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Alumni Links
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If you'd like to add content to this newsletter please contact: Sherry Haber HSF Communications Chair |
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You are receiving this newsletter if you are a Hillsborough Schools
Foundation donor or sponsor or if you or your children have attended Hillsborough's award-winning public schools.
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Welcome to the 2013-2014 School Year!
Being ranked as the #1 K-8 school district in California year after year does not happen by accident; it is the result of a sustained community effort. Thanks to your contributions, children in Hillsborough public schools succeed academically and in life because of the education they receive. This year, the Hillsborough Schools Foundation (HSF) donated a record $3.45 million to support continued excellence in education. Your generosity supports the Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education, which include:
- Exceptional Teachers
- Small Class Sizes
- Excellence in Reading and Math
- Dedicated Counselors
- World-Class Enrichment
In this, our first HSF Community Newsletter for the new school year, we have highlighted many of the hallmarks that make the Hillsborough Schools such a special place to learn and grow.
To learn more about why Hillsborough community members give to the Hillsborough Schools Foundation and what impact their gifts have on our school district, we encourage you to watch the video below, which premiered on "What to Expect Night" at all four of Hillsborough's public schools.
 | | HSF: What to Expect Night 2013 |
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Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education:
Exceptional Teachers & Staff
South School Welcomes a New Principal
By Jim Riley
Photo by Veronika Gulchin
The Hillsborough community welcomes Mrs. Elizabeth Veal as the new Principal of South School. Mrs. Veal is a proven Principal who loves students, believes strongly in collaboration and shared leadership, and has a great sense of humor. She already has shown that she is a dynamic, reflective, organized, and compassionate leader. Our community is lucky to have her guiding the way at South School.
For the past six years, Mrs. Veal was the Principal of White Oaks Elementary School in San Carlos. Throughout her career, she has excelled in designing and implementing staff professional development and has committed herself to programs that attend to the academic, social, physical, and emotional needs of each child and promote a positive school culture.
Mrs. Veal stood out in an applicant pool that was both wide and deep with over fifty applicants submitting resumes for consideration. After a rigorous vetting and interview process, driven by a team of teachers, administrators, parents and community leaders, Mrs. Veal was the clear choice to take South's mantle of leadership.
Mrs. Veal is married with two sons (16 and 11 years old). They enjoy spending time outdoors as a family and going to Giants and Warriors games. We asked Mrs. Veal to share some thoughts on the first month of school - here is what she had to say:
"The first month of school has been filled with some pretty wonderful moments...Student Council elections, Fitness Fridays, the Ice-Cream Social, grade level coffees and Parent/Teacher conferences are just a few events that come to mind...The day-to-day experiences I've enjoyed the most, though, are the casual interactions I have with students, in class, during lunch and on the yard. I love the look on the kids' faces when I can correctly guess their name, their sibling's name and even some middle names (per a group of 4th grade girls who enjoyed quizzing me at the start of the year!). I have also enjoyed listening to the learning that is shared in the classes when I sit in on a lesson. We are off to a great start, and I look forward to more to come!"
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Veal to the Hillsborough Community!
Meet the Teachers
Compiled by Sherry Haber and Arlene Rosenberg
Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) hired 16 new teachers this year, and we are very excited to welcome them to our community. For each position, the district receives, on average, over 200 applicants for K-5th grade positions and over 100 applicants for 6th-8th grade positions.
We asked all of our new teachers in the district to complete a Welcome Questionnaire, so we could get to know them a little bit better. To see their responses to the questionnaire, please click on the school sites below.
Tina Carnevale, Tara Connon, Jamie Evans, Arbel Cornejo (Custodian)
West School (Part 2):
Marcy Hart, Abby Morin, Teresa Musantry, Meghan Trutter
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Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education:
Excellence in Reading
South School's Reading Tigers
and Reading Challenge: Two Programs Furthering Our Children's Love of Reading
By Marci Riley
Photo by Veronika Gulchin
South School Librarian Sally James keeps finding new ways to encourage students to read more books and foster their love of reading. Five years ago, Mrs. James and a few dedicated parents established a lunchtime book club for grades two through five called Reading Tigers. This year, over 75% of eligible students have signed up for the club, which meets five times per year! Each year, Mrs. James and a parent volunteer choose five books per grade level and organize 25 parent leaders to facilitate book club discussions. Folders are prepared containing information about the selected books and authors, as well as discussion tips and ideas. This program is a win-win for the school: the parents have a rewarding opportunity to interact with their children, and the students have a lot of fun playing games and participating in interesting book discussions.
