Monday Messages January 12, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages January 12, 2026   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, January 13, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, January 16 - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate Wednesday, January 21st, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, January 28 - GUSD - 100th Day of School Wednesday, January 28, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   GPA Needs You! Want to Make a Difference in Our School Community?? Our nonprofit is seeking engaged, community-minded individuals to join our board in the following volunteer roles: Social Media Manager – Help share our mission, events and impact by managing our presence on Facebook and Instagram Event Chair – Lead the planning and execution of fundraising and community events These roles play a vital part in supporting our mission and strengthening our school community in a hands-on way. Prior experience is helpful but passion and reliability matter most. If you’re interested (or know someone that would be perfect) or would like to learn more, please reach out via email at wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs!   Skate Night — Roll Into Cozy Fun at Our Pajama Party Skate Night! Slip into your comfiest pajamas and join us at Cal Skate THIS Friday, January 16th for a night of wheels, giggles, and cozy vibes! Whether you rock fuzzy PJs, matching sets, or your silliest bedtime look, come skate the night away in style — all while supporting a great cause! This fun-filled evening is a fundraiser for our enrichment programs, so bring your family, friends, and your best pajama fashion. Lace up, get comfy, and let’s roll for a cause — we can’t wait to see your best bedtime looks on the rink!   Online Auction Items NEEDED We’re getting ready for our upcoming online auction and would love your help! Do you have an item, experience or service you’d be willing to donate? From gift cards and handmade items to lessons, vacation homes, tickets, or fun family experiences—every contribution helps support our school community. If you have something to share, we’d be so grateful to include it in our auction! We also need people to write thank you notes!  Please reach out to Heather at beany07@gmail.com to learn more.   Parents, Get Ready to PARTY — The Ultimate Night Out is COMING! After a long wait, our Parents-Only event is finally making a comeback: Boots and Bottles!  Mark your calendars for May 2nd in Sebastopol — a night packed with mouthwatering food, music that’ll get you on your feet, dancing, special guest bartenders and nonstop fun! This isn’t just a fundraiser — it’s the ultimate celebration for you, all while supporting our beloved enrichment programs!  Dust off those boots, grab your crew, and let’s make this night one for the books!   Upcoming Events Skate Night @ Cal Skate, Friday January 16th, 2026 Online Auction, February 17th - March 6th Save the Date!  Our PARENT ONLY EVENT is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   The Importance of Arriving to School on Time One of the most important ways we can support student success is by ensuring that children arrive at school on time each day.  While a few minutes may not seem significant, those early moments of the school day play a critical role in setting students up for learning. Morning routines are intentionally designed to help students feel calm, connected, and ready to learn.  During this time, teachers review the schedule, set expectations, build classroom community, and begin instruction right away.  When students arrive late, they miss these important routines and may feel rushed, disconnected, or unsure of what is happening in the classroom. Arriving on time also allows students to fully participate in instruction and classroom discussions from the very beginning.  It supports consistent learning, builds confidence, and helps students develop responsibility and independence — skills that are essential both in school and beyond. Additionally, frequent tardiness can be disruptive not only for the student arriving late, but also for the entire class.  When students are present and ready at the start of the day, it helps create a focused, respectful, and positive learning environment for everyone. We truly appreciate your partnership in making punctuality a priority.  By working together, we can ensure that every student begins their day feeling prepared, supported, and ready to learn.   26-27 School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students eligible for TK/K next school year and want to learn more about our TK/K program? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours and/or attend our Open House Events! 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Elective Pathways Rotation Update On Tuesday, January 20, students in Elective Pathways will rotate to their new pathway. The following classes will switch: Art Appreciation and Life Skills will swap with each other. Maker Lab and Video Production will swap with each other. We are excited for students to continue learning and exploring new skills in their next pathway!   Hillcrest Spring Musical: The Music Man Jr. Hillcrest staff and students are excited to present this year’s Spring Musical, the Broadway classic The Music Man Jr. More than 30 students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades have been rehearsing twice a week since late October. Our Set Design Enrichment class has done a wonderful job painting sets and building props to bring the show to life. Since returning from winter break, rehearsals have moved from the music room to the stage in Hillcrest Hall. With eight weeks of rehearsals still ahead, students are preparing to wow audiences with classic songs, crowd-pleasing dance numbers, and the timeless story of The Music Man. Save the dates: Thursday, March 5 Friday, March 6 Saturday, March 7 We invite families and community members to come support Hillcrest Performing Arts and enjoy a wonderful show!   Analy High School Band Performance The Analy High School Band will be performing for all Hillcrest students on Wednesday, January 14. Hillcrest will be on a special schedule that day to accommodate the performance. We are excited to welcome these talented high school musicians to our campus!   Important Message for 8th Grade Parents – Yearbook Baby Photos There was an issue with the 8th grade baby photo Google Form. Instead of submitting photos through the form, please email baby photos directly to Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org. This applies to all 8th grade students, including those who previously submitted photos. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.   Wednesday Book Club Donations We are collecting donations for our Wednesday Book Club. Please consider donating: Boxes of hot chocolate packets Herbal tea Donations can be dropped off at the front office. These items help our book-loving Hawks enjoy a warm beverage during Wednesday enrichments. Thank you for your support!   Trimester 2 Progress Reports Trimester 2 Progress Reports will be available online in Schoolwise on January 13. Families are encouraged to check the Schoolwise Parent Portal regularly to stay informed about student progress.   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out! Analy Update: Analy Registration Night – Reminder for 8th Grade Families Analy Registration Night will be held on January 15 from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Analy Theater. This event is a great opportunity for families to get help with: Signing up for the Aeries portal Registering for classes Asking questions of teachers from every department For full details, please be sure to review the High School Information post linked above.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Field Trip Reminder – Permission Slips Due This is a reminder for 7th grade families that permission slips are due for the upcoming field trip on January 20. Permission slips must be completed by Wednesday, January 14. Attendance is not guaranteed if permission slips are submitted after the due date. Please be sure to review the original field trip post linked below, which includes full details and the digital permission slip form. 7th Grade Field Trip to LBC Post Link Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Giants & GUSD Fundraiser Saturday, April 4th, Afternoon Game Come join in the fun and watch the Giants take on the NY Mets! Reserve your seat in the Arcade section of the Ballpark with the Gravenstein Community!  Tickets are 30% off retail price & $5 of every ticket sold goes back into our Athletics Program!  Get Your Tickets Here This is a special Youth Baseball/Softball League day at the Giants Park. If your child plays with a local baseball or softball league, invite their teammates and encourage them to wear their jersey!  Hillcrest athletes are encouraged to wear your current sports jersey! The first 8,000 kids will be gifted a special youth reversible arm sleeve! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! 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 Garden Adventures and Updates   A Fruitful 2026 As students return to school, they find the Gravenstein and Hillcrest gardens growing and progressing with the help of our wonderful community. In partnership with Harmony Farm Supply & Nursery and School Garden Network, and thanks to California Department of Food & Agriculture grant funding, both Gravenstein and Hillcrest gardens have new supplies, fruiting plants, and seeds to kick the year off the right way: by growing an abundance of beautiful and nutritious garden plants! At Gravenstein, some garden classes have been planting seeds in mini-greenhouses, while others have been “tucking seeds into bed” with a gentle blanket of rice straw. At Hillcrest, the garden class is excited to help plant in the new garden as we finish construction. We are looking forward to a fantastic, delicious veggie- and fruit-filled year.  If you would like to volunteer time and/or materials to the Gravenstein Gardens, please email Shauna Lavi, School Garden Coordinator, slavi@gusdschools.org for more information. We have two upcoming garden volunteer opportunities on each campus: January 23rd at Hillcrest February 6th at Gravenstein Precise times tbd. Come grow with us!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Girl Scout Snow Day!! Bundle up and join us for a Girls Scout Snow Day!! Have fun with snowy-themed activities, make new friends, and discover all the ways you can get involved in Girl Scouts—including how to make your very own snow! Please see the file linked here: Girl Scout Snow Day Flyer — scroll to second page to see the flyer in Spanish   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes January 2026 Class Schedule January Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Jan 11 2026

Monday Messages January 5, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages January 5, 2026   Winter Break was a busy time on both campuses! While the weather did not allow for completion of all the work we would have liked, the GUSD Custodial Crew were busy over these past two weeks getting the campuses ready for the new year. At Gravenstein, the weather did not cooperate like we were hoping and the installation of the new TK play structure had to be pushed back for drier weather. At Hillcrest, however, the garden got some amazing final touches and the Gym floors were resurfaced and restriped. Thank you to the GUSD Maintenance and Operations Team for all of the hard work!   Registration for the 2026-27 School Year is Now Open We’re excited to announce that registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open! New students who are interested in enrolling must complete an application, which is now available on our website. Families are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time for processing. Returning students do not need to complete an application at this time. Instead, families of currently enrolled students will be asked to complete and submit their annual paperwork online during the summer prior to the start of the next school year. If you know a family or friend who may be interested in attending our school next year, please help us spread the word and let them know that registration is now open. For additional details and to access the application, please visit our website. We look forward to another great year with our school community!   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, January 13, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, January 16 - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate Wednesday, January 21st, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, January 28, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Happy New Year! As we welcome in a new year, we want to thank our incredible students, families, GUSD faculty, and sponsors. Because of you, our teachers are empowered with classroom accounts, we can provide amazing enrichment teachers and mini-grants that bring creative ideas to life for our students. Thank you for being a part of the work that makes a meaningful difference in our GUSD community. Here's to another year of supporting our educators, enriching learning, and strengthening our school community together.   Upcoming Events Skate Night @ Cal Skate, Friday January 16th, 2026 Save the Date! Our parent-only event is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   A Message from Principal McDowell Dear Gravenstein Families, As we transition back from winter break, you may notice your children feeling a little more emotional, tired, or generally out of sorts. This is completely normal. After several weeks of different routines, late mornings, and holiday excitement, it can take time for students to readjust to the structure of the school day. A few simple things can help make the transition smoother: Re-establish consistent sleep routines, even on weekends. Talk with your child about the school day, giving them space to share feelings or worries. Build in some calm, screen-free downtime after school to help them recharge. Keep mornings relaxed and predictable, which can reduce stress before arriving on campus. Thank you for your continued support as we help students ease back into learning. We’re happy to have them back and look forward to a great start to the new year together. Matthew McDowell Gravenstein Principal   Reminder: Please Arrive During Your Grade-Level Pick-Up Window Dear Families, To help keep our pick-up line safe and efficient for everyone, we ask that families arrive only during their assigned pick-up windows. Arriving early for a later dismissal time (for example, coming for 1st/2nd grade pickup while 4/5 is still dismissing) blocks the flow of traffic and makes it difficult for other families to pick up their students safely and on time. Please follow these arrival windows: Drop-Off Windows TK / K: 8:30–8:40 1st / 2nd: 8:15–8:25 3rd / 4th / 5th: 8:00–8:10 Pick-Up Windows TK / K: 2:20–2:35 (Wednesdays 1:00–1:15) 1st / 2nd: 3:20–3:35 (Wednesdays 1:45-2:00) 3rd / 4th / 5th: 3:05–3:20 (Wednesdays 1:30-1:45) Thank you for helping us keep our dismissal process safe and orderly for all students. Your cooperation makes a big difference in keeping traffic flowing smoothly and ensuring a positive end to each school day.   26-27 School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students eligible for TK/K next school year and want to learn more about our TK/K program? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours and/or attend our Open House Events! 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Elective Pathways Rotation - January 5 Good morning families, As we return from winter Break, we have an update to share about Elective Pathways. On Monday, January 5, students in Elective Pahtways will rotate to their new classes. This gives students a chance to explore different skills and interests. Here is how the rotations will work: Art Appreciation will switch with Life Skills Maker Lab will switch with Video Production Please help your student be ready for their new class on Monday. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We are excited to welcome students back and start the new year strong!   Challenge Day for 7th Grade Students All 7th grade students have received a permission slip for Challenge Day. Challenge Day is a special experience designed to help communities break down barriers and build connection. It is a positive day focused on fun, friendship, and new possibilities. During this workshop, trained facilitators from the organization Community Matters will guide students through activities and discussions. Topics include: Self-awareness Self-management Social awareness Responsible decision-making Relationship skills Students will learn tools to build confidence, empathy, resilience, and help motivate them to make positive changes in their life and at school. These skills help create a safer and more supportive school environment where students can succeed. Permission slips were due no later than December 17. Parents: If you are available to volunteer on Challenge Day, please email Samantha Cole at scole@gusdschools.org.   Message from Yearbook Staff to 8th Grade Parents There was a problem with the 8th grade baby photo Google Form. Please do not use the form. Instead, email your child’s baby photo directly to: Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org This request applies to all 8th grade students, including families who already submitted a photo through the Google Form. Thank you for your help in making the 8th grade yearbook special!   Wednesday Book Club Donation Our Wednesday Book Club Hawks love to cozy up with a good book—and a warm drink makes reading even better! We are asking for donations of boxes of hot chocolate packets and herbal tea to share with students during Wednesday enrichment. If you are able to help, please drop your donations off at the front office. Every cup of cocoa or tea helps make reading time warmer and more enjoyable. Thank you for supporting our book-loving Hawks!   Trimester 2 Progress Reports Trimester 2 Progress Reports are now available online in Schoolwise. To avoid surprises, we encourage families to check the Schoolwise Parent Portal regularly. Staying up to date helps support student success throughout the trimester. Thank you for partnering with us to support our students!   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! 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   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the information on the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes January 2026 Class Schedule January Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Jan 04 2026

Monday Messages December 29, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages December 29, 2025   Superintendent's Message - Registration Now Open for the 2026-2027 School Year We’re excited to announce that registration for the 2026–2027 school year is now open! New students who are interested in enrolling must complete an application, which is now available on our website. Families are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time for processing. Returning students do not need to complete an application at this time. Instead, families of currently enrolled students will be asked to complete and submit their annual paperwork online during the summer prior to the start of the next school year. If you know a family or friend who may be interested in attending our school next year, please help us spread the word and let them know that registration is now open. For additional details and to access the application, please visit our website. We look forward to another great year with our school community! 8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Gravenstein Union School District Reminder: NO SCHOOL: Don't forget school will be closed December 22 - January 2, 2026 — Winter Break. The District Office will have limited hours during the break. Please call with any questions, (707) 823-7008. Happy holidays! Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, January 13, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, January 16 - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate Wednesday, January 21st, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, January 28, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Thank You for a Magical Holiday Faire! A heartfelt thank you to all of the coordinators, families, volunteers, cookie bakers, donors, HMS leadership, staff members, vendors, Scouts, admin and our custodial team for your incredible efforts and support of this year’s Holiday Faire. Because of you, our community enjoyed creative local vendors, a wonderful variety of delicious cookies, hot cocoa, festive crafts, live music by our very own GPA-funded choir teacher, Spencer Burrows, and even a special visit from Elsa! The event truly reflected the spirit, creativity, and generosity that make our GUSD community so special. We are so grateful for the time, talent, and care each of you shared to make this event such a success. Thank you for helping create a joyful and memorable experience for our families!   A Message for the Season As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to extend our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you. Your continued support—whether through volunteering your time, contributing resources, showing up at events, or offering encouragement—truly strengthens our school community. As a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, the Gravenstein Parent Association relies on the involvement of families like yours to help generate funding for enrichment programs, classroom support, and mini-grants that directly benefit our students and teachers. We invite you to join us in this meaningful work—every hand and every contribution makes a difference. Because of your generosity and engagement, our students enjoy enriched learning opportunities, beloved traditions, and a school environment filled with care. We are deeply grateful for all you do. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, peaceful, and joyful season.   Upcoming Events Skate Night @ Cal Skate, Friday January 16th, 2026 Save the Date! Our parent-only event is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Dec 28 2025

Monday Messages December 15, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages December 15, 2025   Superintendent's Message Sign-up for a Free Holiday Break Produce/Grocery Bag We are incredibly proud to be part of a community committed to ensuring that the students in our District have their food needs met, even during holiday breaks. Through our strong community connections and ongoing grant-writing, GUSD is pleased to be able to make available a Free Winter Holiday Produce and Grocery Bag for any family in need over the break. These bags will be filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. The bags will be ready for pick-up from the Gravenstein Elementary School campus on Saturday, 12/20/25 between 10:00am - noon. Please complete this short form to either make sure your family receives a Winter Holiday Produce/Grocery Bag or to donate toward this program: Produce and Grocery Bag Registration 2025 Last day to sign up is Monday, December 15th!!     Holiday fun at Hillcrest!   Gravenstein Union School District Reminder: NO SCHOOL: Don't forget school will be closed December 22 - January 2, 2026 — Winter Break. The District Office will be open some of those days. Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, December 17, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Tuesday, January 13, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, January 16 - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate Wednesday, January 21st, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Gravenstein Tuesday, December 16, 5pm - Gravenstein Winter Concert held at Hillcrest Hillcrest Thursday, December 18, 8:30am - Trimester 1 Awards   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Help Us Make the GPA Online Auction a Success! Dear Gravenstein and Hillcrest Families, We need your help to make our annual online auction a huge success! This important fundraiser supports our schools, funds incredible enrichment programs, and allows us to continue giving our teachers and students amazing opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Every family can make a difference! You can contribute in many ways: donate a good or service, provide a gift certificate from your workplace, offer tickets or vacation time, or even help by reaching out to local businesses. No matter your schedule or skill set, there’s a way for you to help our community shine. Our online auction is in February, and we’re excited to start collecting items now! Donating is easy—just email, call, or text GPA member Heather Ritz with your donation details: Donor Name/Business Website (if applicable) Brief description of the item or service Photo (if possible) Suggested value Contact email/phone for the winner Physical address (for a tax contribution letter and thank-you note; will not be shared publicly) All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. By supporting this auction, you are directly helping our students enjoy extraordinary enrichment experiences. Thank you for being part of our remarkable community and for helping us make this year’s auction even more successful than the last.   Upcoming Events Skate Night at Cal Skate, Rohnert Park, Friday, January 16th, 2026 Save the Date! Our parent-only event is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   4th Graders and Compassion Without Borders Blankets It’s that time of year again! Our 4th graders are getting ready to make beautiful tie-fleece blankets as part of their Holiday Giving Project. These blankets will be lovingly handmade and donated to support Compassion Without Borders. Cat Peirano, a former instructional aide at Gravenstein, will visit on Tuesday, December 16 to give a short presentation and help students begin creating their blankets. She will also bring some sweet, gentle dogs for students to meet. What’s new this year? The finished blankets will be sold at the Sebastopol Feed Store, and all money raised will be donated to Compassion Without Borders. Join us! Come to the Sebastopol Feed Store on Saturday, December 20, from 12–4 PM. Support our 4th graders, help the rescue, and pick up a cozy handmade blanket—perfect for holiday gifting for your pets or loved ones!   Accessing School Programs Over Winter Break Just in case you need (or want) to have your students access any of their online programs over winter break, please use the following instructions to access your student’s account(Grades 2 through 8 have access to IXL): How to Access School Programs from Home Using Your Student’s Google Account 🔑 Step 1: Sign in to Google with Your Student’s School Account Each student has a GUSD Google account. The email format is: [First initial][Last initial][Student ID]@gusdschools.org Example: If your child is John Smith and their Student ID is 1234, their email would be: js1234@gusdschools.org To sign in: Go to https://www.google.com Click on the “Sign In” button in the top right corner. Enter your student’s GUSD email address. (js1234@gusdschools.org) Enter the password provided by the school. (If you don’t have it, please contact your child’s teacher or school office.) Once signed in, you will have access to Google Classroom, Docs, Drive, and more. Hillcrest students have access to gmail, however, they cannot send/receive from outside the GUSD domain. (no outside access to communication / outside emails) 🌐 Step 2: Access the Clever Dashboard Clever is a portal that gives students one-click access to all learning programs (like IXL, Thinkcentral, Go Math, etc.). To log in: Go to https://clever.com/in/gusd Click “Log in with Google.” If prompted, select your student’s school Google account (the one ending in @gusdschools.org). You will now see the Clever dashboard, with all the apps your student uses at school. ✅ Tips for a Smooth Experience Make sure your child/you are signed out of any personal Google accounts before logging into their GUSD account. For younger students, it may help to bookmark the Clever login page: https://clever.com/in/gusd. If you’re using a shared home device, consider creating a separate browser profile for your child to avoid sign-in issues.  GUSD recommends using Chrome as your browser when using your child's profile. If you need to create a separate browser profile for Chrome, please see instructions here  Younger students may not have their account information but instead use a QR code for sign ins. If you need this information please reach out to your classroom teacher.   Parent Parking at School Events We are so thankful to have a school community with so many involved and supportive parents and community members.  Because our campus has limited parking areas, finding a spot during events can sometimes be difficult.   When we expect a large crowd, we open as many parking areas as we can, including the drop-off circle, staff/bus zones, and the basketball courts. We also know that many parents rely on Twig Avenue to find a space.  Street parking is fine, but please remember that it is illegal to block someone’s driveway or park on private property.  Our location is part of what makes Gravenstein such a special place. Keeping a positive relationship with our neighbors is very important.  Thank you for helping by carpooling when possible and by parking safely and respectfully.   Gravenstein Winter Concert Our Gravenstien Winter Concert is on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 from 5:00-6:00 PM in the Hillcrest Hall at Hillcrest Middle School.  The 4th and 5th grade bands and choirs will be performing. Please dress your student in a semi-formal outfit (no shorts, t-shirts, etc.). Holiday attire is encouraged.  Please arrive no later than 4:45 PM If, for some reason, your student is unable to attend, please contact: Mr. Pulley: npulley@gusdschools.org Mr. Burrows: sburrows@gusdschools.org   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ll continue to share permission slips and details as each trip gets closer. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   December 15th - 19th — SPIRIT WEEK Monday, 12/15: Flannel Day Wear flannel shirts or pants Tuesday, 12/16: Holiday Headbands & Hat Day Wear any festive hat or headband Wednesday, 12/17: Ugly Sweater & Holiday Attire Wear your ugly sweaters or any holiday themed shirts Thursday, 12/18: Candy Cane Day Wear red and white Friday, 12/19: Pajama Day Wear your PJs to school Click here to see a festive version of the above. Soar Hawks Soar!   Teen Gift Drive for Gold Ridge Fire Department: December 1 - December 19, 2025 It's time for our annual Teen Gift Drive to support local teens in need! How to participate: Bring unwrapped gifts to the Hillcrest office during the shcool day. Gift Ideas for Teens: Hygiene kits, hair care & body products Curling irons, straighteners, hair dryers Lip gloss, cosmetics, nail polish Beanies, gloves, socks, hoodies, blankets Board and card games Teen books, sports equipment, art supplies Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for teens in our community!   Sonoma County Secret Santa Program Cards Hillcrest Leadership classes worked over the last few weeks to create greeting cards for the Sonoma County Secret Santa program. The cards will be used to fulfill the gift card wishes of children, teens, adults, and seniors who might otherwise go without a gift this holiday season.   12 Days of Blue Feathers — Final Days! Our annual 12 Days of Blue Feathers continues through Friday, December 19, the day before winter break. Each school day, students have a chance to win prizes by earning Blue Feathers for doing something right r helping out around campus. The final drawing will be this Friday, December 19th, where one lucky student will win $50 in cash! The 12 Days of Blue Feathers box is located outside of Mr. Deeth’s office. Check out this year’s prizes here: Prize List   Wednesday Book Club Donations Our Wednesday Book Club Hawks love to cozy up with a good book—and a warm drink makes reading even better! We are collecting boxes of hot chocolate packets and herbal tea to share with students during Wednesday enrichment. If you can help, please drop your donations at the front office. Every cup of cocoa or tea makes reading time a little warmer and a lot more fun. Thank you for helping our Hawks enjoy a cozy and delicious reading experience!   Challenge Day for 7th Graders All 7th graders have received their permission slips for Challenge Day! This is a powerful and transformational day designed to help communities break down barriers and build connection.  It is a day of fun, friendship and new possibilities. Challenge Day is an empowering workshop founded in 1987.  Facilitators from the organization Community Matters will guide students trhough important topics such as: Self-Awareness Self- Management Social Awareness Responsible Decision Making Relationship Skills Students will learn tools to increase resilience, self-confidence, empathy, and self-compassion, and they will help to motivate them to make positive changes in their life and at school. These skills have been shown to create a safer and more connected climate where students can thrive. Permission slips are due no later than December 17th! Parents, if you would like to volunteer on Challenge Day, please email Samantha Cole at scole@gusdschools.org   Trimester 1 Awards Assembly - Thursday, December 18th The Trimester 1 Awards Ceremonies will take place in Hillcrest Hall on Thursday, December 18th.  Students will be recognized for: Grade Point Average: Students with a GPA of 3.0 or above on their Trimester 1 report card will earn an award. Excelling in the different subject areas: outstanding performance in those areas Exemplifying lifeskills We will be hold separate ceremonies for each grade: 6th, 7th and 8th. Parents are welcome to attend.  The schedule is as follows: 6th grade- 8:30 7th grade- 9:20 8th grade- 10:25   Message from Yearbook Team to 8th Grade Parents There was an issue with the 8th grade baby photo Google form. Instead of submitting photos through the form, please email them directly to Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org. This applies to all 8th graders, including students who previously submitted photos.   Lost and Found is Full Again!! Please make sure you or your student check the lost and found before Winter Break. All unclaimed items will be donated Friday, December 19th.   8th Grade Families - High School Information High school season is here! We’ve collected all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we will continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here:  Link to High School Information Post If your student plans to attend a shodow day, please let us know so we can set up an independent study contract. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Field Trip to San Francisco The 7th grade field trip to the Islamic Center of Mill Valley, Emanu-El Synagogue, and Grace Cathedral is coming up on Tuesday, December 16. Students should bring a bag lunch (or preordered school lunch), warm layered clothing, a raincoat or beanie, a compact umbrella, and a water bottle. The permission slip deadline has passed—any submissions now will be added to a waitlist. Transportation is provided by the school bus. For more details, see the full post: 7th Grade San Francisco Field Trip Permission Slip Link   Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! 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   Garden Adventures and Updates   Please Pardon Our Mess… says no group of children, anywhere! While we work diligently through construction and improvement projects in our gardens this winter, the students at Gravenstein and Hillcrest keep right on exploring nature in their garden classes undisturbed. In this photo collage, you can see Mrs. Brown’s 4th grade class in outdoor action. While some students sow seeds, others gently handle California Slender Salamanders, Pacific Tree/Chorus Frogs, and the ever-enticing earthworms. Please click the links for more information about some of our native animal neighbors to share with your family.  Our garden growth would not be possible without the incredible support of our community volunteers! Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of the parents that have recently donated plants: Vanessa Bird, Paula Braunschweig, Ellen Drayton, Nicole Dooley, Eugenie Pacopac, Lara Felton, Elizabeth Gourley Massip, and Jenny Powers. In addition, Sean Mahre, Tyler Oakie, and Mike Wargo have very generously donated their time and expertise in constructing our new Hillcrest gazebo. Thank you to these incredible volunteers and all those not on this list that help bring our gardens to life!  If you too would like to contribute by donating volunteer time and/or materials, please email Shauna Lavi, School Garden Coordinator, slavi@gusdschools.org for more information. Come grow with us at GUSD!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes December 2025 Class Schedule December Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Dec 14 2025

Monday Messages December 8, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages December 8, 2025   Superintendent's Message Sign-up for a Free Holiday Break Produce/Grocery Bag We are incredibly proud to be part of a community committed to ensuring that the students in our District have their food needs met, even during holiday breaks. Through our strong community connections and ongoing grant-writing, GUSD is pleased to be able to make available a Free Winter Holiday Produce and Grocery Bag for any family in need over the winter holiday break. These bags will be filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. The bags will be ready for pick-up from the Gravenstein Elementary School campus on Saturday, 12/20/25 between 10:00am - noon. Please complete this short form to either make sure your family receives a Winter Holiday Produce/Grocery Bag or to donate toward this program: Produce and Grocery Bag Registration 2025 Gravenstein & Hillcrest Choirs Light Up Sebastopol! We are thrilled to share the wonderful success of our school choirs at the annual Sebastopol Tree Lighting Ceremony last week! Our students gave fantastic performances and represented both Gravenstein and Hillcrest with pride, enthusiasm, and professionalism. A huge shout-out goes to Mr. Spencer Burrows, whose extraordinary dedication made this high-profile opportunity possible. Coordinating five choirs (he also teaches Choir at Analy!) for a major community event requires tremendous effort, and Mr. Burrows went above and beyond to ensure our students could shine. The performance was a powerful testament to the strength of our music program and the vibrancy of our school community. As Mr. Burrows shared, “I love all those kids and was so happy to see them get a chance to bring the joy of music and singing to the heart of Sebastopol. I’m also grateful to the GPA, the Sebastopol Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Music for giving me a chance to bring all five of my choirs!” We are deeply proud of our student performers and grateful for the positive spotlight this event brought to Gravenstein. Thank you to everyone who supports GPA and our music program and helps create such meaningful experiences for our kids.   Gravenstein Union School District Reminder: NO SCHOOL: Don't forget school will be closed December 22 - January 2, 2026 — Winter Break. The District Office will be open some of those days. Scroll down to read our new Garden Updates section! Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, December 9, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Saturday, December 13, 10am-12pm - GPA - Holiday Faire at HMS Gym Wednesday, December 17, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, January 16 - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate Gravenstein Tuesday, December 16, 5pm - Gravenstein Winter Concert held at Hillcrest Hillcrest Thursday, December 11 , 5pm - Winter Concert Thursday, December 18, 8:30am - Trimester 1 Awards   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   A little holiday magic is coming your way — don’t miss the GPA Holiday Faire THIS weekend! Join us for a magical morning at GPA’s Holiday Faire! On Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Hillcrest Hall, come celebrate the season with your community at this fun and festive holiday gathering. Enjoy the warmth of hot cocoa, the sweetness of fresh-baked cookies, the joy of hands-on holiday crafts, community member vendors and a special guest appearance — all wrapped in the spirit of the season. This is a free community event, and all are welcome. Let’s come together to share in the wonder, laughter, and cheer of the holidays! Cookies and crafty helpers wanted — let’s make the Holiday Faire sparkle! The GPA Holiday Faire wouldn’t be complete without a table full of festive cookies — from cherished family recipes to store-bought favorites, every treat adds a little extra joy to the celebration.  Cookie donations may be dropped off in the office on Friday, December 12th — please sign-up so we know what’s coming — and thank you for helping us make the season just a little sweeter.   Cookie Sign-up Sheet  We can’t create this magical event without our amazing volunteers! If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of the holiday cheer, or to donate needed craft items, please sign up here:  Holiday Faire Volunteers!   Help Us Make the GPA Online Auction a Success! Dear Gravenstein and Hillcrest Families, We need your help to make our annual online auction a big success! This fundraiser supports our schools, helps provide incredible enrichment programs, and allows us to continue giving our teachers and students amazing opportunities. Every family can make a difference—whether you can donate a good or service, provide a gift certificate from your workplace, offer tickets or vacation time, or even help by reaching out to local businesses. No matter your skill or schedule, there’s a way for you to contribute and help our community thrive. Our online auction is scheduled for February, and we are excited to start collecting items now. Donating is simple—just email, call, or text GPA member Heather Ritz (see below for contact information) with your donation details: Donor Name/Business Website (if applicable) Brief description Photo (if possible) Suggested value Contact email/phone to connect winner with to obtain item Physical address of donor (will not be shared publicly) for tax contribution letter and Thanks All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. By supporting this auction, you are supporting our enrichment program, and give our students amazing educational experiences. Thank you for being a part of our remarkable community and for helping make this year’s auction our best one yet! Heather Ritz email: beany07@gmail.com phone: (707) -634-8574   Upcoming Events The Holiday Faire is THIS Saturday, December 13th at 10am in Hillcrest Hall - Don't miss this FREE event! Skate Night at Cal Skate, Rohnert Park, Friday, January 16th, 2026 Save the Date!  Our parent-only event is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 6pm Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   GARDEN ADVENTURES AND UPDATES   'Tis the Season for Soil! Did you ever think someone could feel truly elated while shoveling soil? If not, take a look at these smiling faces! The garden students at Gravenstein Elementary have been warming up on cold mornings by helping to amend our gardens with fresh deliveries of soil and compost. Many students have offered to volunteer to help more—they love it so much!  The health and science lessons about nutrients and decomposition these past weeks are foundational to garden education. As importantly, these exercises allow for important social bonding experiences that leave students feeling more positively connected to each other, their school campus, and their entire social and ecological community. This joyful work leads to gorgeous gardens and happy students! You too can feel the satisfaction of helping our gardens grow by donating volunteer time and materials, as well as by talking with your students about gardening! Please email Shauna Lavi, School Garden Coordinator, at slavi@gusdschools.org for more information about volunteering and for any donation offers and questions.    WHAT'S NEW at   Parent Parking at School Events We are so thankful to have a school community with so many involved and supportive parents.  Unfortunately, we never seem to have enough parking spaces for all of our parent volunteers.  We try to open up as many spaces as possible (drop-off circle, staff/bus zones, and basketball courts) when we anticipate crowds, but we know that many parents rely on Twig Avenue to find a space.  While street parking is fine, please remember that it is illegal to park blocking someone’s driveway or on someone’s private property.  