In This Issue
Welcome from Mr. Haug
BTS Checklist
E Komo Mai Luau
Powerschool
6th Grade/New Parent Orientation
Camp Hillview
Dress for Success
Transportation

Joint Campaign
Volunteers Needed
Hot Lunch
New Family Social
Parent Education

 

After-School Programs
Music
Sports
 

Quick Links





Questions? Email:

This Week
  
Friday, August 21
  • E Komo Mai Back to School Luau, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • Sign-ups for Jazz Band Auditions posted online and in the Music Room; Open practice session from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Looking Aheadlookingahead

Monday, August 24

  • First Day of Camp Hillview, 6th graders only,                  9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Parent Orientation for 6th Grade and New Families,         9:00 - 10:15 a.m., Hillview PAC
  • Jazz Band Auditions begin
Tuesday, August 25
  • First day of school, 8:25 a.m. start time
Wednesday, August 26 and Thursday, August 27
  • Early release at 2:30 p.m.

Friday, August 28

  • Camp Hillview Pool Field Trip for 6th Graders,               11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2
  • New Family Social, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., RSVP here

Monday, September 7

  • Labor Day - No School

Wednesday, September 9

  • Back to School Night, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., all grades

Wednesday, September 16

  • "Supporting Your Student at Hillview" with Principal Willy Haug, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
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Hillview School NewsHVNews

Message from Principal Mr. Haug: It's time to get excited as a new school year approaches! We are busy preparing to make 2015-16 the best year yet, and we are eager to welcome all families at out second annual "E Komo Mai" ("Welcome") Luau (details below). The luau is an opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, take care of some paperwork, and pick up student schedules. You should have received your Hillview Welcome Packet in the mail recently, but please know that all essential forms and information can also be found on the front page of the Hillview website. We look forward to seeing you at the Luau, and can't wait for the year to begin!

Back-to-School Checklist: Need to know something BTS-related? Click here for the full PTO Back-to-School checklist.

E Komo Mai Luau, Friday, August 21, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Please join us to share summer stories with friends old and new, and celebrate the excitement of a new school year. Students can pick up their class schedules, and 7th/8th graders who complete their iPad paperwork may pick up their iPads. Parents and siblings can relax and enjoy the festivities! And remember: everyone who makes a donation to the Hillview PTO by 11:59 p.m. on August 20 will be eligible to win the Big Kahuna prize at the Luau - VIP parking at Back to School Night and Open House. There will be other raffle prizes up for grabs at the Luau as well, so be sure to join the PTO, at whatever financial level is right for your family, by August 20!
 
Here are some important notes about the Luau:
  • If there are lines at the front gates when you arrive, please feel free to bypass them and come on into the Luau! You can circle back to the welcome tables to have your Pre-Luau Checklist stamped (and pick up snow cone tickets for your kids!) when the lines are shorter.
  • To manage traffic flow end ensure that students can turn in their iPad forms and pick up their schedules with as little waiting as possible, we've established time windows for iPad form submissions. If your student has a sibling and you'd like to turn in all your forms at once, or if you have an unavoidable time conflict, you can of course turn in your iPad form outside of your assigned time window; otherwise, please come to the library to turn in your iPad form according to the following schedule:
    • 6th graders: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
    • 7th graders: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
    • 8th graders: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • 6th grade parents: Please bring your student's Camp Hillview permission slip (download here) to the Luau, so that your student is ready to go for the first day of Camp Hillview, on Monday, August 24.
  • 7th grade parents: If you received a letter advising that you need to provide proof of Tdap vaccination for your child, please bring Tdap documentation to the Luau. Your student will not be able to receive their class schedule until proof of Tdap vaccination has been submitted.
  • Can't make the Luau? No worries! You can also come by the Hillview office any time on Monday, August 24 to submit forms, collect iPads, get your questions answered, and receive your student schedule. If the 24th also does not work, arrive early on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 25.
The E Komo Mai Luau is made possible thanks to the creativity and enthusiasm of a committed group of volunteers working behind the scenes - and we need many more volunteers on the day of the Luau to make it a success! If you'd like to help, please click here and tell us where you can pitch in. Thank you!

Powerschool: If you've tried to log on to Powerschool and received an error message, don't worry; it's not you! Powerschool has been turned off and student accounts deactivated until class schedules are distributed at the Luau. The system will be accessible and logins re-activated after the Luau, on Friday, August 21.

