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In This Issue
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Hillview Open House
Hillview Parent Survey
State Testing
Marsh Road Closure
6th Grade Greek Olympics
8th Grade Events
Yearbooks
Teacher/Staff Gifts
Volunteer Luncheon
Flower Day
Music News
Open House Bake Sale
WEB Leader Schedule 9th Grade Summer Reading
Study Mandarin at M-A
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Quick Links
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Questions? Email:
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This Week
Today, May 15
- Hillview Jazz Band at the Menlo Park Farmers Market, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Downtown Menlo Park
- Deadline to complete Annual Hillview Parent Survey
Monday, May 16
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Hillview Library
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SBAC Testing Week Begins
Tuesday, May 17
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Hillview Library
- Deadline to Sign Up for Schoolhouse Rocks 5K Online
Wednesday, May 18
Thursday, May 19
- Flower Day, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
- Book Fair, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Hillview Library
- Hillview Open House, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Hillview Courtyard (Orchestra to perform 6:20 - 6:40 p.m.)
Friday, May 20
- SBAC Testing Concludes
- Mandatory M-A Online Information Update Deadline for Incoming 9th Graders
Sunday, May 22
- Schoolhouse Rocks 5K and Community Fun Run, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Oak Knoll Elementary School
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Looking Ahead
Tuesday, May 24
- Spring Chorus Concert, 7:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
Monday, May 30
Tuesday, May 31
- PTO Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Hillview PAC
- Tournament Team Program Parent Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Hillview PAC
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Hillview School News
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Hillview Open House This Thursday
Hillview's Open House will take place on Thursday, May 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Hillview Quad. We look forward to seeing all our families here for a celebration of the year's learning. Please see this flier for general information and the evening's schedule. Also, to help you plan for a successful last few weeks, we are also including this helpful end-of-year one-pager that maps out all of our special events and activities through June 14. Important Annual Hillview Parent Survey - Please Complete TODAY
Parents, it is time for our annual Site Council Survey. Even though we still have half a trimester remaining, collecting feedback now will allow us to analyze it before the year ends, informing our planning for 2016 - 17, or even taking action this year. Your feedback is crucial to our continuous improvement! Please take this opportunity to share your valuable viewpoint, provide constructive suggestions for areas of growth, and/or highlight strengths. Click here to complete the survey. The deadline is today.
All survey responses are anonymous. These responses will be reviewed by the Hillview Site Council, including Principal Willy Haug, Associate Principal Mary Martin and Assistant Principal Danielle O'Brien, to aid in making Hillview the best possible school it can be for our children. Thank you in advance for your participation. Questions? Contact Site Council President Elizabeth Ouren or Principal Willy Haug.
State Testing Continues This Week
This week, students are taking the various Smarter Balanced Assessment ELA and Math tests during the week. The testing schedule is posted on our website in the "Hillview Heads-Up" section; it is a special schedule, with only some classes meeting each day. Please avoid any appointments this week, and help ensure that your students are well rested and nourished so they can do their best. We take a balanced approach to these tests; they are important data points to help us monitor our effectiveness and student growth, but they are not the only measures that matter. We believe our students are prepared, and our message is "do your best; don't stress!"
Marsh Road Closure Beginning May 31
The Town of Atherton plans to close Marsh Road from May 31 to August 11, between Middlefield Road and Fair Oaks Avenue, in order to replace the Atherton Channel walls and floor. A detour plan with roadway signage plan information can be downloaded here. The closure of Marsh Road will impact traffic throughout the area, and will limit access to Encinal and Laurel schools. Additional information on impacts to our school busing service will be communicated to the parents. Please be patient and provide extra time to reach your destinations during this time. Click here for more information.
6th Grade Greek Olympics
Volunteer for the 6th Grade Greek Olympics. The PE Department will host the annual 6th Grade Olympics Games during 6th grade PE classes on May 24, 25 and 26. Volunteers will help facilitate events, ensure athlete safety, and time and measure individual events. Please sign up here.
8th Grade End-of-Year Events
Please visit the Quick Links
section of the Hillview website for detailed information about
8th grade end-of-year events and activities, including the Great America field trip, the promotion ceremony, graduation gowns and flowers, the Grad Night Party, as well as a timeline of upcoming events. You can also find this information on the PTO website and a paper copy will be sent home with each student.
