Monday Messages June 1, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages June 1, 2026   Jumpstart 2026 Update I am excited by the tremendous interest in this year's Jumpstart program! At this time, we have 231 students registered and all grade levels have reached capacity and are currently full. Families are still able to submit a registration form to be placed on a waitlist: Jumpstart Registration I would also like to ask families whose children are already registered to notify the school as soon as possible if their summer plans have changed and they are no longer able to attend. This helps us offer available spaces to students who are waiting for an opportunity to participate. I wish we could guarantee space for all interested, but we must remain mindful of the need to balance student opportunities with long-term financial sustainability. The state has allocated specific funding for these programs, and I am working to ensure that our summer offerings stay within those resources so that we do not draw from funds needed to operate the school during the regular school year.  Thank you for your cooperation and support. We look forward to a great summer of learning and fun! Any questions about Jumpstart can be sent to Jumpstart@gusdschools.org. -Keri Pugno, Superintendent ELOP Program Manager Announcement I am pleased to announce that Meggan Young, who has been serving as our BTB Director, has officially changed titles to become the GUSD ELOP Program Manager. This expanded management role will continue to include responsibility for our school-year BTB daycare program while now also encompassing our summer sessions. As many of you know, ELOP (Expanded Learning Opportunities Program) is a state-funded program with specific requirements and compliance expectations. Over the past several months, we have been working to ensure our programs remain fully compliant with these evolving regulations. Because these requirements impact both our summer sessions and our school-year daycare program, it became clear that having a single leader oversee all aspects of the program is the best path forward.  Meggan has done an outstanding job leading our BTB daycare program, and her experience, knowledge, and commitment are very appreciated as she helps us implement these new ELOP requirements.   I am very excited to enter into the summer and the new school year with Meggan in this role. -Keri Pugno, Superintendent   Last Three Days of School Schedule! GUSD Bell Schedule for Last Week of School *Dismissal on the last two days of school is before the lunch period. Students ordering a school lunch on the last two days will be given a bag lunch to take home.* Beyond the Bell remains normal operating hours. Monday (6/1/2026) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 1:00 Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 1:45 Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 1:30 Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 2:00 Tuesday (6/2/26) & Wednesday (6/3/26) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 11:50* Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 12:30* Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 12:10* Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 12:15* Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Monday, June 1 - EARLY RELEASE DAY Tuesday, June 2 - MINIMUM DAY Wednesday, June 3 - MINIMUM DAY Hillcrest Monday, June 1 - 8th Grade Graduation Practice Monday, June 1, 6pm - 8th Grade Graduation Monday, June 1 - STUDENTS DISMISSED at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 2 - 8th Grade Gravenstein Walk Tuesday, June 2 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Wednesday, June 3, 8:45 to 10:30 - 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast Wednesday, June 3 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Read-A-Thon WINNERS!! Congratulations to our winners at Gravenstein!! Our Read-a-Thon was a huge success, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our parents, students, and staff for all of the time, energy, effort, and fundraising support that made this event so special. Your dedication to encouraging a love of reading in our students truly made an impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm shown throughout the event. Congratulations to all of our amazing readers for their hard work and commitment! A special congratulations goes to our overall top reader: Vesper from Mrs. Sprinkle’s 2nd grade class! Congratulations to our overall top reading class:  Mrs. Nordstrom’s 3rd grade class! Our TOP reading classes for each grade @ Gravenstein are: TK: Crandall & Lannon TIED! Kinder: Trivunovic 1st: Dellosa 2nd: Sprinkle 3rd: Nordstrom 4th: Brown 5th: Martinez   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events. Be part of the team! Voting Board Member – Support and vote on key decisions, help where you can GLPs – Plan grade meet-ups and build community all while learning more about GPA. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most—you’ll have full board support! Interested? Email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com or connect with your GLPs   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at TBD Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Event Parking Reminder As we approach the end of the school year, there will be many events taking place on campus. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself extra time for parking. If you park on Twig, be sure to do so legally and avoid blocking any neighbors’ driveways including neighbors mailboxes. Additionally, please do not park near the school’s waste containers, in the bus area, or in a way that blocks access to the upper maintenance area. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our campus safe and accessible for everyone.   Field Day Schedule and Parent Volunteer Sign Ups Field Day is approaching! The last few days of school each grade level will get a chance to participate in Field Day. Please see the schedule below and the link to sign up to volunteer your time or donations for this super fun event! 5/28 - 5th Grade - 1:20-3:00 6/1 - TK - 9:15-10:30 6/1 - 1st Grade - 10:50-12:20 6/2 - 2nd Grade - 8:40-10:10 6/2 - Kindergarten - 10:30-11:50 6/3 - 3rd Grade - 8:30-10:00 6/3 - 4th Grade - 10:30-12:10 Parent Volunteer Sign Up Link   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Final Opportunity to Support Student Field Trips As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we would like to thank our families for supporting the many field trip experiences our students enjoyed this year. From day trips to overnight adventures, these opportunities help students learn, explore, and create lasting memories. There is still time to contribute! While donations are never required, they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging and allow us to continue providing meaningful experiences for all students. 👇 Please click your student’s grade level below if you would still like to make a contribution. Thank you again for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   🎉 Yearbooks Are Here! 🎉 The wait is over! Middle school yearbooks will be distributed during this week. 📘 8th grade students will receive their yearbooks on Tuesday, June 2, following their visit to Gravenstein Elementary. 📘 6th and 7th grade students will receive their yearbooks on the morning of Wednesday, June 3. We have fewer than 15 yearbooks still available for purchase! Yearbooks are $20 and may be purchased in the front office while supplies last. Report Cards Coming Home Trimester 3 Report Cards will be sent home with all students on Wednesday, June 3, at the end of the school day. This is a great opportunity to celebrate your child's hard work and growth throughout the school year. Be sure to ask your student to share their report card with you! Congratulations to all of our students on a successful trimester!   Attention 7th Grade Families! It is time to return the green Social Studies textbook to Ms. Clements. The textbook is titled History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond. Each student received a copy to keep at home at the beginning of the school year. Please return the textbook by Tuesday, June 2nd. Students will not be attending their regular classes next Wednesday, so Tuesday is the last opportunity to return it to Ms. Clements. Thank you for helping us collect all textbooks before the end of the school year!   🎓 Graduation Gown Information 🎓 8th grade students have now received their graduation gowns to take home before the promotion ceremony. As a reminder, our graduation gowns are reused each year. Families who do not wish to keep their student's gown are encouraged to donate it back to the school so it may be used for future promotion ceremonies. Students may return their gowns after the Gravenstein Elementary walk on Tuesday, June 2. Thank you for helping us continue this special tradition and support future Grizzlies!   🏈🏐 8th Grade Parents Needed! Calling all 8th grade parents and guardians! We are looking for family members to join our annual Staff/Parent vs. Student Games as we celebrate our 8th graders during their final week at Hillcrest. This year's games are: 🏈 Flag Football Tuesday after school at 3:15 PM 🏐 Volleyball Wednesday immediately following the 8th Grade Breakfast You may participate in one game or both games! If you are interested in joining the fun, please review the ParentSquare post for important information, including the waiver and sign-up details. We hope you can join us for these fun end-of-year traditions! ⬇️ Click the button below to view the ParentSquare post. Staff/Parent vs. Student Games   Celebrating Our 8th Grade Class: End-of-Year Events and Graduation We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their middle school journey. Below is the schedule of special events and important graduation information. Monday, June 1 Graduation Practice (Required) All students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must attend school and take part in the practice. Early Release Day – Students dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Middle School blacktop Students must arrive at Hillcrest Hall by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Gravenstein Walk Students will wear their graduation gowns and travel by bus to Gravenstein Elementary School. They will walk through the halls, greeting and celebrating with staff and students as a way to say goodbye to their elementary school. Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Graduation Breakfast Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m. Location: Duck Pond Parents of graduating students are welcome to attend this special event. All-School Field Day Time: 10:15 a.m. Location: School field Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Final Opportunity to Support Student Field Trips As we wrap up another wonderful school year, we would like to thank our families for supporting the many field trip experiences our students enjoyed this year. From day trips to overnight adventures, these opportunities help students learn, explore, and create lasting memories. There is still time to contribute! While donations are never required, they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging and allow us to continue providing meaningful experiences for all students. 👇 Please click your student’s grade level below if you would still like to make a contribution. Thank you again for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities! Disclaimer: The activities, products, or services advertised here are not sponsored or endorsed by the District or its schools.   Museum of Sonoma County offers Free Admission & Family Friendly Activites on the second Saturday of the month from 11 AM to 1 PM. Upcoming Saturdays: Saturday, June 13 Saturday, July 11 Saturday, August 8 Check the website for details! musemsc.org Museum of Sonoma County 425 Seventh St. Santa Rosa, CA 95401   The Common Ground Society is hosting "Together We Belong: Learning, Play, and Inclusion for All!" Join Common Ground Society at Old Courthouse Square for a community celebration of belonging. Designed for all ages, we're honoring the diverse experiences of those with disabilities, medical complexities, and unique needs as we connect, explore, and grow together. Event Details: Date: Saturday, June 13th Time: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM Location: Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa Admission: Free and open to the public What's Happening in the Square? Interactive Partner Booths: Engage with local organizations through hands-on activites. Education Stations: Explore disability, accessibility, and how to build a more welcoming community. Inclusive Play: Activities and experiences designed for children, teens, and adults alike. Local Flavors: Enjoy delicious food from vendors who value community and inclusion. Have Questions? Contact hello@commongroundsociety.org   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 6 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Laguna Lab & SoCo Pulse Present Story Lab for Grades 2nd to 5th - creative learning camps for young storytellers! For millenia, stories have entertained, educated, inspired, and sustained human beings. Everyone has a story...and stories are best when shared. Email us to learn more! contact.socopulse@gmail.com See this flyer for more information. Visit our website at SoCo Pulse   Keystone's Youth Connections Day Camp (YCDC) is returning this Summer 2026 and this year they are expanding to seven exciting weeks of connection, creativity, and community for teens entering grades 7-12. Available at no cost depending on eligibility. Keystone Therapy & Training Services 4415 Sonoma Hwy., Suite B Santa Rosa, CA 95408 Website: www.keystone.love Phone: (707) 327-0909 See flyer for more information: English | Spanish   This summer, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is proud to launch their first RLS Creative Writing Summer Camp, a creative writing program designed specifically for rising 6th–8th grade students. The camp will run June 22–25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with each day dedicated to a different genre of writing, including Poetry, Adventure, Nature and Travel Writing, and Horror. We are committed to ensuring access to this program for all students and are pleased to offer scholarships for those who may need financial support. This program is designed as an immersive creative experience rather than a traditional classroom. Students will work directly within the museum environment, using historical objects, storytelling traditions, and the Napa Valley landscape as inspiration for their writing. Through guided exercises, collaborative activities, and hands-on engagement, participants will explore different forms of expression while building confidence in their own voice. Students may enroll in individual days or participate in the full four-day experience. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be invited to headline our first Youth Writing Recital Night on June 26, sharing their work with family, peers, and the community. See this Flyer for more information.   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) Please use the link to the right to review the classes or events we are currently offering. How to register for a class or event: click the green Register Now button next to the class you want to attend and follow the directions to complete your registration. For assistance with class registration please call (707) 585-6108 x.1240. Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, May 31 2026

