Monday Messages April 20, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages April 20, 2026   Superintendent's Message Our school community is incredibly grateful for the generosity of our families. Your donations—whether as a monthly commitment, contributions to our annual fundraisers, or one-time gifts—have an enormous impact on the quality and breadth of programming we are able to offer our students. Many of our enrichment classes and instructors are fully funded through these contributions, and all of our enrichment opportunities are strengthened by them. Simply put, without your support, we would not be able to provide the same diverse and engaging experiences that make our schools so special. At Gravenstein, donations help sustain programs in Music (Chorus, Band, and Classroom Music), Movement (Coach Paige, Mr. Brady, and Dance), Art, STEM, Spanish, and Gardening. At Hillcrest, your support funds 0 Period P.E., Music (Band, Chorus, and GarageBand), STREAM Lab, Drama, Art, and more. Now that tax season has passed and many families have a clearer picture of their household budgets, we invite you to consider making a contribution if you’re able. Every gift—at any level—makes a meaningful difference. To learn more or to donate, please visit the GPA website. Every contribution directly enhances our students’ educational experience—thank you for helping our programs thrive. GPA Donation Page  Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, April 22, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting Friday, May 22 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Emergency Day Monday, May 25 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Wednesday, May 27, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Friday, May 29, 5:30pm - GPA - Skate Night Wednesday, June 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Gravenstein Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Band and Choir Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, April 23, 6pm - Hillcrest Dance Show Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HIllcrest Open House Friday, May 15, 2pm - Hillcrest Color Run Friday, May 15, 6pm - Hillcrest School Dance   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Hawks Summer Sports Camp for current 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders Hillcrest Athletics is excited to offer a Summer Sports Camp for incoming GUSD students in grades 5t, 6th, and 7th. Dates: July 6–10 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: Hillcrest Middle School Cost: $200 Students will enjoy a variety of sports, including volleyball, basketball, and flag football. Why join? Try multiple sports Get to know the Hillcrest campus and staff Meet new students and make friends Participate in outdoor games and team challenges Build skills, teamwork, and confidence Spots are limited and will fill quickly. Please register as soon as possible. For more information, please email the Athletic Director, Meggan Young at: myoung@gusdschools.org   Gravenstein Parent Association   Want to know more about where your donations go? Follow along with our monthly newsletters throughout the school year! Each edition highlights our grant awards, fundraising progress, enrichment highlights and the many ways we’re supporting our school community—plus current volunteer opportunities and ways you can get involved with our nonprofit. Reach out to get added to our email list!   End-of-year sign-ups are live—don’t miss out! 🎉 Teacher & Staff Appreciation May 4-8 Our teachers and staff pour so much of themselves into our kids every single day—lifting them up, inspiring them, and creating a place where they feel seen, safe, and excited to learn. Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is our chance to give a little of that love back. Whether you’re able to volunteer your time or donate an item, every gesture—big or small—helps us celebrate the incredible people who make GUSD so special. Let’s come together to show our gratitude and remind them just how much they mean to our community. Sign up Here: Appreciation Week Book Swap May 4, 5, 6 & 8th Ever dreamed of being a librarian—even just for an hour? Join us during Open House to sort books, help students and families browse, and match readers with their next favorite story. It’s a fun, easy way to pitch in and be part of the magic of helping kids discover books they’ll love. Sign up Here: Book Swap Hillcrest Color Run May 15th Calling all Hillcrest families!! Come join the fun and get colorful with the Hawks on May 15th! We need volunteers to help keep our runners hydrated and cheer them on, or to lend a hand out on the track. It’s a high-energy, joy-filled event you won’t want to miss—come be part of the fun and help make it an unforgettable day! Sign up Here:  HMS Color Run Apple Faire Volunteers Needed! We’re so excited to team up again with the Gravenstein Apple Fair for a fun and festive way to fundraise for GPA!  August 8th & 9th 2:00–6:30 PM shifts Zero Waste Stations Help keep the fair green while soaking up all the apple-filled fun. Parent/child teams are welcome (older kiddos preferred), and training is provided! See a Zero Waste Station in action—and you might even spot familiar GUSD families!  Zero Waste - Gravenstein Apple Fair Bonus: Every volunteer gets a wristband for the whole weekend AND GPA earns funds thanks to you! Spots are limited, so grab your shift ASAP! You’ll receive full details from Farm Trails after signing up. *If plans change, please cancel on SignUpGenius as soon as possible so another family can join in the fun. Sign up Here:  SignupGenius   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Communications Chair – Share our story on social media Event Chair Team – Help plan fun events Voting Board Member - Support and vote on key decisions GLP’s - Plan grade meet-ups and build community. GLP’s can sign up here: GLP Form Experience helps, but heart and reliability matter most—you’ll have full board support! Interested (or know someone who is)? Email:  wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs – we’d love to connect!   Events Calendar 📅 Want to stay in the loop?  Add GPA events directly to your calendar! Visit: https://wearegpa.com/gpa_events/ Click “subscribe to calendar” at the bottom of the page   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Shake Shack May 6th Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Open House is coming up! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm 5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm 5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm   Yearbooks! Last day to buy: May 1, 2026 It's Time to Purchase Your Gravenstein Yearbook! https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/60601995 Soft Cover- 13.55 + taxT Hard Cover- 20.85 + tax   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay 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   Hillcrest Dance Showcase: April 23rd Please join us for our annual Dance Showcase! Students from both dance classes will perform many different dances. Event Details: Date: Thursday, April 23rd Time:  6:00 PM Location: Hillcrest Hall Price: $5.00 at the door We are very proud of our students' hard work. See you at the show!   