Yearbooks: Time is Running Out
Please either go online and purchase one, have your student bring a check to Mrs. Fichou in the Student Center or drop by the office and hand off your check to either Mrs. Bell or Mrs. Bosch. The cost is $40. As of June 1, we will open up any leftovers to sell to our amazing staff members. **If you have an ASB card, you already have a yearbook coming!
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PTO News
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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. The school community is encouraged to contribute to a centralized Teacher/Staff Gift Fund organized by parent volunteers. All proceeds are used to buy gift cards for the entire Hillview team. The benefits of this approach are:
- 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 80 Hillview employees, including academy teachers, elective teachers, 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.
You can contribute to this fantastic program by making out a check to Amy Boyle. Please drop off your payment in the school office, or mail it to Amy Boyle c/o Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025.
PTO Volunteer Luncheon Please join us on May 31, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., in the Hillview PAC for a luncheon to celebrate all of the volunteers at Hillview. We will also honor this year's Golden Oak and Service Award winners. Please RSVP here b y May 24 so that we can get an accurate head count.
Flower Day on Thursday - Send Flowers and HelpFlower Day is this Thursday. Every year, Hillview teachers and staff look forward to Flower Day, when they receive beautiful bouquets of flowers from students as appreciation for their hard work. Please send a few flowers to school with your child this Thursday. Volunteers will be collecting them at the car line and in the lunch area at Hillview. We will then assemble the donated flowers into bouquets and deliver them to the teachers and staff. If you would like to help arrange the flowers, please visit the sign-up sheet to participate in this fun tradition! For more information, please email Tatjana Faruqi or Michelle Box for more information.
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Programs & Activities
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You can preview summer reading lists here. The assignments may still be updated, but the books should stay the same. Book talks are coming soon! You can also see the books at the Book Fair as described below. For information regarding required summer reading for incoming M-A 9th graders, please see the M-A section below.
The Book Fair Starts Tomorrow
Take a peek at your Hillview Summer Reading options and find new books to love. The Book Fair will be open Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The Book Fair will also be open during Open House on Thursday from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Hillview Jazz Band Performing at Menlo Park Farmers Market this Morning
Our final Jazz Band performance of the year will be today at the Menlo Park Famers market in downtown Menlo Park. We will be playing from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Come by and say hi!
Orchestra at Open House / Chorus Concert As the Music Department prepares for its trip to Disneyland on May 27, look for the Hillview Orchestra to be performing at Open House this Thursday from 6:20 - 6:40 p.m. Also, the Hillview Chorus will be performing in their Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hillview PAC.
Come hear our wonderful groups!
Open House Bake Sale
Bake Sale at Open House on May 19 for 8th Grade Party - Please Volunteer
There will be a Bake Sale to benefit the 8th grade graduation party during Open House at the front of the school on Thursday, May 19. Individually portioned treats will be for sale as well as drinks from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. If you would like like to provide a HOME baked item for the sale or can take a shift selling items, please sign up thru Sign Up Genius. Click here if you have questions.
Sports
Intramural Sports
Intramural basketball will continue during lunchtime.
After-School Tennis
The tennis program is now officially over. We congratulate players, coaches, and parents for their efforts and a fun and successful season. This was the largest group of players Hillview has ever fielded -- over 90 players took part this year.
After-School Track
The after-school track program concludes this Monday, May 16, and Wednesday, May 18, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. There is a meet on Monday. There will be team relays on Wednesday. All participants should return their jerseys at the party.
Boys Volleyball
If the team made the playoffs, they will play this week. Thanks to the players and Coach Felipe Gonzalez for the team's success. Special thanks also to Jen Nelson, who was responsible for creating the team.
Spring Volleyball
Practices continue on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. This is the final week of the program. We thank Coach Kutlu Aricanli for directing the program in its second year.
May Madness
The final session of May Madness Basketball will be this Friday, May 20. Special thanks to guest coaches / former Hillview Basketball Stars Jeff Bell, Nick Fogel, Christian Fioretti, Lucas Fioretti.
Tournament Team Basketball and Volleyball
Next year will be the final year of the Tournament Team Program. The PTO and Mr. Bell made this decision earlier in the school year. For next year, however, there will be a meeting in the Hillview PAC on Tuesday, May 31, at 6:30 p.m. for interested families. 8th grade girls will be eligible for tournament team volleyball and 8th grade girls and boys will be eligible for tournament team basketball. This meeting is for the parents only, not the players.
Questions regarding any of these sports programs should be directed to Harry Bell, (650) 483-4049 .