Monday Messages May 25, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages May 25, 2026   Superintendent's Message Construction in progress!   NO SCHOOL In honor of Memorial Day there will be no school on May 25, 2026. Mark Your Calendars District Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, May 28 - 8th Grade Field Trip Monday, June 1 - 8th Grade Graduation Practice Monday, June 1, 6pm - 8th Grade Graduation Monday, June 1 - STUDENTS DISMISSED at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 2 - 8th Grade Gravenstein Walk Tuesday, June 2 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Wednesday, June 3, 8:45 to 10:30 - 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast Wednesday, June 3 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Last Three Days of School Schedule! GUSD Bell Schedule for Last Week of School *Dismissal on the lst two days of school is before the lunch period. Students ordering a school lunch on the last two days will be given a bag lunch to take home.* Beyond the Bell remains normal operating hours. Monday (6/1/2026) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 1:00 Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 1:45 Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 1:30 Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 2:00 Tuesday (6/2/26) & Wednesday (6/3/26) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 11:50* Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 12:30* Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 12:10* Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 12:15*   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Skate Night – Beach Theme - THIS FRIDAY Last skate night of the year! Join us at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park on THIS FRIDAY May 29th for our LAST Skate Night of the 2025–2026 school year!   Break out your swim goggles, board shorts, Hawaiian shirts, or your favorite beachy gear as we celebrate the end of an amazing school year together!   Read-A-Thon Winners! Our Read-A-Thon Winners will be announced soon via Parentsquare and email.  So keep an eye out for it!!   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events. Be part of the team! Voting Board Member – Support and vote on key decisions, help where you can GLPs – Plan grade meet-ups and build community all while learning more about GPA. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most—you’ll have full board support! Interested? Email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com or connect with your GLPs   Upcoming Events Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 at TBD Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   Event Parking Reminder As we approach the end of the school year, there will be many events taking place on campus. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself extra time for parking. If you park on Twig, be sure to do so legally and avoid blocking any neighbors’ driveways including neighbors mailboxes. Additionally, please do not park near the school’s waste containers, in the bus area, or in a way that blocks access to the upper maintenance area. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our campus safe and accessible for everyone.   Field Day Schedule and Parent Volunteer Sign Ups Field Day is approaching! The last few days of school each grade level will get a chance to participate in Field Day. Please see the schedule below and the link to sign up to volunteer your time or donations for this super fun event! 5/28 - 5th Grade - 1:20-3:00 6/1 - TK - 9:15-10:30 6/1 - 1st Grade - 10:50-12:20 6/2 - 2nd Grade - 8:40-10:10 6/2 - Kindergarten - 10:30-11:50 6/3 - 3rd Grade - 8:30-10:00 6/3 - 4th Grade - 10:30-12:10 Parent Volunteer Sign Up Link   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   🎉 Yearbooks Are Almost Here! 🎉 The wait is almost over! Middle school yearbooks will be distributed during the last week of school. 📘 8th grade students will receive their yearbooks on Monday, June 2, following their visit to Gravenstein Elementary. 📘 6th and 7th grade students will receive their yearbooks on the morning of Tuesday, June 3. We have fewer than 15 yearbooks still available for purchase! Yearbooks are $20 and may be purchased in the front office while supplies last. Student Council Elections Coming Soon! Student Council elections will take place on Wednesday, May 28, while the 8th grade class is away at Six Flags. Students will have the opportunity to hear candidate speeches and cast their votes for next year’s student leaders.   🧹 Locker Clean-Out Time! 🧹 It’s time to clean out the locker room! Students in 7th and 8th grade will clean out their lockers during class on Friday. Please remember to bring a bag to help carry personal items home. Lost & Found Reminder Our final Lost & Found collection and donation for the 2025–2026 school year will take place on Friday, May 29. Please encourage students to check the Lost & Found before that date for any missing jackets, water bottles, lunch boxes, or other personal items. Any unclaimed items will be donated.   🎓 Graduation Gown Information 🎓 8th grade students will receive their graduation gowns at the end of the school day on Friday, May 29, to take home before the ceremony. As a reminder, our graduation gowns are reused each year. Families who do not wish to keep their student’s gown are encouraged to donate it back to the school so it may be used for future promotion ceremonies. Students may return their gowns after the Gravenstein Elementary walk on Tuesday, June 2. Thank you for helping us continue this tradition!   8th Grade Parents Needed! Calling all 8th grade parents! Please keep an eye out for a sign-up sheet for our annual Staff/Parents vs. Students game on the last day of school. This year’s featured event will be volleyball! Additional information will be shared in PE class and through ParentSquare, including details about the required waiver forms. We are looking forward to a fun and friendly competition as we take on the students!   Help Make Our 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast Special Hillcrest is excited to continue a special tradition for our graduating 8th grade students! Our 6th grade Life Skills class will once again help prepare and cater the Graduation Breakfast — a meaningful event that allows younger students to “pay it forward” while celebrating the Class of 2025. Last year’s breakfast was a huge success, and our students are excited to continue the tradition. We would love your support in helping make this year’s celebration just as memorable for our graduates and their families. We are currently accepting donations of breakfast supplies. Donations may be dropped off in the Hillcrest Office any time before June 2 and should be labeled: “Life Skills: Ms. Reed” Requested donation items include: Ground coffee 1/2 & 1/2 Boxes of tea Non-dairy creamer Butter Krusteaz Pancake Mix Log Cabin syrup Real maple syrup Thick-cut bacon Breakfast sausages Orange juice Lemonade Sparkling/Bubbly water Jam or jelly Sour cream Plain yogurt Nutella Thank you for helping us create a special morning for our graduating students!   Celebrating Our 8th Grade Class: End-of-Year Events and Graduation We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their middle school journey. Below is the schedule of special events and important graduation information. Thursday May 28th 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags Vallejo A fun day to celebrate together. Monday, June 1 Graduation Practice (Required) All students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must attend school and take part in the practice. Early Release Day – Students dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Middle School blacktop Students must arrive at Hillcrest Hall by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Gravenstein Walk Students will wear their graduation gowns and travel by bus to Gravenstein Elementary School. They will walk through the halls, greeting and celebrating with staff and students as a way to say goodbye to their elementary school. Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Graduation Breakfast Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m. Location: Duck Pond Parents of graduating students are welcome to attend this special event. All-School Field Day Time: 10:15 a.m. Location: School field Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 6 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Laguna Lab & SoCo Pulse Present Story Lab for Grades 2nd to 5th - creative learning camps for young storytellers! For millenia, stories have entertained, educated, inspired, and sustained human beings. Everyone has a story...and stories are best when shared. Email us to learn more! contact.socopulse@gmail.com See this flyer for more information. Visit our website at SoCo Pulse   Keystone's Youth Connections Day Camp (YCDC) is returning this Summer 2026 and this year they are expanding to seven exciting weeks of connection, creativity, and community for teens entering grades 7-12. Available at no cost depending on eligibility. Keystone Therapy & Training Services 4415 Sonoma Hwy., Suite B Santa Rosa, CA 95408 Website: www.keystone.love Phone: (707) 327-0909 See flyer for more information: English | Spanish   This summer, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is proud to launch their first RLS Creative Writing Summer Camp, a creative writing program designed specifically for rising 6th–8th grade students. The camp will run June 22–25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with each day dedicated to a different genre of writing, including Poetry, Adventure, Nature and Travel Writing, and Horror. We are committed to ensuring access to this program for all students and are pleased to offer scholarships for those who may need financial support. This program is designed as an immersive creative experience rather than a traditional classroom. Students will work directly within the museum environment, using historical objects, storytelling traditions, and the Napa Valley landscape as inspiration for their writing. Through guided exercises, collaborative activities, and hands-on engagement, participants will explore different forms of expression while building confidence in their own voice. Students may enroll in individual days or participate in the full four-day experience. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be invited to headline our first Youth Writing Recital Night on June 26, sharing their work with family, peers, and the community. See this Flyer for more information.   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) Please use the link to the right to review the classes or events we are currently offering. How to register for a class or event: click the green Register Now button next to the class you want to attend and follow the directions to complete your registration. For assistance with class registration please call (707) 585-6108 x.1240. Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, May 24 2026

Monday Messages May 18, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages May 18, 2026   Interested in Joining the GUSD School Board? Do you live within GUSD boundaries and have a passion for supporting our local schools? Consider joining our Board of Education! We are looking for a collaborative team player committed to keeping Gravenstein schools great. Please email Superintendent Keri Pugno at kpugno@gusdschools.org to learn more.   Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, May 20, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting Friday, May 22 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Emergency Day Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Tuesday, May 19, 5pm - Hillcrest Band and Choir Concert Thursday, May 28 - 8th Grade Field Trip Monday, June 1 - 8th Grade Graduation Practice Monday, June 1, 6pm - 8th Grade Graduation Monday, June 1 - STUDENTS DISMISSED at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 2 - 8th Grade Gravenstein Walk Tuesday, June 2 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Wednesday, June 3, 8:45 to 10:30 - 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast Wednesday, June 3 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Last Three Days of School Schedule! GUSD Bell Schedule for Last Week of School *Dismissal on the lst two days of school is before the lunch period. Students ordering a school lunch on the last two days will be given a bag lunch to take home.* Beyond the Bell remains normal operating hours. Monday (6/1/2026) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 1:00 Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 1:45 Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 1:30 Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 2:00 Tuesday (6/2/26) & Wednesday (6/3/26) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 11:50* Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 12:30* Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 12:10* Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 12:15*   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Read-A-Thon (Gravenstein Only) - 5 DAYS LEFT!!! We’ve got some serious readers out there — keep it up!! To keep the competition exciting for the Top Reading Class, here are the current top standings for each grade level (as of the morning of 5/15): TK: Ms. Lannon        3rd: Ms. Nordstrom K: Ms. Trivunovic      4th: Ms. Brown 1st: Ms. Dellosa        5th: Ms. Grimm 2nd: Ms. MacInnis The races are incredibly close between classes and for the title of TOP READER! Keep turning those pages, learning new things, and logging those minutes. This is shaping up to be a very close finish!   There are some amazing prizes to be had! Top Reader: $25 Gift Card & Treat Basket from Rewind Arcade!! Top Reading Class: In each grade, will win a pizza or ice cream party!   Hillcrest Color Run Thank you Hillcrest families!!  A huge thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, and came out to cheer on their Hawks! Friday’s Color Run was full of fun, laughter, and LOTS of color! We loved seeing our students make memories while supporting our schools.   Stay tuned — winners will be announced soon!!   New Gravenstein Spirit Wear is Here! 🐻 Show your school pride with brand new 2026 Spirit Wear designs! Early Access Spring Sale is officially live, featuring new hoodies, tees, crewnecks, and more - for both kids and adults. How to Order: Shop Online: Visit the Gravenstein Elementary Spirit Store to browse the full collection. Deadline: All orders must be placed by Thursday, May 21st. This is a very limited time, early access sale for Spring. Items will be made available again sometime in the Fall. Checkout Details: Please remember to include the student’s full name, grade level, and teacher at checkout. Delivery: All items will be delivered directly to classrooms before the end of the school year. Prices listed include all taxes and fees. 100% of the proceeds go directly toward supporting student enrichment programs. All designers and printers are local. Thank you for supporting our school community! Go Grizzlies!   Skate Night – Beach Theme! Last skate night of the year! Join us at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park on May 29th for our LAST Skate Night of the 2025–2026 school year!   Break out your swim goggles, board shorts, Hawaiian shirts, or your favorite beachy gear as we celebrate the end of an amazing school year together!   Come chat with GPA! Join us at this month’s meeting as we vote on next school year’s Executive Board members! We’re also inviting anyone interested in becoming part of the voting board to come see how you can get involved and help support our school community. See below for what positions we’re looking for. Come chat and find out more!!  Stop by Wednesday, May 20 @ 5:30 PM! Hillcrest Rm 5. Cookies and light refreshments will be provided. Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events. Be part of the team! Voting Board Member – Support and vote on key decisions, help where you can GLPs – Plan grade meet-ups and build community all while learning more about GPA. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form   Upcoming Events Read-A-Thon, May 11-22 Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   Important Dropoff Reminder for Monday, 5/18/26 The 4th grade is going on their Annual Gold Country Field Trip and are departing on Monday Morning, 5/18. Due to the amount of parent drivers and logistics, the Lower Lot Drop off circle will not be available. Please drop off all students at the Upper Circle.   Event Parking Reminder As we approach the end of the school year, there will be many events taking place on campus. Please plan accordingly and allow yourself extra time for parking. If you park on Twig, be sure to do so legally and avoid blocking any neighbors’ driveways including neighbors mailboxes. Additionally, please do not park near the school’s waste containers, in the bus area, or in a way that blocks access to the upper maintenance area. Thank you for your cooperation in helping keep our campus safe and accessible for everyone.   Gravenstein Parent Input form for 26-27 Classroom Placements The parent input form is for families of TK–4 students at Gravenstein to share any new or important information that may help staff make thoughtful classroom placement decisions for the next school year. The school considers many factors like learning needs, social dynamics, and class balance and does not accept requests for specific teachers. Submissions are optional, reviewed by staff, and must be turned in by May 22, 2026 to be considered. Gravenstein Parent Input Form  Field Day Schedule and Parent Volunteer Sign Ups Field Day is approaching! The last few days of school each grade level will get a chance to participate in Field Day. Please see the schedule below and the link to sign up to volunteer your time or donations for this super fun event! 