Mrs. James also started another outstanding literacy program called The Long Term Reading Challenge, "Whose Line, What Book." This program challenges students to read a variety of fiction and nonfiction books by celebrated authors and illustrators. Students have most of the school year to finish their reading, and the number and selection vary by grade level. Students who complete the challenge receive a wonderful student-designed t-shirt and earn the right to attend a "sleepover" in the library (including pizza, a movie based on a book, and ice cream sundaes!). Mrs. James puts a tremendous amount of time and effort into this program - she creates three challenges: K-2nd grade, 3rd grade, and 4th-5th grade. The challenges include a list of quotes, which the students are tasked with identifying and matching to the books they read. Students reading nonfiction books must write a summary or create a bookmark showing interesting facts they learned.
South School's Reading Tigers and Reading Challenge are great examples of what sets Hillsborough Schools apart. These programs increase our students' literacy by encouraging children to read books they may not have otherwise chosen. Some find it fun to join a reading group; others love to complete a challenge. No matter what the reason, these reading-based programs are a huge success!
HSF Funds New Core Literature Books
By Sherry Haber
Photo by Laurel Miranda
On top of this year's $3.45M contribution to our school district, the Hillsborough Schools Foundation donated a one-time $50K grant for Core Literature Books in every classroom. We know the teachers are excited, and we hope the students will be too, as they enjoy an entirely new collection of grade-specific literature books. Selections were driven by the teachers and include classics, as well as new important books such as Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different. Look for the signature HSF green sticker label on the inside cover.
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Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education: Dedicated Counselors
WEB Program Comes to
Crocker Middle School
By Arlene Rosenberg
Photos by Bonnie Slater
On an early August morning, Crocker was buzzing with student activity even though classes would not start for nearly a week. 52 specially-trained 8th graders engaged incoming 6th graders in orientation exercises as part of Crocker's newly-adopted middle school transition program called "Where Everybody Belongs" ("WEB").
WEB is a year-long curriculum developed by The Boomerang Project, a Santa Cruz-based educational firm, and is built on a model of "students helping students." It is designed to reduce student anxiety over the transition from elementary to middle school, and to improve the school environment by building closer personal connections and by empowering older students to identify and stop bullying.
Crocker Counselor Bonnie Slater, Assistant Principal Chris Collins, and English teacher Kelly Starnes attended a 4-day training to bring the program to Crocker and spent several days coaching 8th graders on WEB-specific leadership techniques, principles, and goals.
On orientation day, Crocker's 8th grade mentors, or "WEB Leaders," were matched with small groups of incoming 6th graders. WEB Leaders took their groups on a fun, interactive campus tour, and led skill-building games to teach students about solving problems and making friends.
WEB Leaders are encouraged to check in with their groups throughout the year. They will continue to promote middle school success by teaching monthly lessons on topics like "Attitude," "Cooperation," and "Creativity," using Boomerang Project-provided materials. WEB social events are also in the works to encourage 6th graders to connect with older students outside the classroom.
Bonnie Slater has noted a big difference in the school's atmosphere this year. She received significantly fewer anxious calls and visits from 6th grade families than in previous years. In addition, new students seem more relaxed and ready to get involved, older students are more eager to help others, and grade levels are mingling more than in the past. It seems that WEB really has made students feel that they "belong" at Crocker!
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Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education: World-Class Enrichment 
iLab Continues to Innovate at North School
By Erin Aliaga
Photo by Cheryl Enright
It is a widely held belief that hands-on learning inspires and impassions students. No one believes this more strongly than Bradley Chamblin, the iLab teacher at North School. Formerly a fourth grade teacher at North, Mr. Chamblin (a.k.a. "Mr. C") is thriving in his new role, as are his students.
In the iLab, third, fourth and fifth graders meet twice each week. Students hone their group work skills on projects such as creating "wonders" out of recycled objects (junk!), designing and testing solar cars made from Legos, and learning how to use digital storytelling. All of their hard work will culminate with their participation in the Tech Challenge at the end of their 5th grade year.