🎺 Marching Band Fundraiser – Don’t Miss This Special Night! 🎶 Get ready for a fun night of music for the whole family! Mr. Pulley’s band, The King Street Giants, will be playing a rare all-ages show at HopMonk in Sebastopol on Saturday, May 2nd. To make the evening even more special, Mr. Burrows and friends will open the show! This event is more than just a concert — it’s an important fundraiser for our Hillcrest Marching Band. A large portion of every ticket sold will help support the band’s upcoming trip to Disneyland. This is their final big fundraiser, and every ticket makes a difference. 🎟️ Important: Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so be sure to get yours soon! 👉 Tickets available here: Order Tickets Now Thank you for supporting our talented students. We hope to see you there for a night of great music and community fun!   Lost & Found Reminder Please ask your student to check the Lost & Found for any missing items. All unclaimed items will be collected and donated at the end of the day on Friday, April 24. If your student is missing something, now is a great time to look!   Capture the Memories: Buy Your Yearbook! 📸 The school year is full of special moments. You can keep those memories forever by purchasing a 2025-2026 Yearbook! Pricing: Soft Cover: $15 Hard Cover: $20 How to Order: Visit: https://www.treering.com/purchase?PassCode=1014223911784613 Use Passcode: 1014223911784613 Order yours today so you don't miss out!   Hillcrest Garden Club 🌱 Students are invited to join our new Garden Club during lunch on Tuesdays. If your student is interested, they can speak with Ms. Lavi (Garden Coordinator) or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to see students help grow and care for our new garden!   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, become an active member of the Hillcrest student community by applying to be in the Leadership elective for next school year. Please pick up the application packet in the Hillcrest office if you are interested. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird. Thank you, Mrs. Libby Baird   Small Donation, Big Help! ☕ Our School Office is still looking for cup donations for our students. If you are at the store this week, please consider picking up an extra pack for the school! We Need: Disposable hot/cold cups. Please Note: We cannot accept Styrofoam. Snack Size Ziplock Bags Where: Drop them off at the Hillcrest Main Office. We are so grateful for your help in keeping our students hydrated and happy!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Renaissance Faire Date of Event: May 14, 2026 Class or Group Attending: 7th Grade Teacher or Leader: Ms. Clements & Mr. Collins Depart: 8:45AM Return: 3:00PM Description of Activities:  Attend a Renaissance Faire at Ragle Ranch park organized by a Twin Hills teacher. Students will walk through the park from station to station, enjoying a variety of activities. We eat lunch outdoors. What to Bring: A bag lunch or a pre-ordered school lunch. Water Bottle. Sunscreen. Layers for early morning fog and afternoon sun. COSTUMES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED! Method of Transportation: Transportation will be provided by West Sonoma County Transportation. Cost of Field Trip:  The District is asking for families to donate $20 for each student to cover the costs in this field trip. You can donate using the request button below. Permission Slip:  The digital permission slip is due May 4, 2026.  Please use the digital permission slip attached to this link: 7th Grade Renaissance Faire Post 7th Grade Ashland Trip – Important Attendance Information (Action Required) This message is only for families of 7th grade students who are NOT attending the Ashland, Oregon field trip (April 28 – May 1). If your child is attending the trip, no action is needed. Please email Ms. Jerie at jparks@gusdschools.org with your answer to this question: Will your child attend school, or stay home, during the dates of the Ashland trip? If your child WILL attend school: No independent study application is needed Your child will be marked present each day They will complete the independent study packet at school They will follow an alternate schedule If your child will stay home: You must apply for independent study to avoid unexcused absences Contact Ms. Jerie to complete the application Your child must pick up their work packet from the office the day before the trip For ALL students (attending school or staying home): The independent study packet is required It includes all subjects and will be graded It counts toward the trimester grade It is due Monday, May 4 Thank you for your prompt attention to this important information. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Join us for National Fentanyl Awareness Day Family • Hope • Prevention A community even to protect, inform and support together. Family Friednly • Education • Community Drive Activities for the Whole Family Face Painting & Kids Games Music NARCAN Training & Demos Safety & Prevention Resources Local Organizations & Support Food, Vendors & Giveaways Organizer: Micah's Hugs When: Wednesday, April 29th Time: 3 to 7 PM Where: Sebastopol Plaza, 6908 Weeks Way, Sebastopol Cost: Free and open to all ages Le'ts raise awareness, save lives, and support our community.   Jenner by the Sea Camp Who: Children ages 8 - 12 years old When: July 13-17, 2026 Where: Jenner Community Center Cost: $500 / camper for 5-day program (some partial scholarship funds available) Campers will explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on art and science! Please see the flyer / registration form for more information.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Free Girl Scout Unicorn Party taking place at Apple Blossom Elementary School on April 21st. This event is open to all families in the community and offers a fun, unicorn‑themed activity for youth while introducing them to local Girl Scout opportunities. For more information check out this flyer which is in both English and Spanish.   City Nature Challenge Santa Rosa A fun, free learning event for all ages!! Guest Leader is Biologist Dr. Dan Levitis. Discover plants, animals and insects in the Howarth Park eco-system. Learn the names of plants and animals you have wondered about. Contribute to a knowledge base that helps scientists and environmental activists protect the natural environment that supports us all. Enjoy fresh air, movement, and community with people who care. Space is Limited, register today. See this flyer for more information. Website Event Page You can also watch the two videos below for more information.   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) April 2026 Class Schedule April Class List   GUSD BOARD   Laura de la Roz, President - ldelaroz@gusdschools.org Zachary Saltzberg, Clerk - zsaltzberg@gusdschools.org Gregory Appling, Trustee - gappling@gusdschools.org Paula Braunschweig, Trustee - pbraunschweig@gusdschools.org Jeri McNeill, Trustee - jmcneill@gusdschools.org  DISTRICT WEBSITE  GUSD DISTRICT ADMIN   Will Deeths -------------------- Keri Pugno -------------------- Matt McDowell wdeeths@gusdschools.org - kpugno@gusdschools.org - mmcdowell@gusdschools.org