Part of what makes Gravenstein so special is our location and maintaining a positive relationship with our neighbors is important. Thank you for any efforts you can do to carpool to events.   Gravenstein Winter Concert Tuesday, December 16th, 2025 from 5-6 pm.  The concert will be in Hillcrest Hall at Hillcrest Middle School and the 4th and 5th grade bands and choirs will be performing.  Please dress your student in a semi-formal outfit (no shorts, t-shirts, etc.), holiday attire encouraged.  Please arrive no later than 4:45pm If for some reason your student is unable to attend, please contact Mr. Pulley at npulley@gusdschools.org or Mr. Burrows at sburrows@gusdschools.org   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve set up donation links by grade level, so it’s simple to find the right one. As the year goes on, you may see new posts if additional trips are added—bonus adventures! We’ll continue to share permission slips and details as each trip gets closer. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Teen Gift Drive for Gold Ridge Fire Department: December 1 - December 19, 2025 It's time for our annual Teen Gift Drive to support local teens in need! How to participate: Bring unwrapped gifts to the Hillcrest office during the shcool day. Gift Ideas for Teens: Hygiene kits, hair care & body products Curling irons, straighteners, hair dryers Lip gloss, cosmetics, nail polish Beanies, gloves, socks, hoodies, blankets Board and card games Teen books, sports equipment, art supplies Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for teens in our community!   Social Media Safety for 6th Graders On Monday December 8th and Tuesday December 9th, all 6th Grade Hillcrest students will take part in a Social Media Safety program sponsored by Petaluma's Polly Klaas Foundation.  During their Social Studies classes, a presenter from the Polly Klaas Foundation will present to our students on the following topics: Choosing when to post online, via text or apps, and why those choices matter Unintended consequences of sexting and other online communications Cyberbullying The sex trafficking of minors and the dangers of running away Red flags to identify online predators and how to respond Potential resources for students who may have been victimized online If you would like to opt your 6th grader out of this training, please fill out the attached form and return it to Hillcrest by December 5th, 2025: Opt Out Form   Lunchtime Change Starting On Monday, December 8th we will be making a change to our lunchtime schedule.  All grade levels will be eating and playing together.  After students finish their lunch, they can head straight to the blacktop for playtime, or they can remain in the Duck Pond to relax and hang out.   Challenge Day for 7th Graders Challenge Day is a powerful and transformational experience designed to help communities break down barriers and build strong connections.  It is a day filled with fun, friendship, and new possibilities. This program, first created in 1987, is an empowering workshop led by facilitators from the organization Community Matters.  During the workshop, students explore important topics such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.  Students are given tools that help build resilience, self-confidence, empathy, and self-compassion, while encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives and at school.  These skills have been shown to create a safer and more connected school environment where students can thrive. Next week, we will be giving 7th graders a survey to see who would be interested in participating in this event.   Shelter in Place Drill On Thursday, December 11, we will practice a Shelter in Place drill. A Shelter in Place drill helps us prepare for environmental hazards such as: Dangerous air quality due to smoke or other contaminants Fires off-site Dangerous wildlife in the area Severe weather During the drill, we will: Isolate students and staff from the outdoor environment Go inside the buildings Close doors, windows, and air vents if the hazard is airborne Shut down air conditioning and heating units This drill helps ensure everyone knows how to stay safe in these situations.   HMS Winter Concert & Fundraiser Join us on Thursday, December 11th for performances by the Blue, Gold, Hawk, and Jazz Bands, as well as the HMS Choir! Participants should arrive by 4:30 PM. Enjoy an expanded snack bar and take part in our silent auction to help fundraise for the Marching Band Trip to Disneyland.   Trimester 1 Awards Assembly The Trimester 1 Awards Ceremonies will take place in Hillcrest Hall on Thursday, December 18th (please note this is a change from the original date). Students will be recognized for: Grade Point Average: Students with a GPA of 3.0 or above on their Trimester 1 report card will receive an award. Academic Excellence: Outstanding performance in subject areas. Lifeskills: Exemplifying Hillcrest’s core values. We will hold separate ceremonies for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Parents are welcome to attend. Schedule: 6th Grade – 8:30 AM 7th Grade – 9:20 AM 8th Grade – 10:25 AM   Lost and Found Please make sure you or your student check the lost and found before Winter Break. All unclaimed items will be donated Friday, December 19th.   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Mission Springs Adventures! Our students had an unforgettable three-day trip to Mission Springs in Scotts Valley. They met banana slugs up close, balanced a brave chicken on someone's head, explored the giant redwoods, discovered salamanders in the forest, and watched seals from the docks. It was a short trip full of joy, curiosity, and hands-on learning. We are proud of their sense of adventure! We are grateful for the donations that have been made so far to help support this trip, but we still need more. If you are able, please consider donating to the 8th Grade field trips using the button below. Thank you again to those who have already given so generously.   7th Grade Field Trip to San Francisco Date: December 16, 2025 Class Attending: 7th Grade Teachers in Charge: Ms. Clements and Mr. Collins We will leave Hillcrest at 8:30 AM and plan to return to cmapus by 5:00 PM. Activities: Students will tour the Islamic Center of Mill Valley, Emanu-El Synagogue, and Grace Cathedral. If the weather allows, we will enjoy lunch in the Presidio. If time permits, we will also visit the Fairmont Hotel. What to Bring: A bag lunch or a request for a school lunch, using the form below. (There will be NO place to buy lunch.) A water bottle to stay hydrated. Layers of clothing for both indoor and outdoor activities. Transportation: Transportation will be provided by West County Transportation (school bus). Parent drivers are not needed. Cost of Field Trip: The District is asking families to donate $40.00 to help cover costs for each student. If you are able to contribute an additional amount to help sponsor another student, it is greatly appreciated. Donations can be made using the "Pay Now" button below. Permission Slip Due: Friday, November 21, 2025 Permission slips were due last month. If you have not already turned in your slip and your student has decided they want to go on the field trip, please submit it as soon as possible using this link: 7th Grade San Francisco Field Trip Permission Slip. Attendance is not guaranteed at this point, but once the permission slip is received, your student will be added to the waiting list.   Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve organized donation links by grade level to make it simple to track your contributions. You might see new posts later in the year as we add more trips and experiences. As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! 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   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) December 2025 Class Schedule December Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Dec 07 2025

Monday Messages December 1, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages December 1, 2025   Gravenstein Union School District Reminder: NO SCHOOL: Don't forget school will be closed December 22 - January 2, 2026 — Winter Break. The District Office will be open some of those days. Scroll down to read our new Garden Updates section! Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, December 3 - GPA - Dine and Donate at Shake Shack in Montgomery Village Tuesday, December 9, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, December 17, 6pm - GPA Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, Decemer 24, 3:30 - Site Council Meeting - All Welcome! Gravenstein Tuesday, December 16, 5pm - Gravenstein Winter Concert held at Hillcrest Hillcrest Friday, December 5 - School Dance Thursday, December 11 , 5pm - Winter Concert   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Food Access in Sonoma County We know that many families experience times when putting food on the table feels a little harder than usual. These challenges aren’t always visible, and they can happen to anyone. As a district, we care deeply about the well-being and dignity of every student and family we serve. If your family could use a little extra help right now, support is available through these local resources. Please feel welcome to explore them if they would be helpful to you.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Dine & Donate at Shake Shack – December 3rd! We’ve got a delicious way to support our school! Join us for a Dine & Donate at Shake Shack in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, December 3rd. 25% of all purchases that day will be donated right back to our school — helping fund enrichment programs like art, STEM, gardening, and movement! Mention Donation Day at the register or use promo code DONATE on the Shack App, web, or kiosk at checkout and they will donate 25% of your total meal purchase to GPA. Whether you dine in or grab your meal to-go, every burger, fry, and shake makes a difference.   A Little Holiday Magic is Coming Your Way — don’t miss the GPA Holiday Faire! Join us for a magical morning at GPA’s Holiday Faire! On Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Hillcrest Hall, come celebrate the season with your community at this fun and festive holiday gathering. Enjoy the warmth of hot cocoa, the sweetness of fresh-baked cookies, and the joy of hands-on holiday crafts — all wrapped in the spirit of the season. This is a free community event, and all are welcome. Let’s come together to share in the wonder, laughter, and cheer of the holidays! Calling All Crafters & Makers! A limited number of vendor tables will be available at GPA’s Holiday Faire for those wishing to sell handmade or seasonal items. We can accept vendors on a first come, first serve basis.  You keep the proceeds, but we ask that you contribute a $20 donation to GPA.  Space is very limited, so don’t wait!  If you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please email Julie Harmon at julie.harmon@wearegpa.com. Join us in adding a little extra sparkle to this special community event! Cookies and Crafty Helpers Wanted — let’s make the Holiday Faire sparkle! The GPA Holiday Faire wouldn’t be complete without a table full of festive cookies — from cherished family recipes to store-bought favorites, every treat adds a little extra joy to the celebration. Cookie donations may be dropped off in the office on Friday, December 12th — please sign-up so we know what’s coming — and thank you for helping us make the season just a little sweeter.  Cookie Sign-up Sheet We can’t create this magical event without our amazing volunteers! If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of the holiday cheer, or to donate needed craft items, please sign up here: Holiday Faire Volunteers!   Help Us Make the GPA Online Auction a Success! Dear Gravenstein and Hillcrest Families, We need your help to make our annual online auction a big success! This fundraiser supports our schools, helps provide incredible enrichment programs, and allows us to continue giving our teachers and students amazing opportunities. Every family can make a difference—whether you can donate a good or service, provide a gift certificate from your workplace, offer tickets or vacation time, or even help by reaching out to local businesses. No matter your skill or schedule, there’s a way for you to contribute and help our community thrive. Our online auction is scheduled for February, and we are excited to start collecting items now. Donating is simple—just email, call, or text GPA member Heather Ritz (see below for contact information) with your donation details: Donor Name/Business Website (if applicable) Brief description Photo (if possible) Suggested value Contact email/phone to connect winner with to obtain item Physical address of donor (will not be shared publicly) for tax contribution letter and Thanks All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. By supporting this auction, you are supporting our enrichment program, and give our students amazing educational experiences. Thank you for being a part of our remarkable community and for helping make this year’s auction our best one yet! Heather Ritz email: beany07@gmail.com phone: (707) -634-8574   Upcoming Events Dine and Donate at Shake Shack, Wednesday, December 3rd - all day! GPA’s Holiday Faire is Saturday, December 13th at 10am in Hillcrest Hall Save the Date! GPA’s Parent-Only Event is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   GARDEN ADVENTURES AND UPDATES   GUSD Garden Updates We are thrilled with the tremendous progress made on the new Hillcrest Middle School garden over the Thanksgiving break. The ground has been leveled, irrigation installed, garden beds set in place, and loads of soil and rock delivered and spread with care. We are deeply grateful to Nature’s Intention and to our own dedicated staff for prioritizing this work while students were off-campus. Their hard work is bringing this exciting project to life, and we can’t wait for our students to enjoy it. The photo shows Mrs. Byrne with students from the HMS Gardening class. Garden wishlist (Please email Shauna Lavi, School Garden Coordinator, for any donation questions and to arrange delivery.): Berry plants: raspberries, blueberries, caneberries Stone-fruit trees: apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums Perennials for Pollinators: sages of all kinds, CA Natives Seeds: fava beans, greens, lettuces, native CA seed mixes Gopher baskets Watering cans Gardening tools   WHAT'S NEW at   Know Any Families Considering Gravenstein for the 2026–2027 School Year? 🐻 Gravenstein Elementary offers campus tours throughout the year for prospective families interested in joining our incredible community! If you know any families who might be thinking about becoming future Grizzlies, please share this Interest Form with them: 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Gravenstein!   