To guide the iLab projects, Mr. C gives direction via web-quests, where instructions are not limited to text, but also include audio and video content. Final projects are submitted on laptops with the click of a button. iLab grades are earned based on elements of the Essential Outcomes: collaboration; critical thinking skills; and problem solving. Final products are not completely ignored, however. Students receive merit badges when their project is the best in their grade, or when it is deemed a "Spectacular Failure."
How's all this working out? Mr. C is thrilled to report that he regularly has more than a dozen enthusiastic students in the iLab during recess. He feels confident the iLab environment is contributing significantly to creating life-long learners in our students.
Bradley Chamblin collaborates with the iLab teachers from both South and West Schools, Erin Bautista and Pam Meuser. We are lucky to have such a dedicated and dynamic team!
A Barn Dance Tradition at West School
Inspires Cultural Awareness
By Sherry Haber & Michelle Fowler
Photos by Sandy Lai
The students and teachers at West School are still "reeling" from a fantastic week of American folklore, history, music, and dance with acclaimed folk musician and historian, Evo Bluestein. Last year's enrichment experience was such a hit that Dr. Jamie Adams, West School Principal, and the West Parent Group brought back the popular "Evo" to teach K-5 students with a one-week program culminating in a Friday night "Barn Dance" on October 11th.
Evo, who grew up in a musical family, plays ten instruments including the fiddle, the autoharp (and Evoharp), accordion, tamborine, and mandolin, which he incorporates into his program combining performance and lecture. With fifteen years of experience teaching in public schools, he "believes sharing world music and dance is an important tool for fostering world peace."
Students participate in "calling dances" such as square dances, reels, and folk dances including: Alabama Gal, Turkey in the Straw, Skip to My Lou, and the Virginia Reel, which they perform for their parents at the Barn Dance. Not only do students learn body coordination, rhythm, counting, and how to swing their partners, they also learn that the Virginia Reel, named after George Washington's home colony, was Washington's answer to the English Waltz, which lost popularity during the American Revolution. Perhaps even more importantly, students learn cooperation and respect along the way.
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Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education:
Tell Us Your Story!
A Crocker Alumna - Off to College
By Grace Hu, Crocker Class of 2009
It makes me smile to think about a new school year, and while adjusting to an exciting life at Wellesley College, I often think back to my years at Crocker. I remember it as busy, but fulfilling. I participated in a sport almost every trimester, spoke as an anchor on HTV, and served as Student Council Secretary during 8th grade. I kept myself busy, and through these activities, my confidence developed; and I made friends who I still meet up with in Boston today. What I did at Crocker truly set the tone for me throughout high school and even today. At Burlingame High School, I continued in Student Government all four years, eventually serving as Junior and Senior Class President. I chose to stick with tennis all four years as well. Academically, I felt prepared to take on AP classes, which I found challenging, yet manageable and interesting. Now, at Wellesley, I continue to stay involved in activities such as House Council and club tennis. I am even running for Class Council VP at the moment!
Looking back, the best thing I did at Crocker was staying involved and trying out everything. I picked up two new sports, started prematurely telling others I wanted to be a news anchor, and discovered student government. It's a perfect time to explore, expand horizons, and uncover one's interests. Happy Fall, and I wish everyone a wonderful school year!
This year we celebrate the "Hallmarks of a Hillsborough Education." Everyone in our community has their own story about what they love most about our schools. Tell us your story! Send an email to hallmarks@hsf.org
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Hillsborough Schools Foundation (HSF) News
 
33rd Hillsborough Classic is a Hit!
By Sherry Haber
345 parents and community members played tennis, shopped, and dined together at the 33rd Hillsborough Classic on October 11th to help raise excellence in our schools. Under the capable and creative direction of Co-Chairs, Ann Aristides, Hina Maheshwari, and Patrice Wilbur; HSF Events Chair, Claire Sheehan; and their fabulous Classic team of volunteers, the event brought in over $75K for the Hillsborough Schools Foundation.
Weather cooperated this year for tennis players participating in round robin tournaments at 16 Hillsborough courts. For those in heels versus sneakers, shopping at 23 boutiques drew a crowd to the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood Shores by mid-morning. Boutique vendors donated a percentage of sales to HSF, providing guilt-free shopping for participants in search of hostess and holiday gifts from handbags to home décor.
One of the highlights was the exciting line-up of Pay-to-Play events. Some of this year's offerings included a New Year's Resolution Body Boot Camp, the 3rd Annual Fathers & Daughters Dance, Tennis Clinic Luncheons, and the much-sought-after Bellini Bunco Blitz.