5/28 - 5th Grade - 1:20-3:00 6/1 - TK - 9:15-10:30 6/1 - 1st Grade - 10:50-12:20 6/2 - 2nd Grade - 8:40-10:10 6/2 - Kindergarten - 10:30-11:50 6/3 - 3rd Grade - 8:30-10:00 6/3 - 4th Grade - 10:30-12:10 Parent Volunteer Sign Up Link  CAASPP Testing Continues Monday, May 18th Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will continue the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) on Monday, May 18th (actual schedule varies based on teacher). To help our Gravenstein Grizzlies do their best, we ask that students: Carefully read all instructions Make sure they understand what each question is asking Review their answers before submitting Complete any skipped questions before leaving the testing session Get a good night’s sleep Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water before coming to school Let’s support our students in showing what they know!   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   CAASPP Testing Schedule - Week of May 18th Hillcrest students will continue to take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). We will follow a special bell schedule on testing days. Testing Schedule: Monday, May 18 – 8:30–10:30 AM (Math) Tuesday, May 19 – 8:30–10:30 AM (Math) How to Help Your Student Be Ready: Get a good night’s sleep Eat breakfast and drink water before school Arrive at school before 8:30 AM Avoid scheduling appointments during testing times Why These Tests Matter: CAASPP results help determine if students may need additional support in English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Math. This could include placement in a support class during the school day. High schools may also use this data for placement. Please encourage your student to do their best, read directions carefully, take their time, and check their work before submitting. Thank you for supporting your student during testing!   May Activities & School Updates There are many exciting activities happening at Hillcrest as we finish the school year strong! Student Council Elections Student Council elections are coming soon. Students interested in running for office should attend the introductory meeting on Thursday, May 7. Election speeches and voting will take place on May 28 while the 8th grade class is at Six Flags. Wednesday Book Club Donations Needed The Wednesday Book Club is looking for beverage donations for upcoming meetings. We would greatly appreciate donations of lemonade, sparkling water, iced tea, or disposable cups. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Book Club a fun space for everyone! Lost & Found Reminder We will have one final Lost & Found collection before the end of the 2025–2026 school year. Any unclaimed items will be donated on Friday, May 29. Families are encouraged to remind students to check the Lost & Found before that date. Join the Hillcrest Garden Club The new Hillcrest Garden Club meets during lunch on Tuesdays. Students who are interested can speak with Ms. Lavi, our Garden Coordinator, or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to have students help shape and grow our new school garden!   Celebrating Our 8th Grade Class: End-of-Year Events and Graduation We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their middle school journey. Below is the schedule of special events and important graduation information. Thursday, May 28 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags Vallejo A fun day to celebrate together. Monday, June 1 Graduation Practice (Required) All students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must attend school and take part in the practice. Early Release Day – Students dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Middle School blacktop Students must arrive at Hillcrest Hall by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Gravenstein Walk Students will wear their graduation gowns and travel by bus to Gravenstein Elementary School. They will walk through the halls, greeting and celebrating with staff and students as a way to say goodbye to their elementary school. Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Graduation Breakfast Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m. Location: Duck Pond Parents of graduating students are welcome to attend this special event. All-School Field Day Time: 10:15 a.m. Location: School field Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 6 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Laguna Lab & SoCo Pulse Present Story Lab for Grades 2nd to 5th - creative learning camps for young storytellers! For millenia, stories have entertained, educated, inspired, and sustained human beings. Everyone has a story...and stories are best when shared. Email us to learn more! contact.socopulse@gmail.com See this flyer for more information. Visit our website at SoCo Pulse   Keystone's Youth Connections Day Camp (YCDC) is returning this Summer 2026 and this year they are expanding to seven exciting weeks of connection, creativity, and community for teens entering grades 7-12. Available at no cost depending on eligibility. Keystone Therapy & Training Services 4415 Sonoma Hwy., Suite B Santa Rosa, CA 95408 Website: www.keystone.love Phone: (707) 327-0909 See flyer for more information: English | Spanish   This summer, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is proud to launch their first RLS Creative Writing Summer Camp, a creative writing program designed specifically for rising 6th–8th grade students. The camp will run June 22–25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with each day dedicated to a different genre of writing, including Poetry, Adventure, Nature and Travel Writing, and Horror. We are committed to ensuring access to this program for all students and are pleased to offer scholarships for those who may need financial support. This program is designed as an immersive creative experience rather than a traditional classroom. Students will work directly within the museum environment, using historical objects, storytelling traditions, and the Napa Valley landscape as inspiration for their writing. Through guided exercises, collaborative activities, and hands-on engagement, participants will explore different forms of expression while building confidence in their own voice. Students may enroll in individual days or participate in the full four-day experience. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be invited to headline our first Youth Writing Recital Night on June 26, sharing their work with family, peers, and the community. See this Flyer for more information.   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) April 2026 Class Schedule April Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, May 17 2026

Monday Message May 11, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages May 11, 2026 Gravenstein Read-a-thon Help GPA raise funds to support our amazing enrichment programs and special teacher projects while encouraging your child's reading at the same time! Please look in the GPA section for more information. Interested in Joining our School Board? Do you live within GUSD boundaries and have a passion for supporting our local schools? Consider joining our Board of Education! We are looking for a collaborative team player committed to keeping Gravenstein schools great. Please email Superintendent Keri Pugno at kpugno@gusdschools.org to learn more.   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, May 12, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting Friday, May 22 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Emergency Day Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Monday, May 11, 5pm - Gravenstein Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Friday, May 15, 2pm - Hillcrest Color Run Friday, May 15, 6pm - Hillcrest School Dance Tuesday, May 19, 5pm - Hillcrest Band and Choir Concert Thursday, May 28 - 8th Grade Field Trip Monday, June 1 - 8th Grade Graduation Practice Monday, June 1, 6pm - 8th Grade Graduation Monday, June 1 - STUDENTS DISMISSED at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 2 - 8th Grade Gravenstein Walk Tuesday, June 2 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Wednesday, June 3, 8:45 to 10:30 - 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast Wednesday, June 3 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Last Three Days of School Schedule! GUSD Bell Schedule for Last Week of School *Dismissal on the lst two days of school is before the lunch period. Students ordering a school lunch on the last two days will be given a bag lunch to take home.* Beyond the Bell remains normal operating hours. Monday (6/1/2026) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 1:00 Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 1:45 Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 1:30 Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 2:00 Tuesday (6/2/26) & Wednesday (6/3/26) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 11:50* Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 12:30* Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 12:10* Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 12:15*   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   To all the incredible moms in our school district — thank you. Whether you’re helping in the classroom, leading events, donating supplies, serving on boards, our amazing GUSD staff or simply encouraging and supporting your child and our community, your impact is felt everywhere. Our schools are stronger because of the love, dedication, and countless hours you give. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms, grandmas, guardians, and mother figures in our community! With gratitude, GPA   Read-A-Thon (Gravenstein Only) - May 11 - 22 Our Read-A-Thon kicks off tomorrow! May 11! Register your reader today so they can hit the ground running. Need your classes ‘Event Code’? Reach out to us or your teacher. Every minute read and every dollar raised makes a difference! Watch a the short video below to see how to sign up your reader. Activate your student's Reader account: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/UdLQkv/1?utm=email   There are some amazing prizes to be had! Top Reader: $25 Gift Card & Treat Basket from Rewind Arcade!! Top Reading Class: Each winning class will win a pizza or ice cream party!   Hillcrest Color Run - May 15th - THIS FRIDAY!! Calling all Hillcrest families!! Turn in those pledge forms to the front office this Tuesday, May 12th to get your raffle tickets and other prizes. Check out the prizes in last Monday Messages!! T-Shirts are available for purchase for $10. These shirts are MADE for your friends' autographs!  Want to put in a pledge for a student? Go here and don't forget to type in the students name! Come join the fun and get colorful with the Hawks on May 15th! We need volunteers to help keep our runners hydrated and cheer them on, or to lend a hand out on the track. It’s a high-energy, joy-filled event you won’t want to miss—come be part of the fun and help make it an unforgettable day! Parents/Guardians: Check out the ‘Essentials Flyer’ for day-of tips and to help you keep your car and pick up time less stressful. Sign up Here: HMS Color Run   Come chat with GPA! Join us at this month’s meeting as we vote on next school year’s Executive Board members! We’re also inviting anyone interested in becoming part of the voting board to come see how you can get involved and help support our school community. See below for what positions we’re looking for. Come chat and find out more!! Stop by Wednesday, May 20 @ 5:30 PM! Hillcrest Rm 5. Cookies and light refreshments will be provided. Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events. Be part of the team! Voting Board Member – Support and vote on key decisions, help where you can GLPs – Plan grade meet-ups and build community all while learning more about GPA. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form   Upcoming Events Read-A-Thon, May 11-22 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm LAST Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Gravenstein Open House Recap Thank you to all of the families who attended Open House last week! They were all such great events! We have an amazing school and are so happy that you are part of our community.  Grow Grizzlies Grow!   Gravenstein Parent Input form for 26-27 Classroom Placements Families of TK–4 students at Gravenstein are invited to complete a Parent Input Form for the 2026–27 school year. This optional form gives families a chance to share any new or important information that may help staff make thoughtful classroom placement decisions. Staff consider many factors when creating classes, including learning needs, social dynamics, and overall class balance. Please note that requests for specific teachers cannot be accepted. All forms must be submitted by May 22, 2026 to be considered. Gravenstein Parent Input Form  Field Day Schedule and Parent Volunteer Sign Ups Field Day is almost here! During the last few days of school, each grade level will have a chance to participate in this fun end-of-year event filled with games and activities. Families are invited to volunteer their time or donate items to help make Field Day a success. Thank you for supporting this exciting tradition for our students! Field Day Schedule May 28 – 5th Grade | 1:20–3:00 PM June 1 – TK | 9:15–10:30 AM June 1 – 1st Grade | 10:50 AM–12:20 PM June 2 – 2nd Grade | 8:40–10:10 AM June 2 – Kindergarten | 10:30–11:50 AM June 3 – 3rd Grade | 8:30–10:00 AM June 3 – 4th Grade | 10:30 AM–12:10 PM Please use the volunteer sign-up button below if you would like to help. Parent Volunteer Sign Up Link  CAASPP Testing Continues Monday, May 11th Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will continue the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) on Monday, May 11. Testing schedules may vary by classroom and teacher. To help our Gravenstein Grizzlies do their best, please encourage students to: Read all instructions carefully Make sure they understand each question before answering Review their answers before submitting Complete any skipped questions before leaving the testing session Get a good night’s sleep Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water before school Thank you for supporting our students as they show what they know!   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): This Monday! - 5/11/26 - Gravenstein Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall 5/19/26 - Hillcrest Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Field Trips: A Great Way to Finish the Year As we head into the final month of school, students are enjoying field trips that bring learning to life. These experiences help students explore, connect with their classmates, and create lasting memories. From local day trips to special activities, these opportunities are an important part of the school year. Donations are never required, but they help support transportation, activities, and overnight trip costs. Any support is appreciated and helps make these experiences possible for all students. 👇 If you are able, click your child’s grade level below to contribute. Thank you for helping make these final learning experiences so meaningful for our students! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   CAASPP Testing Schedule – Begins Monday, May 11 Starting Monday, May 11, all Hillcrest students will take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). We will follow a special bell schedule on testing days. Testing Schedule: Monday, May 11 – 8:30–10:30 AM (ELA) Tuesday, May 12 – 8:30–10:30 AM (ELA) Monday, May 18 – 8:30–10:30 AM (Math) Tuesday, May 19 – 8:30–10:30 AM (Math) How to Help Your Student Be Ready: Get a good night’s sleep Eat breakfast and drink water before school Arrive at school before 8:30 AM Avoid scheduling appointments during testing times Why These Tests Matter: CAASPP results help determine if students may need additional support in English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Math. This could include placement in a support class during the school day. High schools may also use this data for placement. Please encourage your student to do their best, read directions carefully, take their time, and check their work before submitting. Thank you for supporting your student during testing!   