It's Time to Purchase Your Gravenstein Yearbook! Soft Cover - $13.55 + tax Hard Cover - $20.85 + tax Last day to buy: May 1, 2026 >>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION<<   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve set up donation links by grade level, so it’s simple to find the right one. As the year goes on, you may see new posts if additional trips are added—bonus adventures! We’ll continue to share permission slips and details as each trip gets closer. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Reminder: Please return your signed report card envelopes to the Hillcrest main office or to one of your student’s teachers.   Social Media Safety for 6th Graders On Monday December 8th and Tuesday December 9th, all 6th Grade Hillcrest students will take part in a Social Media Safety program sponsored by Petaluma's Polly Klaas Foundation. During their Social Studies classes, a presenter from the Polly Klaas Foundation will present to our students on the following topics: Choosing when to post online, via text or apps, and why those choices matter Unintended consequences of sexting and other online communications Cyberbullying The sex trafficking of minors and the dangers of running away Red flags to identify online predators and how to respond Potential resources for students who may have been victimized online If you would like to opt your 6th grader out of this training, please fill out the attached form and return it to Hillcrest by December 5th, 2025: Opt Out Form   Winter Dance - Save The Date! Get ready for a fun night! Our Winter Dance will be held on Friday, December 5, from 6:00–8:00 PM. 🎟️ Tickets: On sale during lunch December 1–5 $5 presale $8 at the door ✨ Important Reminders: The dance is for current Hillcrest students only. Cell phones must stay away during the dance. If students arrive after 6:20 PM, their own parent must walk them to the entrance. If a student needs to be picked up early, only their own parent may pick them up, and the parent must come to the entrance. All students must be picked up no later than 8:25 PM. Students who are picked up late may not be allowed to attend the next dance. 👥 Interested in Chaperoning? Parents who would like to volunteer as chaperones can email Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org   12 Days of Blue Feathers Are Almost Here Our favorite December tradition is right around the corner — the 12 Days of Blue Feathers! Starting December 4, we’ll be drawing Blue Feathers each school day until December 19, the day before winter break. Here’s how it works: Dec. 4: We will draw 12 Blue Feathers — each selected student wins a prize! Dec. 5: We will draw 11 Blue Feathers, and those 11 students win prizes. We continue this pattern each day… Dec. 19: One lucky student will win $50 in CASH! Remember, students earn Blue Feathers by being “caught doing something right” or by helping out around campus. The 12 Days of Blue Feathers collection box will be outside Mr. Deeths’ office starting right after Thanksgiving Break! 🎁 Want to see the prizes for this year? Click here: 2025 12 Days of Blue Feathers Prize List   Teen Gift Drive for Gold Ridge Fire Department December 1–19, 2025 It’s time for our annual Teen Gift Drive supporting local teens in need! We invite our Hillcrest community to donate new, unwrapped gifts. Students or families can drop off donations at the Hillcrest office during the school day. ✨ Teen Gift Ideas: Hygiene kits Hair care and body products Curling irons, straighteners, hair dryers Lip gloss and cosmetics Nail polish Beanies and gloves Board or card games for teens Teen books Socks Sports equipment Art supplies Blankets and hoodies Thank you for helping us spread kindness and support local teens this holiday season!   🏆 Trimester 1 Awards Assembly We are excited to celebrate our students’ hard work and achievements! The Trimester 1 Awards Ceremonies will be held in Hillcrest Hall on Thursday, December 18th. Students will be recognized for: Academic Achievement: Students with a 3.0 GPA or higher on their Trimester 1 report card will receive an award. Subject Area Excellence: Outstanding performance in specific subjects. Lifeskills: Students who consistently demonstrate positive character and leadership. Each grade level will have its own ceremony, and parents are warmly invited to attend. 📅 Ceremony Schedule: 6th Grade: 8:30 AM 7th Grade: 9:20 AM 8th Grade: 10:25 AM We look forward to celebrating our amazing Hillcrest students!   Yearbook Cover Contest!! It’s time to show off your creativity! We are looking for amazing student artwork for the 2025–2026 Hillcrest Middle School Yearbook Cover. Your design must include: A Hawk The words: Hillcrest Middle School 2025–2026 A connection to Charlie Brown or any Peanuts characters You can draw it by hand, create it digitally, or design it using Canva. Have questions? Email Mr. L or Mr. S. We can’t wait to see your designs!   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade San Francisco Field Trip Permission Slips are Overdue! Anyone who has not yet completed the digital permission slip must do so ASAP if their child plans to attend this field trip! Permission slips received past the due date place the student on a waiting list.  Attendance is not guaranteed past the due date.   Complete the digital permission slip using this link:   https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/64920993 Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve organized donation links by grade level to make it simple to track your contributions. You might see new posts later in the year as we add more trips and experiences. As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Monthly Reminders Attendance — It's Important! Coming to school every day helps your child learn and stay connected. If your child will be absent, please call or email the office to share the reason. Every day in class makes a difference! If your family has travel plans that cannot happen during a school break, please ask about Independent Study. This helps your child keep learning while away. Drop Off & Pick Up — Safety First! In the Morning Please do not drop off students before 8:00 a.m. unless they are in Zero Period or Beyond the Bell (BTB). When students arrive, they should go to the blacktop and stay there until the 8:25 a.m. bell rings to start class. In the Afternoon All students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. on regular days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Students in Beyond the Bell should go straight to the BTB room after the final bell. Bus riders should go to Room P1 (Ms. Baird’s room) to wait for the bus. Students staying for a practice, game, or event must either be in Beyond the Bell or leave campus and return when the event begins. They should be picked up within 15 minutes after the event ends. 🚫 Please do not pick up students on Bloomfield Road. Students should not walk up the stairs to Bloomfield unless they are walking home. Thank you for helping us keep all students safe! We truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices Cell phones should be off and put away from the moment students arrive on campus. Phones may only be used with permission from the Main Office to contact a parent or guardian. Earbuds, headphones, and other electronic devices should not be used at any time while on campus. Please remind your student that breaking the cell phone or electronics rules may lead to disciplinary action. Thank you for helping us keep students focused and ready to learn! Yearbooks Are On Sale — Save 10%! Don't miss out on this year's memories! Order your Hillcrest Yearbook today and get 10% off during our Early Bird Sale. 🛒 Order here: Purchase Yearbook on TreeRing 🔐 Passcode: 1014223911784613 Have questions? Email Mr. Leong or Mr. Sotiras — we're happy to help! From Tiny Tots to 8th Grade Stars — Send Us Your Baby Pictures! It’s one of our favorite yearbook traditions! 8th grade parents, it’s time to share a baby photo of your student for our special yearbook feature. This is a sweet way to celebrate how much our students have grown! Submission Details Please submit one photo per student using the link below. Hard Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026 — no late photos can be accepted. Send your photo as soon as possible to make sure your student is included! Click here to submit: Your 8th Grade Baby Photo Got Questions? Email Mr. Sotiras at gsotiras@gusdschools.org or Mr. Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org Let’s make this year’s 8th grade section one to remember!   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   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes December 2025 Class Schedule December Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org   DISTRICT WEBSITE   GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Nov 30 2025

Monday Messages November 24, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages November 24, 2025 Superintendent's Message Each week of this school year has been full of amazing events (TK Thanksgiving performance, grade 5 Explorer Day, HMS food drive, and HMS Dance performance just within the last few days) and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who belongs to our school community. Our school thrives because of the incredible dedication, passion, and hard work of our entire community. To all of our staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive, inspiring, and inclusive environment for our students. Your time, work, and the love you have for what you do does not go unnoticed. You are the foundation of everything we accomplish together. To our families and volunteers, your commitment to bringing your child every day and encouraging their love for learning is always appreciated. Your contributions of time, donations, and support make a world of difference. Your involvement strengthens our school and enriches the experiences of our students. And to our students, thank you for your enthusiasm, your curiosity, and your determination. You are the heart of our school, and your growth, both academically and personally, is what makes us proud to be part of this amazing community. Together, we make this district a truly exceptional place, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside all of you. Let’s continue to celebrate each other and all that we accomplish, today and every day. Sincerely, Keri Pugno   Thanksgiving Produce Bags With the dedication of GUSD Staff, Board Trustees, members of the DEIB Committee, and our very own Hillcrest Leadership students, we were able to once again offer our Thanksgiving Produce Bag program to anyone in need within our school community. Volunteers worked behind the scenes for weeks leading up to it and even more came together last Saturday morning for this amazing event. We were able to create 60 bags of healthy produce that were given to members of our own community. We would like to thank Andy's Produce, Fircrest Grocery, Mehrten Ranch, and Clover Dairy for partnering with GUSD to support our community.   Mark Your Calendars District REMINDER NO SCHOOL: Monday, November 24th to Friday, November 28th Wednesday, December 3 - GPA - Dine and Donate at Shake Shack in Montgomery Village Tuesday, December 9, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Gravenstein Tuesday, December 16, 5pm - Gravenstein Winter Concert held at Hillcrest Hillcrest Friday, December 5 - School Dance Thursday, December 11 , 5pm - Winter Concert   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   With Grateful Hearts, We Thank Our GPA Board We are filled with immense gratitude for the Gravenstein Parents Association Board. Their selfless volunteerism, steady dedication, and heartfelt commitment uplift every corner of our school community. Because of their work, our enrichment programs thrive, our classrooms feel better supported, and mini-grant opportunities continue to spark joy and creativity for our students and staff. Their generosity of time and spirit is a gift to all of us.   If you’ve ever felt the pull to get involved, know that your contributions — big or small — truly matter. Together, we make Gravenstein an even brighter place for our kids. Thank you, GPA Board. We appreciate you more than words can say.   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   Dear Gravenstein Elementary Community, As we head into Thanksgiving break, I want to pause and acknowledge the many reasons I am grateful to be part of this incredible school.  Each day at Gravenstein reminds me how fortunate I am to work alongside such talented, dedicated educators and support staff.  Your commitment to our students shows in every lesson you plan, every challenge you navigate, and every moment you go above and beyond. I am equally thankful for our students, whose curiosity, humor, and perseverance brighten our campus.  Watching them grow academically, socially, and emotionally is one of the greatest rewards of this work.  Their excitement for learning fuels everything we do. And to our families and community partners: thank you for the trust, involvement, and encouragement you continually offer.  The strength of our school comes from the relationships we build together, and your support truly makes a difference. As we enter this holiday week, I hope you each find time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy time with the people who matter most.  Thank you for helping make Gravenstein a place where children feel supported, challenged, and valued. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Matthew McDowell Principal, Gravenstein Elementary     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   Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for - Zig Ziglar As we enter into the Holiday Season, the Hillcrest Faculty and Staff would like to take a moment to wish our school community a Happy Thanksgiving.  It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of November.  During this time our students have completed Trimester 1 course work, traveled on multiple field trips, participated in Fall sports, tried out for the Spring Musical and finished their first round of Enrichments.  We are hoping that during this week of Thanksgiving our students take a moment to reflect on all of the events, activities and experiences that occurred during the first 68 days of school and look forward to the rest of the year.  We are all grateful for your support and kindness that you show to Hillcrest.  We all feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this amazing school and district.  Enjoy the next week - rest, relax, recharge and as always…………… SOAR HAWKS SOAR! Hillcrest Dance Performs with Analy Dance Program Last week was a busy one for our Hillcrest Dance Students! Led by Mr. Leong, our Hillcrest Dance students were invited to join the Analy Dance Program and perform as part of their Dance show...on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night! Hillcrest students performed Get Loose!, a dance choreographed by Mr. Leong set to the music of Footloose. Please congratulate Lila B, Melia C, Sophie C, Jaya D, Olivia L, Mira L, Lisana M, Maggie M, Sophie P, Hannah R, Abby R, Maya R, and and Clare S for their amazing performance!   Thank you HMS Families!! Thank you for donating over 500 items to the Gold Ridge Food Drive. Local families in need are so grateful for your generosity.   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   Hillcrest 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 Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Nov 23 2025

