Monday Messages October 12, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages October 12, 2026 Safety First: Great ShakeOut Drill This Week Safety is our top priority. This week, students and staff across both of our school campuses will participate in the annual Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. During this drill, our schools will practice the standard response protocol—Drop, Cover, and Hold On—and review our emergency evacuation procedures. These regular drills help our students and staff feel confident and prepared in the event of a real emergency. This is also a wonderful opportunity to discuss earthquakes and other emergencies with your children at home. Just as our teachers talk with their students when we prepare for safety drills, we encourage you to take a few minutes this week to talk at home to: Identify safe spots in each room of your house (under sturdy furniture or against interior walls). Review your emergency contact list and meeting locations with your children. Check your home emergency supply kit (water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and first-aid supplies). Thank you for partnering with us to keep our schools safe and prepared. Thanks to all who made the first GPA Fall Festival such a huge success! Mark Your Calendars District Monday, October 12 — NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People's Day Wednesday, October 14 - GPA Dine and Donate with Mombo's Pizza Sebastopol Tuesday, October 20, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 6pm - GPA Meeting Wednesday, October 28, 3:30pm - GUSD Site Council Friday, October 30, 5:30-7:30pm - GPA-sponsored Skate Night at CalSkate Gravenstein Friday, October 23 - Jog-A-Thon Friday, October 30 - Halloween Parade Hillcrest Friday, October 30, 6pm - Halloween Dance 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. Don’t Miss a Thing! Be Sure to Read the Entire Monday Message Monday Messages are full of important school updates, upcoming events, reminders, and announcements. But did you know that sometimes your email or ParentSquare app may only show part of the message? If you see “[Message clipped] View entire message” at the bottom of your email or message (see image below), be sure to click “View entire message” to read the rest! Some families may not realize there is more information below what they can initially see. This means important announcements later in the Monday Message could be missed. A quick reminder: Whenever you receive our Monday Messages, take a moment to check for the “View entire message” link so you don't miss important news and updates from our schools. Thank you for staying connected and helping us keep our school community informed! WHAT'S NEW at Get to Know Our Gravenstein Staff! At Gravenstein, we have an incredible group of educators whose dedication, care, and enthusiasm make our school community so vibrant! Each week, we will be featuring a warm spotlight on one of our teachers, giving you a glimpse into their background, favorite things, and the happenings in their classroom community. This week, we are proud to spotlight another one of our amazing teachers. Important Drop Off Note for Friday, 10/16/26 To accommodate for a Field Trip - All Drop Off will happen on the upper lot on Friday, 10/16. Please plan accordingly and be patient! October School Events: 10/23 - Jog-a-thon - Students will be participating in the Jog-a-Thon at their Grade Level time! Please make sure to send your students in appropriate clothing (t-shirt provided), shoes for running, and a water bottle! 10/30 - Halloween Parade - Gravenstein Costume Parade Families are invited to attend Gravenstein’s Halloween costume parades on Friday, October 30! 9:00 a.m.: TK, Kindergarten, First, and Second grades Students will parade around the upper yard and track, with families and third through fifth grade classes serving as the audience. 11:00 a.m.: Third, Fourth, and Fifth grades Students will follow the same route, with families and TK through second grade classes serving as the audience. Parents and guests should go directly to the track upon arrival. Photos, posters, bubbles, and decorations are welcome! Costume Guidelines Students in TK through Fifth grade may wear costumes for the parade and classroom celebrations. Please select costumes appropriate for a school setting and suitable for the youngest students, including four year old TK students. Costumes must be safe and must not be offensive or overly frightening. Horror movie characters, bloody wounds, and makeup depicting injuries are not appropriate. Costume props and weapons of any kind are not permitted, including toy guns, knives, swords, and scythes. Students wearing costumes deemed inappropriate may be asked to change or may be unable to participate in the parade. For questions about costume choices, please contact Mr. McDowell at mmcdowell@gusdschools.org. Thank you for helping make Halloween a fun and welcoming celebration for all students! Saying Morning Goodbyes: Dear Gravenstein Families, To help ensure a safe and smooth start to the school day, all morning goodbyes must take place in the courtyard (or at the Rainbow gate for TK). Parents, guardians, and other visitors are not permitted in the hallways or classroom areas. Please follow the posted signage and remain within the designated areas. For students having difficulty saying goodbye, support is available in the school office. Families may bring students to the office, where staff can help with the transition to class. Thank you for respecting school policy and helping create a welcoming, secure campus for all students. Please contact the school office with any questions. 27-28 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 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary Gravenstein Parent Association Gravenstein Jog-a-Thon T-Shirt Contest! Our Gravenstein students are AMAZING artists! We had so many incredible drawings to choose from, making this a very difficult decision. Thank you to every student who shared their creativity with us! Please enjoy this video showcasing all of the wonderful entries (scan the QR code to see the video). **Congratulations to Laia M.**, a 4th grader in Mrs. Stevens’ class! Her artwork was selected to be featured on this year’s Jog-a-Thon shirts! **Congratulations to our runners-up!** Kissy S.& Audra J., 5th Grade, Mrs. Martinez’s class Abigail C., 5th Grade Leonardo O., 5th Grade Madi M., 5th Grade We are so proud of all our talented Gravenstein artists! Thank you for sharing your creativity with our school community! GROW GRIZZLIES GROW Colorful Steps, Big Impact Our Annual Jog-a-Thon is October 23rd—and we’re stepping up for enrichments & school support! Get ready to jog, skip, dance and giggle your way around the track! This colorful event helps raise funds for the programs that make learning come alive—like music, STEM, gardening, art and more. But this isn’t just about jogging/walking—it’s about raising donations to make enrichments happen! Here's how to join the fun: Get hyped! Use the paper pledge form sent home this week OR create a Pledge Star account and start collecting pledges from family, friends, neighbors—anyone who wants to support our school. (Paper Pledge below) Pledges can be per lap or a flat donation—every dollar helps fuel the fun! Come watch the kids on the big day—your cheers will keep the energy up! Jog-A-Thon SignupGenius Earn awesome prizes and be a champion for your school! (Prize flyer below!) Wear your most colorful gear and bring your biggest smile—we’re turning the track into a fun-filled event! Expect music, cheering squads, bubbles and high fives all day long. So get moving, get pledging, and let’s make a colorful impact—together! Click the following links for more information about prizes and for the pledge form. Jog-A-Thon Prize information Jog-A-Thon Pledge Form THIS WEDNESDAY Oct. 14! - Plan for dinner at Mombo’s Invite friends, grandparents and neighbors. Every order helps! Pizza for a Cause: Mombo’s Dine & Donate A whopping 25% of every order will go to GPA. Your support funds GUSD enrichment programs and teacher support, which bring Art, STEM, Movement, Gardening and more to every Gravenstein & Hillcrest student. Dinner is done for Wednesday. Participate in any of the following ways: Dine in, pick up, take out, or delivery. (All four count!) In the restaurant or by phone, mention the GPA Dine & Donate before you order. Online at www.mombospizza.com, enter code D&DONLINE at checkout. Mombo's Pizza Sebastopol, 560 Gravenstein Highway N, (707) 823-7492. Want to Be in the KNOW? Sign up for GPA News! Want to keep up with GPA events and happenings without the endless scrolling?? We are starting up our newsletter again so you can see more of GPA news. For those in the know and those that gave us your email address you will find our newsletter every month. The newsletter incorporates all of our events including GLP events and information from our meetings. We also provide updates to events throughout the month. If you want to be in the know send us your email address and we can get you on the list! Email us at: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Online Auction Team Needs YOUR HELP! Please help! We need several parent volunteers to join our online auction committee this year! All assistance can be done from the comfort of your computer. Procure items, send thank you notes, send tax forms? Anything helps! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we need your help. Email: fthieriot@gmail.com for details and to join the committee. Thank You to Our 2026-27 Business Sponsors! Sidecar Mercantile Santa Rosa Tile OnTop Weather Roofing, Inc KPM Property Management & Real Estate DMG Landscaping Inc Aquatic Resource Management Recology Land of the Good Hygge Holistic Massage Hill Park Medical Center TCW Equipment Napa Nuts We are grateful and excited to have their support. Join us in giving back to them whenever you can. Upcoming Events Mombo’s Dine & Donate: Weds. Oct. 14 Jog-A-Thon: Friday Oct 23rd (Jog A Thon Sign Up Genius) Skate Night: Friday, Oct 30th Event Calendar Link: https://canva.link/sbpowzdzuh513zj Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 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 🎭 Musical Auditions: Seussical Jr. Get ready to step into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss! This year’s spring musical is Seussical Jr., and all Hillcrest Middle School students are invited to participate! Students interested in auditioning for a speaking or singing role should prepare a brief solo that showcases their vocal ability. Your song does not need to be from Seussical Jr. Please bring a karaoke or accompaniment track to use during your audition. Interested in joining the ensemble? No song preparation is needed! You can simply sing “Happy Birthday” or read an audition side. Whether you love the spotlight or want to be part of an amazing ensemble, we hope you’ll consider joining the fun! Auditions will be Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20, 3:30-5:00 PM in the music room (Students only need to attend one audition day) Life Skills & Spud Club: Help Keep the Kitchen Cooking! Things are sizzling in our Life Skills and Spud Club classes! Students have been whipping up all kinds of delicious creations, from French fries, ramen, and cookies to fried zucchini and pancakes. Along the way, they’re building valuable culinary skills and enjoying the fruits (and fries!) of their labor. To keep the kitchen stocked and the cooking adventures going, we could use donations of the following items: Cooking & Baking Essentials Cooking Oils: Olive, vegetable, avocado, and butter Eggs (always needed for baking!) Pancake mix Kosher salt and black pepper White and brown sugar Pantry Staples Canned beans Canned tuna Canned tomatoes Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard Kitchen Supplies Paper plates Paper napkins Compostable forks Thank you for helping our students learn, create, and enjoy time in the kitchen! We appreciate your generosity and support. With thanks, Ms. Reed, Mr. Ty, and Ms. Garcia 8th Grade Families: High School Information Attention, 8th grade families! There are lots of exciting things happening as our students begin looking ahead to high school. We’ve created a separate post with upcoming high school showcases, information nights, important dates, and other opportunities just for our 8th graders. Check it out and mark your calendars for the events that are important to your family! View the 8th Grade Info Post Attendance Matters! Regular attendance is important for student learning and success. It is vital that our students miss as little school as possible. Please make every effort to have your student at school each day and ready to learn. If your student is unable to attend school, please contact the Hillcrest Main Office and provide the reason for the absence. If your family has a trip planned that cannot be scheduled during a school vacation, please be sure to contact the Main Office about an Independent Study option before the trip. Thank you for helping your student attend school as regularly as possible. Every school day matters! Hillcrest Weekly Reminders Hillcrest Field Trip Information Support 6th and 7th Grade Field Trips Our 6th and 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Family donations help cover the cost of these trips and make it possible for us to continue offering them to all students. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th 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 Sonoma Academy is hosting Parenting in Practice, a day designed for parents and caregivers who are navigating the wonderfully complicated work of raising kids right now. They are brining together some terriffic voices - including Dan Lerner, Devorah Heitner, Jason Craige Harris, and Lori Getz — for practical, thoughtful conversations about raising good humans in a rapidly changing world. Where: Sonoma Academy, 2500 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa, CA When: Saturday, October 24 Time: 9 am to 3 pm Cost: $10 General Admission (includes all sessions, plus coffee, pasteries, and lunch Scan the QR code on the flyer below to purchase in advance or buy at the door. 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, Oct 11 2026

Monday Messages October 5, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages October 5, 2026 Mark Your Calendars District Friday, October 9, 5-7:30pm - Heritage and Harvest Festival in Gravenstein MPR (see GPA section for more info) Monday, October 12 — NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People's Day Wednesday, October 14 - GPA Dine and Donate with Mombo's Pizza Sebastopol Tuesday, October 20, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 6pm - GPA Meeting Wednesday, October 28, 3:30pm - GUSD Site Council Friday, October 30, 5:30-7:30pm - GPA-sponsored Skate Night at CalSkate Gravenstein Friday, October 23 - Jog-A-Thon Friday, October 30 - Halloween Parade Hillcrest Friday, October 9 — Picture Day Friday, October 30, 6pm - Halloween Dance 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. WHAT'S NEW at Get to Know Our Gravenstein Staff! At Gravenstein, we have an incredible group of educators whose dedication, care, and enthusiasm make our school community so vibrant! Each week, we will be featuring a warm spotlight on one of our teachers, giving you a glimpse into their background, favorite things, and the happenings in their classroom community. This week, we are proud to spotlight another one of our amazing teachers. October School Events: 10/23 - Jog-A-Thon Students will be participating in the Jog-a-Thon at their Grade Level time! Please make sure to send your students in appropriate clothing (t-shirt provided), shoes for running, and a water bottle! 10/30 - Halloween Parade Gravenstein Costume Parade Families are invited to attend Gravenstein’s Halloween costume parades on Friday, October 30! 9:00 a.m.: TK, Kindergarten, First, and Second grades Students will parade around the upper yard and track, with families and third through fifth grade classes serving as the audience. 11:00 a.m.: Third, Fourth, and Fifth grades Students will follow the same route, with families and TK through second grade classes serving as the audience. Parents and guests should go directly to the track upon arrival. Photos, posters, bubbles, and decorations are welcome! Costume Guidelines Students in TK through Fifth grade may wear costumes for the parade and classroom celebrations. Please select costumes appropriate for a school setting and suitable for the youngest students, including four year old TK students. Costumes must be safe and must not be offensive or overly frightening. Horror movie characters, bloody wounds, and makeup depicting injuries are not appropriate. Costume props and weapons of any kind are not permitted, including toy guns, knives, swords, and scythes. Students wearing costumes deemed inappropriate may be asked to change or may be unable to participate in the parade. For questions about costume choices, please contact Mr. McDowell at mmcdowell@gusdschools.org. Thank you for helping make Halloween a fun and welcoming celebration for all students! Saying Morning Goodbyes: Dear Gravenstein Families, To help ensure a safe and smooth start to the school day, all morning goodbyes must take place in the courtyard (or at the Rainbow gate for TK). Parents, guardians, and other visitors are not permitted in the hallways or classroom areas. Please follow the posted signage and remain within the designated areas. For students having difficulty saying goodbye, support is available in the school office. Families may bring students to the office, where staff can help with the transition to class. Thank you for respecting school policy and helping create a welcoming, secure campus for all students. Please contact the school office with any questions. 