The HMS Color Run will take place on Friday, May 15! Donation pledge sheets will be sent home this week. Students may return donations to Ms. Jerie in the HMS Main Office with cash or a check. For every $20 collected in sponsorships, students will receive one raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes! Raffle Prizes Include: Front of the lunch line pass through Trimester 1 of the 2026–27 school year Costco pizza prizes for 10 students BBQ lunch with Mr. Deeths and Mr. Benz for one student per grade level and 6 friends Pancake and sausage breakfast with Mr. Deeths for one student per grade level and 6 friends Snow cone lunch party for two students per grade level and 6 friends each Open gym after school for you and up to 10 friends Lunch and a movie for you and up to 10 friends “Velvet Rope Pass” for current 6th and 7th graders, including admission and front-of-line access to dances during the 2026–27 school year PE Teacher for the Day with Mr. Sotiras Reserved front row seating for one 8th grade family at graduation Color powder packs will be sold at lunch all week for $5 each. Cash or checks payable to GPA are accepted. Please note: Purchasing individual color powder packs does not earn raffle tickets. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Deeths.   Student-Led Wellness Presentation Coming to HMS Hillcrest Middle School 8th grade students will participate in a presentation from Nourished on May 14 during Social Studies classes. Nourished is a program created by students from Analy High School to promote healthy relationships with food and body image. The program was inspired by students’ own experiences and encourages healthy mindsets and eating disorder prevention for younger students. Presentation materials and activities were developed in collaboration with medical and mental health professionals, including Kaiser’s Eating Disorder Team of licensed therapists, registered dietitians, and medical doctors. We appreciate the opportunity for our students to learn about wellness, self-image, and healthy habits in a supportive environment.   Mamma Mia! The Last Dance of the Year Is Almost Here! Get ready for the last dance of the school year! The HMS Mamma Mia Dance will take place on Friday, May 15, from 6:00–8:00 PM. Tickets will be sold during lunch the week of May 11–15. Presale tickets: $5 Tickets at the door: $8 Dance Reminders The dance is for current Hillcrest students only Cell phones should not be used or visible during the dance Students dropped off after 6:20 PM must be walked to the entrance by a parent or guardian Students leaving early may only be picked up by their own parent or guardian, who must come to the dance entrance All students must be picked up by 8:25 PM in order to remain eligible for end-of-year activities Parents interested in chaperoning may contact Brandon Leong at: bleong@gusdschools.org   Here’s what’s coming up at HMS in May! Spirit Week: May 11–15 Get ready for a fun week of dress-up days: Monday – Dress Like a Teacher Tuesday – Twin Day Wednesday – Anything But a Backpack Day Thursday – Color Battle (6th: Green, 7th: Red, 8th: Blue, Teachers: Black) Friday – Sunglasses Day School Dance The Mamma Mia themed dance will be held from 6:00–8:00 PM. Student Council Elections Intro Meeting: Thursday, 5/7 Speeches & Voting: 5/28 (8th grade students will be at Six Flags)   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Celebrating Our 8th Grade Class: End-of-Year Events and Graduation We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their middle school journey. Below is the schedule of special events and important graduation information. Thursday, May 28 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags Vallejo A fun day to celebrate together. Monday, June 1 Graduation Practice (Required) All students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must attend school and take part in the practice. Early Release Day – Students dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Middle School blacktop Students must arrive at Hillcrest Hall by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Gravenstein Walk Students will wear their graduation gowns and travel by bus to Gravenstein Elementary School. They will walk through the halls, greeting and celebrating with staff and students as a way to say goodbye to their elementary school. Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Graduation Breakfast Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m. Location: Duck Pond Parents of graduating students are welcome to attend this special event. All-School Field Day Time: 10:15 a.m. Location: School field Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Renaissance Faire Is Almost Here! The HMS Renaissance Faire at Ragle Ranch Park is coming up this Thursday, May 14! Please complete the digital permission slip no later than Monday, May 11. ParentSquare Post & Digital Permission Slip Students should bring: A bag lunch or school lunch A non-breakable mug Renaissance costumes are highly encouraged! If students do not have a costume, please wear plain or non-logo clothing. Drop-off and pick-up will take place at HMS during regular school hours. Students will travel to Ragle Ranch Park by bus. Please note: This is a required school day on the calendar Students without permission slips are still expected to attend school and will follow a modified schedule Families should report absences to the HMS office to avoid an unexcused absence Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Giants Supports GUSD Come join our GUSD community and support our favorite team take on the White Sox Friday, May 22nd 7:15pm Every ticket sold makes a difference $5 per ticket comes back to support our student athletes!  Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!    Keystone's Youth Connections Day Camp (YCDC) is returning this Summer 2026 and this year they are expanding to seven exciting weeks of connection, creativity, and community for teens entering grades 7-12. Available at no cost depending on eligibility. Keystone Therapy & Training Services 4415 Sonoma Hwy., Suite B Santa Rosa, CA 95408 Website: www.keystone.love Phone: (707) 327-0909 See flyer for more information: English | Spanish   This summer, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is proud to launch their first RLS Creative Writing Summer Camp, a creative writing program designed specifically for rising 6th–8th grade students. The camp will run June 22–25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with each day dedicated to a different genre of writing, including Poetry, Adventure, Nature and Travel Writing, and Horror. We are committed to ensuring access to this program for all students and are pleased to offer scholarships for those who may need financial support. This program is designed as an immersive creative experience rather than a traditional classroom. Students will work directly within the museum environment, using historical objects, storytelling traditions, and the Napa Valley landscape as inspiration for their writing. Through guided exercises, collaborative activities, and hands-on engagement, participants will explore different forms of expression while building confidence in their own voice. Students may enroll in individual days or participate in the full four-day experience. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be invited to headline our first Youth Writing Recital Night on June 26, sharing their work with family, peers, and the community. See this Flyer for more information.   The Fusion Teen Center was established to create a safe and fun environment for teens (6th through 12th grade) to hang out and connect with others after school. Location: 7433 Bodega Ave, at the Sebastopol Christian Church entrance across from Ives Park. Times: Open from 3 to 5PM Mondays through Thursdays Who is watching the teens? All volunteers will be background checked and interviewed. We take the safety of our youth very seriously. Is there a cost? No. The Teen Center is FREE! The only cost is for snacks that are available for purchase. What is offered at the teen center? There are lots of activities and games to choose from: Pool Table Ping Pong Foosball Video Games Corn Hole Movies Wi-Fi Snacks Is it religious? No. Even though it is hosted by Sebastopol Christian Church, the teen center is not religious. Everyone is welcome to attend. Want more information? Please contact Jim Matteri at jmatteri@sebschristian.com.   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) May 2026 Class Schedule Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, May 10 2026

Monday Messages May 4, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages May 4, 2026   Superintendent's Message It’s Staff Appreciation Week! On each campus, we often talk to the students about kindness by “filling someone’s bucket”.  You fill a bucket when you smile, make someone feel special and appreciated, or do something kind.  All Gravenstein and Hillcrest Staff work hard every day to fill our students’ buckets.  The month of May is the time we ask families to help return that kindness by showing their appreciation for our school staff.  Please consider how simple acts can fill someone’s bucket: a thoughtful card, a few flowers picked from home, homemade cookies, or even eggs from your chickens at home.  Your child’s personal comments and appreciations mean the world to our staff and can bring a smile that lasts throughout the day. Not sure how to include everyone? Connect with GPA (please see GPA section below) and help support the events they have planned for Staff Appreciation Week.   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, May 12, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting Friday, May 22 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Emergency Day Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - 4th & 5th Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Gravenstein Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HIllcrest Open House Friday, May 15, 2pm - Hillcrest Color Run Friday, May 15, 6pm - Hillcrest School Dance Tuesday, May 19, 5pm - Hillcrest Band and Choir Concert Thursday, May 28 - 8th Grade Field Trip Monday, June 1 - 8th Grade Graduation Practice Monday, June 1, 6pm - 8th Grade Graduation Monday, June 1 - STUDENTS DISMISSED at 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 2 - 8th Grade Gravenstein Walk Tuesday, June 2 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Wednesday, June 3, 8:45 to 10:30 - 8th Grade Graduation Breakfast Wednesday, June 3 - STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 12:15 PM Last Three Days of School Schedule! GUSD Bell Schedule for Last Week of School *Dismissal on the lst two days of school is before the lunch period. Students ordering a school lunch on the last two days will be given a bag lunch to take home.* Beyond the Bell remains normal operating hours. Monday (6/1/2026) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 1:00 Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 1:45 Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 1:30 Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 2:00 Tuesday (6/2/26 & Wednesday (6/3/26) Gravenstein Elementary School TK and K — 8:45 - 11:50* Grades 1 & 2 — 8:30 - 12:30* Grades 3-5 — 8:15 - 12:10* Hillcrest Middle School Grade 6-8 — 8:30 - 12:15*   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Hello Everyone! This is our last full month of school for the 25-26 school year! May is packed so we are going to keep it light and informative. Event info and sign ups are below. We are still in need of a few board seat volunteers. See our previous Monday Messages for more details. Please reach out with any questions!! Enjoy all the memories this month will bring.   Teacher & Staff Appreciation - May 4-8 Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is our chance to give a little of our love back. We still have a few items and volunteer spots available! Check out the link to see how you can help shower our GUSD heroes with the love and appreciation they deserve. Sign up Here: Appreciation Week   Book Swap - May 4, 5, 6 & 8th Join us at our School Book Swap during Open House! Bring along gently used books and trade them in for something new-to-you. Everyone is welcome, and can leave with a new book, regardless of donating. We are still in need of volunteers! Sort books, help students and families browse, and match readers with their next favorite story. You can still check out your child's class - just come early and get a prime parking spot to help set up. Or pop in and help sort through the books. Sign up Here: Book Swap   Read-A-Thon (Gravenstein Only) - May 11 - 22 We’d love for all families to activate their student’s Read-A-Thon account as soon as possible. It takes less than 5 minutes and gets your student ready to start reading and earning for our start date of May 11! Flyers with class activation codes will be coming home this week—we can’t wait to get started! There are some amazing prizes to be had! Watch a short video to see how to sign up your reader: https://youtu.be/12tmuXH8zCg Activate your student's Reader account: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/UdLQkv/1?utm=email   Hillcrest Color Run - May 15th Calling all Hillcrest families!! Come join the fun and get colorful with the Hawks on May 15th! We need volunteers to help keep our runners hydrated and cheer them on, or to lend a hand out on the track. Check out the prizes for our pledge winners!! It’s a high-energy, joy-filled event you won’t want to miss—come be part of the fun and help make it an unforgettable day! Sign up Here: HMS Color Run   Apple Faire Volunteers Needed! - August 8th & 9th Sunday is the only day available - sign up ASAP! Keep the fair green while having fun—parent/child teams welcome (older kids preferred, training provided). If you have signed up please reply to our Farm Trails rep to save your spot. These spots will go to the public if we don't secure them now. Spots are limited, so grab your shift ASAP! You’ll receive full details from a Farm Trails representative after signing up. August 8th & 9th 2:00–6:30 PM shifts Zero Waste Stations Bonus: Volunteers get a wristband for the whole weekend! Sign up Here: SignupGenius *If plans change, please cancel on SignUpGenius as soon as possible so another family can join in the fun.   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Shake Shack May 6th Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Read-A-Thon, May 11-22 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   A Special Surprise for Mr. McDowell Students at Gravenstein Elementary found a thoughtful way to celebrate Mr. McDowell on Principal's Day. Our 1st grade students created a coloring page featuring his portrait, while a 4th grade class shared kind and welcoming notes. It was a wonderful way to show appreciation and bring smiles to the school community. We hope you enjoy the photos!   Open House Reminders and Schedule We are excited to welcome our families to campus for Open House. We hope you can join us! Parking Parking will be available on the lower lot basketball courts for all Open House events. Beyond the Bell Pick-Up Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: Pick-up will be in the bus lot (lower parking lot). Friday: Pick-up will be in the Upper Circle. Open House Schedule (5:00–6:00 PM) Monday, May 4: TK and Kindergarten Tuesday, May 5: 2nd Grade Wednesday, May 6: 1st Grade and 3rd Grade Thursday, May 7: Hillcrest Friday, May 8: 4th Grade and 5th Grade We look forward to seeing you and celebrating our students!   CAASPP Testing Begins Monday, May 4 Students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade will begin CAASPP testing on Monday, May 4. Testing schedules may vary by teacher. To help our Gravenstein Grizzlies do their best, please remind your child to: Read all directions carefully Take time to understand each question Check their answers before submitting Complete any skipped questions before finishing You can also help your child by making sure they: Get a good night’s sleep Eat a healthy breakfast Drink plenty of water Thank you for supporting our students as they show what they know!   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Field Trips: A Great Way to Finish the Year As we head into the final month of school, students are enjoying field trips that bring learning to life. These experiences help students explore, connect with their classmates, and create lasting memories. From local day trips to special activities, these opportunities are an important part of the school year. Donations are never required, but they help support transportation, activities, and overnight trip costs. Any support is appreciated and helps make these experiences possible for all students. 