Monday Messages November 17, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages November 17, 2025   GPA Spaghetti Dinner - Fun and Delicious! Last Friday, the Hillcrest Gym was decorated, the silent auction baskets were full of amazing items, the food was delicious, and the company couldn't have been more welcoming! Events like this come together because of the work of so many volunteers and we want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved- those who donated items for baskets, volunteered to serve food, helped with set-up and clean-up, bid on items or bought raffle tickets, and to GPA for continuing to dedicate your hours and energy toward these community-building events.   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, November 18, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, November 19, 6pm - GPA Board Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, December 3 - GPA - Dine and Donate at Shake Shack in Montgomery Village Tuesday, December 9, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Gravenstein Tuesday, December 16, 5pm - Gravenstein Winter Concert held at Hillcrest Hillcrest Friday, December 5 - School Dance Thursday, December 11 , 5pm - Winter Concert   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Food Access in Sonoma County Food insecurity affects many in our community, even when it isn’t always visible. Recent events may have made it more challenging for local food banks to meet increasing needs. As a district, we know that access to healthy food is essential to our students’ well-being, learning, and dignity. If your family is in need of assistance, please check these local resources.   Garden Adventures and Updates   Our Gardens are Growing! We are excited to add this new section to Monday Messages. Here you will learn about the what is happening in both the Gravenstein and Hillcrest Garden and about ways you can help out with our many different Garden Projects! Any donations are appreciated as they allow us to stretch our budget that much farther. Please contact Garden Coordinator Shauna Lavi at slavi@gusdschools.org for donations. This week's pictures show the progress on the Hillcrest Garden, but stay tuned as we will update with photos from both sites each week. Looking to Donate... berry plants: raspberries, blueberries, caneberries stone-fruit trees: apricots, peaches, nectarines, plums perennials for pollinators: sages of all kinds, CA natives seeds: fava beans, greens, lettuce, native CA seed mixes supplies: watering cans, gardening tools, gopher baskets   Gravenstein Parent Association   Dine & Donate at Shake Shack - December 3rd! We’ve got a delicious way to support our school! Join us for a Dine & Donate at Shake Shack in Montgomery Village on Wednesday, December 3rd. 25% of all purchases that day will be donated right back to our school — helping fund enrichment programs like art, STEM, gardening, and movement! Mention Donation Day at the register or use promo code DONATE on the Shack App, web, or kiosk at checkout and we'll donate 25% of your total meal purchase to GPA. Whether you dine in or grab your meal to-go, every burger, fry, and shake makes a difference.   A Little Holiday Magic is Coming Your Way - Don't Miss the GPA Holiday Faire! Join us for a magical morning at GPA’s Holiday Faire! On Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in Hillcrest Hall, come celebrate the season with your GPA community at this fun and festive holiday gathering. Enjoy the warmth of hot cocoa, the sweetness of fresh-baked cookies, and the joy of hands-on holiday crafts — all wrapped in the spirit of the season. This is a free community event, and all are welcome. Let’s come together to share in the wonder, laughter, and cheer of the holidays! Calling All Crafters & Makers! A limited number of vendor tables will be available at GPA’s Holiday Faire for those wishing to sell handmade or seasonal items. We can accept vendors on a first come, first serve basis.  You keep the proceeds, but we ask that you contribute a $20 donation to GPA.  Space is very limited, so don’t wait!  If you are interested in being a vendor at this event, please email Julie Harmon at julie.harmon@wearegpa.com.  Join us in adding a little extra sparkle to this special community event!  Cookies and Crafty Helpers Wanted - Let's Make the Holiday Faire Sparkle! The GPA Holiday Faire wouldn’t be complete without a table full of festive cookies — from cherished family recipes to store-bought favorites, every treat adds a little extra joy to the celebration. Cookie donations may be dropped off in the office on Friday, December 12th — please sign-up so we know what’s coming — and thank you for helping us make the season just a little sweeter.  Cookie Sign-up Sheet  We can’t create this magical event without our amazing volunteers!  If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of the holiday cheer, or to donate needed craft items, please sign up here: Holiday Faire Volunteers! We can’t create this magical event without our amazing volunteers! If you’d like to lend a hand and be part of the holiday cheer, or to donate needed craft items, please sign up here:  Holiday Faire Volunteers!   Upcoming Events Dine and Donate at Shake Shack, Wednesday, December 3rd - All Day Save the Date! The Holiday Faire is Saturday, December 13th at 10am in Hillcrest Hall   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   Lost and Found! Dear Gravenstein Families, We have a large number of lost and found items in the courtyard. All unclaimed items will be donated after school on Thursday, 11/20/25. Please take a moment to look through the items before then. We will do our best to return anything that has a name on it and we kindly ask that you write your student’s name on clothing tags to help us reunite items with their owners in the future. Thank you!   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve set up donation links by grade level, so it’s simple to find the right one. As the year goes on, you may see new posts if additional trips are added—bonus adventures! We’ll continue to share permission slips and details as each trip gets closer. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kindergarten Field Trips - Pay N1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Hillcrest Hawks Holiday Food Drive The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to show support for our community members in need. Each year, Hillcrest Hawks proudly participate in the Hessell Fire District Food Drive, continuing our tradition of giving and compassion. By donating, students not only help local families but also earn House Points for every food item contributed! (Example: 5 packages of pasta = 5 House Points) This is the final week of the food drive. So far, the Hillcrest community has donated 178 food items. Can we double that number in the last week to really show our community we care?! Pasta Rice Pasta Sauce Canned meats Beans Peanut Butter Snacks Soup Large bins labeled with House names will be available outside the Hillcrest office during school hours. Please deposit nonperishable food items in your House bin to earn points and help us reach our goal. Let’s come together as a community and make this holiday season brighter for everyone. Soar Hawks Soar!   Trimester 1 Ends Trimester 1 Report cards will be sent home on Thursday November 20th. Don’t be surprised by your child’s grades—use the Schoolwise Parent Portal to check your child’s grades as often as you like!   Safety Drill On the morning of Thursday November 20th, we will be holding another Emergency Drill. This will be a Secure the Campus drill. This is a lockdown drill where there is a threat in the vicinity of the campus such as a nearby business was robbed or there was a mountain lion spotted near campus. We will follow the following procedures: Move inside: We will make the announcement to “Secure the Campus” over the PA system. Staff will bring students and activities inside the building. Lock exterior doors: Ensure all exterior doors are locked, and keep them locked. Do not allow anyone to enter or exit unless they are emergency services. Close blinds or curtains. Continue instruction: Resume classroom instruction and regular activities as much as possible. Keep a lookout: Visually check that the immediate perimeter is clear of any unauthorized individuals or dangers.  Once we have checked all the doors on campus, we will release students to break.   Hillcrest Band Families Please check ParentSquare for two separate posts regarding Disneyland. Fundraising begins soon!!   IMPACT for 6th Graders Starting next week during PE, all 6th graders will participate in IMPACT training with Ms. Rosie and Mr. Sotiras. IMPACT is an evidence-based prevention program that helps students learn about the risks of marijuana, alcohol, and opioids. The program uses an online platform and activities that help students make healthy choices through connection, communication, and support. It focuses on education rather than discipline. IMPACT is designed for students, families, and staff, so the information reaches our whole community. We are excited to offer this important program to our 6th graders.   Winter Dance Save the date! Our Winter Dance will be on Friday, December 5, from 6:00–8:00 PM. Tickets will be sold during lunch from December 1–5. Presale: $5 At the door: $8 Parents who would like to chaperone are invited to email Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org   12 Days of Blue Feathers Our annual December tradition, the 12 Days of Blue Feathers, is almost here! Starting December 4, we will draw Blue Feathers each school day through December 19, the day before winter break. Here is how it works: December 4: We draw 12 Blue Feathers. Each student drawn wins a prize. December 5: We draw 11 Blue Feathers. We continue drawing one fewer each day… December 19: We draw 1 Blue Feather, and that student wins $50 in cash! Students can earn Blue Feathers by being “caught” doing something kind, helpful, or positive around the Hillcrest campus. The 12 Days of Blue Feathers box will be outside Mr. Deeths’s office starting after Thanksgiving Break. Click here to see this year’s prizes: Prize List   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Interdistrict Transfers Please note: If you do not live in the district of your desired High School choice, be sure to check the website of both your home school district and that of the district you are hoping to attend. Interdistrict policies and deadlines are different at each district. Don't miss out becuase you missed a deadline! Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Field Trip to San Francisco Date of Event: December 16, 20205 Class or Group Attending: 7th Grade Teacher or Leader: Ms Clements and Mr. Collins We will leave Hillcrest at 08:30 AM and anticipate returning to campus by 05:00 PM. Description of Activities: Students will be touring the Islamic Center of Mill Valley, Emanu-El Synagogue, and Grace Cathedral. If the weather permits, we will eat lunch in the Presidio. If time permits, we will also visit the Fairmont Hotel. What to Bring: Students need a bag lunch or need to order a school lunch in the form below. There is no opportunity to purchase lunch.  A water bottle is a good idea to stay hydrated. Students should wear layers for both indoor and outdoor activities. Method of Transportation:Transportation will be provided by West County Transportation (school bus). Parent drivers are not needed. Cost of Field Trip: The District is asking for families to donate $40.00 to cover the costs for each student to participate in this field trip. If parents are able to donate any additional amount to help sponsor a child unable to financially contribute, that is greatly appreciated. You can donate using the request button below. Permission Slip Due: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025:  Permission slips received past the due date will place the student on a waiting list. Attendance is not guaranteed past the due date. Complete the digital permission slip using this link:  https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/64920993 Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve organized donation links by grade level to make it simple to track your contributions. You might see new posts later in the year as we add more trips and experiences. As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! 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 GUSD Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes November 2025 Class Schedule November Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Nov 16 2025