27-28 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 Support Student Field Trips Our teachers have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the grade level button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. The rest of the grade field trip donation buttons will be coming soon! No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Family donations help cover the cost of these trips and make it possible for us to continue offering them to all students. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary WHAT'S NEW at Picture Day is Coming! Say cheese, HMS! Picture Day is October 9th! Students will have their pictures taken during their PE classes. Please keep an eye out for the picture order forms that were sent home with students on Friday. Be sure to take a look and get those orders in if you’d like to capture this year’s HMS memories! We can’t wait to see all those smiles! Lunchtime Change! We’re making a little change to lunchtime at HMS! Starting Monday, October 5th, all grade levels will be eating and playing together during lunch. Once students finish eating, they’ll have a choice: head out to the blacktop for some playtime or hang out in the Duck Pond. Students can go to the blacktop as soon as they are finished with lunch. We’re excited to give our students a little more flexibility and a chance to enjoy lunchtime together! Life Skills & Spud Club Need Your Help! Our Life Skills and Spud Club students have been cooking up a storm! From French fries and ramen to cookies, fried zucchini, and pancakes, our students are learning a variety of culinary skills—and happily devouring their creations along the way! To keep the kitchen stocked and the cooking going, we could use some donations of the following items: Cooking oils: Olive, vegetable, avocado, and butter Eggs — we always need eggs for baking! Pancake mix Kosher salt and black pepper White and brown sugar Canned beans Canned tuna Canned tomatoes Ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard Paper plates Paper napkins Compostable forks Thank you so much for supporting our students and helping keep these hands-on learning experiences going! We truly appreciate your generosity. Ms Reed, Mr. Ty, and Ms Garcia 8th Grade Families: High School Information Attention, 8th grade families! There are lots of exciting things happening as our students begin looking ahead to high school. We’ve created a separate post with upcoming high school showcases, information nights, important dates, and other opportunities just for our 8th graders. Check it out and mark your calendars for the events that are important to your family! View the 8th Grade Info Post 📱 Cell Phones & Electronic Devices This is a reminder that cell phones and other electronic devices must remain put away while students are on campus. Cell phones must be turned off and put away from the time students arrive on campus. Students may use their cell phones to contact a parent or guardian only with permission from the Main Office. Earbuds, headphones, and other electronic devices may not be used at any time on campus. Violations of the cell phone and electronic device policies may result in disciplinary action. Thank you for helping us support a focused learning environment at Hillcrest! Hillcrest Weekly Reminders Hillcrest Field Trip Information Support 6th and 7th Grade Field Trips Our 6th and 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Family donations help cover the cost of these trips and make it possible for us to continue offering them to all students. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th 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 Gravenstein Parent Association The GPA Newsletter is Back! Want to keep up with GPA events and happenings without the endless scrolling?? Stay in the know with GPA news, upcoming events, GLP events, meeting updates, and more—all in one place! Already on our list? Check your inbox soon! Want to be added? Send us your email and we’ll get you on the list! Email us at: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Online Auction Team Needs YOUR HELP! Please help! We need several parent volunteers to join our online auction committee this year! All assistance can be done from the comfort of your computer. Procure items, send thank you notes, send tax forms? Anything helps! This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we need your help. Email: fthieriot@gmail.com for details and to join the committee. Heritage & Harvest Festival - October 9 Join us for our Heritage & Harvest Festival, a fun-filled evening celebrating harvest with the many cultures and traditions within our GUSD community! Come enjoy games, friends, and festive harvest activities inspired by traditions from around the world, including Día de los Muertos, Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival), and more! Plus a taco truck!!!! Donate & Volunteer here: Heritage & Harvest Festival Sign Up Pizza for a Cause: Wednesday, October 14 Invite friends, grandparents and neighbors. Every order helps! Mombo's Pizza Sebastopol is hosting a Dine & Donate for the GPA! Mombo's gives 25% of every participating order to GPA. The money funds ENRICH! for All, the program that brings Art, STEM, Movement, Gardening and more to every Gravenstein student. How to take part: Dine in, pick up, take out, or delivery. (All four count!) In the restaurant or by phone, mention the GPA Dine & Donate before you order. Online at www.mombospizza.com, enter code D&DONLINE at checkout. Mombo's Pizza Sebastopol, 560 Gravenstein Highway N, (707) 823-7492. JOG-A-THON is COMING! One of our biggest fundraisers of the year!! SAVE THE DATE. Gravenstein Elementary: your chance to run, walk, skip, or dance for your school is coming up soon! Parents who want to be a part of this special day please sign up: Jog-A-Thon SignupGenius Thank You to Our 2026-27 Business Sponsors! Corporate sponsorship for this school year has wrapped up. When you need a service, look to our community first. When we support them, they are in turn able to support us. Unique, cool, and thoughtful Home Goods and Gifts? Sidecar Mercantile Ceramic tile for your next remodel? Santa Rosa Tile Need a roof? OnTop Weather Roofing, Inc Property management or real estate? KPM Property Management & Real Estate A new landscape or patio? DMG Landscaping Inc Do you need pond, lake or reservoir care? Aquatic Resource Management Recycling and compost service? Recology A cool, comfortable, local coworking space with onsite childcare? Land of the Good A massage for those tense shoulders? Hygge Holistic Massage Curious about integrative medicine? Hill Park Medical Center A pump or filtration system for making wine, spirits, or beer? TCW Equipment Nuts for a charcuterie board? Napa Nuts We are grateful and excited to have their support. Join us in giving back to them whenever you can. Upcoming Events Heritage & Harvest Festival: Friday Oct 9th (Heritage & Harvest Sign Up Genius) Mombo’s Dine & Donate: Weds. Oct. 14 Jog-A-Thon: Friday Oct 23rd (Jog A Thon Sign Up Genius) Skate Night: Friday, Oct 30th Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 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 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 Sonoma Academy is hosting Parenting in Practice, a day designed for parents and caregivers who are navigating the wonderfully complicated work of raising kids right now. They are brining together some terriffic voices - including Dan Lerner, Devorah Heitner, Jason Craige Harris, and Lori Getz — for practical, thoughtful conversations about raising good humans in a rapidly changing world. Where: Sonoma Academy, 2500 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa, CA When: Saturday, October 24 Time: 9 am to 3 pm Cost: $10 General Admission (includes all sessions, plus coffee, pasteries, and lunch Scan the QR code on the flyer below to purchase in advance or buy at the door. 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, Oct 04 2026

Monday Messages September 28, 2026

Monday Messages September 28, 2026 The Hillcrest Garden Gazebo is Complete! Thank you to Gravenstein parent Sean Mahre and Hillcrest student volunteers (Jackson, Rashit, Caiden, Lucas, Ely, and Emmanuel) for their Friday morning work building the garden gazebo roof. Even though it was not a school day for the students, these six boys arrived by 8:00AM ready to work! Mark Your Calendars District Friday, October 9, 5-7:30pm - Heritage and Harvest Festival in Hillcrest Hall (info below) Monday, October 12 — NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People's Day Tuesday, October 20, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 6pm - GPA Meeting Wednesday, October 28, 3:30pm - GUSD Site Council Friday, October 30, 5:30-7:30pm - GPA-sponsored Skate Night at CalSkate Gravenstein Friday, October 23 - Jog-A-Thon Hillcrest Friday, October 9 — Picture Day Friday, October 30, 6pm - Halloween Dance 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. WHAT'S NEW at Get to Know Our Gravenstein Staff! At Gravenstein, we have an incredible group of educators whose dedication, care, and enthusiasm make our school community so vibrant! Each week, we will be featuring a warm spotlight on one of our teachers, giving you a glimpse into their background, favorite things, and the happenings in their classroom community. This week, we are proud to spotlight another one of our amazing teachers. New This Year: Your Child Has a Library Card — The Student OneCard! Library Card Update We found that the accounts for the library card were not working and that has now been fixed. As a reminder about the library card, please see the information below: We're excited to share that our district is now partnering with the Sonoma County Library to give students free, easy access to library resources through the Student OneCard Program. What is it? Most students are automatically enrolled — no sign-up needed. Using their student ID number, your child now has their own Sonoma County Library account (unless you opted out during online registration). This account works for: eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and more — available 24/7 on the library's website Free one-on-one homework tutoring in English and Spanish, in all major subjects Requesting books from partner libraries, including academic collections The library also waives up to two lost or damaged items per account, per school year — after that, normal replacement fees apply. How to Log In at sonomalibrary.org Go to sonomalibrary.org For the library card number, enter your school's prefix followed by your student ID (example: grav1234) For the PIN, use birth month/day instead (ex. 0914 - September 14th) Don't know your student ID? Ask your teacher! What's NOT Included A Student OneCard does not allow checkout of video games, ChromeKits, or hotspots, and does not include access to Discover & Go or LinkedIn Learning. Families wanting full library access can get a free general library card at any branch. As always, parents are responsible for supervising their children's use of library resources. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions What information does the school share with the library? The district shares your child's name, school name, student ID, school address/phone, and date of birth. The library never shares student information back. What if my child already has a regular library card? Even better! We encourage students to have both. The Student OneCard simply adds more resources to support learning — either card works for school and home use. What if I want my child to have full library access? A general Sonoma County Library card (available at any branch) offers complete access to all services and materials. What if I don't want my child in the program? You can opt out anytime. Download, print, sign, and return the form to school: 📄 Opt-Out Form (English) 📄 Formulario de Exclusión (Español) Note: Students who opt out can still take part in classroom library activities only if they have their own general Sonoma County Library card and know their card number and PIN. Questions? Reach out to your child's school office anytime. We're grateful for this partnership with Sonoma County Library and the extra learning support it brings to our students! Wednesday Early Release Days Parents: Please Arrive During Your Assigned Pickup Window Please do not arrive early for pickup. Only use your designated pickup window. Arriving early blocks traffic and prevents other parents from reaching their children. This past week, several parents arrived too early and blocked access for our Kinder and TK families. This caused confusion, delays, and tears for some of our youngest students. Thank you for helping us keep pickup safe and on time for everyone. Reminder: Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Trading Cards Are Not Allowed at School Please remember that all toys, stuffed animals, and trading cards are not permitted at school. This includes items like: Labubu Pokémon cards and similar collectibles. These items can be distracting during learning time and may get lost or damaged. *Unless you receive permission from classroom teachers* Squishies & Fidgets: Many of these items are marketed as tools for students to hold focus in the classroom, but are often toys. Students have a real hard time using them as tools, and not toys. If your student benefits from using a fidget to focus, it should first be practiced at home, then in the classroom. Please communicate with your classroom teacher if your student benefits from a fidget. Fidgets must be approved by the teacher. "Home things stay at home, school things come to school." We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the school environment focused and respectful for everyone. 27-28 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 Support Student Field Trips Our teachers have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the grade level button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. The rest of the grade field trip donation buttons will be coming soon! No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Family donations help cover the cost of these trips and make it possible for us to continue offering them to all students. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary WHAT'S NEW at Dallas Brass: An American Musical Journey Get ready for a fun night of music! Dallas Brass is coming to Analy High School for an exciting musical journey across America. The concert will feature performances by the Dallas Brass, along with the Analy High School and Hillcrest Middle School Bands. Join us for this special evening of music and support our talented student musicians! Thursday, October 1, 2026 • 6:00 PM Analy High School Auditorium 🎟️ Tickets: $15 pre-sale | $20 at the door Get your tickets here: Ticket Sales No Selling Items on Campus It has come to our attention that, over the course of the school year, several students have been selling food and drinks on campus. School rules prohibit students from selling items on campus. As a reminder to our families, students should not sell items on campus unless the sale is part of a school group activity or involves school-approved items, such as event tickets, Spirit Wear, or other specialty items. Beyond the Bell at Hillcrest We are having many questions regarding rules at Hillcrest Beyond the Bell. Just like in years past, we do not allow cell phone usage, selling or trading of belongings, soda, candy, energy drinks, or Chromebook usage outside of designated homework time. We expect students attending BTB to check in within 5 minutes after school is over and respect the directions of all of our BTB staff members. We will continue to provide a safe space for your students to get homework completed, have an after-school snack, enjoy playground time, and socialize. We allow BTB-enrolled student-athletes to check in/check out for both practices and games during our sports seasons, allowing parents to only have to pick up one time. If you need to get a hold of your student in BTB, please call our BTB cell phone at 707-230-4227. Reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thank you, Ms. Meggan Young BTB ELOP Manager myoung@gusdschools.org Office Donations Thank you to all of our families for your support and generosity in providing snacks and supplies for the HMS Main Office! Thanks to you, we are well stocked with most of the items we need. At this time, we could use more protein-rich snacks for students. Items such as peanut butter crackers, trail mix, or string cheese are great options for students who need a quick snack during the school day. Thank you again for helping us support our students! Yearbook Cover Entries Due No Later than Wednesday! Do you love to create and design? We want to see your ideas! The Deadline is almost here!! Enter the HMS Yearbook Cover Contest today and create a cover that represents this year's theme: “In the Moment” A few important rules: Must use HMS school colors. Must be created using Canva. Entries are due, Wednesday, September 30. That is this WEEK!! Show us what “In the Moment” looks like to you! We can't wait to see your designs! Please email your entry to Mr. Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org. Click the button below for more weekly reminders. Hillcrest Weekly Reminders 8th Grade Parents Analy Showcase Night Come see what makes Analy one of a kind! Join us for Showcase Night on Thursday, October 15, and discover the many programs, activities, and opportunities that make Analy High School special. The evening begins at 6:00 PM with Theater Arts performances in the auditorium. From 6:30-8:00 PM, families can explore our department fair in the gym, participate in a scavenger hunt with prizes, enjoy a special Día de los Muertos display in our new CTE building, and try culinary treats made by AHS students. Families can also learn more about our 9th Grade Supports, including 9th Grade Teams, Link Crew, school-wide Houses, and Future-Ready Resources. We hope to see you there! Go Tigers! What You Need to Know Before High School Begins! The transition to high school is an exciting time—and it can bring plenty of questions for both students and parents! How can families best support their 8th graders as they prepare for this next chapter? Hillcrest Middle School invites parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop with Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. WHEN: Tuesday, October 6th TIME: 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Hillcrest Band Room Join us for an informative and supportive evening designed to help families navigate the transition to high school with confidence. We hope you can join us! Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Field Trip #2 — Chaperones Needed! Our second 7th grade field trip is coming up on Monday, October 26th! The entire 7th grade class will travel to the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa to see a live performance of 360 Degrees All Stars. We're looking for a few parent chaperones to help supervise students during this fun and educational half-day field trip. Date: Monday, October 26, 2026 Transportation: School buses Departure: Meet at Hillcrest at 8:30 AM Return: Back to Hillcrest by 11:30 AM Event: Indoor Performance If you're interested in joining us, please reply to this google form: LBC 360 Degrees Chaperone Request You can also email Ms. Clements at cclements@gusdschools.org Thank you for your support! Support 6th and 7th Grade Field Trips Our 6th and 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. The 8th grade field trip donation button will be coming soon! No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Family donations help cover the cost of these trips and make it possible for us to continue offering them to all students. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th 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 Gravenstein Parent Association Special Thank you to Our GLP’s!! Grade Level Parents (GLPs) are an important connection between families, teachers, and the Gravenstein Parent Association (GPA). GLPs help bring their grade level together by sharing important information, welcoming new families, encouraging participation, and helping create opportunities for parents to get involved. GLPs can help rally volunteers, spread the word about school events and activities, connect families with GPA, and be a friendly, approachable resource for their grade. Whether it’s helping organize a class get-together, encouraging families to join an event, or simply making sure no one feels out of the loop, GLPs help create a stronger sense of community. Most importantly, GLPs help make our school community feel more connected, more involved, and a whole lot more fun! Find your GLP on campus and say Hi! Meet your grade level parents: TK: Jennie Stevens-Rivera Kinder: Annie Smith, Charlene Stillwell, Nena Caviness & Nicole Stafford 1st: Audra Verrier, Shivani Hawkins, Tiana McDowell & Tiffany Gann. 2nd: Julie Harmon & Moira Holland 3rd: Frankie Stutes, Jane Tran, Tina Ramirez & Maggie Marin 4th: Julie Harmon & Katie Phipps 5th: Melanie Piper & Kristianna Jahn Hillcrest Team: Queti Gomez, Allison Herman, Angelica Harlin, Angie Byrd, Nicole Dooley, Lori Comini, Nena Caviness, Vy Le Morse, Arianna Reguzzoni & Emily Donahue Sip & Social - Thank you Parents A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out to Sip & Social! What an incredible night! Amazing food, great wine, music, a little dancing, and most importantly, an incredible group of people who know how to have a good time! You guys truly made the night so much fun and made it one to remember. We are so grateful for everyone who came, celebrated, laughed, danced, and supported our schools. This is what community is all about. We cannot wait to do it again! Heritage & Harvest Festival Join us for our Heritage & Harvest Festival, a fun-filled evening celebrating harvest with the many cultures and traditions within our GUSD community! Come enjoy games, friends, and festive harvest activities inspired by traditions from around the world, including Día de los Muertos, Moon Festival (Mid-Autumn Festival), and more! Plus a taco truck!!!! Donate & Volunteer here: Heritage & Harvest Festival Sign Up Jog-A-Thon T-Shirt Artist Contest Are you our Jog-A-Thon t-shirt artist?? Our Jog-a-Thon is one of GPA’s biggest fundraisers of the year, bringing tons of fun, energy, and school spirit to our students! We need ONE amazing artist to design the T-shirt that the entire Gravenstein Elementary school is going to wear at Jog-A-Thon!! Could that be you??? Check out the details in the flyer on how to enter….. Jog-A-Thon will be held on Friday, October 23rd. More details to come so keep reading your Monday Messages! What other ways can you support GPA? There's so many ways! Looking for different ways to support GPA? You'd be surprised about the other ways that can give back. Check it out….. Be a Volunteer for events (Events Volunteer Form) Become a GLP (Grade Level Parent) Collect Box Tops! (https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/) Grocery Shop w/Escrip! (https://www.escrip.com/organizations/) Employer Matching thru Benevity!! Become a Sports Basement Member as a Basementeer! Enter Gravenstein Parent Association for charity to support (https://www.sportsbasement.com/products/basementeer-membership-1) Upcoming Events Heritage & Harvest Festival: Friday Oct 9th (Heritage & Harvest Sign Up Genius) Mombo’s Dine & Donate: Weds. Oct. 14 Jog-A-Thon: Friday Oct 23rd Shake Shack’s Dine & Donate: Tues. Nov. 17 Mountain Mike’s Dine & Donate: Tues. Dec. 15 Schedule of Events Link Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 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 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 Sonoma Academy is hosting Parenting in Practice, a day designed for parents and caregivers who are navigating the wonderfully complicated work of raising kids right now. They are brining together some terriffic voices - including Dan Lerner, Devorah Heitner, Jason Craige Harris, and Lori Getz — for practical, thoughtful conversations about raising good humans in a rapidly changing world. Where: Sonoma Academy, 2500 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa, CA When: Saturday, October 24 Time: 9 am to 3 pm Cost: $10 General Admission (includes all sessions, plus coffee, pasteries, and lunch Scan the QR code on the flyer below to purchase in advance or buy at the door. 🏕️ PACK 128 CUB SCOUTS Adventure Awaits! Cub Scouts is a fun place for kids to make friends, try new things, and go on adventures that build confidence, character, and lifelong memories. Boys & Girls • Grades K–5No experience needed! Just bring your sense of adventure. What do we do? • Camping & outdoor fun • Learn new skills • Pinewood Derby • Games & activities • Helping our community • Earn badges & achieve goals 📅 WHEN & WHERE We meet every Tuesday 1st, 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month 6:00 PM Gravenstein School Come check us out! We'd love to meet your family! Questions? Email cubmaster@sebastopolpack128.org 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 From the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) Youth Mental Health First Aide Contact: Rebekah Pope rpope@scoe.org Wednesday | October 21, 2026 | 8:30am-4:00pm Join us for the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training. This session will prepare participants to support adolescents ages 12-18 who may be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse challenge or who are in crisis. This training is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, including parents, family members, teachers, school staff, health and human service professionals, and other community members. This training offers the valuable opportunity to become familiar with common mental health challenges for youth, review typical adolescent development, and learn a 5-step action plan for supporting young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Additional topics will include: anxiety, depression, substance use, disruptive behaviors, and eating disorders. This event will be located at the Sonoma County Office of Education 5340 Sklylane Blvd. Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Room Redwood C. Click here to register by October 16th. Community Events and Resources Connection is Prevention Enhancing mental well-being through the power of connection. Join us in building a more compassionate community where everyone feels supported and valued! These FREE events are open to all. Fun-filled activities, community building, a resource fair, food, prizes, and more! Sonoma: Thursday, September 24, 2026 4:00pm-6:00pm | Location: Hanna Center 17000 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476 Cloverdale: Friday, September 25, 2026 4:00pm-6:00pm | Location: Cloverdale Plaza Therapy Services Therapy Services The Jewish Community Free Clinic is expanding their mental health services! They are now offering 12 free therapy sessions for children, youth and families. Therapy is by appointment only, you can reach them at 707-585-7780 (English & Spanish). If contacting after hours, please fill out the form here for a call back. Spanish flyer here. Bilingual Community Resource Clinic for Families Those looking for support and services in our community are welcome to join! Every Tuesday 3:00pm-4:30pm. Location: 2235 Mercury Wat Ste 107, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 | Phone: 707-513-5135 | E-mail: marisabelM@buckelew.org Parent/Caregiver Consultation Line Parent/Caregiver Consultation Line Receive 1:1 support and consultation with a mental health provider about your child's behavior or mental health/ Services are free of charge, in English and Spanish. Call (707)522-3241 or click here to register. Sonoma County Mobile Crisis Response Teams If you or a loved one, are experiencing a behavioral health crisis in Sonoma County, you can call the 24/7 Crisis Call Center directly to access support over the phone from Sonoma County Mobile Support Team (MST) staff. Click here for contact hours, and coverage map information. | Sonoma County Mobile Support Team: (800)746-8181 OR dial 9-1-1 and request mental health response. Sacramento County Office of Education: Social Emotional Learning Newsletter Highlighted in this newsletter you will find: Back-to-school practices to support educator well being Strategies for teaching fearless SEL for societal change Tools to support children navigate conflict in early learning Engaging strategy to integrate SEL into academics Ideas to promote safe spaces for regulating emotions in classrooms Researched-backed actions that nurture family-school partnerships to support SEL Equity-centered SEL lessons of the month for the classroom Coherence insights on navigating the intersection of mental health and social justice in education Capacity-building opportunities, including registration information for the statewide monthly SEL Professional Learning Series 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, Sep 27 2026

Monday Messages September 21, 2026 For GUSD Families!

Monday Messages September 21, 2026 Parent-Teacher Conferences are this Friday - No School for Students Please read the message in each of the school sections below with important reminders about how Parent-Teacher Conferences are handled on each campus. We look forward to seeing parents on Friday! Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, September 23, 3:30 PM - Site Council at District Office Friday, September 25 — NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference Day Monday, October 12 — NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People's Day Tuesday, October 20, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 6pm - GPA Meeting (All Welcome!) Wednesday, October 28, 3:30pm - Site Council Meeting Friday, October 30, 5:30-7:30pm - GPA-sponsored Skate Night at CalSkate Gravenstein Thursday, September 24 — Picture Day Hillcrest Friday, October 9 — Picture Day Friday, October 30, 6pm - Halloween Dance 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. WHAT'S NEW at Get to Know Our Gravenstein Staff! At Gravenstein, we have an incredible group of educators whose dedication, care, and enthusiasm make our school community so vibrant! Each week, we will be featuring a warm spotlight on one of our teachers, giving you a glimpse into their background, favorite things, and the happenings in their classroom community. This week, we are proud to spotlight one of our new teachers, grade 1 teacher Mrs. Amber Daite! Picture Day is Coming! Picture day is fast approaching, and we’re excited to capture some wonderful memories for you! Here are the details for the big day: Picture Day: Thursday, September 24th Attached to this email is a flyer with all the information you need, including the prepay ordering link for photos. You can also access the ordering page directly using the link below: Online Gallery Link: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001445435 Parent Teacher Conferences are this Friday! No School on Friday, 9/25, for Parent-Teacher Conferences! Please make sure to sign up through your teacher's weekly messaging! At Gravenstein, each teacher schedules their own conferences. 27-28 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 Wednesday Early Release Days Parents: Please Arrive During Your Assigned Pickup Window Please do not arrive early for pickup. Only use your designated pickup window. Arriving early blocks traffic and prevents other parents from reaching their children. This past week, several parents arrived too early and blocked access for our Kinder and TK families. This caused confusion, delays, and tears for some of our youngest students. Thank you for helping us keep pickup safe and on time for everyone. Reminder: Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Trading Cards Are Not Allowed at School Please remember that all toys, stuffed animals, and trading cards are not permitted at school. This includes items like: Labubu Pokémon cards and similar collectibles. These items can be distracting during learning time and may get lost or damaged. *Unless you receive permission from classroom teachers* Squishies & Fidgets: Many of these items are marketed as tools for students to hold focus in the classroom, but are often toys. Students have a real hard time using them as tools, and not toys. If your student benefits from using a fidget to focus, it should first be practiced at home, then in the classroom. Please communicate with your classroom teacher if your student benefits from a fidget. Fidgets must be approved by the teacher. "Home things stay at home, school things come to school." We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the school environment focused and respectful for everyone. 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary WHAT'S NEW at Conference Day Is Coming! Conference Day is Friday, September 25! This is a great opportunity to meet with your child's teachers, ask questions, and learn how your child is doing in school. When and Where? Friday, September 25 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Hillcrest Hall Teachers will take a lunch break from 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. How will conferences work? When you arrive and enter the Gym, you will find a clipboard where you can sign up to meet with your child's teachers. Conferences will be first come, first served. To give families an opportunity to meet with as many teachers as possible, each conference will be limited to 5 minutes. If you would like to meet with several teachers, arriving early will give you more time to meet with everyone. Can't make it to Conference Day? We understand that not every family will be able to attend. Here are some easy ways to stay informed about your child's progress: Check the student planner every day to make sure assignments and due dates are recorded. Log in to SchoolWise to view current grades and other student information. Contact your child's teachers if you have specific questions about your child's progress. We look forward to seeing our families on September 25! No Selling Items on Campus It has come to our attention that, over the course of the school year, several students have been selling food and drinks on campus. School rules prohibit students from selling items on campus. As a reminder to our families, students should not sell items on campus unless the sale is part of a school group activity or involves school-approved items, such as event tickets, Spirit Wear, or other specialty items. Beyond the Bell at Hillcrest We are having many questions regarding rules at Hillcrest Beyond the Bell. Just like in years past, we do not allow cell phone usage, selling or trading of belongings, soda, candy, energy drinks, or Chromebook usage outside of designated homework time. We expect students attending BTB to check in within 5 minutes after school is over and respect the directions of all of our BTB staff members. We will continue to provide a safe space for your students to get homework completed, have an after-school snack, enjoy playground time, and socialize. We allow BTB-enrolled student-athletes to check in/check out for both practices and games during our sports seasons, allowing parents to only have to pick up one time. If you need to get a hold of your student in BTB, please call our BTB cell phone at 707-230-4227. Reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thank you, Ms. Meggan Young BTB ELOP Manager myoung@gusdschools.org Progress Reports: Check Grades Online! Good news, families! You can now check your child’s grades anytime through the Schoolwise Parent Portal. To make sure families always have the most current information, we will not be sending home paper Progress Reports. Instead, you can log in to Schoolwise to see your child’s: Current grades Gradebook Individual assignments How the overall grade was calculated Teachers will have their most up-to-date grades entered in Schoolwise by September 23. What about Trimester Grades? We will still send home paper copies of Trimester grades. Need a paper copy of your child’s current grades? No problem! Parents can visit the Hillcrest Main Office and request a paper copy from Ms. Parks. We hope Schoolwise makes it easier for families to stay up to date on student progress. Happy grade-checking! 