Sunday, Apr 19 2026

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

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

Thursday, Apr 16 2026

Monday Messages April 13, 2026 for GUSD Families!

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

Sunday, Apr 12 2026

Monday Messages April 6, 2026 for GUSD Families!

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

Sunday, Apr 05 2026

Monday Message March 30, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages March 30, 2026   Gravenstein is Keeping Kindness Going! Gravenstein Elementary School is excited to share the next step in our campus-wide Kindness and Inclusivity work! On April 2 at 9:00 a.m., all of Gravenstein Elementary School will come together to kick off our first annual celebration of Acceptance and Inclusion with a schoolwide assembly, Bubbles of Kindness. This joyful event celebrates all kinds of minds and bodies, bringing our school community together for a campus-wide bubbles celebration. In the weeks that follow, teachers will continue this important work in classrooms—helping students practice kindness, learn together, and lift one another up. We invite you to join us in keeping these conversations going at home. You can help make our efforts visible by encouraging your child to participate in these awareness days: Wear Orange on Wednesdays (for Limb Differences and Limb Loss Awareness) Wear Blue on Thursdays (for Autism Awareness) Thank you for partnering with us as we continue the important work of making Gravenstein Elementary School a caring and supportive community!   A Message from the Sonoma County Office of Education We are excited to invite you to join us for a fun and engaging family literacy event called The Great Literacy Adventure on Saturday, April 11 in Rohnert Park! Hosted by the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), NorCal Public Media and our Literacy Promise Partners, this event brings storytelling, literacy activities and reading to life for children across our community.  We would be honored to have you join us for this event as we continue to grow our commitment to the Sonoma County Literacy Promise. Come for part or the whole day! Event Details Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Location: NorCal Public Media, 311 Professional Center Drive, Rohnert Park Cost: Free: please register online. Event Highlights The Literacy Quest: Children can participate in over 15 activities to earn a free book from the Scholastic Book Treasure Chest. Author Appearances: Meet nationally recognized authors Matthew Gollub (The Jazz Fly) and Marissa McGee (Free the Curls!) for readings and book signings. Interactive Media: Families can step "on air" in the KRCB radio studio or experience the PBS Green Screen. Community Fun: The event features special guest story times, a Rohnert Park fire truck, PBS Kids characters Buddy the Dinosaur and Carl the Collector, and several local food trucks. As a leader in our community, your support for early literacy is invaluable. We hope you will share the news, and join us and our partners for this special day of "adventure" in Rohnert Park. Registration: While the event is free, we encourage guests to register in advance. We look forward to seeing you there! Great Literature Adventure Flyer - English | Spanish   Mark Your Calendars District Monday, April 6 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL, Emergency Day Tuesday, April 14, 5pm - GUSD - Board Meeting, All are Welcome! Wednesday, April 15, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting, All are Welcome! Wednesday, April 22, 3:30pm - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Gravenstein Tuesday, April 14 - Grav - Class Picture Day Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - Grav - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - Grav - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - Grav - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - Grav - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Grav - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Grav - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - Grav - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, April 23, 6pm -Hillcrest Dance Show Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HMS - Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Online Auction Winners! Don't forget to pick up your prizes & Gift Certificates at the Gravenstein school office, if you haven't already!! There are tons of gift certificates still waiting to be picked up.   Mombos Calling! Need a quick & easy dinner plan? Join us on April 15th from 3–8 PM and grab a delicious meal from Mombo’s Pizza in Sebastopol! Mombo’s will give back 25% of your bill to GPA. Just print the flyer or show it on your phone at checkout to support a great cause—dinner done and you’re giving back. Win-win! (Flyers coming home this week)   GPA Needs You! *Thank you to the wonderful Nicole Dooley, who has graciously stepped into the Event Chair position!!*  We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Marketing Chair – Share our mission, highlight events, and celebrate our impact on Facebook and Instagram Event Chair Team – Help plan our fundraising and community events with our Event Chair and be part of the board Voting Board Member - Be part of the team, help where you can and vote on important board decisions GLP’s - Become a Grade Level Parent and plan grade level meet-ups to help build community in your grade and meet new parents! All while being more informed about GPA happenings. These roles play an important part in strengthening our school community. Experience is helpful, but heart, enthusiasm, and reliability matter most. You will have a board of wonderful people to help you ease into a role that suits you best. If you’re interested — or know someone who would be a great fit — please email wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs. We’d love to connect!   Upcoming Events Dine & Donate: Mombos Pizza, Sebastopol, April 15th 3-8pm Parent Only Event  *POSTPONED* Book Swap @ Open House, May 4-6 & 8th Teacher/Staff Appreciation, May 4-8 Hillcrest Color Run, May 15th, 2-3:15pm Skate Night @ Cal Skate Rohnert Park, May 29th, 5:30-7:30pm   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   As we move into the warmer spring months, we want to send a quick reminder about our school expectations to help keep students safe, comfortable, and ready to learn. With the change in weather, please ensure students are dressed appropriately for school. This includes wearing safe and proper footwear at all times. Slippers, slides, and other unsafe shoes are not permitted, as they can create safety concerns during school activities, including Physical Education and recess. Students should also continue to follow our dress code guidelines. Clothing must be appropriate for a school setting and should not include items that are unsafe, distracting, or promote inappropriate content. Additionally, we ask that students do not bring personal toys, collector items, or stuffed animals to school, with the exception of stuffed animals for our TK students, unless there is special permission for a designated theme day. The school is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen, or broken. Cell phones, smart watches, and personal electronics are not allowed at school unless there is a parent request and written administrative approval. Even when approved, devices may not be used, turned on, or visible during the school day (unless put into school mode). Smart watches that include features such as audio recording, video recording, messaging, or games are not allowed at any time. Personal electronics such as game devices, music players, or similar items are also not permitted. If these items are brought to school, the school is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft. Spring also brings seasonal allergies. If your student requires any medication during the school day, including over the counter items such as cough drops or allergy medicine, please remember that all medications must be turned in to the school office with the required forms signed by both a parent or guardian and a physician. Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a safe and positive learning environment for all students. If you have any questions, please refer to the Gravenstein Student/Parent Handbook located on our website and linked here. Matthew McDowell Principal Gravenstein Elementary School   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm  5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm  5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   26-27 Open House and School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Hillcrest's Wednesday Book Club Hello Book Lovers! I am so happy you are in this class and I need your help to donate some items to make it great! Spring is here, so I think it's time for some cool weather drinks. I'd love donations of: Lemonade, Iced Tea, Sparkling Water, and anything else you think is refreshing. Please bring your own cup or mug to keep in Room 1 or donate disposable cups.   Spring Sports Rally The Hillcrest 7th Grade Boys Basketball team won their league this year. We will hold a rally to celebrate our champions on Friday, April 3 at 2:40 PM in Hillcrest Hall. Families of our champions are welcome to attend.   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School! In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks. As we look ahead to the new school year, we wanted to share some important information: If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to complete new enrollment forms. Later this spring, we will email families a Google Form for students to sign up for their 6th grade electives. All 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers, and see the classrooms. We are also happy to offer guided campus tours for families. If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653. You may also email Principal Deeths at wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions.   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to host an evening for parents of incoming middle school students. During this event, we will discuss the joys and challenges students may experience as they begin the next phase of their school journey. Date: Monday, April 16 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Middle School We hope you will join us!   Hillcrest Garden Club Come join the new Garden Club during lunchtime on Tuesdays, beginning March 31. Interested students can ask Ms. Lavi, the Garden Coordinator, or Mr. Blanco for more information. We are excited to have more students involved in shaping and growing our new garden!   Rice Needed Life Skills students need donations of rice! We are making eye pillows in our sewing unit and need about 10 pounds of rice to fill them.   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Attention 6th and 7th graders! Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, consider applying for the Leadership elective for next school year and become an active part of the Hillcrest student community. Students who are interested must attend an informational meeting on Monday, March 30, during lunch to pick up an application. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird.   HMS Office Donation Request The Hillcrest Main Office is in need of hot/cold cups for students to use during the school day. If you have an extra new pack of hot/cold cups that you would be willing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Please no Styrofoam cups. Thank you for supporting our Hillcrest students!   Class and Band Panoramic Photos will be taken the morning of Wednesday, April 8th A Message from the Hawkes School Portraits: Dear Families, Thank you for considering pre-ordering your student’s Class Photo and/or Band Photo! Below you’ll find everything you need to know. Preordering Class and/or Band Photo Click this link to preorder:  https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001307112 Enjoy special discounted pricing. All pre ordered class photos will be conveniently delivered to the school. **If you have more than one student please be sure to order SEPARATELY for EACH STUDENT, so they receive the correct class photo. Ordering After Preordering has ended Packages will be shipped directly to your home (shipping fee applies). Special pre order pricing will no longer be available. Need Help? Phone: 707‑823‑6537 Email: hawkesschools@yahoo.com We look forward to capturing lasting memories for you and your student! Thank you, Hawkes School Portraits     High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Ashland, Oregon Overnight Trip – Medication Deadline & Donations The deadline to submit medications for the Ashland field trip is April 7, 2026. Please ensure all Medication Authorization Forms and medications are submitted by this date. Field Trip Donations: Donations to support the trip are still being accepted. Please use the green "7th Grade Field Trips – Pay Now" button below. For full trip details, including medication instructions, forms, and options for students not attending, please refer to previous Monday Messages. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   Garden Adventures and Updates   Green Veggies, Greenhouses, and Program Growth, Oh My! The past couple of weeks have been filled with beautiful green veggies for harvest, garden program growth, and even a new greenhouse! Thanks to a team of wonderful volunteers, the Gravenstein greenhouse, funded by the California Department of Food & Agriculture, is ready for use.  At Hillcrest, we are meeting students’ eager interest in gardening by adding another garden elective time, as well as a garden club. Be sure to check out all the greenery filling in on both campuses, some of which is contributing to incredibly fresh and nutritious additions to the lunch program. 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 are currently in need of tomato cages, flagstone, and pavers. And we are happy to plant any donation of seedlings with arrangement! We have one more upcoming group volunteer opportunity this school year:  Gravenstein- April 3rd, at 2pm  Come grow with us!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Jenner by the Sea Camp Who: Children ages 8 - 12 years old When: July 13-17, 2026 Where: Jenner Community Center Cost: $500 / camper for 5-day program (some partial scholarship funds available) Campers will explore the wonders of the sea through hands-on art and science! Please see the flyer / registration form for more information.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   The Adolescent Brain Class is Back! A 1 hour class for adults who love and care for tweens and teens. Learn: Why the teen brain is so different than the adult brain Tools and strategies to support your teen through this amazing, powerful stage in their lives That most of what makes you crazy about your teen is normal and they will probably grow out of it Ways to help adolescents help themselves When:  Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 PM Dates: April 16 Where: Twin Hills Middle School, Room 13, 1685 Watertrough rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Taught by Middle School Teacher Andrea Hagan (who is shocked that she has been teaching 7th grade for 30 years) Cost: Free (Donations accepted to cover materials, time, blood, sweat, and yes, some tears). Enrollment is limited to 20 Register at ahagan@sonic.net or text (707) 481-8213.   Free Girl Scout Unicorn Party taking place at Apple Blossom Elementary School on April 21st. This event is open to all families in the community and offers a fun, unicorn‑themed activity for youth while introducing them to local Girl Scout opportunities. For more information check out this flyer which is in both English and Spanish.   City Nature Challenge Santa Rosa A fun, free learning event for all ages!! Guest Leader is Biologist Dr. Dan Levitis. Discover plants, animals and insects in the Howarth Park eco-system. Learn the names of plants and animals you have wondered about. Contribute to a knowledge base that helps scientists and environmental activists protect the natural environment that supports us all. Enjoy fresh air, movement, and community with people who care. Space is Limited, register today. See this flyer for more information. Website Event Page You can also watch the two videos below for more information.   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) March 2026 Class Schedule March 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, Mar 29 2026