👇 If you are able, click your child’s grade level below to contribute. Thank you for helping make these final learning experiences so meaningful for our students! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Willcrest for a Day at Hillcrest Today, Hillcrest Middle School had a little extra fun as students and staff joined in a spirit day by dressing up like Principal Deeths. To make the day even more memorable, the Hillcrest sign was temporarily changed to “Willcrest,” adding to the laughter and excitement around campus. It was a great reminder of the strong sense of community and school spirit at Gravenstein. We hope you enjoy the photos!   Open House & Distinguished School Celebration – Thursday, May 7 Join us this Thursday for a fun and special evening at Hillcrest! 4:30 PM – Hillcrest Rock Band performs in the Duck Pond (main quad) 4:45 PM – Celebration for being named a California Distinguished School Food – Free BBQ with hot dogs, cotton candy, and snow cones (while supplies last) 5:00 PM – Open House begins Classrooms will be open for families to visit. Come see your student’s classrooms, meet our staff, and explore all that Hillcrest has to offer. We hope to see you there!   CAASPP Testing Schedule – Begins Monday, May 11 Starting Monday, May 11, all Hillcrest students will take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). We will follow a special bell schedule on testing days. Testing Schedule: Monday, May 11 – 8:30–10:30 AM (ELA) Tuesday, May 12 – 8:30–10:30 AM (ELA) Monday, May 18 – 8:30–10:30 AM (Math) Tuesday, May 19 – 8:30–10:30 AM (Math) How to Help Your Student Be Ready: Get a good night’s sleep Eat breakfast and drink water before school Arrive at school before 8:30 AM Avoid scheduling appointments during testing times Why These Tests Matter: CAASPP results help determine if students may need additional support in English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Math. This could include placement in a support class during the school day. High schools may also use this data for placement. Please encourage your student to do their best, read directions carefully, take their time, and check their work before submitting. Thank you for supporting your student during testing!   Apple Blossom Parade Fun   Color Run – Friday, May 15! Get ready for a fun and colorful event! Our Annual Color Run will take place on Friday, May 15. Fundraising Info: Donation pledge sheets will be sent home this week Turn in donations to the HMS Main Office (Ms. Jerie) Cash or check accepted For every $20 donated, students earn 1 raffle ticket Raffle Prizes Include: Front of the lunch line pass (end of this year + Trimester 1 next year) Costco pizza (10 winners, 1 pizza each) BBQ lunch for the winner + 6 friends (1 winner per grade) Pancake breakfast for the winner + 6 friends (1 winner per grade) Snow cone party for the winner + 6 friends (2 winners per grade) Open gym after school for the winner + up to 10 friends Lunch and a movie for the winner + up to 10 friends in a classroom! “Velvet Rope” dance pass for next school year (current 6th & 7th graders) - Includes admission to all dances next school year, plas front-of-the-line access for entry and the snack bar! PE Teacher for the Day—On a day that works for the rest of your teachers, you get to spend the day with Mr. Sotiras and co-teach PE with him! 8th grade graduation reserved front-row seating for 6 family members (One 8th Grade winner) Color Powder: $5 per bag Sold at lunch all week Cash or check (GPA) Note: Buying color powder does not earn raffle tickets. If you have questions, please see Mr. Deeths. Let’s make this a fun and memorable event for everyone!   Capture the Memories: Buy Your Yearbook! 📸 The school year is full of special moments. You can keep those memories forever by purchasing a 2025-2026 Yearbook! Pricing: Soft Cover: $15 Hard Cover: $20 How to Order: Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014223911784613 Use Passcode: 1014223911784613 Order yours today so you don't miss out!   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Celebrating Our 8th Grade Class: End-of-Year Events and Graduation We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their middle school journey. Below is the schedule of special events and important graduation information. Thursday, May 28 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags Vallejo A fun day to celebrate together. Monday, June 1 Graduation Practice (Required) All students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must attend school and take part in the practice. Early Release Day – Students dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Middle School blacktop Students must arrive at Hillcrest Hall by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Gravenstein Walk Students will wear their graduation gowns and travel by bus to Gravenstein Elementary School. They will walk through the halls, greeting and celebrating with staff and students as a way to say goodbye to their elementary school. Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Graduation Breakfast Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m. Location: Duck Pond Parents of graduating students are welcome to attend this special event. All-School Field Day Time: 10:15 a.m. Location: School field Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Information for Families The end of the school year is approaching, and graduation is almost here. A form was sent to families through ParentSquare on Monday, April 27. This form includes important information needed for the ceremony. All families of graduating students must complete the form by Friday, May 8. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our students and families. 8th Grade Graduation Post   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Ashland Field Trip Fun 7th Grade Families - Renaissance Faire Our 7th grade students are going on a fun field trip to the Renaissance Faire at Ragle Ranch Park on Thursday, May 14, 2026! Permission slips are now due. Please complete the digital permission slip as soon as possible using the ParentSquare button link below: Thank you for helping us make this a great experience for our students! 7th Grade Renaissance Faire Post Field Trips: A Great Way to Finish the Year As we head into the final month of school, students are enjoying field trips that bring learning to life. These experiences help students explore, connect with their classmates, and create lasting memories. From local day trips to special activities, these opportunities are an important part of the school year. Donations are never required, but they help support transportation, activities, and overnight trip costs. Any support is appreciated and helps make these experiences possible for all students. 👇 If you are able, click your child’s grade level below to contribute. Thank you for helping make these final learning experiences so meaningful for our students! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   The Museum of Sonoma County invites you to join us for the Second Saturday program on May 9, 2026. Free Admission All Day!! Drop-In Activities 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 museumsc.org This month celebrate the legacy of Punk music with our newest exhibition, Disturbing the Peace: Sonoma County's Early Punk Underground, through family-friendly punk themed activities! Activities include making DIY buttons and Zines. Play an instrument on the Museum stage!   Keystone's Youth Connections Day Camp (YCDC) is returning this Summer 2026 and this year they are expanding to seven exciting weeks of connection, creativity, and community for teens entering grades 7-12. Available at no cost depending on eligibility. Keystone Therapy & Training Services 4415 Sonoma Hwy., Suite B Santa Rosa, CA 95408 Website: www.keystone.love Phone: (707) 327-0909 See flyer for more information: English | Spanish   This summer, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is proud to launch their first RLS Creative Writing Summer Camp, a creative writing program designed specifically for rising 6th–8th grade students. The camp will run June 22–25 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with each day dedicated to a different genre of writing, including Poetry, Adventure, Nature and Travel Writing, and Horror. We are committed to ensuring access to this program for all students and are pleased to offer scholarships for those who may need financial support. This program is designed as an immersive creative experience rather than a traditional classroom. Students will work directly within the museum environment, using historical objects, storytelling traditions, and the Napa Valley landscape as inspiration for their writing. Through guided exercises, collaborative activities, and hands-on engagement, participants will explore different forms of expression while building confidence in their own voice. Students may enroll in individual days or participate in the full four-day experience. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be invited to headline our first Youth Writing Recital Night on June 26, sharing their work with family, peers, and the community. See this Flyer for more information.   The Fusion Teen Center was established to create a safe and fun environment for teens (6th through 12th grade) to hang out and connect with others after school. Location: 7433 Bodega Ave, at the Sebastopol Christian Church entrance across from Ives Park. Times: Open from 3 to 5PM Mondays through Thursdays Who is watching the teens? All volunteers will be background checked and interviewed. We take the safety of our youth very seriously. Is there a cost? No. The Teen Center is FREE! The only cost is for snacks that are available for purchase. What is offered at the teen center? There are lots of activities and games to choose from: Pool Table Ping Pong Foosball Video Games Corn Hole Movies Wi-Fi Snacks Is it religious? No. Even though it is hosted by Sebastopol Christian Church, the teen center is not religious. Everyone is welcome to attend. Want more information? Please contact Jim Matteri at jmatteri@sebschristian.com.   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) May 2026 Class Schedule May Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, May 03 2026

Monday Messages April 27, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages April 27, 2026   Give Your Favorite Teacher a Shout-Out! The Sonoma County Office of Education wants to hear from our students and families for Teacher Appreciation Week! They will be planning a series of radio ads with recordings of students or families talking about their favorite public school teachers. Families can call 707-522-2022 and leave a recorded message in English or Spanish, or email a recording file to communications@scoe.org. The person nominating a teacher should include their name and contact information, the teacher’s name, their school, and what makes them so great. Contact information will not be shared. The deadline to submit is April 29.    Hawks Summer Sports Camp for current 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders Hillcrest Athletics is excited to offer a Summer Sports Camp for incoming GUSD students in grades 5th, 6th, and 7th. Dates: July 6–10 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Hillcrest Middle School Cost: $200 Students will enjoy a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and flag football. Why join? Try multiple sports Get to know the Hillcrest campus and staff Meet new students and make friends Participate in outdoor games and team challenges Build skills, teamwork, and confidence Spots are limited and will fill quickly. Please register as soon as possible. Please use the button below to access the post with more information. For more information, please email the Athletic Director, Meggan Young at: myoung@gusdschools.org Hawks Sports Summer Camp Post   Jumpstart Update We’re excited to share that summer Jumpstart enrollment is now full across all grade levels- with over 200 students registered! Last year's enrollment peaked at 180 in each session, so this incredible interest was higher than we expected. Families may still join a waitlist using the following link: 2026 GUSD Jumpstart Registration We continue to work with our district auditor to ensure all state requirements related to ELOP programming are met. Any changes made to the programs are being done thoughtfully and intentionally, with a focus on maintaining high-quality opportunities for as many students as interested...while remaining fiscally responsible and operating within the ELOP funds allocated to the district by the state.   Beyond-the-Bell Registration for 2026-2027 Almost Here! We are currently in the process of updating daycare registration forms for the upcoming school year. As Beyond-The-Bell (BTB) is part of our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), we are working to ensure all programming remains aligned with new state requirements. We anticipate the updated forms will be available in mid-May. Notification will be shared through Monday Messages, and families with children currently enrolled in BTB will also receive an electronic copy directly. Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, April 29, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting Friday, May 22 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Emergency Day Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - 4th & 5th Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Gravenstein Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HIllcrest Open House Friday, May 15, 2pm - Hillcrest Color Run Friday, May 15, 6pm - Hillcrest School Dance Tuesday, May 19, 5pm - Hillcrest Band and Choir Concert   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   End-of-year sign-ups are live—don’t miss out! 🎉 Teacher & Staff Appreciation May 4-8 Our teachers and staff pour so much of themselves into our kids every single day—lifting them up, inspiring them, and creating a place where they feel seen, safe, and excited to learn. Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is our chance to give a little of that love back. Whether you’re able to volunteer your time or donate an item, every gesture—big or small—helps us celebrate the incredible people who make GUSD so special. Let’s come together to show our gratitude and remind them just how much they mean to our community. Sign up Here: Appreciation Week   Book Swap May 4, 5, 6 & 8th Ever dreamed of being a librarian—even just for an hour? Join us during Open House to sort books, help students and families browse, and match readers with their next favorite story. It’s a fun, easy way to pitch in and be part of the magic of helping kids discover books they’ll love. Sign up Here: Book Swap   Hillcrest Color Run May 15th Calling all Hillcrest families!! Come join the fun and get colorful with the Hawks on May 15th! We need volunteers to help keep our runners hydrated and cheer them on, or to lend a hand out on the track. It’s a high-energy, joy-filled event you won’t want to miss—come be part of the fun and help make it an unforgettable day! Sign up Here: HMS Color Run   Apple Faire Volunteers Needed! We’re so excited to team up again with the Gravenstein Apple Fair for a fun and festive way to fundraise for GPA!  August 8th & 9th 2:00–6:30 PM shifts Zero Waste Stations Help keep the fair green while soaking up all the apple-filled fun. Parent/child teams are welcome (older kiddos preferred), and training is provided! See a Zero Waste Station in action—and you might even spot familiar GUSD families!  Zero Waste - Gravenstein Apple Fair Bonus: Every volunteer gets a wristband for the whole weekend AND GPA earns funds thanks to you! Spots are limited, so grab your shift ASAP! You’ll receive full details from Farm Trails after signing up. *If plans change, please cancel on SignUpGenius as soon as possible so another family can join in the fun. Sign up Here: SignupGenius   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events Voting Board Member - Support and vote on key decisions GLP’s - Plan grade meet-ups and build community. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most—you’ll have full board support! Interested (or know someone who is)? Email:  wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs – we’d love to connect!   