6th Grade Parent and New-to-Hillview Parent Orientation: On the first day of Camp Hillview (see below), after 6th grade parents drop their students off for a day of fun, we invite you to the Hillview PAC for an orientation. Principal Willy Haug and other key support staff will share important information about Hillview programs and answer questions. This orientation, which runs from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m., is also for new-to-Hillview 7th and 8th grade families, whose students may also attend.

Camp Hillview 6th Graders & WEB Leaders: Starting middle school can be an overwhelming experience for students and parents alike, but we want all incoming Hawks to feel welcome and eager to begin their journey at Hillview. That's why we host Camp Hillview, our 6th grade orientation program that takes place at the beginning of each school year.

The Camp Hillview/first week of school schedule for 6th graders is as follows:
  • Monday, August 24, 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Camp Hillview Day 1: Orientation in small groups with WEB leaders. Lunch will be provided.
  • Tuesday, August 25, 8:25 a.m. - 3:05 p.m., Camp Hillview Day 2: Students will follow their schedule and meet their teachers. Snack will be provided. Please pack a lunch or consider ordering a hot lunch for your student.
  • Wednesday, August 26, 8:25 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Students will follow their schedule. No snack or lunch provided. Please pack a lunch or consider hot lunch for your student.
  • Thursday, August 27, 8:25 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Students will follow their schedule. No snack or lunch provided. Please pack a lunch or consider ordering a hot lunch for your student.
  • Friday, August 28, 8:25 a.m. - 3:05 p.m., Camp Hillview final day: There will be a pool field trip from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Signed permission slip is required. Click here to download permission slip. STUDENTS NEED TO BRING A BAG LUNCH and pool items, i.e. swim suit, towel, sunscreen, etc. but they won't need a backpack.
WEB Leader activities for 8th graders participating in the Camp Hillview program are as follows:
  • Thursday, August 20, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Training: Lunch will be provided.
  • Friday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Training: Lunch will be provided.
  • Monday, August 24, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Camp Hillview: Lunch will be provided.
 Click here for complete Camp Hillview information. 

Dress for Success Norms, aka the Hillview Dress Code: Last spring, Hillview implemented a straightforward, gender-neutral dress code that emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriate attire for different contexts. As you and your student embark on back-to-school shopping, please keep these guidelines in mind:
  • All students must be covered completely from mid-thigh to the top of the chest in non-see through materials.
  • The front and back of a shirt (or a top of any kind) must be connected over both shoulders.
  • Clothing must cover all undergarments.
  • Hats and head coverings (except for those worn for religious purposes) are only allowed outside of classrooms.
  • Clothing must be free of obscene or inappropriate words and/or logos.
Hillview Dress for Success Norms will be enforced from the first day of school. When a student's outfit does not meet the Dress for Success Norms, he or she will be asked politely to address the issue, in whatever way the student feels works best for him or her. Options include: 
  • Adjusting the fit of the clothing (if it's possible to do so and still meet the guidelines).
  • Putting on something that is already at school (e.g. PE clothes, a jacket, etc.)
  • Calling home and requesting a change of clothes.
Click here for the complete Dress for Success Norms explanation and guidelines.

Transportation to and from Hillview: Fewer cars make Hillview feel more welcoming, safer, and easier to approach on foot. Please consider alternatives to single-family car rides for your family's commute to and from school. More information can be found at the following links: 
Hillview transportation overview,  Hillview's car drop off and pick up information, and Hillview's bike and walk information
Hillview is well-stocked with bike racks, and many students do bike to school. If your child bikes, please review with him or her such bicycle safety guidelines as wearing the helmet properly and observing the rules of the road. We want all students to arrive safely at school each and every day. Registration for seats on the yellow bus serving Tinsley Transfer students is handled by the Hillview office (650) 325-3861. Find clear and simple information on taking SamTrans to Hillview by clicking here. For the MPCSD Transportation web site, click here.

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PTO NewsPTONews

Volunteer Opportunities at Hillview: We need you! So many great things are happening at Hillview, and we would love for you to be a partner in the excitement! From the E Komo Mai Luau, to Hot Lunch service, Mini Course assistance, Staff Coffee Cart and Luncheon help, Academy Parent duty, Speaker Series event assistance, Flower Day coordination, and much more, we need great people to create and lead the programs that make Hillview vibrant. Click here to read about and sign up for ongoing volunteer opportunities and one-time events. You can select the type of volunteer options that interest you and receive e-mails about those types of events throughout the year.

Hot Lunch: Hot lunch begins Tuesday, August 25 for all students. You can order your student's lunch online at Choice Lunch. If your child is new to Hillview, you may be asked for a registration code when signing up for Choice Lunch; the code to use is "Hillview."