Monday Messages March 23, 2026 for GUSD Families

Monday Messages March 23, 2026 Hillcrest Earns 2026 California Distinguished School Award! We are incredibly proud to share that Hillcrest Middle School has been recognized with the California Distinguished Schools Award. This honor reflects the dedication of our students, staff, and families in fostering a learning environment where every child can thrive. This recognition highlights our commitment to strong outcomes for all students, while also accelerating progress among student groups who have faced barriers to success. Through high-quality instruction, targeted supports, and a focus on the whole child, we are ensuring that every student continues to grow and achieve at high levels. Congratulations to all Hillcrest Students and Staff!   ⚾ SF Giants Game with GUSD Community After many requests, we have extended your purchase date!  Get your tickets today! Join us Saturday, April 4th, 6:05pm, as the San Francisco Giants take on the New York Mets! This special event is a special way to enjoy a game with the Gravenstein Community while directly benefiting our student athletes! For the first time we have reserved seating together in the Arcade section of the park! 🧡 Come enjoy the game with our GUSD Families and Friends! You receive exclusive savings of 30% retail and our Hawks receive $5 back for every ticket sold!   Mark Your Calendars District Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 PM - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Wednesday, March 25, 6 PM - GPA - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, March 27, 5:30 PM - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park Gravenstein Tuesday, April 14 - Grav - Class Picture Day Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - Grav - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - Grav - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - Grav - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - Grav - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Grav - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Grav - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - Grav - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM - HMS - School Dance Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HMS - Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Skate Night - Get Ready to Roll with CRAZY HAIR! Join us at Cal Skate: Friday, March 27th for a night of wheels, laughs, and wild hairstyles! Show off your craziest, most colorful, and downright wacky hairdos while skating the night away — all for a great cause! This fun-filled evening is a fundraiser to support our enrichment programs, so bring your family, friends, and your craziest hair game! Lace up, let loose, and let's skate for a cause — we can't wait to see your wild styles!   Online Auction Update Your auction items are waiting for you if you haven’t picked them up yet! Winner emails were sent out before spring break. If you need any assistance with your auction prize, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help. Thanks to all of you, our Online Auction raised over $35,000!!   Hillcrest Families! – Got a rising High School Student? GPA & Hillcrest are excited to bring you a Parent Night Workshop with Ashley Radzat!!  Is your child heading to high school? This workshop is for YOU! Join fellow parents and caregivers for an informative and empowering evening on how to confidently support your rising high schooler through this exciting milestone.  Check out this flyer for more details!   Upcoming Events Hillcrest Parent Workshop, March 26th, Hillcrest MPR, 6pm Skate Night, March 27th CAL Skate Rohnert Park, 5pm PARENT ONLY EVENT *POSTPONED*   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Gravenstein Class Picture Day: 4/14/26 - Class Picture Day Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm  5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm  5/7/26 - Hillcrest Middle School - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   26-27 School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Before High School Begins: What Parents of 8th Graders Need to Know- ALL Welcome! As our 8th graders prepare for the transition to high school, many parents find themselves wondering how best to support this next stage. Hillcrest Middle School invites parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop focused on helping families navigate the move to high school. The workshop will be led by Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. Presentation: Thursday, March 26th at 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Band Room   Did Your Child Complete the 2026–2027 Elective Sign-Ups? Attention current and future Hillcrest families—it's time to choose electives for the fall! 🎉 You should have received an email with a link to the 2026–2027 Electives Sign-Up Google Form. Please review the form carefully and rank your elective choices in the order you prefer. At the top of the form, you will find links to the course descriptions and requirements for each class. We encourage families to look through these together before submitting your selections. All responses are due by Friday, March 27.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School! In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks. As we look ahead to the new school year, we wanted to share some important information: If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to complete new enrollment forms. Later this spring, we will email families a Google Form for students to sign up for their 6th grade electives. All 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers, and see the classrooms. We are also happy to offer guided campus tours for families. If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653. You may also email Principal Deeths at wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions.   