Want to know more about where your donations go? Follow along with our monthly newsletters throughout the school year! Each edition highlights our grant awards, fundraising progress, enrichment highlights and the many ways we’re supporting our school community—plus current volunteer opportunities and ways you can get involved with our nonprofit. Reach out to get added to our email list!   Events Calendar 📅 Want to stay in the loop?  Add GPA events directly to your calendar! Visit: https://wearegpa.com/gpa_events/ Click “subscribe to calendar” at the bottom of the page   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Shake Shack May 6th Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Read-A-Thon, May 11-22 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Yearbooks! Last day to buy: May 1, 2026 It's Time to Purchase Your Gravenstein Yearbook! https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/60601995 Soft Cover- 13.55 + tax Hard Cover- 20.85 + tax   Lost and Found! The Lost and Found pile is out of control! Please make sure to take a look for your students items and make sure to write your students name on clothing items! All Lost and Found will be donated on May 1st!   Open House is coming up! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm 5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm 5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Gravenstein Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall 5/19/26 - Hillcrest Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   7th Grade Ashland Trip: Tuesday Morning Departure Reminders Check-in will begin at 7:25 a.m. on Tuesday and will continue until the start of school. Each student must come to the check-in table with a parent or guardian. Lunch money will be collected at this time. Students need to bring a sleeping bag, a bath towel, and a pillow. Students need to bring $20 in a sealed plastic bag labeled with the student’s name. This money will be used to buy lunch on the return trip home. Please provide any additional spending money (for souvenirs and snacks) as cash or a prepaid Visa card. Students will not have access to cell phones for purchases. Students must bring a bag lunch or a pre-ordered school lunch for Tuesday. The group will not stop to buy lunch. Please make sure all items needed for the drive to Ashland are in the student’s backpack, not in their suitcase or duffel bag. This includes a water bottle, lunch, spending money, cell phone, and chargers. Thank you for helping your child prepare for this trip. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday morning.   CAASPP Testing Begins May 11 Starting Monday, May 11, all Hillcrest Middle School students will take the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). We will follow a special bell schedule on testing days. Testing Schedule: Monday, May 11: 8:30–10:30 a.m. (ELA) Tuesday, May 12: 8:30–10:30 a.m. (ELA) Monday, May 18: 8:30–10:30 a.m. (Math) Tuesday, May 19: 8:30–10:30 a.m. (Math) To help students do their best, please remind your student to: Get a good night of sleep Eat breakfast and drink water before school Arrive at school before 8:30 a.m. Avoid scheduling appointments during testing times CAASPP results help us understand each student’s progress. Scores may be used to determine if a student needs additional support in English Language Arts and/or Math during the school day. High schools may also use these results for class placement. We encourage all students to do their best. Please remind your student to read directions carefully, take their time, and check their answers before submitting the test. Thank you for supporting your student during testing.   Capture the Memories: Buy Your Yearbook! 📸 The school year is full of special moments. You can keep those memories forever by purchasing a 2025-2026 Yearbook! Pricing: Soft Cover: $15 Hard Cover: $20 How to Order: Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014223911784613 Use Passcode: 1014223911784613 Order yours today so you don't miss out!   Hillcrest Garden Club Join the new Garden Club at lunchtime on Tuesdays. Students who are interested can speak with Ms. Lavi (Garden Coordinator) or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to have students help plan, build, and grow our school garden.   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Small Donation, Big Help! ☕ Our School Office is still looking for cup donations for our students. If you are at the store this week, please consider picking up an extra pack for the school! We Need: Disposable hot/cold cups. Please Note: We cannot accept Styrofoam. Snack Size Ziplock Bags Where: Drop them off at the Hillcrest Main Office. We are so grateful for your help in keeping our students hydrated and happy!   8th Grade Promotion Speeches – Student Opportunity As we near the end of the year and look ahead to the 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony and Breakfast, we are inviting students who are interested in delivering speeches at these events. There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, April 28, in Room 10 for any students who are interested or would like to learn more. Sincerely, Mrs. Sporrer ksporrer@gusdschools.org   Celebrating Our 8th Grade Class: End-of-Year Events and Graduation We are excited to celebrate our 8th grade students as they complete their middle school journey. Below is the schedule of special events and important graduation information. Thursday, May 28 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags Vallejo A fun day to celebrate together. Monday, June 1 Graduation Practice (Required) All students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony must attend school and take part in the practice. Early Release Day – Students dismissed at 2:00 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Middle School blacktop Students must arrive at Hillcrest Hall by 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 Gravenstein Walk Students will wear their graduation gowns and travel by bus to Gravenstein Elementary School. They will walk through the halls, greeting and celebrating with staff and students as a way to say goodbye to their elementary school. Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Graduation Breakfast Time: 8:30–10:00 a.m. Location: Duck Pond Parents of graduating students are welcome to attend this special event. All-School Field Day Time: 10:15 a.m. Location: School field Minimum Day – Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Graduation Ceremony Information for Families The end of the school year is approaching, and graduation is almost here. A form will be sent to families through ParentSquare on Monday, April 27. This form includes important information needed for the ceremony. All families of graduating students must complete the form by Friday, May 8. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with our students and families.   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   The Fusion Teen Center was established to create a safe and fun environment for teens (6th through 12th grade) to hang out and connect with others after school. Location: 7433 Bodega Ave, at the Sebastopol Christian Church entrance across from Ives Park. Times: Open from 3 to 5PM Mondays through Thursdays Who is watching the teens? All volunteers will be background checked and interviewed. We take the safety of our youth very seriously. Is there a cost? No. The Teen Center is FREE! The only cost is for snacks that are available for purchase. What is offered at the teen center? There are lots of activities and games to choose from: Pool Table Ping Pong Foosball Video Games Corn Hole Movies Wi-Fi Snacks Is it religious? No. Even though it is hosted by Sebastopol Christian Church, the teen center is not religious. Everyone is welcome to attend. Want more information? Please contact Jim Matteri at jmatteri@sebschristian.com.   Join us for National Fentanyl Awareness Day Family • Hope • Prevention A community even to protect, inform and support together. Family Friednly • Education • Community Drive Activities for the Whole Family Face Painting & Kids Games Music NARCAN Training & Demos Safety & Prevention Resources Local Organizations & Support Food, Vendors & Giveaways Organizer: Micah's Hugs When: Wednesday, April 29th Time: 3 to 7 PM Where: Sebastopol Plaza, 6908 Weeks Way, Sebastopol Cost: Free and open to all ages Le'ts raise awareness, save lives, and support our community.   Jenner by the Sea Camp Who: Children ages 8 - 12 years old When: July 13-17, 2026 Where: Jenner Community Center Cost: $500 / camper for 5-day program (some partial scholarship funds available) Campers will explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on art and science! Please see the flyer / registration form for more information.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) April 2026 Class Schedule April Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Apr 26 2026

Monday Messages April 20, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages April 20, 2026   Superintendent's Message Our school community is incredibly grateful for the generosity of our families. Your donations—whether as a monthly commitment, contributions to our annual fundraisers, or one-time gifts—have an enormous impact on the quality and breadth of programming we are able to offer our students. Many of our enrichment classes and instructors are fully funded through these contributions, and all of our enrichment opportunities are strengthened by them. Simply put, without your support, we would not be able to provide the same diverse and engaging experiences that make our schools so special. At Gravenstein, donations help sustain programs in Music (Chorus, Band, and Classroom Music), Movement (Coach Paige, Mr. Brady, and Dance), Art, STEM, Spanish, and Gardening. At Hillcrest, your support funds 0 Period P.E., Music (Band, Chorus, and GarageBand), STREAM Lab, Drama, Art, and more. Now that tax season has passed and many families have a clearer picture of their household budgets, we invite you to consider making a contribution if you’re able. Every gift—at any level—makes a meaningful difference. To learn more or to donate, please visit the GPA website. Every contribution directly enhances our students’ educational experience—thank you for helping our programs thrive. GPA Donation Page   Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, April 22, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting Friday, May 22 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Emergency Day Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Gravenstein Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, April 23, 6pm - Hillcrest Dance Show Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HIllcrest Open House Friday, May 15, 2pm - Hillcrest Color Run Friday, May 15, 6pm - Hillcrest School Dance Tuesday, May 19, 5pm - Hillcrest Band and Choir Concert   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Hawks Summer Sports Camp for current 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders Hillcrest Athletics is excited to offer a Summer Sports Camp for incoming GUSD students in grades 5t, 6th, and 7th. Dates: July 6–10 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Hillcrest Middle School Cost: $200 Students will enjoy a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and flag football. Why join? Try multiple sports Get to know the Hillcrest campus and staff Meet new students and make friends Participate in outdoor games and team challenges Build skills, teamwork, and confidence Spots are limited and will fill quickly. Please register as soon as possible. Please use the button below to access the post with more information. For more information, please email the Athletic Director, Meggan Young at: myoung@gusdschools.org Hawks Sports Summer Camp Post   Gravenstein Parent Association   Want to know more about where your donations go? Follow along with our monthly newsletters throughout the school year! Each edition highlights our grant awards, fundraising progress, enrichment highlights and the many ways we’re supporting our school community—plus current volunteer opportunities and ways you can get involved with our nonprofit. Reach out to get added to our email list!   End-of-year sign-ups are live—don’t miss out! 🎉 Teacher & Staff Appreciation May 4-8 Our teachers and staff pour so much of themselves into our kids every single day—lifting them up, inspiring them, and creating a place where they feel seen, safe, and excited to learn. Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is our chance to give a little of that love back. Whether you’re able to volunteer your time or donate an item, every gesture—big or small—helps us celebrate the incredible people who make GUSD so special. Let’s come together to show our gratitude and remind them just how much they mean to our community. Sign up Here: Appreciation Week Book Swap May 4, 5, 6 & 8th Ever dreamed of being a librarian—even just for an hour? Join us during Open House to sort books, help students and families browse, and match readers with their next favorite story. It’s a fun, easy way to pitch in and be part of the magic of helping kids discover books they’ll love. Sign up Here: Book Swap Hillcrest Color Run May 15th Calling all Hillcrest families!! Come join the fun and get colorful with the Hawks on May 15th! We need volunteers to help keep our runners hydrated and cheer them on, or to lend a hand out on the track. It’s a high-energy, joy-filled event you won’t want to miss—come be part of the fun and help make it an unforgettable day! Sign up Here:  HMS Color Run Apple Faire Volunteers Needed! We’re so excited to team up again with the Gravenstein Apple Fair for a fun and festive way to fundraise for GPA!  August 8th & 9th 2:00–6:30 PM shifts Zero Waste Stations Help keep the fair green while soaking up all the apple-filled fun. Parent/child teams are welcome (older kiddos preferred), and training is provided! See a Zero Waste Station in action—and you might even spot familiar GUSD families!  Zero Waste - Gravenstein Apple Fair Bonus: Every volunteer gets a wristband for the whole weekend AND GPA earns funds thanks to you! Spots are limited, so grab your shift ASAP! You’ll receive full details from Farm Trails after signing up. *If plans change, please cancel on SignUpGenius as soon as possible so another family can join in the fun. Sign up Here:  SignupGenius   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events Voting Board Member - Support and vote on key decisions GLP’s - Plan grade meet-ups and build community. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most—you’ll have full board support! Interested (or know someone who is)? Email:  wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs – we’d love to connect!   Events Calendar 📅 Want to stay in the loop?  Add GPA events directly to your calendar! Visit: https://wearegpa.com/gpa_events/ Click “subscribe to calendar” at the bottom of the page   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Shake Shack May 6th Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Open House is coming up! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm 5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm 5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm   Yearbooks! Last day to buy: May 1, 2026 It's Time to Purchase Your Gravenstein Yearbook! https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/60601995 Soft Cover- 13.55 + taxT Hard Cover- 20.85 + tax   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Hillcrest Dance Showcase: April 23rd Please join us for our annual Dance Showcase! Students from both dance classes will perform many different dances. Event Details: Date: Thursday, April 23rd Time:  6:00 PM Location: Hillcrest Hall Price: $5.00 at the door We are very proud of our students' hard work. See you at the show!   🎺 Marching Band Fundraiser – Don’t Miss This Special Night! 🎶 Get ready for a fun night of music for the whole family! Mr. Pulley’s band, The King Street Giants, will be playing a rare all-ages show at HopMonk in Sebastopol on Saturday, May 2nd. To make the evening even more special, Mr. Burrows and friends will open the show! This event is more than just a concert — it’s an important fundraiser for our Hillcrest Marching Band. A large portion of every ticket sold will help support the band’s upcoming trip to Disneyland. This is their final big fundraiser, and every ticket makes a difference. 🎟️ Important: Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to get yours soon! 