Serving lunch at Hillview takes less than 12 minutes, but is great way to connect with students. Volunteers arrive 20 minutes early to set up, and stay 10 minutes after serving to clean up and stack the lunch bins. It's less than an hour per week commitment and a fun way to meet other parents and see your kids and their friends at school. If you're interested in signing up as a hot lunch volunteer, please contact [email protected].
 
New Family Social on Wednesday, September 2, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.The MPAEF in partnership with Hillview's PTO, would like to welcome all new parents to a casual Welcome Social at a fellow Hillview family's home. You will meet our principal, Willy Haug, our Superintendent, Maurice Ghysels, and our MPAEF and Hillview PTO leaders; they'll be talking about our amazing school and our community-funded school district. Our goal is to make this a fun and educational evening for you to meet other parents and to hear about what is happening at Hillview and in our District. Cheese & crackers and wine will be provided. Parents only please. Click here to RSVP.

Parent Education: The Hillview PTO Parent Education Speaker Series goes district-wide and kicks off on Wednesday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. with Hillview Middle School Principal Willy Haug presenting on "Surviving and Thriving the Middle School Years." All events will take place in the Hillview PAC. Stay tuned for more information on the exciting line up for the year. 

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Programs & ActivitiesPrograms

Hillview After-School Programs
Hillview's PTO is excited to offer its students a wide array of after-school programs this fall! We have a few new program offerings, as well as returning favorites. From Chess, to Mandarin, to Lacrosse and Cross Country, there is something for every student's interest! Click on any of the links below to gather more specific information about each program, including a description of the program, registration links and pricing. Please keep in mind that each program will only be offered if the minimum student enrollment is reached. For more information, see Hillview After-School Programs.
Questions? Contact Erica Galles, PTO After-School Programs Coordinator.

Hillview Music 
Welcome Back! The Music Department is busy getting all of the instruments tuned and cleaned, ordering music and getting the Music Room ready to go for the start of a new school year!
 
It's not too late to sign up for band, orchestra or chorus. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Vaughan.
 
Jazz Band auditions will begin on Monday, August 24. The sign-up will be posted in the Music Room and on-line beginning on August 21. There will be an open practice session for anyone interested in going over the audition material on Friday, August 21 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
 
Parent Volunteers are needed to help with music at the Luau! We need people to help with performance clothing, taking performance uniform orders and gathering information. If you can volunteer an hour (or two!), please contact Mr. Vaughan.

Hillview Sports
Registration opens at 3:00 p.m. on August 21 for Hillview Fall Sports Teams: Flag Football and Girls Volleyball. Teams fill fast, especially Flag Football (which often fills on the first day). Once teams are full, waitlists will start. Click here to register. Other Fall Sports Classes, offered by different vendors after school, are noted by an asterisk. These are classes and not Hillview sports teams. For sports offered in Winter and Spring, check the newsletter throughout the year for announcements on registration and updates. For more information, see Hillview After School Sports.
  • Fall: Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, Fencing*, Lacrosse*, Cross Country*, Boys Volleyball Clinic*
  • Winter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Cheer/Dance
  • Spring: Tennis, Track & Field, Boys Volleyball, Fencing*, Mat Club (wrestling)*, Basketball May Madness, Clinic*
Other Fall Sports Classes, offered by different vendors after school, are noted by an asterisk. 

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MPAEF & Hillview PTO Joint Campaignjointcampaign 
  
Together, we INSPIRE in our children a love of learning
Together, we INVOLVE ourselves in their learning journey
Together, we INVEST in their future

The PTO and the MPAEF continue their collaboration to make Hillview the best it can be for our kids. When you support the PTO, you make possible curriculum enrichment, field trips, community building events, and well-supplied classrooms. When you support the MPAEF, you are putting more teachers in our schools - both in the classroom and in specialized areas such as art, music, drama, library and science. These are what make a real difference in your child's day and, ultimately, in their education. The PTO and the Foundation are the two vital organizations that make our schools special. When you support the PTO at $250 per child and the MPAEF at $1500 per child this is the real difference you make in their education:
 

Please support these organizations today! PTO donations are due by September 30. Please make your gift or pledge to the MPAEF by November 6. Click below to support these organizations today. Thank you for your support!


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Community Newscommunity 
  
Stanford Water Polo Clinic for Girls: This free clinic is designed for girls in 2nd to 8th grade who are new to the sport or with limited experience with water polo.  The clinic will take place at Stanford's Avery Aquatic Center on Sunday, August 23, from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. Register online here. For more information, contact Bernice O'Connor

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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.