8th Grade Parents: What You Need to Know Before High School Begins! The transition to high school is an exciting time—and it can bring plenty of questions for both students and parents! How can families best support their 8th graders as they prepare for this next chapter? Hillcrest Middle School invites parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop with Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. WHEN: Tuesday, October 6th TIME: 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Hillcrest Band Room Join us for an informative and supportive evening designed to help families navigate the transition to high school with confidence. We hope you can join us! Design Our 2026–27 Yearbook Cover! Do you love to create and design? We want to see your ideas! The Deadline is almost here!! Enter the HMS Yearbook Cover Contest today and create a cover that represents this year's theme: “In the Moment” A few important rules: Must use HMS school colors. Must be created using Canva. Entries are due September 30. Show us what “In the Moment” looks like to you! We can't wait to see your designs! More Hillcrest Weekly Reminders Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Field Trip #2 — Chaperones Needed! Our second 7th grade field trip is coming up on Monday, October 26th! The entire 7th grade class will travel to the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa to see a live performance of 360 Degrees All Stars. We're looking for a few parent chaperones to help supervise students during this fun and educational half-day field trip. Date: Monday, October 26, 2026 Transportation: School buses Departure: Meet at Hillcrest at 8:30 AM Return: Back to Hillcrest by 11:30 AM Event: Indoor Performance If you're interested in joining us, please reply to this google form: LBC 360 Degrees Chaperone Request You can also email Ms. Clements at cclements@gusdschools.org Thank you for your support! Support 6th and 7th Grade Field Trips Our 6th and 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. The 8th grade field trip donation button will be coming soon! No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Family donations help cover the cost of these trips and make it possible for us to continue offering them to all students. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th 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 Gravenstein Parent Association Sip & Social is Only ONE WEEK AWAY! Have you purchased your Sip & Social tickets yet? It is ONE WEEK AWAY! If you've been meaning to do it, consider this your reminder. We want to fill Hook & Ladder with our school community on Septemer 26. Don't wait. Grab yours today! Purchase your tickets here: https://givebutter.com/sip-and-social-dwk5gv See below for a little message from one of our Dream Team Vendors who are helping make the Sip & Social happen: Meet A&M BBQ! 💙Thank You to Our 2026-27 Business Sponsors!💛 Corporate sponsorship for this school year is wrapping up. When you need a service, look to our community first. When we support them, they are in turn able to support us. Do you need pond, lake or reservoir care? Aquatic Resource Management A new landscape or patio? DMG Landscaping Inc A massage for those tense shoulders? Hygge Holistic Massage Property management or real estate? KPM Property Management & Real Estate A cool, comfortable, local coworking space with onsite childcare? Land of the Good Nuts for a charcuterie board? Napa Nuts Need a roof? OnTop Weather Roofing, Inc Recycling and compost service? Recology Ceramic tile for your next remodel? Santa Rosa Tile Unique, cool, and thoughtful Home Goods and Gifts? Sidecar Mercantile A pump or filtration system for making wine, spirits, or beer? TCW Equipment We are excited to have them on board this year. Join us in supporting them whenever you can. Congratulations Pledge Drive Winners!🎉 A HUGE shoutout to our parents and teachers who got those pledge drive fliers in! Top Teachers Gravenstein: Mrs. Stevens & Mrs. Mattish!!!! Hillcrest: Mr. Dexter & Mrs. Rich Top Class By Grade - Gravenstein TK - TIED! Kinder - Trivunovic 1st - Clement 2nd - Basque 3rd - Sposato 4th - Stevens 5th - Grimm Top Grade - Hillcrest 6th Grade!! WAY TO GO, GUSD! You showed up. You got involved. You went All In. What other ways can you support GPA? There are so many ways! Looking for different ways to support GPA? You'd be surprised about the other ways that can give back. Check it out….. Be a Volunteer for events (Events Volunteer Form) Become a GLP (Grade Level Parent) Collect Box Tops! (https://www.boxtops4education.com/s/) Grocery Shop w/Escrip! (https://www.escrip.com/organizations/) Employer Matching thru Benevity!! Become a Sports Basement Member as a Basementeer! Enter Gravenstein Parent Association for charity to support (https://www.sportsbasement.com/products/basementeer-membership-1) Upcoming Events Parent Only Event, September 26th (Sip & Social Tickets) Heritage & Harvest Festival, Friday Oct 9th (Heritage & Harvest Sign Up Genius) Mombo’s Dine & Donate, Weds. Oct. 14 Shake Shack’s Dine & Donate, Tues. Nov. 17 Mountain Mike’s Dine & Donate, Tues. Dec. 15 Schedule of Events Link Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, October 21, 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 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 Sonoma Academy is hosting Parenting in Practice, a day designed for parents and caregivers who are navigating the wonderfully complicated work of raising kids right now. They are brining together some terriffic voices - including Dan Lerner, Devorah Heitner, Jason Craige Harris, and Lori Getz — for practical, thoughtful conversations about raising good humans in a rapidly changing world. Where: Sonoma Academy, 2500 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa, CA When: Saturday, October 24 Time: 9 am to 3 pm Cost: $10 General Admission (includes all sessions, plus coffee, pasteries, and lunch Scan the QR code on the flyer below to purchase in advance or buy at the door. 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, Sep 20 2026

Monday Messages September 14, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages September 14, 2026 Superintendent's Message - DELAC Survey DELAC = District English Learners Advisory Committee It is a district-level committee composed primarily of parents of English learner students. Its main purpose is to advise administration on programs, services, and policies that support English language development and student literacy. / Se trata de un comité a nivel de distrito compuesto principalmente por padres de alumnos que aprenden inglés. Su principal objetivo es asesorar a la administración sobre programas, servicios y políticas que fomenten el desarrollo del idioma inglés y la alfabetización estudiantil. Your voice matters to us! We want to work together to support your child’s success and make sure our district meetings are valuable, welcoming, and accessible to you. Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help us plan our upcoming meetings. / ¡Tu opinión nos importa! Queremos trabajar juntos para apoyar el éxito de tu hijo/a y asegurarnos de que nuestras reuniones de distrito sean valiosas, acogedoras y accesibles para ti. Por favor, dedica unos minutos a completar esta breve encuesta para ayudarnos a planificar nuestras próximas reuniones. DELAC Parent Survey in English/Spanish Thank you / Gracias, Keri Pugno GUSD Superintendent / Superintendente del GUSD Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, September 16, 6pm — GPA Board Meeting Wednesday, September 23, 3:30 PM - Site Council at District Office Friday, September 25 — NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference Day Monday, October 12 — NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People's Day Tuesday, October 13, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting Friday, October 30, 5:30-7:30pm - GPA-sponsored Skate Night at CalSkate Gravenstein Thursday, September 24 — Picture Day Hillcrest Friday, October 9 — Picture Day Friday, October 30, 6pm - Halloween Dance 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. WHAT'S NEW at Get to Know Our Gravenstein Staff! At Gravenstein, we have an incredible group of educators whose dedication, care, and enthusiasm make our school community so vibrant! Each week, we will be featuring a warm spotlight on one of our teachers, giving you a glimpse into their background, favorite things, and the happenings in their classroom community. This week, we are proud to spotlight 4th grade teacher, Samara Stevens! New This Year: Your Child Has a Library Card — The Student OneCard! We're excited to share that our district is now partnering with the Sonoma County Library to give students free, easy access to library resources through the Student OneCard Program. What is it? Most students are automatically enrolled — no sign-up needed. Using their student ID number, your child now has their own Sonoma County Library account (unless you opted out during online registration). This account works for: eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and more — available 24/7 on the library's website Free one-on-one homework tutoring in English and Spanish, in all major subjects Requesting books from partner libraries, including academic collections The library also waives up to two lost or damaged items per account, per school year — after that, normal replacement fees apply. How to Log In at sonomalibrary.org Go to sonomalibrary.org For the library card number, enter your school's prefix followed by your student ID (example: grav1234) For the PIN, use birth month/day instead (ex. 0914 - September 14th) Don't know your student ID? Ask your teacher! What's NOT Included A Student OneCard does not allow checkout of video games, ChromeKits, or hotspots, and does not include access to Discover & Go or LinkedIn Learning. Families wanting full library access can get a free general library card at any branch. As always, parents are responsible for supervising their children's use of library resources. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions What information does the school share with the library? The district shares your child's name, school name, student ID, school address/phone, and date of birth. The library never shares student information back. What if my child already has a regular library card? Even better! We encourage students to have both. The Student OneCard simply adds more resources to support learning — either card works for school and home use. What if I want my child to have full library access? A general Sonoma County Library card (available at any branch) offers complete access to all services and materials. What if I don't want my child in the program? You can opt out anytime. Download, print, sign, and return the form to school: 📄 Opt-Out Form (English) 📄 Formulario de Exclusión (Español) Note: Students who opt out can still take part in classroom library activities only if they have their own general Sonoma County Library card and know their card number and PIN. Questions? Reach out to your child's school office anytime. We're grateful for this partnership with Sonoma County Library and the extra learning support it brings to our students! Wednesday Early Release Days Parents: Please Arrive During Your Assigned Pickup Window Please do not arrive early for pickup. Only use your designated pickup window. Arriving early blocks traffic and prevents other parents from reaching their children. This past week, several parents arrived too early and blocked access for our Kinder and TK families. This caused confusion, delays, and tears for some of our youngest students. Thank you for helping us keep pickup safe and on time for everyone. Reminder: Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Trading Cards Are Not Allowed at School Please remember that all toys, stuffed animals, and trading cards are not permitted at school. This includes items like: Labubu Pokémon cards and similar collectibles. These items can be distracting during learning time and may get lost or damaged. *Unless you receive permission from classroom teachers* Squishies & Fidgets: Many of these items are marketed as tools for students to hold focus in the classroom, but are often toys. Students have a real hard time using them as tools, and not toys. If your student benefits from using a fidget to focus, it should first be practiced at home, then in the classroom. Please communicate with your classroom teacher if your student benefits from a fidget. Fidgets must be approved by the teacher. "Home things stay at home, school things come to school." We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the school environment focused and respectful for everyone. Picture Day is Coming! Individual Pictures will be taken at Gravenstein on September 24th! Be on the lookout for information about ordering coming soon. 💙 GOT GRAVENSTEIN SPIRIT? 💙 Our Gravenstein Student Body is excited to offer Spirit Wear! From T-shirts and sweatshirts to fleece jackets and travel mugs, there are lots of ways to show your Gravenstein pride. 📅 Preorders are due Friday, September 25th. Want to see the options and learn how to order? Check out the full ParentSquare post here: Gravenstein Spirit Wear PreOrders Thank you for supporting our Student Body! 💙 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary WHAT'S NEW at 🎓 Before High School Begins: What Parents of 8TH Graders Need to Know The transition to high school is an exciting time—and it can bring plenty of questions for both students and parents! How can families best support their 8th graders as they prepare for this next chapter? Hillcrest Middle School invites parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop with Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. 📅 Tuesday, October 6th ⏰ 6:00 p.m. 📍 Hillcrest Band Room Join us for an informative and supportive evening designed to help families navigate the transition to high school with confidence. We hope you can join us! Office Donations A big thank-you to all of our families for their continued support and generosity in providing snacks and supplies for the HMS Main Office! Your kindness helps us make sure our students have what they need throughout the school day. 🎨 Design Our 2026–27 Yearbook Cover! Do you love to create and design? We want to see your ideas! Enter the HMS Yearbook Cover Contest and create a cover that represents this year's theme: “In the Moment” A few important rules: Must use HMS school colors. Must be created using Canva. Entries are due September 30. Show us what “In the Moment” looks like to you! We can't wait to see your designs! 📚 Wednesday Book Club Help Keep Our Book Club Refreshed! Our Wednesday Book Club Hawks are enjoying their time together with a good book, and we could use a little help keeping everyone refreshed! We are looking for donations of: Lemonade Sparkling water Iced tea Disposable cups Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Wednesday Book Club a fun and welcoming place to read, relax, and enjoy time together! See this and other weekly reminders by clicking the button below. Hillcrest Weekly Reminders Hillcrest Field Trip Information 🎭 7th Grade Field Trip #2 — Chaperones Needed! Our 7th graders are headed to the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa on Monday, October 26th, for a live performance of 360 Allstars! This half-day field trip is a great opportunity for students to experience an exciting live performance while enjoying a fun day out of the classroom. We are looking for a few parent chaperones to help supervise our students and make the day a success. DATE: Monday, October 26, 2026 Transportation: School buses Meet: at Hillcrest: 8:30 a.m. Return: to Hillcrest: Approximately 11:30 a.m. Event: Indoor performance Interested in being a chaperone? Please reply to this google form: LBC 360 Degrees Chaperone Request You can also send an email to Ms. Clements at cclements@gusdschools.org Thank you for your support! Support 6th and 7th Grade Field Trips Our 6th and 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. The 8th grade field trip donation button will be coming soon! No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Donations above the suggested amount help provide opportunities for families who may not be able to contribute. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th 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 Gravenstein Parent Association Pledge Drive Prizes are coming up! Pledge drive ends this Monday the 14th! Get those flyers in to win your class prizes!!! Winners will be announced through parent square. Let’s keep GUSD enrichment going strong! Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. We’re ALL IN this together. DEADLINE approaching for company SPONSORS! Know a business that wants to support our schools? Sponsorships are due September 18. A big thank you to the businesses already on board for the 2026-27 school year: Refer a sponsor or become a sponsor and get a free yearbook! Check out our sponsorship tiers and learn how to apply by clicking the link below! https://forms.gle/6DDABNSvds7Pp4H9A Or email: sponsorship@wearegpa.com Parents Night Out: Sip & Social 🍷 Need some adult conversation? Ready to sip, socialize, and enjoy a night out with other GUSD parents? Join GPA on September 26th at Hook & Ladder Winery for an evening of good food, wine, music, and even better company. Bring your partner, your bestie, or invite the grandparents, everyone is welcome! Sip & Social is more than a night out. Your support helps GPA continue funding the enrichments, experiences, and programs that make Gravenstein Elementary and Hillcrest Middle School so special. Book the sitter, keep the date free, and come raise a glass for our schools! (Please note there will be Non-Alcoholic drinks available) Book Your Tickets Here: Sip & Social Tickets ALL GROUP TABLES ARE SOLD OUT!!! Thank you!!!! We Need You!! Enjoy planning events? Want to volunteer doing something fun & rewarding? Sign up for events!! GPA Event Volunteers: Event Volunteer Form or email gpa-events@wearegpa.com Upcoming Events Pledge Drive, August 13 - Sept 14 Parent Only Event, September 26th Mombo’s Dine & Donate, Weds. Oct. 14 Jog-A-Thon, Friday Oct. 23 Skate Night, Friday Oct. 30 Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 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 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! Do you have a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student interested in art? Santa Rosa High School's ArtQuest Program is hosting Specialty Workshops. You are invited to come and explore one of the ArtQuest Specialties in this FREE hands-on workshop, Your student will work with ArtQuest teachers and students while they participate in the specialty of their choice. www.artquestonline.org WHEN: Saturday, September 19th, 9 AM to NOON. Space is limited!!! Register online or use the link on this flyer. Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 15th. ArtQuest Specialties include: Theater Arts — Instrumental Music — Vocal Music — Photography — Visual Fine Arts — Digital Arts — Video Arts (707) 890-3850 Ext. 52290 🏕️ PACK 128 CUB SCOUTS Adventure Awaits! Cub Scouts is a fun place for kids to make friends, try new things, and go on adventures that build confidence, character, and lifelong memories. Boys & Girls • Grades K–5No experience needed! Just bring your sense of adventure. What do we do? • Camping & outdoor fun • Learn new skills • Pinewood Derby • Games & activities • Helping our community • Earn badges & achieve goals 📅 WHEN & WHERE We meet every Tuesday 1st, 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month 6:00 PM Gravenstein School Come check us out! We'd love to meet your family! Questions? Email cubmaster@sebastopolpack128.org 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, Sep 13 2026

Monday Messages September 7, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages September 7, 2026 Superintendent's Message Practice Makes Prepared- Our Safety Drills Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and routine preparedness plays a vital role in keeping our campuses secure. We are fortunate to belong to a strong, supportive community where all local schools and first responders follow the exact same standardized safety protocols. We prioritize clear and timely communication and will always notify families on safety drill days. In the event of a real emergency requiring first responders coming to campus, any incoming traffic and unnecessary phone calls can create dangerous delays. Keeping campus roadways and phone lines clear ensures emergency officials can respond immediately. We will send official updates and instructions as soon as it is safe to do so. Please click on the links to learn more about the essential five emergency response drills we practice throughout the year: Essential 5 Poster Essential 5 Community Packet from SCOE Lend a Hand: Simple Ways to Help Build Something Great! It takes a village to keep our campus running smoothly, and I would love your help! Many of you already have your name on mulitple lists- volunteering to drive/chaperone on field trips or offering to lead grade-level activities as GLPs (thank you!), so this message is for those looking for other ways to benefit our GUSD community. None of it is too glamorous—a lot of it is doing the heavy lifting and laying the groundwork so our kids can dive right into their own projects. But every bit of help counts, and no special skills are needed (though if you have handy tricks up your sleeve, we certainly won't turn them down!). There are quick weekday tasks for those who have just 30 minutes and there are opportunities for weekend work parties. Want to dig in the garden, run an errand, make photocopies, play chess or checkers with students at lunch, help with a paint project? If you have time and the interest, I can find a project for you! I Can Help GUSD 2026 In shared commitment to our students, Superintendent Keri Pugno Mark Your Calendars District Monday, September 7 — NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Tuesday, September 8, 5pm — GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 6pm — GPA Board Meeting Friday, September 25 — NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference Day Monday, October 12 — NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People's Day Gravenstein Thursday, September 24 — Picture Day Hillcrest Friday, October 9 — Picture Day 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. Gravenstein Parent Association Want to volunteer for GPA? Here's all the helpful links: GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form GPA Event Volunteers: Event Volunteer Form or email gpa-events@wearegpa.com GPA Board positions: email wearegpa@wearegpa.com Sponsorships/Dine & Donates: email sponsorship@wearegpa.com or fill out the Sponsorship Form We are currently looking for a Communications Chair Are you interested in supporting the school, but do not have time to be in person? Are you great with Social Media? We are looking for a Communications chair to handle all things GPA online. Including Facebook, Instagram, and Monday Messages. Contact wearegpa@wearegpa.com for more details. Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most. We appreciate ALL of you! Parents Night Out: Sip & Social Need some adult conversation? Ready to sip, socialize, and enjoy a night out with other GUSD parents? Join GPA on September 26th at Hook & Ladder Winery for an evening of good food, wine, music, and even better company. Bring your partner, your bestie, or invite the grandparents, everyone is welcome! Sip & Social is more than a night out. Your support helps GPA continue funding the enrichments, experiences, and programs that make Gravenstein Elementary and Hillcrest Middle School so special. Book the sitter, keep the date free, and come raise a glass for our schools! (Please note there will be Non-Alcoholic drinks available) Book Your Tickets Here Pledge Drive Forms ‘ALL IN’ isn’t just about making a payment…it’s about being part of the GPA & GUSD community! Pledge Forms = ALL IN! Donate, volunteer, join a DIne & Donate, or help in any way you can. Prefer not to pay online? Drop payments in the GPA mailboxes at either campus office. Prizes! Return your pledge slip to your teacher by September 14th for a chance to win! HILLCREST: Write your grade on your pledge slip for a chance to win a grade-level party! Let’s keep GUSD enrichment going strong! Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. We’re ALL IN this together. Deadline approaching for company sponsors! Know a business that wants to support our schools? Sponsorships are due September 18. A big thank you to the businesses already on board for the 2026-27 school year: Recology • Aquatic Resource Management • Ontop Weather Roofing, Inc • Napa Nuts • KPM Property Management & Real Estate • Land of the Good • TCW Equipment Refer a sponsor or become a sponsor and get a free yearbook! Check out our sponsorship tiers and learn how to apply by clicking the link below! https://forms.gle/6DDABNSvds7Pp4H9A Or email: sponsorship@wearegpa.com Upcoming Events Pledge Drive, August 13 - Sept 14 Parent Only Event, September 26th Mombo’s Dine & Donate, Weds. Oct. 14 Shake Shack’s Dine & Donate, Tues. Nov. 17 Mountain Mike’s Dine & Donate, Tues. Dec. 15 Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 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 Introducing TOOLBOX: Two Kinds of Toolboxes & The 12 Tools Dear Parents, It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to TOOLBOX! This year, our school is introducing your child's class to the 12 Tools of TOOLBOX. These are tools that reside inside us and help us develop strong social and emotional skills and meaningful, satisfying relationships. Rather than covering all 12 Tools at once, we will be focusing on one Tool a month, giving students real time to practice and build each skill before moving on to the next. Some grade levels will move a little further into the Tools as the year progresses, based on what best fits their students. Over the course of the year, your child will learn about the 12 Tools through wonderful stories and literature, fun projects, role-plays, class discussions, and through Home Connection Activities to share at home with you and your family. The 12 Tools of our Inner TOOLBOX are: Breathing Tool Quiet/Safe Place Tool Listening Tool Empathy Tool Personal Space Tool Using Our Words Tool Garbage Can Tool Taking Time Tool Please & Thank You Tool Apology & Forgiveness Tool Patience Tool Courage Tool The Tools are simple, but they require practice, practice, and more practice. As each Tool is introduced, we invite you to support your child in learning and practicing it at home. Watch for updates from your child's teacher letting you know which Tool is being introduced each month, and talk with your child about what they are learning about the Tool in school. Be sure to ask your children about the hand gestures that go with each Tool. You will find that using the Tools yourself will help create a better relationship with your children. You are your child's most important teacher. By learning together about the TOOLBOX Tools at home, you are helping your student, and us, create a happier, healthier school community, together. Thank you! With appreciation and gratitude, Matthew McDowell Principal Gravenstein Elementary Parents - Please also see the following slideshow for more information on the Toolbox Project. https://view.protectedpdf.com/ge698x Wednesday Early Release Days Parents: Please Arrive During Your Assigned Pickup Window Please do not arrive early for pickup. Only use your designated pickup window. Arriving early blocks traffic and prevents other parents from reaching their children. This past week, several parents arrived too early and blocked access for our Kinder and TK families. This caused confusion, delays, and tears for some of our youngest students. Thank you for helping us keep pickup safe and on time for everyone. Reminder: Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Trading Cards Are Not Allowed at School Please remember that all toys, stuffed animals, and trading cards are not permitted at school. This includes items like: Labubu Pokémon cards and similar collectibles. These items can be distracting during learning time and may get lost or damaged. *Unless you receive permission from classroom teachers* Squishies & Fidgets: Many of these items are marketed as tools for students to hold focus in the classroom, but are often toys. Students have a real hard time using them as tools, and not toys. If your student benefits from using a fidget to focus, it should first be practiced at home, then in the classroom. Please communicate with your classroom teacher if your student benefits from a fidget. Fidgets must be approved by the teacher. "Home things stay at home, school things come to school." We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the school environment focused and respectful for everyone. Picture Day is Coming! Individual Pictures will be taken at Gravenstein on September 24th! Be on the lookout for information about ordering coming soon. 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary WHAT'S NEW at 🎨 Design Our 2026–27 Yearbook Cover! Do you love to create and design? We want to see your ideas! Enter the HMS Yearbook Cover Contest and create a cover that represents this year's theme: “In the Moment” A few important rules: Must use HMS school colors. Must be created using Canva. Entries are due September 30. Show us what “In the Moment” looks like to you! We can't wait to see your designs! Hillcrest Weekly Reminders Hillcrest Field Trip Information 6th Grade Field Trip — September 8 Important reminders for the 6th grade field trip to Westminster Woods this Tuesday. Student should: Bring a LUNCH and snack Bring a water bottle Wear closed toed shoes Dress in layers Students may bring a backpack to carry their items. Monday Messages 8/31/2026 🎭 7th Grade Field Trip — Julius Caesar Our 7th graders will travel to the Marin Shakespeare Outdoor Theater on Friday, September 11 to see a production of Julius Caesar. 7th grade families: Please see the full field trip post for the permission slip and additional information. Click the button below. View Permission Slip & Details Support 6th and 7th Grade Field Trips Our 6th and 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the grade-level Field Trip Donation Request posts. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation to support all of the field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write the grade level and “Field Trips” in the memo. The 8th grade field trip donation button will be coming soon! No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Donations above the suggested amount help provide opportunities for families who may not be able to contribute. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th 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! Celebrating 20 years of School Garden Network Come curious, hungry, and ready to celebrate! Enjoy fresh organic, season food, local beverages for all ages, live music by Mr. December, and hands-on activities everyone can enjoy—from fermentation and botanical arts to flower-making and anniversary logo printmaking. When: September 13, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m. Where: Bohemian Flowers & Farmstand in Freestone, California Get tickets here! Become a sponsor Volunteer - Attend for free as a volunteer! Event Flyer Do you have a 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student interested in art? Santa Rosa High School's ArtQuest Program is hosting Specialty Workshops. You are invited to come and explore one of the ArtQuest Specialties in this FREE hands-on workshop, Your student will work with ArtQuest teachers and students while they participate in the specialty of their choice. www.artquestonline.org WHEN: Saturday, September 19th, 9 AM to NOON. Space is limited!!! Register online or use the link on this flyer. Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 15th. ArtQuest Specialties include: Theater Arts — Instrumental Music — Vocal Music — Photography — Visual Fine Arts — Digital Arts — Video Arts (707) 890-3850 Ext. 52290 Parenting Through Adversity Turning Challenges into Resiliency All parents naturally seek to do all they can to help their children thrive. But, at what point does our work to create an ideal environment impact their profi ciency in navigating uncertainty, adversity, and discomfort? Join us for a morning workshop that will challenge all caregivers to consider what our children are actually capable of, ways we may unintentionally hinder this, and how to help children create resiliency and independence when confronted with the many challenges of the human experience. WHEN: Friday September 11th: 8:30-10:30 AM Pastries and coffee provided. Please RSVP WHERE: Harmony Union School Library To help us get an accurate count on attendees, please RSVP directly to Bdawson@harmonyusd.org to let us know you will be joining us! About the Presenter: This workshop series will be presented by Litsa Tanner, MS, MFT. Litsa has been helping children (and parents) overcome their worries and fears for nearly thirty years. She is the co-founder and clinical director of the Santa Rosa Center for Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. 🏈 Sebastopol Sharks Youth Football & Cheer — Registration Still Open! Looking for a fun way for your child to get involved in youth football? Sebastopol Sharks Youth Football & Cheer still has spots available in all divisions! Divisions: 8U: Ages 6, 7, and 8 10U: Ages 9 and 10 12U: Ages 11 and 12 The Sharks are also now accepting 6-year-olds in the 8U division! Practice Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:00–7:00 PM Practices are held at El Molino High School and Forestville Youth Park. Home games are played at Analy High School on Sundays, with game times varying. Registration rental fee: Approximately $300, including all equipment. Players provide their own water bottle, socks, and cleats. Ready to register? Visit wcsharks.com to sign up. Questions? Email coachirkaz@gmail.com. Don't miss out on the season! Let's go, Sharks! 🦈 🏕️ PACK 128 CUB SCOUTS Adventure Awaits! Cub Scouts is a fun place for kids to make friends, try new things, and go on adventures that build confidence, character, and lifelong memories. Boys & Girls • Grades K–5No experience needed! Just bring your sense of adventure. What do we do? • Camping & outdoor fun • Learn new skills • Pinewood Derby • Games & activities • Helping our community • Earn badges & achieve goals 📅 WHEN & WHERE We meet every Tuesday 1st, 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month 6:00 PM Gravenstein School Come check us out! We'd love to meet your family! Questions? Email cubmaster@sebastopolpack128.org 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, Sep 06 2026