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to host an evening for parents of incoming middle school students. During this event, we will discuss the joys and challenges students may experience as they begin the next phase of their school journey. Date: Monday, April 16 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Middle School We hope you will join us!   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Attention 6th and 7th graders! Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, consider applying for the Leadership elective for next school year and become an active part of the Hillcrest student community. Students who are interested must attend an informational meeting on Monday, March 30, during lunch to pick up an application. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird.   Trimester 2 Awards Assembly Our Trimester 2 Awards Ceremonies will take place in Hillcrest Hall on Friday, March 27. Students will be recognized for their academic achievement. Any student who earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher on their Trimester 2 report card will receive an award. We will also recognize students who excel in different subject areas and students who demonstrate strong lifeskills. Separate ceremonies will be held for each grade level, and parents are welcome to attend. Assembly Schedule 6th Grade: 8:30 AM 7th Grade: 9:20 AM 8th Grade: 10:25 AM   Lost & Found Reminder Our Hillcrest Lost & Found is getting full! Please ask your student to check the Lost & Found for any missing items. All unclaimed items will be collected and donated at the end of the day on Friday, March 27.   Report Card Envelopes Please sign your student’s report card envelope and have your student return it to one of their teachers or to the HMS Main Office. Thank you for helping us keep our records up to date!   Night in Paris – Spring Dance Save the date! Our Night in Paris Spring Dance will be held on Friday, March 27 from 6:00–8:00 PM. Tickets Sold during lunch March 23–27 $5 presale $8 at the door Dance Reminders (School rules apply): The dance is for current Hillcrest students only. Cell phones may not be used or visible during the dance. Students who arrive after 6:20 PM must be walked to the entrance by their parent. Students may only be picked up early by their parent, and the parent must come to the entrance. All students must be picked up by 8:25 PM. Students picked up late may not be able to attend the next dance. Parent Volunteers: Parents who are interested in chaperoning the dance can email Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org. We hope students join us for a fun evening!   HMS Office Donation Request The Hillcrest Main Office is in need of hot/cold cups for students to use during the school day. If you have an extra new pack of hot/cold cups that you would be willing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Please no Styrofoam cups. Thank you for supporting our Hillcrest students!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Ashland, Oregon Overnight Trip Medication Deadline & Donation Reminder The deadline to submit medications your student will need during the Ashland field trip is April 7, 2026. Medication Information: A Medication Authorization Form must be completed for any medication your student will need on the trip (prescription or over-the-counter). The form can be found by clicking on the following link: Medication Authorization Form Medications must be submitted in the original prescription bottle or original packaging. Place the medication in a zip-lock bag labeled with your student’s name. Both the form and medication must be submitted by April 7, 2026 for approval by the school nurse. If the Office Already Has Your Student’s Medication: If the HMS office already has your student’s medication and form on file, you may request a copy of the form to submit for the field trip. You may also request that the medication be separated for the trip. Please contact the HMS office to make this request, as it will not be completed automatically. Field Trip Donations: Donations are still being accepted to help support this trip. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please use the green "7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now" button below. For full trip details, please see the ParentSquare post: 7th Grade Overnight Field Trip NOTE: If your student does not attend the Ashland field trip and does not attend school on campus, the days will count as unexcused absences. To avoid unexcused absences: Students may apply for Independent Study (forms available in the HMS Main Office), or Students may attend school on campus during the trip. They will receive an Independent Study packet and will have an alternative schedule with teacher support. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page     COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Free Girl Scout Unicorn Party taking place at Apple Blossom Elementary School on April 21st. This event is open to all families in the community and offers a fun, unicorn‑themed activity for youth while introducing them to local Girl Scout opportunities. For more information check out this flyer which is in both English and Spanish.   The Adolescent Brain Class is Back! A 1 hour class for adults who love and care for tweens and teens. Learn: Why the teen brain is so different than the adult brain Tools and strategies to support your teen through this amazing, powerful stage in their lives That most of what makes you crazy about your teen is normal and they will probably grow out of it Ways to help adolescents help themselves When:  Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 PM Dates:  April 16 Where:  Twin Hills Middle School, Room 13, 1685 Watertrough rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Taught by Middle School Teacher Andrea Hagan (who is shocked that she has been teaching 7th grade for 30 years) Cost: Free (Donations accepted to cover materials, time, blood, sweat, and yes, some tears). Enrollment is limited to 20 Register at ahagan@sonic.net or text (707) 481-8213.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) March 2026 Class Schedule March 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, Mar 22 2026

