/Staff Gift Fund organized by PTO volunteers. All proceeds are used to buy gift cards for the entire Hillview team. The benefits of this approach are that:
- It's what the teachers and staff prefer. With gift cards, they can pick out something they really want or need.
- No one is overlooked. The Gift Fund recognizes more than 70 Hillview employees, including academy teachers, elective teachers, and specialists, and staff.
- It's easy! Just make a contribution, and the committee does the rest. Gift cards are delivered on the last day of school on behalf of the entire Hillview community.
To contribute to this fantastic program, please send a check made out to Katie Angioletti. You can either dropped it off in the school office or mailed it to:
Katie Angioletti or Jill Kispert
c/o Hillview Teacher Gift Fund
PO Box 474
Menlo Park, CA 94026
Please note the zip code and include your email address on the check so we can confirm receipt of your gift. If you have any questions, please contact the Gift Fund coordinator, Lauren Calhoon.
Are You In RUN for Education - Early Registration Open: Early online registration for the Are You In RUN for Education is now open. Register before May 10 to secure a discounted entry fee of $25.00. After May 10, the entry fee will increase to $40.00. The run will take place at Oak Knoll School on Sunday May 31, 2015. You can enter either a 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 Menlo Park. A Wellness Fair will occur after the run at Oak Knoll School. There will be a stretching station, food, family fun and awards.
Family Sponsor: Consider becoming a Family Sponsor. With a donation of $500 you will receive:
- five race entries,
 - your family's name will appear on the RUN T-shirt and
- an invitation to our casual, family-style pasta dinner, held on the eve of the race. The RUN's presenting sponsor, Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors, is generously providing the dinner.
Volunteer: Interested in being part of the fun but don't feel like walking or running? Why not volunteer to help on the day? To learn more about volunteer opportunities please contact David Kornat.
The Are You In RUN for Education is being organized by the MPAEF, as well as the Menlo Park City School District PTOs. Funds raised will support our children's education. To register and learn more about the RUN, visit our website.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors! The 2015 run, presented by Nelson Roberts, is also sponsored by: DeLeon Realty, Greenheart Land Company, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Scott Kaloust DDS, Fleet Feet Sports, Magnussen Toyota, Magnussen Lexus, Mary Gilles Real Estate, Vivre, AMR, 24 Lost Soles, Alkalign, Axis Personal Trainers, Bulldog Sports, Cameron Aboudara DDS MS, Gold Arrow Camp, Curious.com, Pacific Peninsula Custom Group, Penelope Jones Interior Design, Principia, Stanford University Real Estate, Studio Rincon, and Z-Ultimate Karate.
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Programs & Activities
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Hillview Community Service
Hillview's First Relay for Life Event, May 15 from 9:00 p.m.- 12:00 a.m.: Following the 6th / 7th Grade dance on Friday, May 15, the Hillview Service Club is hosting Hillview's first "Relay for Life" event. Relay For Life events are the American Cancer Society's signature fundraisers. Communities across the globe come together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that has already taken too much. Our Hillview edition is tailored to the age and awareness level of our students and their families, and is accessible for everyone. We already have 14 teams of students signed up to participate. Encourage your student, and/or your family and friends, to put a team together to support the cause. There will be music, fun, and Block H points for participation. Please click here for more information, or email Robin Buckley. We also need chaperones and helpers for the event; please email Robin to sign up.
Deadline to Submit Block H Forms is May 9: 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. Hillview Sports
Intramural Sports: Ping Pong/Badminton/High Jump will continue in the gym during lunchtime for intramural sports. 6th graders will get first choice for high jump, but we'll have time for 7th/8th graders also. Intramural sports are held only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. After School Tennis Varsity A and Varsity B teams continue practice and matches this week.
After School Track will begin its third week. Monday practice will be at Hillview. The Wednesday meet will be at Menlo-Atherton High School. Practice times for both days will be from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. New Spring Sports: Mat Club and Spring Volleyball will continue this week. For Basketball Fans: May Madness Friday clinics continue for a second session this Friday, May 8 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Tournament Team Basketball/Volleyball: The End of an Era?: The Hillview Tournament Team programs for 7th/8th grade girls in volleyball and 8th graders in basketball are in jeopardy and may not continue. Mr. Bell will hold a meeting to discuss the future of these programs for interested families. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 (we apologize for the wrong date listed in last week's newsletter) at 6:30 p.m. in the PAC. If you are interested in having your children participate in tournament team volleyball (7th/8th grade girls) or tournament team basketball (8th grade girls/boys), we recommend you attend. The main topics will be: 1) Mr. Bell will no longer be coordinating; 2) Player dedication to both tournament team and balanced teams.