Monday Messages August 31, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages August 31, 2026 Superintendent's Message Gravenstein Thank you to all the families who joined us for Back to School Bash! We hope you enjoyed connecting with your child's teacher, learning about the exciting year ahead, and discovering ways to support your child's success—including future opportunities to help chaperone upcoming field trips! If you couldn't make it, please reach out to the teacher. Hillcrest Thank you to all the drivers who were able to delay your arrival for pickup until 3:25. Amazing difference! On Monday, August 24, there were only 3 cars on Bloomfield Road at 3:15! Please keep this up- you ARE making it safer for everyone. Mark Your Calendars District Monday, September 7 — NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Tuesday, September 8, 5pm — GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 6pm — GPA Board Meeting Friday, September 25 — NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference Day Gravenstein Thursday, September 24 — Picture Day Hillcrest Friday, October 9 — Picture Day 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. Gravenstein Parent Association Support GPA & Get Your Business Seen! GPA is seeking annual corporate sponsors for the 2026-27 school year, with packages starting at just $275! Sponsors are recognized in our Monday Messages, social media and on our website, with higher-level sponsorships including event banner & Jog-A-Thon shirt placement. Bonus: If you refer a business & they sign on at any sponsorship level, you'll receive a FREE 2026-27 yearbook! Forms & payment due: September 18,2026. Secure your spot: Sponsorship Form Pledge Drive Forms ‘ALL IN’ isn’t just about making a payment…it’s about being part of the GPA & GUSD community! Pledge Forms = ALL IN! Donate, volunteer, join a DIne & Donate, or help in any way you can. Prefer not to pay online? Drop payments in the GPA mailboxes at either campus office. Prizes! Return your pledge slip to your teacher by September 14th for a chance to win! HILLCREST: Write your grade on your pledge slip for a chance to win a grade-level party! Let’s keep GUSD enrichment going strong! Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. We’re ALL IN this together. The back to school bash was so much fun! Our Back to School Bash was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of school spirit! Families had the chance to meet their teachers, visit classrooms, catch up with friends, and welcome the new school year together. Popsicles kept everyone cool, while delicious tacos, music, and dancing made for a night full of fun. A huge thank you to our incredible GUSD community for showing up, joining in, and helping make the evening so special. We loved seeing our schools come alive with so much excitement and community spirit. Upcoming Events The Fun Is Just Getting Started! We have an exciting year of events, activities, and community fun ahead! Stay in the loop and get ready for plenty of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and support our schools. Check out the event flyer for upcoming dates and details, and visit the GPA website for the latest information. Mark your calendars, stay ready, and get excited, there’s lots of fun ahead! Parents Night Out: Sip & Social 🍷 Need some adult conversation? Ready to sip, socialize, and enjoy a night out with other GUSD parents? Join GPA on September 26th at Hook & Ladder Winery for an evening of good food, wine, music, and even better company. Bring your partner, your bestie, or invite the grandparents, everyone is welcome! Sip & Social is more than a night out. Your support helps GPA continue funding the enrichments, experiences, and programs that make Gravenstein Elementary and Hillcrest Middle School so special. Book the sitter, keep the date free, and come raise a glass for our schools! (Please note there will be Non-Alcoholic drinks available) Book Your "Sip & Social" Tickets 6th GRADE PARENTS! Are you ready for this middle school switch? Join fellow parents for an evening with Ashley Radzat as she shares helpful insights on navigating the emotions, changes and challenges that come with the middle school years. Hosted by GPA & Hillcrest Middle School. We hope to see you there! Where: Hillcrest Middle School MPR When: September 2nd, 6-7pm Want to volunteer for GPA? Here's all the helpful links: GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form GPA Event Volunteers: Event Volunteer Form GPA Board positions: email wearegpa@wearegpa.com Sponsorships/Dine & Donates: email sponsorship@wearegpa.com or Sponsorship Form We are currently looking for a Communications Chair Are you interested in supporting the school, but do not have time to be in person? Are you great with Social Media? We are looking for a Communications chair to handle all things GPA online. Including Facebook, Instagram, and Monday Messages. Contact wearegpa@wearegpa.com for more details. Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most. We appreciate ALL of you! Upcoming Events Pledge Drive, August 13 - Sept 14 6th Grade Shift Workshop, September 2, 6pm Parent Only Event, September 26th Mombo’s Dine & Donate, Wed, Oct. 14 Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 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 I Want Your Input on Back to School Bash! Parents, I want to thank everyone for attending our Back to School Bash events last week! It is always amazing to get a chance to celebrate our amazing school and community! Gravenstein is always committed to creating the best events possible for our families. We would appreciate feedback on the format of our Back to School Bash event (link below). Thank you, Matthew McDowell, Gravenstein Principal Back to School Bash Survey Gravenstein Garden Fun! Reminder: Toys, Stuffed Animals, and Trading Cards Are Not Allowed at School Please remember that all toys, stuffed animals, and trading cards are not permitted at school. This includes items like: Lobubu Pokémon cards and similar collectibles. These items can be distracting during learning time and may get lost or damaged. If a classroom teacher has given permission for these items to be brought to school for a special occasion, they must remain in the child's backpack until the designated time. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us keep the school environment focused and respectful for everyone. Picture Day is Coming! Individual Pictures will be taken at Gravenstein on September 24th! Be on the lookout for information about ordering coming soon. 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. Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary WHAT'S NEW at Thank You for Supporting Our Main Office! A big thank you to all of the families who responded to our recent request for snacks and supplies for the Hillcrest Middle School Main Office! Your generosity and support have made a huge difference, and we are now well stocked with most of the items our office needs. We could still use a few more protein-packed snacks for students who need a quick pick-me-up during the school day. Some great options include: Peanut butter crackers Trail mix String cheese Thank you again to our wonderful families for helping us make sure our students have what they need throughout the school day. We truly appreciate your support! 6th Grade Parent Workshop — September 2 Is your 6th grader starting middle school this year? This is an exciting transition, but it can also bring plenty of questions for students and parents alike! The Gravenstein Parent Association and Hillcrest Middle School are inviting parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop designed to help families navigate this important next step. Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families, will share practical information and ideas for helping your 6th grader adjust to middle school. When: Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM Where: Hillcrest Band Room Who: Parents and caregivers of 6th graders Come learn what to expect during this transition and how you can best support your student as they begin their middle school journey. We hope you can join us! 📚 Wednesday Book Club Help Keep Our Book Club Refreshed! Our Wednesday Book Club Hawks are enjoying their time together with a good book, and we could use a little help keeping everyone refreshed! We are looking for donations of: Lemonade Sparkling water Iced tea Disposable cups Thank you for supporting our students and helping make Wednesday Book Club a fun and welcoming place to read, relax, and enjoy time together! Hillcrest Field Trip Information 6th Grade Field Trip — Permission Slips, Donations & Chaperones Needed! Our first 6th grade field trip of the year is coming up on Tuesday, September 8, 2026! Students will spend the day at Westminster Woods in Occidental for team-building activities and an outdoor skills challenge course. Field Trip Details Date: Tuesday, September 8 Destination: Westminster Woods in Occidental Transportation: School buses Departure: Meet at Hillcrest at 8:30 AM Return: Back at Hillcrest by 5:00 PM Permission Slip & Health Waiver The Westminster Woods Health Information Waiver and field trip permission slip were sent home with 6th graders on Monday, August 24. Please return both forms as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, September 1. Returning the forms on time will help us get an accurate head count for the trip. Field Trip Donation The requested donation from each family is $105. Please make checks payable to GUSD. Parent Chaperones Needed! We are still looking for a few more parent chaperones to help supervise and support students during this fun and educational day. Parent chaperones should plan to drive separately from the school buses. If you are interested in chaperoning, please email Mrs. Libby Baird at lbaird@gusdschools.org. Thank you for helping us get ready for a great day at Westminster Woods! 🎭 7th Grade Field Trip — Julius Caesar Our 7th graders will travel to the Marin Shakespeare Outdoor Theater on Friday, September 11 to see a production of Julius Caesar. 7th grade families: Please see the full field trip post for the permission slip and additional information. Click the button below. View Permission Slip & Details Support 7th Grade Field Trips Our 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the 7th Grade Field Trip Donation Request post. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation for all of the 7th grade field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write “7th Grade Field Trips” in the memo. Within the next month, we will have similar donation options available for each grade level. No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated, and donations above the suggested amount help provide opportunities for families who may not be able to contribute. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 7th 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 Youth Football & Cheer — Registration Still Open! Looking for a fun way for your child to get involved in youth football? Sebastopol Sharks Youth Football & Cheer still has spots available in all divisions! Divisions: 8U: Ages 6, 7, and 8 10U: Ages 9 and 10 12U: Ages 11 and 12 The Sharks are also now accepting 6-year-olds in the 8U division! Practice Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:00–7:00 PM Practices are held at El Molino High School and Forestville Youth Park. Home games are played at Analy High School on Sundays, with game times varying. Registration rental fee: Approximately $300, including all equipment. Players provide their own water bottle, socks, and cleats. Ready to register? Visit wcsharks.com to sign up. Questions? Email coachirkaz@gmail.com. Don't miss out on the season! Let's go, Sharks! 🦈 🏕️ PACK 128 CUB SCOUTS Adventure Awaits! Cub Scouts is a fun place for kids to make friends, try new things, and go on adventures that build confidence, character, and lifelong memories. Boys & Girls • Grades K–5No experience needed! Just bring your sense of adventure. What do we do? • Camping & outdoor fun • Learn new skills • Pinewood Derby • Games & activities • Helping our community • Earn badges & achieve goals 📅 WHEN & WHERE We meet every Tuesday 1st, 3rd & 4th Tuesday of the month 6:00 PM Gravenstein School Come check us out! We'd love to meet your family! Questions? Email cubmaster@sebastopolpack128.org 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, Aug 30 2026

Monday Messages August 24, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages August 24, 2026 Superintendent's Message Important Traffic Safety Notice for HMS Campus A more detailed message was sent to HMS families on Sunday afternoon regarding growing safety and traffic concerns on Bloomfield Road caused by early arrivals for afternoon pickup. Vehicles arriving before the 3:15 PM dismissal (2:00 PM on Wednesdays) are causing illegal traffic blockages from the 116/Hard Core direction and blocking bike lanes and visibility from the Lone Pine direction. We know that traffic is always heavier at the start of the school year and we know that every school struggles with this. To keep our students and community safe, we are asking all HMS drivers with any flexibility in their schedule to please delay their arrival until 3:25 PM–3:35 PM, which allows you to enter a more efficiently moving line with much less wait time. If you have multiple students across the district and are worried about coordinating your pickup timing, please reach out to our office for guidance. Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, August 26, 3:30pm — GUSD Site Council Thursday, August 27, 2:30pm — GUSD Special Board Meeting Monday, September 7 — NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Tuesday, September 8, 5pm — GUSD Regular Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 6pm — GPA Board Meeting Friday, September 25 — NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference Day Gravenstein Tuesday, August 25, 5pm — Grades TK-2 Back to School Night Thursday, August 27, 5pm — Grades 3-5 Back to School Night Thursday, September 24 — Picture Day Hillcrest 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. Gravenstein Parent Association Pledge Drive Forms ‘ALL IN’ isn’t just about making a payment…it’s about being part of the GPA & GUSD community! When you turn in your pledge forms it means you've read the info and are ready to donate, volunteer, participate in a Dine & Donate, OR help out in any way you can. Every bit makes a difference!! Don't want to pay online? Drop your payments in the GPA mailboxes at either campus office. The secretaries can show you where they are. THERE ARE PRIZES! NReturn your pledge slip to your teacher by September 14th (Hillcrest families can drop theirs at the front office) for a chance to win! HILLCREST Families: Write your grade on your pledge slip for a chance to win a grade-level party! Let’s keep GUSD enrichment going strong! Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. We’re ALL IN this together. 🎉Calling All Business Owners!!! We’re looking for a few amazing local businesses to sponsor GPA events this year! Own a business or work for a company that would love to support our schools? We’d love to have you join us! Your sponsorship helps make awesome experiences possible for our students and families. Refer a Corporate Sponsor, Get a Free Yearbook! Check out our sponsorship tiers and learn how to apply by clicking the link below! https://forms.gle/6DDABNSvds7Pp4H9A Or email: sponsorship@wearegpa.com 🍦Ice Cream Social was awesome!