👉 Tickets available here: Order Tickets Now Thank you for supporting our talented students. We hope to see you there for a night of great music and community fun!   Lost & Found Reminder Please ask your student to check the Lost & Found for any missing items. All unclaimed items will be collected and donated at the end of the day on Friday, April 24. If your student is missing something, now is a great time to look!   Capture the Memories: Buy Your Yearbook! 📸 The school year is full of special moments. You can keep those memories forever by purchasing a 2025-2026 Yearbook! Pricing: Soft Cover: $15 Hard Cover: $20 How to Order: Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014223911784613 Use Passcode: 1014223911784613 Order yours today so you don't miss out!   Hillcrest Garden Club 🌱 Students are invited to join our new Garden Club during lunch on Tuesdays. If your student is interested, they can speak with Ms. Lavi (Garden Coordinator) or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to see students help grow and care for our new garden!   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Small Donation, Big Help! ☕ Our School Office is still looking for cup donations for our students. If you are at the store this week, please consider picking up an extra pack for the school! We Need: Disposable hot/cold cups. Please Note: We cannot accept Styrofoam. Snack Size Ziplock Bags Where: Drop them off at the Hillcrest Main Office. We are so grateful for your help in keeping our students hydrated and happy!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Renaissance Faire Date of Event: May 14, 2026 Class or Group Attending: 7th Grade Teacher or Leader: Ms. Clements & Mr. Collins Depart: 8:45AM Return: 3:00PM Description of Activities:  Attend a Renaissance Faire at Ragle Ranch park organized by a Twin Hills teacher. Students will walk through the park from station to station, enjoying a variety of activities. We eat lunch outdoors. What to Bring: A bag lunch or a pre-ordered school lunch. Water Bottle. Sunscreen. Layers for early morning fog and afternoon sun. COSTUMES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED! Method of Transportation: Transportation will be provided by West Sonoma County Transportation. Cost of Field Trip:  The District is asking for families to donate $20 for each student to cover the costs in this field trip. You can donate using the request button below. Permission Slip:  The digital permission slip is due May 4, 2026.  Please use the digital permission slip attached to this link: 7th Grade Renaissance Faire Post 7th Grade Ashland Trip – Important Attendance Information (Action Required) This message is only for families of 7th grade students who are NOT attending the Ashland, Oregon field trip (April 28 – May 1). If your child is attending the trip, no action is needed. Please email Ms. Jerie at jparks@gusdschools.org with your answer to this question: Will your child attend school, or stay home, during the dates of the Ashland trip? If your child WILL attend school: No independent study application is needed Your child will be marked present each day They will complete the independent study packet at school They will follow an alternate schedule If your child will stay home: You must apply for independent study to avoid unexcused absences Contact Ms. Jerie to complete the application Your child must pick up their work packet from the office the day before the trip For ALL students (attending school or staying home): The independent study packet is required It includes all subjects and will be graded It counts toward the trimester grade It is due Monday, May 4 Thank you for your prompt attention to this important information. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Join us for National Fentanyl Awareness Day Family • Hope • Prevention A community even to protect, inform and support together. Family Friednly • Education • Community Drive Activities for the Whole Family Face Painting & Kids Games Music NARCAN Training & Demos Safety & Prevention Resources Local Organizations & Support Food, Vendors & Giveaways Organizer: Micah's Hugs When: Wednesday, April 29th Time: 3 to 7 PM Where: Sebastopol Plaza, 6908 Weeks Way, Sebastopol Cost: Free and open to all ages Le'ts raise awareness, save lives, and support our community.   Jenner by the Sea Camp Who: Children ages 8 - 12 years old When: July 13-17, 2026 Where: Jenner Community Center Cost: $500 / camper for 5-day program (some partial scholarship funds available) Campers will explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on art and science! Please see the flyer / registration form for more information.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Free Girl Scout Unicorn Party taking place at Apple Blossom Elementary School on April 21st. This event is open to all families in the community and offers a fun, unicorn‑themed activity for youth while introducing them to local Girl Scout opportunities. For more information check out this flyer which is in both English and Spanish.   City Nature Challenge Santa Rosa A fun, free learning event for all ages!! Guest Leader is Biologist Dr. Dan Levitis. Discover plants, animals and insects in the Howarth Park eco-system. Learn the names of plants and animals you have wondered about. Contribute to a knowledge base that helps scientists and environmental activists protect the natural environment that supports us all. Enjoy fresh air, movement, and community with people who care. Space is Limited, register today. See this flyer for more information. Website Event Page You can also watch the two videos below for more information.   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) April 2026 Class Schedule April Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Apr 19 2026

Athletics Sports Summer Camp for Current 4th, 5th, a...

Hawks Summer Camp For current 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders Summer Sports Camp Spots Available for current GUSD 4th, 5th and 6th graders, but Going Fast! To hold your students' spot, pay the $200 registration fee using the form attached to this post. Just like our Athletics program at Hillcrest we will run almost completely on family donations. If you’re able to help sponsor another student’s enrollment or for the purchase of new equipment we would appreciate it! More details will come out soon! Thanks, Ms. Meggan Young

Thursday, Apr 16 2026

Monday Messages April 13, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages April 13, 2026   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, April 14, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting, All are Welcome! Wednesday, April 15, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting, All are Welcome! Wednesday, April 22, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Gravenstein Tuesday, April 14 - Class Picture Day Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm- 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, April 16, 6pm - Middle School Parent Night Thursday, April 23, 6pm - Hillcrest Dance Show Saturday, May 2 - Hillcrest Marching Band fundraiser at Hopmonk in Sebastopol Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   🍕Mombos Calling! Need a quick & easy dinner plan? Join us on April 15th from 3–8 PM and grab a delicious meal from Mombo’s Pizza in Sebastopol! Mombo’s will give back 25% of your bill to GPA. Just print the flyer (see below) or show it on your phone at checkout to support a great cause—dinner done and you’re giving back. Win-win!   Apple Faire Volunteers Needed! We’re so excited to team up again with the Gravenstein Apple Fair for a fun and festive way to fundraise for GPA!  August 8th & 9th 2:00–6:30 PM shifts Zero Waste Stations Help keep the fair green while soaking up all the apple-filled fun. Parent/child teams are welcome (older kiddos preferred), and training is provided! See a Zero Waste Station in action—and you might even spot familiar GUSD families!  Zero Waste - Gravenstein Apple Fair Bonus: Every volunteer gets a wristband for the whole weekend AND GPA earns funds thanks to you! Spots are limited, so grab your shift ASAP! You’ll receive full details from Farm Trails after signing up. *If plans change, please cancel on SignUpGenius as soon as possible so another family can join in the fun. Sign up Here:  SignupGenius   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Marketing Chair – Share our mission, highlight events, and celebrate our impact on Facebook and Instagram Event Chair Team – Help plan our fundraising and community events with our Event Chair and be part of the board Voting Board Member - Be part of the team, help where you can and vote on important board decisions GLP’s - Become a Grade Level Parent and plan grade level meet-ups to help build community in your grade and meet new parents! All while being more informed about GPA happenings. These roles truly help strengthen our school community. Experience is helpful – but heart, enthusiasm, and reliability matter most! You’ll be supported by an amazing board every step of the way. Interested (or know someone who is)? Email:  wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs – we’d love to connect!   📅 Events Calendar Want to stay in the loop? Add GPA events directly to your calendar! Visit: https://wearegpa.com/gpa_events/ Click “subscribe to calendar” at the bottom of the page   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Mombos Pizza, Sebastopol, April 15th 3-8pm Parent Only Event  *POSTPONED* Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Class Picture Day! Class Picture Day is this Tuesday, April 14th! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm  5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm  5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School! In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks. As we look ahead to the new school year, we wanted to share some important information: If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to complete new enrollment forms. All 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers, and see the classrooms. We are also happy to offer guided campus tours for families. If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653. You may also email Principal Deeths at wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions. Looking forward to an incredible school year! Will Deeths Hillcrest Middle School Principal   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to host an evening for parents of incoming middle school students. During this event, we will discuss the joys and challenges students may experience as they begin the next phase of their school journey. Date:  THIS Thursday, April 16 Time:  6:00 pm Location:  Hillcrest Middle School We hope you will join us!   Hillcrest Dance Showcase: April 23rd Please join us for our annual Dance Showcase! Students from both dance classes will perform many different dances. Event Details: Date:  Thursday, April 23rd Time:  6:00 PM Location:  Hillcrest Hall Price:  $5.00 at the door We are very proud of our students' hard work. See you at the show!   🎺 Marching Band Fundraiser – Don’t Miss This Special Night! 🎶 Get ready for a fun night of music for the whole family! Mr. Pulley’s band, The King Street Giants, will be playing a rare all-ages show at HopMonk in Sebastopol on Saturday, May 2nd. To make the evening even more special, Mr. Burrows and friends will open the show! This event is more than just a concert — it’s an important fundraiser for our Hillcrest Marching Band. A large portion of every ticket sold will help support the band’s upcoming trip to Disneyland. This is their final big fundraiser, and every ticket makes a difference. 🎟️ Important: Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to get yours soon! 👉 Tickets available here: Order Tickets Now Thank you for supporting our talented students. We hope to see you there for a night of great music and community fun!   Capture the Memories: Buy Your Yearbook! 📸 The school year is full of special moments. You can keep those memories forever by purchasing a 2025-2026 Yearbook! Pricing: Soft Cover: $15 Hard Cover: $20 How to Order: Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014223911784613 Use Passcode: 1014223911784613 Order yours today so you don't miss out!   Hillcrest Garden Club Come join the new Garden Club during lunchtime on Tuesdays, beginning March 31. Interested students can ask Ms. Lavi, the Garden Coordinator, or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to have more students involved in shaping and growing our new garden!   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Small Donation, Big Help! ☕ Our School Office is still looking for cup donations for our students. If you are at the store this week, please consider picking up an extra pack for the school! We Need: Disposable hot/cold cups. Please Note: We cannot accept Styrofoam. Snack Size Ziplock Bags Where: Drop them off at the Hillcrest Main Office. We are so grateful for your help in keeping our students hydrated and happy!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Ashland Trip – Important Attendance Information (Action Required) This message is only for families of 7th grade students who are NOT attending the Ashland, Oregon field trip (April 28 – May 1). If your child is attending the trip, no action is needed. Please email Ms. Jerie at jparks@gusdschools.org with your answer to this question: Will your child attend school, or stay home, during the dates of the Ashland trip? If your child WILL attend school: No independent study application is needed Your child will be marked present each day They will complete the independent study packet at school They will follow an alternate schedule If your child will stay home: You must apply for independent study to avoid unexcused absences Contact Ms. Jerie to complete the application Your child must pick up their work packet from the office the day before the trip For ALL students (attending school or staying home): The independent study packet is required It includes all subjects and will be graded It counts toward the trimester grade It is due Monday, May 4 Thank you for your prompt attention to this important information. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Join us for National Fentanyl Awareness Day Family • Hope • Prevention A community even to protect, inform and support together. Family Friednly • Education • Community Drive Activities for the Whole Family Face Painting & Kids Games Music NARCAN Training & Demos Safety & Prevention Resources Local Organizations & Support Food, Vendors & Giveaways Organizer: Micah's Hugs When: Wednesday, April 29th Time: 3 to 7 PM Where: Sebastopol Plaza, 6908 Weeks Way, Sebastopol Cost: Free and open to all ages Le'ts raise awareness, save lives, and support our community.   Jenner by the Sea Camp Who: Children ages 8 - 12 years old When: July 13-17, 2026 Where: Jenner Community Center Cost: $500 / camper for 5-day program (some partial scholarship funds available) Campers will explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on art and science! Please see the flyer / registration form for more information.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   The Adolescent Brain Class is Back! A 1 hour class for adults who love and care for tweens and teens. Learn: Why the teen brain is so different than the adult brain Tools and strategies to support your teen through this amazing, powerful stage in their lives That most of what makes you crazy about your teen is normal and they will probably grow out of it Ways to help adolescents help themselves When:  Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 PM Dates: April 16 Where: Twin Hills Middle School, Room 13, 1685 Watertrough rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Taught by Middle School Teacher Andrea Hagan (who is shocked that she has been teaching 7th grade for 30 years) Cost: Free (Donations accepted to cover materials, time, blood, sweat, and yes, some tears). Enrollment is limited to 20 Register at ahagan@sonic.net or text (707) 481-8213.   Free Girl Scout Unicorn Party taking place at Apple Blossom Elementary School on April 21st. This event is open to all families in the community and offers a fun, unicorn‑themed activity for youth while introducing them to local Girl Scout opportunities. For more information check out this flyer which is in both English and Spanish.   City Nature Challenge Santa Rosa A fun, free learning event for all ages!! Guest Leader is Biologist Dr. Dan Levitis. Discover plants, animals and insects in the Howarth Park eco-system. Learn the names of plants and animals you have wondered about. Contribute to a knowledge base that helps scientists and environmental activists protect the natural environment that supports us all. Enjoy fresh air, movement, and community with people who care. Space is Limited, register today. See this flyer for more information. Website Event Page You can also watch the two videos below for more information.   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) April 2026 Class Schedule April Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Apr 12 2026