Monday Messages November 10, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages November 10, 2025   Superintendent's Message - Free Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag While many families look forward to special holiday recipes at this time of year, we know that some families in our community may be experiencing challenging times. Through strong community connections and ongoing grant-writing, GUSD is pleased to be able to make available a Free Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag for any family in need over the Thanksgiving holiday break. These bags will be filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. The bags will be ready for pick-up from the Gravenstein Elementary School campus on Saturday, 11/22/25 between 11:00am - 3:00pm. Please complete this short survey to register for a Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag or volunteer/donate toward this program: Produce and Grocery Bag Registration 2025 Hillcrest Breaks Ground on New Student Garden We are excited to announce the start of construction on the new Hillcrest Student Garden. The garden will be integrated into multiple subjects, giving students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.   Mark Your Calendars District Monday, November 10 - NO SCHOOL (unused emergency day) Tuesday, November 11 - NO SCHOOL (Veterans Day) Thursday, November 13, 6pm - First DEIB Meeting of the year Friday, November 14, 8:30am- DELAC Meeting at Gravenstein Tuesday, November 18, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, November 19, 6pm - GPA Board Meeting - All Welcome! Gravenstein Tuesday, December 16 - Winter Concert Hillcrest Friday, December 5 - School Dance Join Us for the DEIB Meeting Next Thursday at 6 PM We invite all staff and parents to attend our next Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) meeting on Thursday at 6 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and contribute to creating an even more inclusive school community. Everyone is welcome to join! Link to the meeting We look forward to seeing you there!   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Food Access in Sonoma County Food insecurity affects many in our community, even when it isn’t always visible. Recent events may have made it more challenging for local food banks to meet increasing needs. As a district, we know that access to healthy food is essential to our students’ well-being, learning, and dignity. If your family is in need of assistance, please check these local resources.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Come and Spaghett It! Grab Your Event Tickets and BONUS raffle entry NOW - Pre-Sale Closes November 12th! Gravenstein’s Spaghetti Social with Silent Auction is THIS Friday, November 14th from 5 to 7 PM in Hillcrest Hall.  Join us for an evening of delicious food, community fun, and meaningful fundraising at GPA’s Spaghetti Social, featuring pasta options from the always-delicious Pasta King! Hillcrest Leadership students will keep the kids busy with seasonal crafts while you take a stroll through our exciting Silent Auction, showcasing one-of-a-kind baskets curated by each grade level. From creative themes to fun surprises, there’s something for everyone to bid on!  Check out the event flyer for more details and ticket information. Save yourself a seat by purchasing your tickets in advance! It’s a fun, family-friendly night out, and all proceeds support our enrichment programs. Don’t miss it! Get saucy and volunteer for the GPA Spaghetti Social — we need you! Check out the Sign-Up Genius for available positions!   Your time can make all the difference — volunteer for our annual auction and enrich our school! The GUSD Online Auction Committee is looking for volunteers to assist with this year's auction! This is a great opportunity to get involved while donating time when it works for you. Help by reaching out to companies via email or in person on your own time, send thank you notes or any small task to help. Please reach out to frankiestutes@gmail.com if you are willing to help! Outreach begins in November and the auction goes live in February. Please consider volunteering to help our school!   Upcoming Events GPA’s Spaghetti Social + Silent Auction - Friday, November 14th, 5-7pm Save the Date! The Holiday Faire is Saturday, December 13th at 10am in Hillcrest Hall   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   A Message from the Principal Dear Gravenstein Families, As we move through this school year, I want to take a moment to recognize and express my deep appreciation for the incredible teaching and support staff here at Gravenstein. Each day, I have the privilege of witnessing their dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for our students. Our teachers bring passion and creativity into their classrooms, always keeping students at the center of their work. They go above and beyond to make learning engaging and meaningful, whether it’s through thoughtful lesson design, the extra time spent supporting individual needs, or the encouragement they offer to help every student grow in confidence and curiosity. Equally vital are our support staff members, whose contributions often happen behind the scenes but are essential to the success of our school. From office staff to instructional aides, custodians, and specialists, every member of our team plays a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and student-focused environment. It is truly inspiring to be part of a community where every adult is committed to the same goal: ensuring our students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I’m proud of the teamwork, care, and heart that define Gravenstein each and every day. Thank you for continuing to support and celebrate the remarkable educators and staff who make our school such a special place for students to learn and grow. Enjoy the long weekend, Matthew McDowell Gravenstein Principal   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve set up donation links by grade level, so it’s simple to find the right one. As the year goes on, you may see new posts if additional trips are added—bonus adventures! We’ll continue to share permission slips and details as each trip gets closer. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kindergarten Field Trips - Pay N1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Hillcrest Hawks Holiday Food Drive - New Week, New Request The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to show support for our community members in need. Each year, Hillcrest Hawks proudly participate in the Hessell Fire District Food Drive, continuing our tradition of giving and compassion. By donating, students not only help local families but also earn House Points for every food item contributed! (Example: 5 packages of pasta = 5 House Points) Week of November 12-14 Donation Requests: Canned protein (tuna, chicken, Spam, etc.) Beans  Peanut butter Large bins labeled with House names will be available outside the Hillcrest office during school hours. Please deposit nonperishable food items in your House bin to earn points and help us reach our goal. Let’s come together as a community and make this holiday season brighter for everyone. Soar Hawks Soar!   Trimester 1 Has Ended! Trimester 1 officially ended on November 7th! Report cards will be coming home soon, so don’t be surprised when they arrive. Parents and guardians can keep track of student grades anytime through the Schoolwise Parent Portal. Students: This is a great time to check in with your teachers about any late or missing assignments that can still be turned in. Finish the trimester strong!   It’s Not Too Late to Show Off Your Creativity! Get your artwork in for the Yearbook Cover contest. We are looking for amazing student artwork for the 2025–2026 Hillcrest Middle School Yearbook Cover. Your design must include: A Hawk The words: Hillcrest Middle School 2025–2026 A connection to Charlie Brown or any Peanuts characters You can draw it by hand, create it digitally, or design it using Canva. Have questions? Email Mr. L or Mr. S. We can’t wait to see your designs!   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High school season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with their own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, while others are offering tours or shadow days soon. We’ve moved all the flyers and information shared with us by local high schools to one post, which we’ll continue to update as new information comes in. You can find it here: Link to High School Information Post We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you’re interested in to find the most current and complete information. Planning a shadow day? Please let us know ahead of time. We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We’re happy to help—just reach out!   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 76 Hillcrest 8th Grade Students Are Ready for Mission Springs! Our 8th graders are heading to the Mission Springs Outdoor Education Program in Scotts Valley! Departure and Return Details: Arrive at Hillcrest on Wednesday for first period and go to class for attendance. Staff members will be at the gym for luggage and medication drop-off. We will leave before 9:00 AM and return before 4:00 PM on Friday. We’ll stay in touch with the front office during the trip with updates about traffic and return time. Important Reminders: No cell phones are allowed in the possession of students. If there’s an emergency, please call the Hillcrest front office, and they can connect you with teachers on the trip. On Wednesday morning, parent volunteer chaperone Roger Benz will collect any prescription medications your child may need while on the trip. We will not have dinner until 6:00 PM on Wednesday, so please make sure your student eats breakfast and packs a snack and lunch to bring on the bus. These should be kept in their daypack along with reading or bus activities. Packing Tips: It’s expected to rain, especially on Thursday—pack for wet weather! Bring a rain jacket or poncho and two pairs of shoes (no sandals or Crocs on the trails). Large duffels will be stored under the bus. Please avoid packing large bottles of liquid—leaks can damage other students’ gear. If you have any questions, please email David Cole at dcole@gusdschools.org Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve organized donation links by grade level to make it simple to track your contributions. You might see new posts later in the year as we add more trips and experiences. As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! 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   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes November 2025 Class Schedule November Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Nov 09 2025

Monday Messages November 3, 2025 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages November 3, 2025   Superintendent's Message - Free Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag While many families look forward to special holiday recipes at this time of year, we know that some families in our community may be experiencing challenging times.   Through strong community connections and ongoing grant-writing, GUSD is pleased to be able to make available a Free Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag for any family in need over the Thanksgiving holiday break.   These bags will be filled with fresh vegetables and fruits.   The bags will be ready for pick-up from the Gravenstein Elementary School campus on Saturday, 11/22/25 between 11:00am - 3:00pm. Please complete this short survey to register for a Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag or volunteer/donate toward this program: Produce and Grocery Bag Registration 2025 Daylight Savings Reminder Quick reminder that with the clock change this weekend, streets will be darker in the mornings. Please use caution and add an extra minute or two to your drive to make sure you arrive at school safely. Copperfield's Books Supports Schools Copperfield's Books is having a Money for Schools fundraising event on the weekend of November 7th - 9th. Mention Gravenstein Union School District at the register and Copperfields will donate 20% of your purchase to us! Tell your friends!! Check out this flyer for more information: English | Spanish Or go to their website at Copperfieldsbooks.com Food Access in Sonoma County Food insecurity affects many in our community, even when it isn’t always visible. Recent events may have made it more challenging for local food banks to meet increasing needs. As a district, we know that access to healthy food is essential to our students’ well-being, learning, and dignity.  If your family is in need of assistance, please check these local resources.   Mark Your Calendars District Sunday, November 2, 2:00am - Daylight Saving Time Ends: Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour Friday, November 7, 5:30pm - GPA Sponsored Skate Night Friday, November 7 to Sunday, November 9 - Copperfield's Books Fundraising Event Monday, November 10 - NO SCHOOL (unused emergency day) Tuesday, November 11 - NO SCHOOL (Veterans Day) Friday, November 14, 5:00pm - GPA Spaghetti Social at HMS Tuesday, November 18, 5pm - GUSD Board Meeting - All Welcome! Wednesday, November 19, 6pm - GPA Board Meeting - All Welcome! Saturday, November 22, 11am to 3pm - Thanksgiving Produce and Grocery Bag Pick-up (must sign-up ahead of time, see above for more information) Gravenstein Tuesday, November 4 - Make Up Picture Day Hillcrest Tuesday, November 4 - Make Up 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 or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Gravenstein & Hillcrest Skate Night at Cal Skate! Grab your skates and your school colors - it’s time to roll into fun! Join us for a Gravenstein and Hillcrest Spirit! Skate Night on Friday, November 7th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park.  Show off your school spirit by rocking your school gear or school colors while skating the night away with friends and families. Let’s pack the rink with school pride, laughter and music - don’t miss it! (Parents please note that Cal Skate’s supervision policy requires that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.)   GPA’s Spaghetti Social with Silent Auction Friday, November 14th | 5–7 PM | Hillcrest Hall Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening featuring a delicious pasta dinner by Pasta King and our exciting Silent Auction with baskets curated by each grade level! All proceeds support Gravenstein’s enrichment programs—helping bring art, music, STEM and hands-on learning to our students. From spaghetti to silent auction, this year’s Social is one event you won’t want to miss! Pre-sale tickets recommended — purchase your tickets now! A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. Come hungry and ready to bid!  Event Flyer Get saucy and volunteer for the GPA Spaghetti Social — we need you! Check out the Sign-Up Genius for available positions! Support Our Silent Auction at the GPA Spaghetti Social! Each grade is creating a themed basket (or two!) to feature in our silent auction, and we need your help!  Please click the links below from your Grade Level Parent’s (GLP’s) to contribute items to ANY class basket(s). Your donations help make this event a success and support valuable enrichment programs for our students: TK Craft Baskets Kindergarten Two "S'more Fun" themed Baskets 1st Grade "Grill Master" and "The Best of Trader Joe's" Baskets 2nd Grade "Relaxation" and "Baking" Baskets 3rd Grade "Book Worm" and "Game Night" Baskets 4th Grade "Sports and Fitness" Basket 5th Grade "Taste of Local" and "Outdoor Explorers" Baskets HMS "Fun in the Sun" Basket   Jog-a-Thon Celebration Announcement What an amazing 3 days we had at our Jog-a-Thon! Every student showed incredible energy, determination, and school spirit. Whether you ran, jogged, walked, or cheered on your friends, you helped make this event a success! We’d like to give a special shout-out to the students in each grade who completed the most laps this year. Congratulations to our top runners — one boy and one girl from each grade — for their fantastic effort! Transitional Kindergarten Charlee K. - 12 laps Kade R. - 18 laps Kindergarten Rosemary G. - 20 laps Eli P. and Daxton H. - 19 laps 1st Grade Abby E. and Cecilia V. - 28 laps Jackson A. - 26 laps 2nd Grade Samantha F. and Charlotte H. - 28 laps 2nd Grade Continued Kingsley S. - 34 laps 3rd Grade Nelle H., Ava M., Isla T., and Ava W. - 28 laps Jaxon S. - 37 laps 4th Grade Shirley G. - 31 laps Theodore W. - 35 laps 5th Grade Chiara W., Bridget M., and Riley G. - 28 laps Finn T. - 43 laps Congratulations to Mrs. Grimm's 5th Grade class for winning "Most Laps Run" at 669 total laps! Let's give a big round of applause to all of our participants for showing great sportsmanship, perseverance, and enthusiasm. We're so proud of you! Reminder: Pledges are due Monday, November 3rd! Please turn them into your student's teacher or the front office.   Upcoming Events Gravenstein AND Hillcrest Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park - Friday, November 7th, 5:30-7:30pm GPA’s Spaghetti Social + Silent Auction - Friday, November 14th, 5-7pm Save the Date!  