WEB
WEB Leader Interviews and Training Information
If you applied to be a WEB leader, please note that we had to change one date of training (*), please check your calendars for these mandatory dates. Please do not schedule appointments or other conflicting activities on these dates. Thank you! - Monday, May 23: Spring Training, 12:42 - 3:05 p.m. (any missed school work needs to be completed)
- Sunday, August 28: Fall Training, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Hillview
- Tuesday, August 30*: Fall Training, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Hillview
- Wednesday, August 31: 6th Grade Orientation, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Hillview
- Friday, September 2: Activities during school hours
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Menlo-Atherton High School News
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Mandatory Online Information Update Deadline this Friday, May 20
Parents of incoming 9th graders should have received by mail information regarding the mandatory Online Information Update for M-A students. This process must be completed
here no later than Friday, May 20 to ensure final enrollment and class placement for students. For assistance with online information update, contact Lily Quinonez by email or call (650) 322-5311 ex. 50255.
Required Summer Reading for Incoming Menlo-Atherton 9th Graders
Every incoming 9th grader is required to read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (ISBN#: 978-0-8125-5070-2). Kepler's in downtown Menlo Park will be selling the book in their Summer Reading Section for your convenience. At check out please mention M-A, and the English Department will receive a portion of the proceeds. Questions? Please email Dori Britts.
8th Graders: Study Mandarin at M-A!
Did you know that 900 million people speak Mandarin? Learn to converse with them, and get to know a country and people with a 5,000-year history.
Are you interested in learning the language, but daunted by the perception that Mandarin is too difficult? While European languages are more familiar and a bit easier to learn for Native English speakers, there is difficulty in any natural human language. Once you get used to the tones and character writing, Mandarin becomes much easier. You are not expected to become fluent in a short period of time; the goal is for students to enjoy the process of building their language skills day by day. Note also that the homework load you receive follows the M-A rigor chart (20 minutes for Chinese I-III; 30 minutes for Chinese IV and above). Please contact Mandarin teacher, Ms. Wei, with any questions about studying Mandarin at M-A. The registration deadline is May 20. You may add or change an elective option when you complete your online M-A information update per the instructions that were mailed home this week. You may also contact Silvia Torres Garza, head guidance counselor at Menlo-Atherton or call (650) 322-5311, ext. 50139, with questions on registration.
Ms. Wei looks forward to seeing you in her Mandarin classes...it's going to be fun!
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MPAEF News
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Next Sunday! Let's Rock this Run!The Schoolhouse Rocks 5K, presented by Nelson Roberts Investment Advisors starts, Sunday May 22, 2016 at Oak Knoll School. Warm-up begins at 8:30 a.m. and race starts 9 a.m. You can choose between the 2.5K family walk/ run, or the competitive, chip-timed 5K. Finishers of the 5K will receive a race medal and 2.5K finishers will receive a race ribbon. Online registration closes this Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Click here to register now. In person registration will be available during packet pickup at Fleet Feet Sports Menlo Park (refer below). Registration on race day will be available between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Volunteers - We Need You! We can't do this without our amazing volunteers. We have many fun roles available on the day of the race and leading up to race day including packet pickup, course monitors, day-of-race registration (this role is great for those who also want to run), finish line helpers (handing out ribbons and medals) and wellness fair support. To learn more about specific volunteer opportunities visit our sign-up page or email the organizers with any questions. Family Sponsor Register online as a Family Sponsor for $500 and receive five race entries and an invitation to our Night Before family pasta night. Hosted at the beautiful home of a district family, the fully-catered evening will include fun and games for the kids. Your family's race packet will be available for collection at this event. Packet Pickup Early packet pickup will be available at Menlo Park Fleet Feet Sports on Friday, May 20, from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 21, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Your packet will contain an official race t-shirt, bib and timing chip (for those registered for the 5K). On race day, packet pickup will be available from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. at Oak Knoll. Family Sponsors can also collect their race packets at the Night Before event on the evening of Saturday, May 21. Race Transportation
Parking will be limited near Oak Knoll School. We encourage you to bike, walk or take the shuttle bus from Hillview Middle School parking lot starting at 7:45 a.m.
The Schoolhouse Rocks 5K is organized by the MPAEF together with our District PTOs. All funds raised will support our children's education. For more information, click here.
Thanks to Our Realtor and Business Partners
We want to take the opportunity to shout out some appreciation to just a few of our many realtor and business partners in the community. Thank you for your support!
