In This Issue
Bike Safety
Turkey Trot
Pre-Planned Absences

Receptionist Position 

Activities
Record Food Drive
HVTV
October Photos
Hillview Winter After-School Programs
Hillview Library
Hillview Sports

Parent Education
MPCSD Speaker Series
M-A Speaker Series
 
Sip, Stroll & Support Our Schools
 
8th Grade Coffee
Music Fundraiser & Big Band Dance



 

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Questions? Email:
This Week 

Sunday, November 15
  • Hillview Jazz Band performance, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Menlo Park Farmer's Market
Tuesday, November 17
  • Hillview Chorus and M-A Choir Fall Concert, 7:00 p.m., Hillivew PAC
Wednesday, November 18
  • Parent Education: "Raising Teens Without Losing Your Mind (Part II)" with Erik Burmeister, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
  • Turkey Trot in 7th/8th Grade P.E. Classes
Thursday, November 19
  • Parent Education: "Finding the Right Fit - A Conversation about the College Search" with Maria Furtado, 7:00 p.m., M-A PAC.
Friday, November 20
  • End of Trimester 1
Looking Aheadlookingahead
   
Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27
  • Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday, December 1
  • Hillview Chorus at Filoli Holiday Traditions Fair, 1:00 - 1:40 p.m., 86 Canada Road, Woodside
Sunday, December 6
  • Hillview Jazz Band, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Facebook Farmer's Market
Tuesday, December 8
  • Hillview Chorus, 1:00 - 1:30 p.m., Rotary Luncheon, Menlo Circus Club
Monday, December 14
  • 7/8 Orchestra, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., San Francisco City Hall, San Francisco
Tuesday, December 15
  • Hillview Winter Concert, performances by all instrumental ensembles and chorus, 7:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
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Hillview School NewsHVNews

Bike Safety 
Please remind your students about bike safety. A number of our students are unsafe as they ride their bikes to and from school - riding three and four students abreast, not wearing helmets and weaving in and out of traffic on busy streets and in downtown Menlo Park. The Menlo Park Police Department is working with Hillview staff to ensure our students are biking safely and following the rules of the road. Police will be present on our streets during peak student transportation times.  Please remember the rules of the road:
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Be aware of cars and pedestrians around you.
  • Obey all traffic signs and stoplights.
  • Ride in the bike lane.
  • Ride on the right hand side of the road.
  • Ride single file.
Thank you for reminding your children the importance of biking safely.

Turkey Trot 
Please volunteer for this year's Turkey Trot, our annual, off-campus Mile Run! 7th and 8th grade students with signed permission slips will participate in this run during their PE classes on Wednesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 19. We need volunteers to ensure student safety on the course and to cheer students as they pass.  We also are looking for volunteers to bring in snacks and drinks for the runners after their race. Sign up here to volunteer at this fun event.
 
Pre-Planned Absences 
If you know in advance your student has to miss school for a family event, planned trip, or outside commitment, please notify your student's counselor, Mrs. Watts or Mrs. Cardosi. Either counselor can arrange an Independent Study Plan to enable your student to keep up with schoolwork while away. Upon completion of the Independent Study Plan, absences are marked as Independent Study (as opposed to an unexcused absence).

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MPCSD Newsmpcsd

MPCSD Is Hiring a Customer Service Receptionist
The Menlo Park City School District Office is looking for an individual with exceptional customer service skills to join our front office staff. This staff member's primary responsibility will be to assist visitors, parents, community members, and staff while supporting District Office daily operations. This is a part-time position, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, from August to June. To learn about the duties, responsibilities, and experience needed, or to apply, please click here. If you have questions, please email the District's Human Resources Manager, Joan O'Neill.

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Programs & ActivitiesPrograms

Hillview ASB
Canned Food Drive Breaks School Record!
Hillview students collected more than 3,100 cans during the 2015 canned food drive, setting a new school record! Thank you for your generous donations to Second Harvest Food Bank.

HVTV Online
Ready to laugh and learn? The November 5 episode of Hillview Television, online here, features a funny Intro to Woodshop Elective mock interview while Mr. O'Brien and several students perform tongue twisters that will leave you tongue tied. This bi-weekly, student-produced show is directed by our Advanced Broadcasting class and includes features produced by both the Advanced and Introductory Broadcasting classes. For past episodes, please visit our HVTV channel

October Photos Posted 
Photos of Hillview ASB's October festivities are posted, including a Lip Sync Battle between teachers and students of all academies; a spirit week of silly dress-up days; and, Halloween HV style! Read the Hillview student blog here. Be on the go, but in the know.

Hillview Winter After-School Programs
It's time to register for Hillview's Winter After-School Programs.  Most programs are back by popular demand for second sessions. Plus, we have new programs! We are excited to offer a new Coding Class and a Running Conditioning and Skills Training program. We had great success with our fall programs, and we anticipate a fun-filled Winter Session!      