Monday Messages April 6, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages April 6, 2026   Superintendent's Message One More Opportunity for Community Input on District Wellness Plan The GUSD Wellness Plan is designed to foster a safe, health-promoting environment that supports the personal, academic, and social success of every student. By integrating nutritious food access, regular physical activity, and community engagement, the policy ensures students can practice lifelong healthy habits throughout the school day. This framework establishes clear goals and oversight to maintain a high standard of well-being for our entire campus family. The Site Council has been working over the last two months on updating the Wellness Plan. Teachers (classroom and PE), Principals, Parents, Nutritional Services Staff, and Students from both sites were all part of the review. if you would like to provide additional input, please complete this Input Form.   Mark Your Calendars District Monday, April 6 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL, Emergency Day Tuesday, April 14, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting, All are Welcome! Wednesday, April 15, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting, All are Welcome! Wednesday, April 22, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Gravenstein Tuesday, April 14 - Grav - Class Picture Day Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - Grav - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - Grav - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - Grav - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - Grav - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Grav - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Grav - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - Grav - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, April 23, 6pm -Hillcrest Dance Show Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HMS - Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Events Calendar Want to stay in the loop on all our events?  Add GPA to your calendar! Just visit https://wearegpa.com/gpa_events/ and click “subscribe to calendar” at the bottom of the page.   🍕Mombos Calling! Need a quick & easy dinner plan? Join us on April 15th from 3–8 PM and grab a delicious meal from Mombo’s Pizza in Sebastopol! Mombo’s will give back 25% of your bill to GPA. Just print the flyer (see below) or show it on your phone at checkout to support a great cause—dinner done and you’re giving back. Win-win! (Flyers coming home this week)   Apple Faire Volunteers Needed! We’re so excited to team up again with the Gravenstein Apple Fair for a fun and festive way to fundraise for GPA! Join us August 8th & 9th for a 2:00–6:30 PM shift at the Zero Waste Stations—help keep the fair green while soaking up all the apple-filled fun.  Parent/child teams are welcome (older kiddos preferred), and training is provided! See a Zero Waste Station in action—and you might even spot one of our GUSD families from last year lending a hand!  Zero Waste - Gravenstein Apple Fair Bonus: Every volunteer gets a wristband for the whole weekend AND GPA earns funds thanks to you! Spots are limited, so grab your shift ASAP! You’ll hear from Farm Trails with all the details after signing up. If plans change, please cancel on SignUpGenius as soon as possible so another family can join in the fun.  Sign up using the following link: SignUpGenius   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Marketing Chair – Share our mission, highlight events, and celebrate our impact on Facebook and Instagram Event Chair Team – Help plan our fundraising and community events with our Event Chair and be part of the board Voting Board Member - Be part of the team, help where you can and vote on important board decisions GLP’s - Become a Grade Level Parent and plan grade level meet-ups to help build community in your grade and meet new parents! All while being more informed about GPA happenings. These roles play an important part in strengthening our school community. Experience is helpful, but heart, enthusiasm, and reliability matter most. You will have a board of wonderful people to help you ease into a role that suits you best. If you’re interested — or know someone who would be a great fit — please email wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs. We’d love to connect!   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Mombos Pizza, Sebastopol, April 15th 3-8pm Parent Only Event  *POSTPONED* Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Bubbles of Kindness Our campus came together in a joyful and meaningful way this week for our first “Bubbles of Kindness” celebration, honoring Autism Acceptance Month and Limb Loss & Limb Difference Acceptance Month. The courtyard was filled with laughter and floating bubbles as students and staff gathered to celebrate inclusion. After thoughtful classroom discussions, our all-school assembly created a strong sense of connection and shared purpose. The simple act of blowing bubbles together became a powerful symbol of kindness and acceptance. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Otterson and Mrs. Trivunovic for organizing such a special event. Your care and leadership made it truly memorable for our entire school community. We’re proud of our students for showing empathy and kindness, and we look forward to continuing this important work throughout the month.   April Fools! On April Fools’ Day I announced a very official-sounding “flood drill,” instructing all students to remove their socks and shoes and carefully climb onto their desks or tables to stay “safe.” The looks of confusion quickly turned into laughter as students realized they were part of an April Fools’ prank! It was a joy to see the entire school share the moment. Thank you to everyone for playing along and making it such a fun and memorable day. No actual flooding to report!   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm  5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm  5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   26-27 Open House and School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School! In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks. As we look ahead to the new school year, we wanted to share some important information: If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to complete new enrollment forms. Later this spring, we will email families a Google Form for students to sign up for their 6th grade electives. All 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers, and see the classrooms. We are also happy to offer guided campus tours for families. If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653. You may also email Principal Deeths at wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions. Looking forward to an incredible school year!   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to host an evening for parents of incoming middle school students. During this event, we will discuss the joys and challenges students may experience as they begin the next phase of their school journey. Date: Monday, April 16 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Middle School We hope you will join us!   Hillcrest Dance Showcase: April 23rd Please join us for our annual Dance Showcase! Students from both dance classes will perform many different dances. Event Details: Date: April 23rd Time: 6:00 PM Location: Hillcrest Hall Price: $5.00 at the door We are very proud of our students' hard work. See you at the show!   Capture the Memories: Buy Your Yearbook! 📸 The school year is full of special moments. You can keep those memories forever by purchasing a 2025-2026 Yearbook! Pricing: Soft Cover: $15 Hard Cover: $20 How to Order: Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014223911784613 Use Passcode: 1014223911784613 Order yours today so you don't miss out!   Hillcrest Garden Club Come join the new Garden Club during lunchtime on Tuesdays, beginning March 31. Interested students can ask Ms. Lavi, the Garden Coordinator, or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to have more students involved in shaping and growing our new garden!   Smile! Group Panoramic Photos are Coming 📸 Dear Families, We are excited to capture this year's memories! Our class and band panoramic photos will be taken the morning of Wednesday, April 8th. Thank you for considering a pre-order of these special group photos. Below you will find the specific instructions from the photographer on how to purchase your copy. Preordering Class and/or Band Photo Click this link to preorder:  https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001307112 Enjoy special discounted pricing. All pre ordered class photos will be conveniently delivered to the school. **If you have more than one student please be sure to order SEPARATELY for EACH STUDENT, so they receive the correct class photo. Ordering After Preordering has ended Packages will be shipped directly to your home (shipping fee applies). Special pre order pricing will no longer be available. Need Help? Phone: 707‑823‑6537 Email: hawkesschools@yahoo.com We look forward to capturing lasting memories for you and your student! Thank you, Hawkes School Portraits   Small Donation, Big Help! ☕ Our School Office is still looking for cup donations for our students. If you are at the store this week, please consider picking up an extra pack for the school! We Need: Disposable hot/cold cups. Please Note: We cannot accept Styrofoam. Where: Drop them off at the Hillcrest Main Office. We are so grateful for your help in keeping our students hydrated and happy!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Urgent: Final Deadline for Ashland Trip Medication Forms The deadline to submit medications your student will need during the Ashland field trip is April 7, 2026. This is the final date to ensure our school nurse can approve everything before we depart. Medication Requirements: A Medication Authorization Form must be completed for any medication your student will need on the trip. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The form can be found by clicking on the following link: Medication Authorization Form Please follow these steps for submission: Medications must be in the original prescription bottle or original packaging. Place the medication in a zip-lock bag labeled with your student’s name. Both the form and the medication must be turned in by April 7, 2026. If the Office Already Has Your Student’s Medication: If the HMS office already has your student’s medication and form on file, you still need to contact us. You may request a copy of the form to submit for the field trip and ask that the medication be separated. Please contact the HMS office to make this request immediately, as it will not be completed automatically. Field Trip Donations: Donations are still being accepted to help support this trip. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please use the green "7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now" button below. For full trip details, please see the ParentSquare post: 7th Grade Overnight Field Trip NOTE: If your student does not attend the Ashland field trip and does not attend school on campus, the days will count as unexcused absences. To avoid unexcused absences: Students may apply for Independent Study (forms available in the HMS Main Office), or Students may attend school on campus during the trip. They will receive an Independent Study packet and will have an alternative schedule with teacher support. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   School Garden Network of Sonoma County is offering two summer opportunities for students. Solarpunk Farms Program (Middle School Students): This program is designed specifically for middle school students and offers a hands-on learning experience focused on sustainability, gardening, and environmental stewardship. Junior Educator Program (Middle & High School Students): This opportunity is open to both middle and high school students and provides leadership development through leading activities, mentoring, and supporting garden-based education programs (can earn up to 30 service learning hours).   Sonoma County Office of Education's Behavioral Health & Well-being Department and the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center are excited to invite 7th-12th grade Sonoma County youth to a Youth GONA (Gathering of Native Americans). GONA is a culture-centered space designed for learning, connection, and wellness. Participants will experience and share cultural knowledge while exploring the themses of belonging, mastery, interdependence, and generosity—all in a safe and supportive environment. This is a wonderful oppurtunity to connect with others, celebrate Native culture, and support personal and community wellness. We hope many students can join us! If students are under 18, attendance will require a guardian signatures. WHEN: Thursday, May 7th and Friday, May 8th, 2026 TIME: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM each day. WHERE: California Indian Museum and Culteral Center, 5250 Aero Dr., Santa Rosa WHO: Sonoma County youth in grades 7-12 Please see this flyer for more information and the registration QR Code.   The Museum of Sonoma County invites you to join us for the Second Saturday program on April 11, 2026. Free Admission All Day!! Drop-In Activities 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 museumsc.org This month explore the exhibitions the museum has on view including a new exhibition featuring the history of Santa Rosa! We will be displaying rarely seen maps of the city, showcasing centuries of change and expansion. Aferwards check out our 36th Annual Artistry in Wood exhibition and get inspired to make your own leaf print.   Jenner by the Sea Camp Who: Children ages 8 - 12 years old When: July 13-17, 2026 Where: Jenner Community Center Cost: $500 / camper for 5-day program (some partial scholarship funds available) Campers will explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on art and science! Please see the flyer / registration form for more information.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   The Adolescent Brain Class is Back! A 1 hour class for adults who love and care for tweens and teens. Learn: Why the teen brain is so different than the adult brain Tools and strategies to support your teen through this amazing, powerful stage in their lives That most of what makes you crazy about your teen is normal and they will probably grow out of it Ways to help adolescents help themselves When:  Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 PM Dates: April 16 Where: Twin Hills Middle School, Room 13, 1685 Watertrough rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Taught by Middle School Teacher Andrea Hagan (who is shocked that she has been teaching 7th grade for 30 years) Cost: Free (Donations accepted to cover materials, time, blood, sweat, and yes, some tears). Enrollment is limited to 20 Register at ahagan@sonic.net or text (707) 481-8213.   Free Girl Scout Unicorn Party taking place at Apple Blossom Elementary School on April 21st. This event is open to all families in the community and offers a fun, unicorn‑themed activity for youth while introducing them to local Girl Scout opportunities. For more information check out this flyer which is in both English and Spanish.   City Nature Challenge Santa Rosa A fun, free learning event for all ages!! Guest Leader is Biologist Dr. Dan Levitis. Discover plants, animals and insects in the Howarth Park eco-system. Learn the names of plants and animals you have wondered about. Contribute to a knowledge base that helps scientists and environmental activists protect the natural environment that supports us all. Enjoy fresh air, movement, and community with people who care. Space is Limited, register today. See this flyer for more information. Website Event Page You can also watch the two videos below for more information.   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) April 2026 Class Schedule April Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Apr 05 2026