DIAMOND
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Community News
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All Laurel Alumni Families: Mary Beckstrom is Retiring
The community will be celebrating at Laurel School at the annual Spring Fling and Open House on June 2, from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. Mary Beckstrom's last Spring Fling concert will take place from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Past students are invited to fill out this form for her keepsake album, and scan and email it to Alice Hom or return it to her at the Spring Fling.
All Students Matter, September 2016 - May 2017, East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto: Please join other parents volunteering with All Students Matter in grades K-4 in East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto schools. You'll work in the same classroom once a week, building a relationship with the teacher and students, and be able to see the progress achieved. The students are always eager to work with you and you will have real impact in a community where over 80% of students are performing below grade level in reading and math. Sign up now to start in September - we provide training and coordinate everything. To learn more or to sign up, please visit our website or email Keri Tully.
Alpine Strikers Tryouts: Is your child passionate about soccer? We hope so! Tryouts for the fall season started on May 10. Many teams have roster openings. Please click here for dates and registration. We look forward to seeing you on the field.
Atherton Earth Day Celebration: Atherton is hosting a town-wide celebration of Earth Day with a series of events and activities. The series will kick-off on Friday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. with a Screening of Robert Stone's environmental classic, Pandora's Promise, followed by a Q&A with Robert Stone and several individuals involved in the making of the movie. Menlo-Atherton's AP Environmental Science teacher, Lance Powell, will help to moderate this discussion. Refreshments will be provided. To attend, RSVP here with your name(s). The celebration will continue on Sunday, May 22, with the Atherton 2020 Earth Action Fair from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the new Event Garden in Holbrook-Palmer Park (located at 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA). More than 30 exhibitors will be there, including students showcasing their Environmental Issue presentations in Science Fair fashion, competing in the Atherton 2020 Student Challenge. This family-friendly event will provide a fun range of kid entertainment, including a bounce-house, petting zoo, and crafts and interest for teens and adults alike.
Children's Champions, May 21, Menlo College: Children's Champions is a fun, family-friendly event benefiting at-risk children in the Bay Area. The Wender Weis Foundation for Children (WWFC) and Fit Kids are coming together to help make fitness fun. Held at Menlo College, Children's Champions will feature sports drills, clinics, and demonstrations with Stanford athletes, including members of the Stanford football team, Fit Kids activities, such as an obstacle course, relay races, capture the flag games, arts and crafts, the opportunity to take photos with professional team athletes and mascots, pop-up fitness activities for adults, and more. Purchase your tickets here. DesignFarm Summer Camp at Palo Alto High School, June 13-24 and July 11-22: Calling all rising 8th to 12th graders. Do you want to solve real world problems and possibly create the next .... ? Join us for a fun-filled two weeks of learning and doing. Get inspired with the support of community mentors, experts and master design thinkers. No design experience is necessary. Just bring your creativity, your sense of fun and your desire to solve problems that are important to you and your community. Visit the DesignFarm events page for more information and registration.
SamTrans Summer Youth Pass: The SamTrans Summer Youth Pass allows unlimited rides on all SamTrans routes from June 1 through August 31. It is available to kids 18 and younger for only $40. Passes go on sale May 21! Click here for more information and to purchase a pass.
SPCA Benefit Drive: The 4th grade Girl Scout Troop 62347 is accepting pet supply donations to benefit the SPCA. We are collecting items such as new/used blankets and towels, paper towels and toilet paper, new or clean collars and leashes, canned pet food, etc. If you would like to donate to our drive, we have a box in the Laurel office and several boxes around the Encinal campus, or you can contact us.
Summer Camp Webpage: Please visit MPCSD's Summer Camp webpage for updated information about available camp programs in the community.
Summer Lacrosse: Join us Tuesday nights June 21 - August 9 at Hillview Middle School. Ages 5 - 15 and all levels are welcome. A small team format is maintained for maximum play. The cost is $160 for 8 sessions. Click here for more information. U.S. Youth Volleyball League: Registration for USYVL's 8-week instructional youth volleyball league for boys and girls ages 7 to 15 is now open. This 8-week program teaches the fundamentals of volleyball such as serving, passing, setting, spiking, blocking, and playing the game. Visit us online for more information or to register.
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Newsletter Details
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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 hvnewsletter@mpcsd.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 other communications from the school? Look up past issues in our online archive.
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