Now is the time to register for the Winter Session that begins after the January break. Please visit the Hillview PTO website for registration information.  As always, the PTO arranges scholarships for qualifying students.  For more information on scholarships, please contact your child's counselor or click here. For more information on the After-School Programs, please contact Erica Galles, PTO Coordinator.

Hillview Library
Bonus Book Week:  Starting Friday, November 20, students with clear library accounts - no overdue books, not outstanding fees - are invited to check out two, extra books for a total of six for the Thanksgiving break.  
 
Research: 6th graders are beginning their research projects. Parents curious to catch a sneak peak may do so on the Hillview library website. 
 
Teen Book Club:
7th and 8th graders are invited to attend the Grade Book Club on Wednesday, December 9, to discuss Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater.   
 
Whole School Book Club:  THIS WEEK! 
6th, 7th and 8th graders - come join us for a whole school Book Club on Thursday, November 19, to discuss Matched by Ally Condie.
 
Quote Contest:
"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Now that all quotes are in, please stop by the library to vote for your favorite.

Hillview Sports
After-School Basketball Season Update
All 6th/7th boys grade teams have been formed. 8th grade teams will be created on Wednesday, November 18. Girls team placement workouts will be on Wednesday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m.; boys team placement workouts will also be on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:45 p.m. Team placement workouts for 6th and 7th graders occurred on Saturday, November 14. Team placement workouts for 6th grade boys happened on Friday, November 13, from 4:30 - 5:50 p.m. 8th grade placement workouts will take place on Wednesday, November 18. Please notify us in advance if your student cannot attend workouts; they will be placed on a team, but we encourage any student who is interested in playing basketball to attend workouts. Coaches are needed for 6th and 7th graders. Anyone with limited time is welcome to join as an assistant. Practices begin after the Thanksgiving holiday. Games will start in early to mid-December.  

Girls Volleyball: This is the final week of Hillivew after-school volleyball. Playoffs, for 7th and 8th graders, on Monday, November 16; for 6th graders, on Tuesday, November 17. Team records can be found here. Congratulations, all, for a fun and successful season!

Intramural Sports: Intramural sports continue this week with either volleyball/badminton or indoor hockey/soccer depending on PE activities. All students are invited but there will be a limit on how many may participate at once. Please remember no food or drink is permitted in the gym. Spectators are welcome on the bleachers or on stage to watch and cheer in support. Backpacks must be stored on the bleachers or on stage; no backpacks on the gym floor.

Hillview Dance and Cheerleading Spirit Squad: If you have spirit for our number one school, Hillview, then this team is for you! The Dance and Cheerleading Spirit Squad is looking for enthusiastic students to join the Cheerleading Spirit Squad. This is a chance to cheer for Hillview and to learn dance and cheer techniques; stunts; sideline cheers; and, pom pom routines while refining performance skills. Practice is on Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Fitness Room (December 1 - March 8). No practice sessions during Winter and February Breaks. Performance and game information to follow; most games are on Tuesdays. Students should plan to attend one practice per week and perform at various school events and basketball games. Hillview's Dance Show takes place on March 4 and 5.

An informational meeting will be held on November 17 during lunchtime in the Fitness Room. The registration fee is $120; no refunds will be given after December 1. A minimum of ten registered students is needed to offer this program. Please contact Katie DeAnda with questions.

Questions regarding these sports programs should be directed to Harry Bell at (650) 483-4049.
 
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Parent Educationparented 

MPCSD Parent Education Speaker Series: Back by popular demand: "Raising Your Teens without Losing Your Mind (Part 2)" with Erik Burmeister, this Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC. 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 MPCSD Assistant Superintendent, 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. As always, free onsite childcare will be available.

M-A Parent Education Series: "
Finding the Right Fit - A Conversation about the College Search" with Maria Furtado, this Thursday, November 19, 2015, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m, M-A PAC. Join Maria Furtado, Executive Director of Colleges That Change Lives, for a conversation about helping your student find the "right fit" for college. Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and support of a student-centered college search process. CTCL supports the goal of each student finding a college that develops a lifelong love of learning and provides the foundation for a successful and fulfilling life beyond college.
 
Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available. M-A Parent Education Series events are sponsored by the M-A PTA, the Sequoia Healthcare District, and the Sequoia Union High School District. This event is open to parents, students, faculty/staff, and community members. Click here to register. Contact Charlene Margot at (650) 868-0590 with questions or for more information. For Spanish, contact Lilly Quinonez, Parent Outreach Coordinator, 660-322-5311, Ext. 50255.
  