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 SUHSD Parent Education Series: "Get Connected! Talking to Your Teen about Sexual Health," with Perryn Reis and Abi Resnick-Karlin, Health Connected, Wednesday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Sequoia Union High School District Office, Birch Room, 480 James Avenue, Redwood City. Back by popular demand! This event is a reprise of the "Get Connected!" workshop offered at M-A in November 2014. Join us for the final event in the SUHSD Parent Education Mini-Series to address teenage risky behaviors. Talking about sexual health can be one of the most difficult and anxiety-provoking parenting tasks. Join Health Connected (formerly Teen Talk Sexuality Education), the SUHSD's provider of comprehensive sexuality education, in a fun and interactive workshop to learn how you can create an environment of comfort and trust with your child to discuss their emerging sexuality. Get tips on how to talk about sexuality in the context of your family's values about sex and relationships and create clear boundaries for your children while allowing them to explore this important developmental milestone.
Please register. Parents, faculty/staff and community members welcome! Free admission. For more information, contact Charlene Margot at (650) 868-0590, or Karen Li.
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MPAEF News
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MPAEF Auction Results and Parties to Join!: Thank you to everyone in the community who made bids, donated items and attended the event during our Spring Auction and Event. Together, we raised $250,000 for Encinal, Laurel, Oak Knoll and Hillview. This was a fantastic outcome and we offer heartfelt thanks to everyone.
If you are feeling like some more celebrating, there are several party hosts who would welcome you to events over the coming months. Click here by Friday, May 8 to see and join some fun parties, such as Bollywood Moves, Live From Menlo Park...It's Saturday Night!, Ay Carumba!, and Witches' Brew & Warlocks Too.
And we want to thank the generous gift of our auction organizers' time and effort to make this event happen. Big thanks to co-chairs Flavia Herrod and Cyndy Hogan; to our auction solicitors, raffle coordinators, marketing mavens, party planners and event night volunteers. We hope everyone enjoyed the experience and the results.
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
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Community News
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Alpine Strikers Tryouts: Is your child passionate about soccer? We hope so! Alpine Strikers will be holding tryouts for the fall season over the next few weeks (starting May 11). Many teams have roster openings and new teams will be formed for the youngest age group (boys and girls born between 8/1/2007 and 7/31/2008). Please click here for dates and registration. We look forward to seeing you on the field!
AwesomeBox for Principal Ackerman: As many of you know, Principal Ackerman is retiring this year. In order to celebrate his retirement and commemorate the years he has dedicated to the Oak Knoll community, we are putting together a VERY SPECIAL surprise AwesomeBox for him! AwesomeBox is way to collect photos, messages and memories from a group that get printed into a beautiful keepsake of custom cards to tell a group story of why Mr. Ackerman is awesome. We would love as many families and teachers to participate as possible to make this a truly memorable gift that will be presented to Mr. Ackerman at the May 15 picnic. Don't miss out to include your tribute! Please add your name and email address here by May 4 if you would like to receive an invitation to participate in this special keepsake gift (there is no cost to you!). M-A Online Auction Parties - It's Not Too Late! The M-A Online Auction was a great success but there are a few open spots for Sign-Up Parties. Get to know your M-A parent community by buying into a party and have a blast. Be sure to grab a friend and sign-up for some of the amazing events offered. Don't miss your chance to ride to the ridge, have lunch with the principal, or tip one back at the Gin Party. Check out all the offerings here. All proceeds directly benefit Menlo-Atherton High School Students.
Menlo Park Library Teen Night - Henna & Cultural Potluck: Come celebrate cultures with other Teens (12-18 years old) on Friday, May 8, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Bring food and dress up the way you want. Learn how to draw, receive a henna tattoo, and eat plenty of tasty food! Please see our Teen Library webpage for registration.
Menlo Park Library Teen Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting: Our next meeting will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.: The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a group of teenagers who provide events, contests, and resources for teens at the Menlo Park Library. Our mission is to provide an environment in which teens can express their ideas about how to improve the library. Visit our website for more information on how to join.
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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.
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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