Monday Messages March 16, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages March 16, 2026   ⚾ SF Giants Game with GUSD Community After many requests, we have extended your purchase date!  Get your tickets today! Join us Saturday, April 4th, 6:05pm, as the San Francisco Giants take on the New York Mets! This special event is a special way to enjoy a game with the Gravenstein Community while directly benefiting our student athletes! For the first time we have reserved seating together in the Arcade section of the park! 🧡 Come enjoy the game with our GUSD Families and Friends! You receive exclusive savings of 30% retail and our Hawks receive $5 back for every ticket sold!   NO SCHOOL Spring Break is Monday, March 16 — Friday, March 20, 2026 Mark Your Calendars District Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 PM - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Wednesday, March 25, 6 PM - GPA - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, March 27, 5:30 PM - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park Gravenstein Tuesday, April 14 - Grav - Class Picture Day Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - Grav - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - Grav - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - Grav - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - Grav - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11, 5pm - Grav - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Grav - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - Grav - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM - HMS - School Dance Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HMS - Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   New Article Nothing to see here   New Article This is not the article you're looking for.   Upcoming Events Online Auction, February 17th - March 6th Bingo! Night, February 20th Skate Night, March 27th Save the Date! Our PARENT ONLY EVENT "Boots & Bottles" is happening Saturday, May 2nd, 2026!   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, February 18th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Gravenstein Class Picture Day: 4/14/26 - Class Picture Day Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm  5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm  5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   26-27 School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Before High School Begins: What Parents of 8th Graders Need to Know As our 8th graders prepare for the transition to high school, many parents find themselves wondering how best to support this next stage. Hillcrest Middle School invites parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop focused on helping families navigate the move to high school. The workshop will be led by Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. Presentation: Thursday, March 26th at 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Band Room   2026–2027 Elective Sign-Ups Are Coming! Attention current and future Hillcrest families—it's time to choose electives for the fall! 🎉 This weekend, you will receive an email with a link to the 2026–2027 Electives Sign-Up Google Form. Please review the form carefully and rank your elective choices in the order you prefer. At the top of the form, you will find links to the course descriptions and requirements for each class. We encourage families to look through these together before submitting your selections. All responses are due by Friday, March 27.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School! In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks. As we look ahead to the new school year, we wanted to share some important information: If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to complete new enrollment forms. Later this spring, we will email families a Google Form for students to sign up for their 6th grade electives. All 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers, and see the classrooms. We are also happy to offer guided campus tours for families. If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653. You may also email Principal Deeths at wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions. We look forward to an incredible school year!   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to host an evening for parents of incoming middle school students. During this event, we will discuss the joys and challenges students may experience as they begin the next phase of their school journey. Date: Monday, April 16 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Middle School We hope you will join us!   2026–2027 Leadership Application & Information Attention 6th and 7th graders! Are you interested in learning about team building, effective communication, and public speaking? Do you want to help plan school dances, rallies, lunchtime activities, and special events? If so, consider applying for the Leadership elective for next school year and become an active part of the Hillcrest student community. Students who are interested must attend an informational meeting on Monday, March 30, during lunch to pick up an application. Applications are due by Friday, May 15, 2026. If you have questions, please email Mrs. Baird.   Trimester 2 Awards Assembly Our Trimester 2 Awards Ceremonies will take place in Hillcrest Hall on Friday, March 27. Students will be recognized for their academic achievement. Any student who earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher on their Trimester 2 report card will receive an award. We will also recognize students who excel in different subject areas and students who demonstrate strong lifeskills. Separate ceremonies will be held for each grade level, and parents are welcome to attend. Assembly Schedule 6th Grade: 8:30 AM 7th Grade: 9:20 AM 8th Grade: 10:25 AM   Lost & Found Reminder Our Hillcrest Lost & Found is getting full! Please ask your student to check the Lost & Found for any missing items. All unclaimed items will be collected and donated at the end of the day on Friday, March 27.   Report Card Envelopes Please sign your student’s report card envelope and have your student return it to one of their teachers or to the HMS Main Office. Thank you for helping us keep our records up to date!   Night in Paris – Spring Dance Save the date! Our Night in Paris Spring Dance will be held on Friday, March 27 from 6:00–8:00 PM. Tickets Sold during lunch March 23–27 $5 presale $8 at the door Dance Reminders (School rules apply): The dance is for current Hillcrest students only. Cell phones may not be used or visible during the dance. Students who arrive after 6:20 PM must be walked to the entrance by their parent. Students may only be picked up early by their parent, and the parent must come to the entrance. All students must be picked up by 8:25 PM. Students picked up late may not be able to attend the next dance. Parent Volunteers: Parents who are interested in chaperoning the dance can email Brandon Leong at bleong@gusdschools.org. We hope students join us for a fun evening!   HMS Office Donation Request The Hillcrest Main Office is in need of hot/cold cups for students to use during the school day. If you have an extra new pack of hot/cold cups that you would be willing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it. Please no Styrofoam cups. Thank you for supporting our Hillcrest students!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Ashland, Oregon Overnight Trip Medication Deadline & Donation Reminder The deadline to submit medications your student will need during the Ashland field trip is April 7, 2026. Medication Information: A Medication Authorization Form must be completed for any medication your student will need on the trip (prescription or over-the-counter). The form can be found by clicking on the following link: Medication Authorization Form Medications must be submitted in the original prescription bottle or original packaging. Place the medication in a zip-lock bag labeled with your student’s name. Both the form and medication must be submitted by April 7, 2026 for approval by the school nurse. If the Office Already Has Your Student’s Medication: If the HMS office already has your student’s medication and form on file, you may request a copy of the form to submit for the field trip. You may also request that the medication be separated for the trip. Please contact the HMS office to make this request, as it will not be completed automatically. Field Trip Donations: Donations are still being accepted to help support this trip. Your support is greatly appreciated. Please use the green "7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now" button below. For full trip details, please see the ParentSquare post: 7th Grade Overnight Field Trip NOTE: If your student does not attend the Ashland field trip and does not attend school on campus, the days will count as unexcused absences. To avoid unexcused absences: Students may apply for Independent Study (forms available in the HMS Main Office), or Students may attend school on campus during the trip. They will receive an Independent Study packet and will have an alternative schedule with teacher support. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Get Your Tickets Here Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   Garden Adventures and Updates   A Growing Sense of Place Children are not the only ones springing into action this March all over our campuses. The plants and wildlife are incredibly lively, and so fun to experience! As we explore and tend to our gardens this season, it’s a marvel to witness how the students’ sense of place is developing in garden classes. They notice what types of animals and unique species live in different parts of the campus, for example, and they excitedly meet their eco-neighbors with curiosity and joyful connection. This week during garden bird study at Gravenstein, students remarked about the Acorn Woodpeckers and Scrub Jays that spend time near the parking lots in “Grizzly Grove” garden and the Turkey Vultures and Red-shouldered Hawks near the “Food Forest” in the upper field. They also observed the variety of critters that live in different soil types, and sowed seeds and seedlings with care amongst them. At GUSD, our gardens don’t just ground students more deeply in their current educational place; they elevate their sense of relationship into the broader ecological community and allow their compassionate visions to take flight! 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 group volunteer opportunities: Hillcrest- March 27th, at 9am Gravenstein- April 3rd, at 2pm  Come grow with us!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   The Adolescent Brain Class is Back! A 1 hour class for adults who love and care for tweens and teens. Learn: Why the teen brain is so different than the adult brain Tools and strategies to support your teen through this amazing, powerful stage in their lives That most of what makes you crazy about your teen is normal and they will probably grow out of it Ways to help adolescents help themselves When:  Thursday 6:00 - 7:00 PM Dates:  April 16 Where:  Twin Hills Middle School, Room 13, 1685 Watertrough rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Taught by Middle School Teacher Andrea Hagan (who is shocked that she has been teaching 7th grade for 30 years) Cost: Free (Donations accepted to cover materials, time, blood, sweat, and yes, some tears). Enrollment is limited to 20 Register at ahagan@sonic.net or text (707) 481-8213.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) March 2026 Class Schedule March 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, Mar 15 2026