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MPAEF Newsmpaef

Sip & Stroll & Support Our Schools on December 5, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the first annual "Taste of the Mountains" in downtown Menlo Park featuring wines from many Santa Cruz Mountain wineries. Space is limited. Tickets are $45.00 per person (must be 21 years or older) and available here. Sponsored by Greenheart Land Company with all proceeds allocated for Menlo Park City Schools.  


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Menlo-Atherton High School NewsMAHSnews 
 
Attention Parents of 8th Graders
Eager to get the inside scoop on M-A? The Foundation for the Future is sponsoring a coffee to foster community education. Join parents with students currently at M-A for an informal conversation about the school this Wednesday, November 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the home of Roxy and Chet Bozdog, 33 Irving Avenue, Atherton. Coffee and refreshments will be served. If you plan to attend, please RSVP here

  
The Music Program Fundraiser and Big Band Dance begins on November 21 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Free admission (but donations appreciated) only for Seniors (65+). Everyone else please join us from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00 for students and $25.00 for adults. Gather at the Ayers (old) Gym on the M-A School Campus. Tickets will be available at the door or online
     
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Community Newscommunity 
  
Alpine Strikers Tryouts for Spring 2016: Does your young athlete love soccer?  Alpine Strikers is a community-based, competitive soccer club that strives for player development and retention. Grow your child's passion for soccer with professional coaching in a fun and engaging environment. Annual tryouts will be held at the beginning of December for kids born between 2008 and 1997 (U8 and U18). Please click here for tryout dates and registration information.

Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 5, 7:30 - 11:30 a.m., Arrillaga Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park. The City of Menlo Park's Community Services Department will host its annual, "Breakfast with Santa." Activities include a pancake breakfast; letter writing to Santa; holiday crafts; balloon twisting; visiting and picture taking with Santa -- a fun time with friends and family. Cost: $7.00 for adults (13 and older); $5.00 for children (12 and under). Donate an unwrapped toy to the Fire Fighter Toy Drive and get $1.00 off the ticket price. Reservations are required and are available here starting November 1.

Menlo-Atherton High School Canned Food Drive: November 9 - December 5. M-A is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank and Facebook for its annual Canned Food Drive and invites the MPCSD community to participate! Canned food items may be dropped off in the SHFB barrels at area grocery stores, organize food drives in your neighborhood or donate online. Email the M-A Leadership class for more information. 

Menlo-Atherton Little League Tryouts for Spring 2016: M-A Little League registration opens November 16! Returning families please use your existing email to log in as this will save you considerable time when registering. M-ALL offers seven playing divisions to players age 5 (as of 8/31/16) to 13 years old. Registration is also open for Youth Umpires, ages 13 to 17 years old (i.e., born on or after 5/1/1996 and on or before 4/30/2002). M-ALL also offers a Challenger Division for special needs players ages 6 to 18 years old. For more information, visit our Registration FAQ or register through our website.
 
Menlo Park Public Library Survey:  Students and their parents are invited to provide their input by taking a library survey.  

Menlowe Ballet Performs, "It's a Wonderful Nutcracker": December 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 at the M-A PAC. Menlowe Ballet performs its inaugural full-length story ballet. Conceived by Artistic Director Michael Lowe, Menlowe Ballet performs its inaugural, full-length story ballet, "It's a Wonderful Nutcracker" set to Tchaikovsky's original score and updated with inspiration from the 1940s Frank Capra film, "It's a Wonderful Life". Tickets are available here.

Research Subjects Needed for Stress Study: Research underway at Stanford University uses functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine the effects of stress on the developing brain. A typical session lasts about 90 minutes, and includes a series of self- and parent-report questionnaires, followed by a 30-minute NIRS scan. fNIRS is an FDA-approved, non-invasive, risk-free neuroimaging technique. Each participant will be compensated $50.00. If interested, please call the lab at (650) 497-6525 or email for more information. 
 
Teen Night: Candle-Making Event, November 20, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., at the Menlo Park Library. Make your own eco-friendly, soy wax candles. Registration is required on the library website.

2015 Holiday Showcase: Tuesday, December 15, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., M-A PAC. Come join the City of Menlo Park Community Services Department for the 2015 Holiday Showcase! Included in our collection of class offerings you will find dance, ballet, gymnastics, fitness, music, cooking, theater, martial arts, drumming, boot camps, and a magnitude of sports for all ages, levels, and abilities. Come see all that we have to offer in our fabulous collection of classes and programs where you, our talented community, enter into the spotlight. $5 for adults (13 and older) and free for children (12 and under). Click here to reserve tickets.

United States Youth Volleyball League: Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Ave. Palo Alto. Our goal is to provide every child between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, supervised environment. Early registration ($135) ends December 1; regular registration ends March 1 ($155). The season runs between April 12 - June 4; Tuesdays, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
 
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Newsletter DetailsNewsletter
 
This newsletter is published by Hillview School 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 the preceding 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 other communications from the school? Look up past issues in our online archive.