Luncheon guests were treated to a fabulous Wilkes Bashford fashion show with Hillsborough parents modelling fall ready-to-wear and evening attire. Parent Group Presidents from all four schools took to the runway, along with our own Superintendent, Anthony Ranii.
A few lucky winners carried home raffle prizes of Bundts and Blooms donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes and Edmond's Plaza Florist and a Raymond Weil ladies watch donated by Kerns Fine Jewelry. Hillsborough parent Elliott Shaffer, serving as our LiveAuctioneer, sold to top bidders a gorgeous Nina Ricci ASAP Satchel donated by Wilkes Bashford, as well as a Montage Laguna Beach Resort package donated by Ohana Real Estate Investors.
As a reminder that the Hillsborough Classic is one of three HSF signature events each year, Dinner Dance Co-Chairs ended the day with a surprise presentation of this year's Dinner Dance theme - Hillsborough Rocks the Grammys on March 8, 2014.
For a recap of the day, please click on the photo slideshow link by Veronika Gulchin of See My World Photography.
Hillsborough Classic Video
Hillsborough Concours
Junior Judges Program
Last July, a lucky group of Hillsborough students received the "inside scoop" on vintage car judging at the 57th annual Hillsborough Concours d'Elegance car show. In addition to being an amazing event, the Hillsborough Concours donates a share of its proceeds to the Hillsborough Schools Foundation. For the past few years, the Concours has been one of the largest sponsors for HSF, helping raise excellence in Hillsborough's public schools. Help us continue this fine family tradition; mark your calendar now for next year's show, to be held on July 20th, 2014! See you there!!!
 
Thank you, HBF!
HSF and the Hillsborough City School District(HCSD) would like to thank the Hillsborough Beautification Foundation (HBF) for completing two much-needed renovation projects for our schools at the District Office and at North School.
Thank you HBF for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and beautiful!
November 5th
is HSF Pledge Day!
Thank you so much for your support of the Hillsborough Schools Foundation (HSF). We are so fortunate to live in a community where the schools collectively rank among the very best in the nation. In fact we were named the 7th most attractive school district in the nation according to a 2012 Trulia study. And based on test scores, the Hillsborough City School District (HCSD) has also ranked as the #1 K-8 elementary school district in California for the last four years.
Last year, HSF contributed $3.45 million to the four schools in our district, representing 17% of HCSD's annual budget. We hope you will continue to help raise excellence in our schools by contributing to HSF again this year.
Please join us for the kick-off to our Annual Giving Campaign on Pledge Day, Tuesday, November 5th! Our volunteers in lime green will be at drop-off and pick-up at all four Hillsborough schools to collect pledge envelopes for the 2013-2014 school year, or you can donate online at
http://www.hsf.org/donate.html
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Making money for our schools is easier than you think . . .
Step 1: Bookmark www.HSFshopping.com
Step 2: Click through and shop!
Use HSFshopping.com as a portal to top retailers: Amazon, drugstore .com, tiny prints, Minted, Shutterfly, and Barnes & Noble.
Participating online retailers donate up to 10% to
HSF at no extra cost to you. Want to get a jump on your holiday cards? Or go on a family trip? (You can order your drugstore .com needs and have your order shipped to your destination.) Just follow the 2 easy steps above and help raise money for our schools as you shop.
Join Hillsborough Together - Connect the Town!
Nearly 3,000 community members are using Hillsborough Together (HT) as an online resource to connect and share information. HT is a free, secure, and private online resource for the Hillsborough community. Join Hillsborough Together to ask and give recommendations for local vendors, seek help finding your lost dog, or to keep abreast of community events. Please join us, and be a part of making HT an indispensable resource for our community.
Signup on-line now at:
www.hillboroughtogether.com
Real Estate Agents Champion HSF (REACH) The REACH Program is an annual program for Real Estate Agents in our local community who wish to ensure and maintain the high quality of Hillsborough's education programs. REACH Partners provide financial support for our Public School programs, and in return, our REACH Partners gain appreciation from, as well as visibility, within the Hillsborough community.
Looking for Real Estate Agents who support our schools? Please visit our website to view a list of our current REACH Partners:
Want to learn about becoming a REACH Partner? Contact pam@hsf.org. Thank you for supporting our award-winning public schools! Together, we are all HSF! |
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