🍦 A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at Ragle Park this weekend! We loved seeing so many familiar faces—and meeting new ones, too! It was such a fun afternoon filled with ice cream, laughter, and lots of new connections. Events like this are what make our GUSD community so special! We’re so glad you came out and can’t wait to see you at the next event! Parents Night Out Need some adult conversation? Want to sip and be social with other GUSD parents? GPA is hosting a parents night out at Hook & Ladder Winery on September 26th. A night of good food, wine, music and good company. Keep that night free and book your child care now. More details to come. Want to volunteer for GPA? Here's all the helpful links: GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form GPA Event Volunteers: Event Volunteer Form GPA Board positions: email wearegpa@wearegpa.com Sponsorships/Dine & Donates: email sponsorship@wearegpa.com or Sponsorship Form Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most. Upcoming Events Pledge Drive, August 13 - Sept 14 Gravenstein Back 2 School Bash, August 25-27 Parent Only Event, September 26th Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 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 Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders Dear Parents, Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all get used to the pick-up and drop-off routines here at Gravenstein. Please arrive only during your stutdent's assigned drop-off and pick-up window, unless your student is participating in the Beyond the Bell Program. These assigned times help keep traffic moving and make drop-off and pick-up safer for everyone. Please review the schedule and map below for the drop-off and pick-up locations for each grade level. Important Reminders Morning Drop-Off The Lower Lot is open for student drop-off from 8:00–8:20 AM. Please use the drop-off location listed for your student's grade level. If you need to help your child out of the car, please park and use a crosswalk. Afternoon Pick-Up The Lower Lot is open for 4th and 5th grade pick-up from 3:00–3:20 PM. The Lower Lot is open for 2nd grade pick-up from 3:20–3:35 PM. If a 4th or 5th grade student is being picked up at 3:20 PM with a younger sibling, they may be picked up with their sibling. Please display your yellow car placard when you arrive for pick-up. If you are missing your car placard, you can pick up a new one in the front office. If you arrive early, please do not block the car circle during another grade's dismissal. Beyond the Bell Pick-Up The Lower Lot is open for Beyond the Bell pick-up beginning at 3:05 PM. TK/Kindergarten Beyond the Bell pick-up before 3:00 PM is located in the Upper Lot. 📢 Communicate Your Student's After-School Plan Please talk with your student each day about their after-school plan. We understand that plans can change. If your student's plan changes, please communicate the change to your student's teacher and/or the front office. The more information we have, the better we can make sure your student is in the right place after school. Thank you for helping us keep drop-off and pick-up safe and smooth for everyone! 🎉 Back-to-School Bash! We are excited to welcome our Gravenstein families back to school with our Back-to-School Bash! Join us for an evening of fun, games, and time to connect with your student's teacher and school community. Dates: Tuesday, August 25: TK–2nd Grade Thursday, August 27: 3rd–5th Grade Classrooms will be open from 5:00–5:30 PM. This is a great time to meet your student's teacher, explore the classroom and campus, and learn more about the school year. After visiting the classrooms, join us on the field from 5:15–6:15 PM for: 🎵 Music and games 🏃 Field activities for families 🧺 Bring a blanket and relax on the field 🌮 A Taco Truck will be on campus both evenings with food and drinks available for purchase 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The whole family is invited! You can also sign up for field trips while you're here. Come meet Gus, our Grizzly mascot, and celebrate the start of a great school year with us! We can't wait to see you there! 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 🎶 Zero Period Chorus Is Here! Do you love music and enjoy singing? Zero Period Chorus with Mr. Burrows may be just the thing for you! Students will have the opportunity to: Develop their singing and vocal skills Learn the basics of music Improve sight-reading and ear-training skills Sing a variety of choral music Work together as a group Build confidence through performances No audition or previous experience is required! The only requirements are a love of music, an interest in singing, and a willingness to work with others to make beautiful music together. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 AM Where: HMS Band Room Teacher: Mr. Burrows For more information, please email Mr. Burrows at sburrows@gusdschools.org. Come sing with us! 📚 Wednesday Book Club Beverage Donations Needed! The Wednesday Book Club is looking for donations of: Lemonade Sparkling water Iced tea Disposable cups Thank you for helping keep our book club refreshed! 🔎 Lost & Found Hillcrest's Lost & Found is already filling up! It is located to the right of Mr. Deeth's office. Please have your student stop by and take a look to see if they are missing anything. Any items remaining after school on Friday, August 28, will be collected and donated. Support the Gravenstein Parent Association! The Gravenstein Parent Association (GPA) helps make our schools the unique and special places they are. Through fundraising and family activities, GPA provides support for programs and experiences that benefit our students throughout the year. At Hillcrest, GPA funds and supports: The Maker Lab Band, Jazz Band, and Choir Wednesday Enrichments Zero Period PE Summer Jumpstart Movie Nights The Color Run Cal Skate Nights Teacher supplies and classroom materials And so much more! Many of the electives, enrichment programs, and activities offered at Hillcrest are possible because of the support from GPA. If you are able, please consider supporting GPA so they can continue supporting our students! A GPA Pledge Form was sent home on Friday. Please complete the form and return it to the HMS Main Office as soon as you can. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these opportunities possible! 2026–27 Class Schedules Elective Changes Elective change requests will be considered August 24–26. There is no guarantee that a requested change can be made. After August 26, no additional elective changes will be made. Changes to non-elective classes cannot be made. Elective Change Request forms are available in the Hillcrest Main Office. A parent signature is required for all requests. Trimester 1 Enrichment Sign-Ups Last week, HMS students signed up for their Trimester 1 Wednesday Enrichment classes during Social Studies. Trimester 1 Wednesday Enrichments begin Wednesday, August 26! We will do our best to give students their top choices, but placement in a specific Enrichment is not guaranteed. If your student was absent when Enrichment choices were made, please have them see Ms. Cole as soon as possible. 6th Grade Parent Workshop — September 2 Is your student new to middle school this year? Join us for a special evening designed to help parents and caregivers understand the transition to middle school and learn ways to support their 6th grader. The Gravenstein Parent Association and Hillcrest Middle School invite you to join Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. When: Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 PM Where: Hillcrest Band Room For parents and caregivers of 6th graders Come learn more about the middle school experience and ways you can support your student during this important transition. We hope you can join us! Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety Reminders Please continue to follow these important safety procedures for arrival and dismissal. Morning Students who are not attending Zero Period or Beyond the Bell should not be dropped off before 8:00 AM. Students who arrive before the 8:25 AM bell must go directly to the blacktop. Afternoon Students must be picked up by 3:45 PM on regular school days and by 2:30 PM on Wednesdays. Students attending Beyond the Bell must go directly to the Beyond the Bell room and sign in after the final bell. Students waiting for the bus should go to Room P1 (Ms. Baird's room). After-School Activities Students attending an after-school practice, game, or other event must either attend Beyond the Bell until the event begins or leave campus and return when the event starts. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes after an event ends. ⚠️ Important Safety Reminder Students may not be picked up on Bloomfield Road. Students may not walk up the stairs from Hillcrest to Bloomfield Road unless they are walking directly to their own home. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe! Hillcrest Field Trip Information 🚌 6th Grade Field Trip — Chaperones Needed! Our first 6th grade field trip of the school year is coming up on Tuesday, September 8, and we are looking for a few more parent chaperones to join us! Students will spend the day at Westminster Woods in Occidental, participating in team-building activities and an outdoor skills challenge course. Trip Details: Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 Location: Westminster Woods, Occidental Transportation: School buses Departure: Meet at Hillcrest at 8:30 AM Return: Back at Hillcrest by approximately 5:00 PM Chaperones will help supervise students and assist with activities throughout the day. If you are interested in joining us, please email Mrs. Libby Baird at lbaird@gusdschools.org. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make this trip possible! 🚌 6th Grade Field Trip — Permission & Health Waiver The 6th grade field trip to Westminster Woods in Occidental is coming up on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Students will spend the day participating in team-building activities and an outdoor skills challenge. The Westminster Woods Health Information Waiver and field trip permission slip will be sent home with 6th grade students on Monday, August 24. Please complete and return both forms as soon as possible, but no later than Tuesday, September 1. We need the completed forms to make sure we have an accurate head count for the trip. Transportation: Students will travel by school bus. Parent chaperones should plan to drive separately. Field Trip Donation: The suggested donation for this field trip is $105 per student. Please make checks payable to GUSD. If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact Libby Baird at lbaird@gusdschools.org. Thank you for helping us get the permission slips and health waivers returned on time! 🎭 7th Grade Field Trip — Julius Caesar Our 7th graders will travel to the Marin Shakespeare Outdoor Theater on Friday, September 11 to see a production of Julius Caesar. Trip Details: Date: Friday, September 11, 2026 Departure: 8:45 AM Return: 2:30 PM Transportation: West Sonoma County Transportation Cost: $40 suggested family donation Students should bring a bag lunch or pre-ordered school lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, and layers for the changing temperatures throughout the day. Permission Slip Due September 4 The digital permission slip is due Friday, September 4. Please complete the permission slip through the ParentSquare post for this field trip. 7th grade families: Please see the full field trip post for the permission slip and additional information. View Permission Slip & Details Support 7th Grade Field Trips Our 7th grade students have several exciting field trips planned for this school year! Family donations help us continue to provide these valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. Suggested donations for each trip can be found in the 7th Grade Field Trip Donation Request post. Families can choose to donate for individual field trips or make one donation for all of the 7th grade field trips for the year. Click the button below to make a donation. If you prefer to donate by cash or check, you can drop off your donation at the HMS Main Office. Please make checks payable to GUSD and write “7th Grade Field Trips” in the memo. Within the next month, we will have similar donation options available for each grade level. No student will be excluded from a field trip because their family is unable to make a donation. Donations of any amount are appreciated, and donations above the suggested amount help provide opportunities for families who may not be able to contribute. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these experiences possible! 7th 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 Youth Football & Cheer — Registration Still Open! Looking for a fun way for your child to get involved in youth football? Sebastopol Sharks Youth Football & Cheer still has spots available in all divisions! Divisions: 8U: Ages 6, 7, and 8 10U: Ages 9 and 10 12U: Ages 11 and 12 The Sharks are also now accepting 6-year-olds in the 8U division! Practice Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:00–7:00 PM Practices are held at El Molino High School and Forestville Youth Park. Home games are played at Analy High School on Sundays, with game times varying. Registration rental fee: Approximately $300, including all equipment. Players provide their own water bottle, socks, and cleats. Ready to register? Visit wcsharks.com to sign up. Questions? Email coachirkaz@gmail.com. Don't miss out on the season! Let's go, Sharks! 🦈 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, Aug 23 2026

Monday Messages August 17, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages August 17, 2026 Superintendent's Message And We're Back! Welcome back! We know your inbox fills quickly this time of year, but we’ve packed this first newsletter with essential updates, fun announcements, and key details for a smooth start to the year. It’s a bit longer than usual, but we promise it’s worth the few minutes it takes to read to the very bottom (there are some important dates down there!). Thank you for partnering with us to kick off an amazing school year! -Keri Pugno Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, August 19, 6pm — GPA Meeting Wednesday, August 26, 3:30pm — GUSD Site Council Monday, September 7 — NO SCHOOL - Labor Day Tuesday, September 8, 5pm — GUSD Board Meeting Wednesday, September 16, 6pm — GPA Board Meeting Friday, September 25 — NO SCHOOL - Parent/Teacher Conference Day Gravenstein Tuesday, August 25, 5pm — Grades TK-2 Back to School Night Thursday, August 27, 5pm — Grades 3-5 Back to School Night Hillcrest Thursday, August 20, 5pm — Back to School Night 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. A medical note is not required for vegetarian requests. Gravenstein Parent Association 🎉 GPA Pledge Drive is HERE! 🎉 You know what makes GUSD special? GPA funds enrichment classes, teacher classroom accounts, mini grants, and more—bringing learning opportunities that make GUSD truly exceptional. And keeping those programs going takes a village - aka, OUR AMAZING GUSD PARENTS! Every donation makes a difference! Give what you can, or consider volunteering your time to help our parent-run nonprofit keep the good stuff going. 🎁 ...AND THERE ARE PRIZES! 🎁 Return your pledge slip to your teacher by September 14th (Hillcrest families can drop theirs at the front office) for a chance to win! Pledge Drive forms are coming home in your child's backpack. Let’s keep GUSD enrichment going strong! Donate. Volunteer. Get involved. We’re all in this together. Make your impact today! DONATE HERE: GPA Donation SPORTS BASEMENT Shopping!! For August only, Sports Basement is waiving the usual one-time $25 Basementeer membership fee for Gravenstein families! Membership gets you 10% off every purchase for life, and sends 10% of the profits from what you buy directly back to our school. Sign up free, then use your Basementeer discount to get 20% off back-to-school gear August 7 to 23 (code 12429 in store, GRAVENSTEIN online). Sign up free here. 🍦 Welcome Back Ice Cream Social! 🍦 Join us for a fun afternoon of ice cream, laughter, and fun at our Annual Welcome Back Ice Cream Social. It's the perfect opportunity to meet other families, reconnect with friends, and discover the amazing school community that makes Gravenstein so special. Come enjoy a free sweet treat, connect with other families, and kick off an exciting new school year together. We can't wait to see you there! Saturday, August 22. 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Ragle Ranch Park Wanna be a GLP? Looking for Grade-Level Parent (GLP) leaders! Help build connections, spread the word about events, and learn more about how GPA supports our schools. No experience required, just a willingness to connect with families. Grade Level Parents provide an invaluable service to build and strengthen our school community. GLPs are the main source of communication between GPA and the parents in their grade level. We are currently looking to fill TK GLP, Kinder GLP, First Grade GLP, and Hillcrest GLP's. All inquiries are welcome, we can always use more help. Sign up: HERE Or email co.glp.coordinator@wearegpa.com Refer a Corporate Sponsor, Get a Free Yearbook! Looking to support our school while getting great exposure for your business? GPA is seeking annual corporate sponsors for the 2026-27 school year, and packages start at only $275. Sponsors are recognized in Monday Messages, on our social media, and on our website, with event banner and Jog-A-Thon shirt placement at higher levels. If you own a business, or think your employer would be interested, connect us by emailing sponsorship@wearegpa.com. (If the business signs on at any level, you will receive a free 26-27 yearbook!) Forms and payment are due September 18, 2026. Secure your spot: https://bit.ly/GPASponsors GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our schools 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 will have full board support! Interested? Email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com or connect with your GLPs Upcoming Events Pledge Drive, August 13 - Sept 14 Mes Filles Benefit Concert, August 15th, 3-7:30pm GLP Hosted Ice Cream Social, August 22 11-2pm Hillcrest Back 2 School, August 20, 5pm Gravenstein Back 2 School Bash, August 25-27 *Join us, by volunteering at a GPA event this year and be part of the fun! Sign up below. Event Volunteer Form Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, August 19, 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 Thank you for helping with the smooth start! Parents and Families, I feel so fortunate to have seen most families at one of our Meet-the-Teacher events last week. I promised to share the slide deck and encourage you to take a minute to share it with anyone who missed it earlier. I want the information to make it to everyone- all of our parents, grandparents, guardians, and even babysitters that pick up just two days a week! I combined the presentations into one resource to provide a general overview of the information, expectations, and important topics covered during the events. Meet the Teacher Parent Presentation Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Matthew McDowell, Gravenstein Principal Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders A quick guide to keeping our kids safe and our carline moving! Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all get used to the pick-up and drop-off routines here at Gravenstein. Make sure to adhere to the Drop-Off and Pick-Up Windows unless utilizing the Beyond the Bell Program. ** In AM, the Lower Lot is open for student drop-off between 8:00-8:20. ** In PM, Lower Lot is open for grade 4/5 pick-up between 3:00-3:20, and grade 2 pick-up between 3:20-3:35 If a grade 4/5 student will be picked up at 3:20 with a younger sibling. ** In PM, Lower Lot is open Beyond the Bell pick up starting at 3:05pm. TK / K Beyond the Bell pick up before 3pm is located in the Upper Lot. Yellow Placards should be displayed in the car window to assist Staff in getting your student to the pick up circles. Communicate With Your Student the after-school plan each day. We understand that things can change, but your child should be abel to answer the question, "How are you getting home today?" If your child is younger, make sure to also communicate with your students' teacher and/or the front office the plan for the day. The more information we have the better as it helps us make sure our students are in the right place after school. 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 📚 Back to School Night We are excited to welcome our Hawk families to Back to School Night on Thursday, August 20, from 5:00–6:15 p.m. This is a great opportunity for parents and families to meet their student’s teachers and learn more about the school year. Teachers will share important information about classroom routines, expectations, learning, and ways families can support their students throughout the year. Have questions after Back to School Night? Families are always welcome to contact teachers by phone or email throughout the school year. We look forward to seeing you there! 7th Grade Field Trip — Chaperones Needed! Our first 7th grade field trip of the year is coming up on Friday, September 11! Both the entire 7th grade class and Mr. Collin’s drama students will travel to the Marin Shakespeare Company’s outdoor amphitheater in San Rafael to see a live performance of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. We're looking for a few parent chaperones to help supervise students during this fun and educational full-day trip. Date: Friday, September 11, 2026 Transportation: School buses Departure: Meet at Hillcrest at 8:30 AM Return: Back to Hillcrest by 2:30 PM Event: Outdoor performance If you're interested in joining us, please reply to this google form: Marin Shakespeare Chaperone Request You can also email Ms. Clements at cclements@gusdschools.org . Thank you for your support! 7th Grade Locker Day! This Friday - August 21st - 7th graders will get a chance to move items into their lockers. They are also able to quickly decorate their lockers with magnetic or non-adhesive decorations and storage stands. NOTE: Students are only able to use a school provided lock, so you do not need to purchase a lock for them. Help your child plan ahead for the locker set up day this Friday! Chorus Enrichment Do you love music? Do you enjoy singing? Hillcrest Middle School is excited to offer a new Zero Period Chorus with Mr. Burrows! The first day of class is Tuesday, August 18. Students in Zero Period Chorus will have the opportunity to: Develop and improve their singing skills. Learn the basics of music. Improve sight-reading and ear-training skills. Sing a variety of choral music. Work together as a team. Build confidence through performances. No audition or previous experience is required! Students only need a love of music, an interest in singing, and a willingness to work with others to make a beautiful sound. If you enjoy singing and want to be part of a fun musical group, Zero Period Chorus may be the perfect opportunity for you! Zero Period Chorus will be held every Tuesday and Thursday in the HMS Band room starting at 7:30 AM! Email Mr. Burrows - sburrows@gusdschools.org for more information! 🌱 Growing in the Hillcrest Garden Our wonderful Hillcrest Garden Enrichment class began the school year with their sleeves pulled up and their hands in the soil! Students were excited to learn about the garden from the ground up while preparing the garden beds for new flowering plants and herbs, generously donated by the Boland family of La Vida Buena Nursery. We are looking forward to beginning garden classes at Gravenstein next week for Kindergarten, 2nd, and 3rd grades! Would you like to help our gardens grow? We are always grateful for donations of plants, time, and garden materials. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please email Shauna Lavi, at slavi@gusdschools.org or Mel Piper, at mpiper@gusdschools.org. Come grow with us! 2026-27 Class Schedule Changes Students who would like to request a change to an elective class may submit a request between August 24 and August 26. Please keep the following in mind: Elective changes are not guaranteed. Requests will be reviewed based on available space. An Elective Change Request form is available in the Hillcrest Main Office. A parent or guardian signature is required for all elective change requests. After August 26, no additional elective changes will be made. We cannot make changes to non-elective classes. If your student would like to request an elective change, please make sure the completed form is returned by August 26. Technology: Internet Use Agreement All students received an Internet Use Agreement in their Social Studies class on Friday. Please help your student complete and return the form as soon as possible. A parent or guardian must sign the form. A handwritten signature is required. Electronic signatures are not accepted. Return the signed form to your student’s Social Studies teacher. Students cannot access the Google apps they need for learning until the signed form is returned. Please return the form as soon as possible so your student can have full access to the technology and Google apps needed for class. GPA (Gravenstein Parent Association) Pledge Form The GPA is the parent organization that raises funds and plans activities that help make our district the unique place that it is! At Hillcrest Middle School, GPA fundraising helps support: Keeping the Maker Lab supply closet fully stocked. Zero Period PE staffing and operating costs. Band programming and Choir. Additional expert instructors for our Wednesday Enrichments. Providing every teacher with a discretionary supplies and classroom materials fund. Extending enrichment opportunities into Summer Jumpstart. Movie Nights. The Color Run. Cal Skate Nights. And so much more! The incredible electives, enrichment programs, and activities offered at Hillcrest are possible in large part because of the support provided by the GPA. If you are able, please help the GPA continue to support Hillcrest! Complete the pledge form that was sent home on Friday and return it to the Hillcrest Main Office as soon as possible. Thank you for supporting the GPA and helping provide these incredible opportunities for our students! Trimester 1 Enrichment Sign-Ups For the 2026-27 school year, students at Hillcrest Middle School will have the opportunity to participate in an Enrichment class every Wednesday. Last week, students selected their Trimester 1 Wednesday Enrichment classes during their Social Studies classes. Trimester 1 Wednesday Enrichments will begin Wednesday, August 27. We will do our best to place students in their top choices. Placement in a specific Enrichment is not guaranteed. Students who were absent when Enrichment selections were made should see Mr. Deeths as soon as possible to make their selections. A huge THANK YOU to the GPA for their fundraising efforts and continued support of Wednesday Enrichments at Hillcrest! Their support helps make these opportunities possible for our students. Attendance Matters! Regular attendance is important for student learning and success. It is vital that our students miss as little school as possible. Please make every effort to have your student at school each day and ready to learn. If your student is unable to attend school, please contact the Hillcrest Main Office and provide the reason for the absence. If your family has a trip planned that cannot be scheduled during a school vacation, please be sure to contact the Main Office about an Independent Study option before the trip. Thank you for helping your student attend school as regularly as possible. Every school day matters! 💙 6th Grade Parent Workshop: A Reminder Is your student new to middle school this year? This special evening is designed to help parents and caregivers understand the transition and learn ways to support their 6th grader. The Gravenstein Parent Association and Hillcrest Middle School invite you to join Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. Date: Wednesday, September 2 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Hillcrest Band Room Who: Parents and caregivers of 6th graders Come learn more about the middle school experience and ways you can support your student during this important transition. We hope you can join us! 🚗 Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety Reminders Please take a moment to review these important reminders about student drop-off and pick-up. Morning Drop-Off Students who are not attending Zero Period or the Beyond the Bell program should not be dropped off before 8:00 a.m. When students arrive on campus, they must go directly to the blacktop and remain there until the 8:25 a.m. bell. Afternoon Pick-Up On regular school days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday), students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. On Wednesdays, students must be picked up by 2:30 p.m. Students attending Beyond the Bell must go directly to the Beyond the Bell room and sign in when the final school bell rings. Students waiting for the bus must go to Room P1 (Ms. Baird’s room) to wait for their bus. After-School Activities Students attending an after-school practice, game, or other event must either: Sign up for and attend Beyond the Bell until the event begins, or Leave campus and return when the event is scheduled to begin. Students must be picked up within 15 minutes after an after-school event ends. Important Safety Reminder Students may not be picked up on Bloomfield Road. Students may not walk up the stairs from Hillcrest to Bloomfield Road unless they are walking directly to their own home. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and for following these important school safety procedures. 📱 Cell Phones & Electronic Devices This is a reminder that cell phones and other electronic devices must remain put away while students are on campus. Cell phones must be turned off and put away from the time students arrive on campus. Students may use their cell phones to contact a parent or guardian only with permission from the Main Office. Earbuds, headphones, and other electronic devices may not be used at any time on campus. Violations of the cell phone and electronic device policies may result in disciplinary action. Thank you for helping us support a focused learning environment at Hillcrest! Hillcrest Athletics 🏃 Athletics Fall sports are starting soon on the Hillcrest campus! At this time, students should look out for sign-ups next week for the following sports: 6th-8th Grade Boys Flag Football 7th-8th Grade Girls Basketball 6th Grade Girls Volleyball Cross Country Physicals and consents are required before students may participate. Watch our Monday Messages and visit our Athletics Page for more information! 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 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, Aug 16 2026

Monday Messages August 3, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages August 3, 2026 Superintendent's Message We're excited to start a new school year and want to make sure all families—new and returning—know how we share important information. We use ParentSquare to communicate with our families. One of the main ways we do this is through our Monday Messages, which we typically send every Sunday afternoon. Each parent can adjust their settings to receive messages right at the time they are sent (instant) or have all ParentSquare communications grouped together and delivered as one digest at 6:00PM (digest). The Monday Messages includes news and updates from the District, Gravenstein, Hillcrest, GPA (our parent group), our counselors, and even local community events. Please take a few minutes each Sunday to read Monday Message so you can stay up to date with everything happening in the Gravenstein District. It's Time for Annual Online Forms! Each year, we need families to complete and update various forms and documents. This paperwork is essential for updating emergency contact information, verifying medical/allergy information, obtaining technology and media permissions, identifying needs for support services, and maintaining compliance with state and federal laws. Completing school paperwork each year isn't just a formality- it's how we keep your child safe, suported, and set up for success. Thank you for taking the time to update this important infomation. Families that complete all of their annual online forms by the end of the day on Friday, July 31, will be entered into a raffle to win spirit wear! For continuing families, these forms can be accessed by signing into the SchoolWise parent portal at https://grav.schoolwise.com For new families who do not yet have a SchoolWise parent portal account through GUSD, click on this link: https://grav.schoolwise.com/user/signupParentOptions and then select the "Signup Help..." button on the left side of the screen (see image below) for instructions. Need help? Have questions? Call the Gravenstein Office at (707) 823-5361 between 8:30AM - 4:00PM for assistance. Did You Miss Last Week's Monday Messages? Last week's Monday Messages included this information: From the District: Beyond-the-Bell Registration (sign up now to guarantee space!) Important Dates From GPA Join the Parent Association Information From Gravenstein Elementary Principal's Welcome Back Letter Meet-The-Teacher Events Drop-Off and Pick-Up Reminders From Hillcrest Middle School Athletics Information To check out these articles, click on the following link: Monday Messages July 6, 2026 Important Links 2026-2027 Calendar -— Attendance at school is important! While an Independent Study Plan is an option for planned absences, we hope that families will be able to schedule vacations during the planned school breaks. 2026-2027 Calendar Immunizations — Please make sure you have submitted proof of all required immunizations. See shotsforschool.org for more information. HMS Athletics — All students planning on joining a sports team at Hillcrest must have a completed Athletics Clearance Packet on file before the first practice. It may be hard to get a doctor's appointment at the start of the year, so we encourage families to schedule your child's sports physical now! Link to Athletic Packet in English | Spanish Summer Academic Review and Activities — Our teachers created supplemental materials for those who want to review skills over the summer or feel more confident returning to school. All materials are on the district website: Link to Website Bus Pass — For families that live within the area serviced by West County Transportation, please visit their website to see available bus stops and registration. West County Transportation Bell Schedule 2026-2027 School Supply List Each year, the teachers create a list of supplies that students will need throughout the year. As the students will go through these supplies quickly, we ask families that are able to donate any of these items to bring them to school during the first few days of school. Donated items are greatly appreciated by our students and staff. Gravenstein Elementary School 2026-2027 Supply List for Grades TK-5 Hillcrest Middle School 2026-2027 Supply List for Grades 6-8 Individual teachers may add to this list at the start of the school year. Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, July 14, 5pm — GUSD Board Meeting Tuesday, August 4, 5pm — GUSD Board Meeting Thursday, August 13 — First Day of School Wednesday, August 19, 6pm — GPA Meeting Gravenstein Meet-the-Teacher dates are listed below in the Gravenstein section Tuesday, August 25, 5 PM - Back to School Night for Grades TK-2 Thursday, August 27, 5 PM - Back to School Night for Grades 3-5 Hillcrest Monday, August 10, 2 to 3 PM - Meet the Teacher Thursday, August 20, 5 PM - Back to School Night 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, Aug 02 2026