The Holiday Faire is Saturday, December 13th at 10am in Hillcrest Hall   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, November 19, 2025 Hillcrest Middle School in Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Join by phone ‪(US) +1 530-430-7704‬ PIN: ‪188 694 989‬ 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   Reminder: Please Arrive During Your Grade-Level Pick-Up Window Dear Families, To help keep our pick-up line safe and efficient for everyone, we ask that families arrive only during their assigned pick-up windows. Arriving early for a later dismissal time (for example, coming for 1st/2nd grade pickup while 3/4/5 is still dismissing) blocks the flow of traffic and makes it difficult for other families to pick up their students safely and on time. Please follow these arrival windows: Drop-Off Windows TK / K: 8:30–8:40 1st / 2nd: 8:15–8:25 3rd / 4th / 5th: 8:00–8:10 Pick-Up Windows TK / K: 2:20–2:35 (Wednesdays 1:00–1:15) 1st / 2nd: 3:20–3:35 (Wednesdays 1:45-2:00) 3rd / 4th / 5th: 3:05–3:20 (Wednesdays 1:30-1:45) Thank you for helping us keep our dismissal process safe and orderly for all students. Your cooperation makes a big difference in keeping traffic flowing smoothly and ensuring a positive end to each school day.   Know Any Families Considering Gravenstein for the 2026–2027 School Year? 🐻 Gravenstein Elementary offers campus tours throughout the year for prospective families interested in joining our incredible community! If you know any families who might be thinking about becoming future Grizzlies, please share this Interest Form with them: 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours We look forward to welcoming new students and families to Gravenstein!   It's Time to Purchase Your Gravenstein Yearbook! Soft Cover - $13.55 + tax Hard Cover - $20.85 + tax Last day to buy: May 1, 2026 >>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION<<   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve set up donation links by grade level, so it’s simple to find the right one. As the year goes on, you may see new posts if additional trips are added—bonus adventures! We’ll continue to share permission slips and details as each trip gets closer. While donations are never required, they are what make these memorable learning experiences possible—especially for overnight trips. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate anytime. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. Kindergarten Field Trips - Pay N1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein!? Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Hillcrest Hawks Holiday Food Drive The holidays are fast approaching, and it’s the perfect time to show support for our community members in need. Each year, Hillcrest Hawks proudly participate in the Hessell Fire District Food Drive, continuing our tradition of giving and compassion. By donating, students not only help local families but also earn House Points for every food item contributed! (Example: 5 packages of pasta = 5 House Points) Week of November 3–7 Donation Focus (each week we will focus on different food items): Pasta Rice Pasta Sauce Large bins labeled with House names will be available outside the Hillcrest office during school hours. Please deposit nonperishable food items in your House bin to earn points and help us reach our goal. Let’s come together as a community and make this holiday season brighter for everyone. Soar Hawks Soar!   Paleolithic Days Over the course of three days, the entire 6th grade took part in Paleolithic Day!  Paleolithic Day is a wonderful program run by Tamara Wilder of Paleotechnics that allows students to experience some of the activities undertaken by people during the Old Stone Age such as various hunting techniques, firemaking, and art.   Trimester 1 Ends Trimester 1 ends on November 7th! Don’t be surprised when your students report card arrives home—keep track of all grades via the Schoolwise Parent Portal! Students: remember to check in with your teachers about any late work that can still be turned in!   Make-up Picture Day Make Up pictures will be taken next Tuesday November 4th. School pictures were distributed to all students last week during their PE classes. If your student was absent, didn't take their picture or you are not happy with how the picture turned out, please plan on them participating in Make Ups. Please Note: If you are not happy with how the packet turned out, please return the original picture packet next Tuesday.   Yearbook Cover Contest!! It’s time to show off your creativity! We are looking for amazing student artwork for the 2025–2026 Hillcrest Middle School Yearbook Cover. Your design must include: A Hawk The words: Hillcrest Middle School 2025–2026 A connection to Charlie Brown or any Peanuts characters You can draw it by hand, create it digitally, or design it using Canva. Have questions? Email Mr. L or Mr. S. We can’t wait to see your designs!   8th Grade Families - High School Information Dear 8th Grade Families, High School season is here! It’s an exciting time—your 8th grader is getting ready for high school! There are so many great local high schools to choose from, each with its own programs, events, and deadlines. Some schools are already accepting applications, and others are offering tours or shadow days soon. Below are a few flyers that have been shared directly with us by local high schools. These are just a few of the many options out there! We strongly encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you're interested in to find the most current and complete information. 📌 Planning a shadow day? Let us know ahead of time! We’ll set up an independent study contract so your student doesn’t fall behind. Questions? We're happy to help — Just reach out! Analy High School Analy Shadow Days are: Mondays - 8:30am - 12:30pm Save your spot!! Call (707) 824-7915 or email Jannet Vigil at jvigil@wscuhsd.org Tech High School Class of 2030 Campus Tour (for non-Cotati-Rohner Park students) is on: Monday, November 20, 1:00 - 3:00 pm NOTE: Due to space limitation, we kindly ask that only one parent accompany each student. Please be sure to — RSVP Windsor High School - Home of the Jaguars Attention: Interdistrict Transfer Families and Families new to Windsor Unified School District for the 2026-2027 school year Join us for a Prospective Families Open House and School Tour: When: December 9 — 2:30 to 3:30 PM December 11 — 9 to 10 AM December 11 — 2:30 to 3:30 PM Where: In the WHS Library - 8695 Windsor Rd. If you are considering an interdistrict transfer, or your family is a Windsor resident but new to our district, WHS Principal Danielle Buckman invites you to this informational event to learn more about WHS classes and culture, the interdistrict transfer process and next steps. Please register through this link by Dec. 1st : Register for Open House Here Please note: If you are a current WMS or CALI family, an 8th Grade Orientation/Tour for students will be held in early 2026. Information will be sent through Parent Square. If you have any questions, please contact Christina Sevilla, Principal’s Secretary, at (707) 687-7625 or csevilla@wusd.org.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 8th Grade Mission Springs Field Trip is Almost Here The 8th Grade Overnight Field Trip to Mission Springs in Scotts Valley is coming up on November 12–14, 2025! All required forms were due by Monday, October 6 GUSD Permission Slip & Medical Authorization: Submit online via ParentSquare or return paper copies to the office Mission Springs Registration Forms: Must be filled out on paper and returned to the office or to Mr. Cole Missed the original message? Find all info and forms here: 8th Grade Field Trip Post Want more information? Check out this slideshow: Mission Springs Slideshow Transportation will be by charter bus. This increases our requested donation to $440. Donations are optional, but they help make trips like this possible for our students. 📌 Not attending? Be sure to submit an Independent Study application by November 5 to avoid unexcused absences. Click the following link for the Independent Study Application Support Field Trips with a Quick Online Donation Did you know you can now donate to field trips online? It’s fast, easy, and helps us keep the adventure going for every student! We’ve organized donation links by grade level to make it simple to track your contributions. You might see new posts later in the year as we add more trips and experiences. As each trip approaches, we’ll send out separate posts with permission slips and details. Your donations help us make these memorable, real-world learning opportunities happen. While not required, they’re essential to offering the kinds of experiences we want for all our students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to make a donation today. Thank you for your continued support! To go on school-sponsored field trips of any kind, including and especially overnight field trips, we rely on parent donations to help offset the cost of the trips. Parent donations are never required, but they do allow us to offer trips such as the ones we are offering this year, which are expected to be incredible experiences for all of our students. 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay in the loop with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Click Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to get updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young, including tryouts, game schedules, and more. Visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team info, forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student plays or you're just a fan—everyone's welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Sports – Donations Make a Difference! Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. Anyone can join a team—no tryouts or fees required. We ask families who are able to consider a $40 donation per sport to support our athletes. Last year, your donations helped us buy brand new football jerseys! This fall, thanks to a generous match from GPA, your donation goes even further. Help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for basketball and volleyball by donating today! Click the button below to make your donation online and show your Hawk pride! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Monthly Reminders Attendance — It's Important! Coming to school every day helps your child learn and stay connected. If your child will be absent, please call or email the office to share the reason. Every day in class makes a difference! If your family has travel plans that cannot happen during a school break, please ask about Independent Study. This helps your child keep learning while away. Drop Off & Pick Up — Safety First! In the Morning Please do not drop off students before 8:00 a.m. unless they are in Zero Period or Beyond the Bell (BTB). When students arrive, they should go to the blacktop and stay there until the 8:25 a.m. bell rings to start class. In the Afternoon All students must be picked up by 3:45 p.m. on regular days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) and by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Students in Beyond the Bell should go straight to the BTB room after the final bell. Bus riders should go to Room P1 (Ms. Baird’s room) to wait for the bus. Students staying for a practice, game, or event must either be in Beyond the Bell or leave campus and return when the event begins. They should be picked up within 15 minutes after the event ends. 🚫 Please do not pick up students on Bloomfield Road. Students should not walk up the stairs to Bloomfield unless they are walking home. Thank you for helping us keep all students safe! We truly appreciate your cooperation and understanding. Cell Phones & Other Electronic Devices Cell phones should be off and put away from the moment students arrive on campus. Phones may only be used with permission from the Main Office to contact a parent or guardian. Earbuds, headphones, and other electronic devices should not be used at any time while on campus. Please remind your student that breaking the cell phone or electronics rules may lead to disciplinary action. Thank you for helping us keep students focused and ready to learn! Yearbooks Are On Sale — Save 10%! Don't miss out on this year's memories! Order your Hillcrest Yearbook today and get 10% off during our Early Bird Sale. 🛒 Order here: Purchase Yearbook on TreeRing 🔐 Passcode: 1014223911784613 Have questions? Email Mr. Leong or Mr. Sotiras — we're happy to help! From Tiny Tots to 8th Grade Stars — Send Us Your Baby Pictures! It’s one of our favorite yearbook traditions! 8th grade parents, it’s time to share a baby photo of your student for our special yearbook feature. This is a sweet way to celebrate how much our students have grown! Submission Details Please submit one photo per student using the link below. Hard Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026 — no late photos can be accepted. Send your photo as soon as possible to make sure your student is included! Click here to submit: Your 8th Grade Baby Photo Got Questions? Email Mr. Sotiras at gsotiras@gusdschools.org or Mr. Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org Let’s make this year’s 8th grade section one to remember!   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   Hillcrest 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   Below is a list of flyers/websites for non-profit organizations that have been shared with our District Office. If you have a flyer for a non-profit event or organization that you would like to share with the community. Please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. If approved it will be included here in Monday Messages.   Registration is open for Sebastopoll Little League's Spring 2026 baseball season! Important Dates: October 27 - Registration Opens October 27 to December 15 - Erly Bird Registration ($25 OFF) December 16 to January 14 - Regular Registration January 14 - Registration Closes January 24 - Player Assessments Can't see the picture to the right? Click on it to be taken to a larger version.   West County Softball - Spring 2025 Softball Season Registration is Now Open and will end January 8th The season runs from late March to May 6U,8U, 10U, 12U and 14+ Recreational and Competitive Programs Offered Free skills clinics in the Fall and Spring Fun and supportive environment! Pitcher development programs Competitive Travel Ball program (West County Wildcats) All abilities and zip codes welcome! To register and for more information check out their website at www.westcountysoftball.com Or you can see their flyer HERE (available in English on the first page and Spanish on the second)   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes November 2025 Class Schedule November Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Clerk - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzbert, Trustee - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Nov 02 2025