Monday Messages March 9, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages March 9, 2026   Spring Break Grocery Bags for GUSD Families What began as a way to support families in need has grown into a celebration of community care for all of our district families. This spring break, we’re excited to offer free grocery bags filled with fresh produce from local vendors—bringing healthy, high-quality fruits and vegetables straight to your table. Any family who would enjoy a boost of fresh food over the break is welcome to sign up. Together, we’re supporting one another while also supporting businesses in our own community. Register Here   NO SCHOOL Spring Break is Monday, March 16 — Friday, March 20, 2026 Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 PM - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 PM - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Wednesday, March 25, 6 PM - GPA - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, March 27, 5:30 PM - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park Gravenstein Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - GRAV - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - GRAV - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - GRAV - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - GRAV - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11 - GRAV - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am - GRAV - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - GRAV - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM - HMS - School Dance Thursday, May 7, 5-6pm - HMS - Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   Online Auction has Ended! To our generous sponsors, dedicated families, and supportive friends — THANK YOU! Your donations, time, and bids made this event a huge success. We are beyond grateful for this amazing community that shows up time and time again. None of this would have been possible without your generosity and support. We are so grateful for this amazing community!  Stay tuned for exciting updates!!   Hillcrest Families! - Got a Rising High School Student? GPA & Hillcrest are excited to bring you a Parent Night Workshop with Ashley Radzat!! Is your child heading to high school? This workshop is for YOU! Join fellow parents and caregivers for an informative and empowering evening on how to confidently support your rising high schooler through this exciting milestone.  Check out the flyer below for more details!   Skate Night - Get Ready to Roll with CRAZY HAIR! Join us at Cal Skate: Friday, March 27th for a night of wheels, laughs, and wild hairstyles! Show off your craziest, most colorful, and downright wacky hairdos while skating the night away — all for a great cause! This fun-filled evening is a fundraiser to support our enrichment programs, so bring your family, friends, and your craziest hair game! Lace up, let loose, and let's skate for a cause — we can't wait to see your wild styles!   Upcoming Events Skate Night, March 27th PARENT ONLY EVENT *POSTPONED*   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Lost and Found As it begins to warm up, we are seeing more and more clothes being left at school. If you put your student’s name on their clothes, we will return it to them! These pictures were taken on Saturday, 3/7/26, and show our current lost and found. All of these items will be donated in the morning on next Friday, 3/13/26. Check before the the end of the day this Thursday, 3/12/26, to find any missing items.   Important Dates for the remainder of the year! Gravenstein Open House Events 5/4/26 - TK/K - 5-6pm 5/5/26 - 2nd - 5-6pm  5/6/26 - 1st and 3rd - 5-6pm  5/7/26 - Hillcrest - 5-6pm 5/8/26 - 4th and 5th - 5-6pm Spring Concert (4th and 5th Grades): 5/11/26 - Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Promotion Ceremonies: 5/27/26 - Kinder Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard 5/28/26 - 5th Grade Promotion - 9am - Gravenstein Courtyard   26-27 School Year Enrollment information: Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Before High School Begins: What Parents of 8th Graders Need to Know As our 8th graders prepare for the transition to high school, many parents find themselves wondering how best to support this next stage. Hillcrest Middle School invites parents and caregivers to a special evening workshop focused on helping families navigate the move to high school. The workshop will be led by Ashley Radzat, an educator, parent and teen coach, and school consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and families. Presentation: Thursday, March 26th at 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Band Room   Trimester 3 Enrichment Sign-Ups For the 2025–2026 school year, students at Hillcrest Middle School have the opportunity to participate in an Enrichment class every Wednesday. Students may select a new Enrichment each trimester. We will do our best to place students in one of their top choices, but placement in a specific Enrichment is not guaranteed. Please review the course descriptions carefully before making your selections. Students should complete the form and submit it during class on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Ranking Instructions: Rank your choices from 1–13, with 1 being your top choice and 13 being your lowest choice. ***If you are already enrolled in Yearbook, you DO NOT need to complete this form. Yearbook is a year-long class.*** Enrichment Course Descriptions Link   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School! In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks. As we look ahead to the new school year, we wanted to share some important information: If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to complete new enrollment forms. Later this spring, we will email families a Google Form for students to sign up for their 6th grade electives. All 5th grade students and their families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers, and see the classrooms. We are also happy to offer guided campus tours for families. If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653. You may also email Principal Deeths at wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions. We look forward to an incredible school year!   1st Annual Jazz & Tacos Night! Join us for a fun evening of music and great food at Hillcrest! Date: Thursday, March 12 Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Where: Hillcrest Band Room Taco plates will be $15, and churros will be $5. The HMS Jazz Band will perform from 5:30–6:30 pm, featuring music inspired by styles from several Latin American countries. All proceeds will support the Music Department’s upcoming trip to Disneyland.   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to host an evening for parents of incoming middle school students. During this event, we will discuss the joys and challenges students may experience as they begin the next phase of their school journey. Date: Monday, April 16 Time: 6:00 pm Location: Hillcrest Middle School We hope you will join us!   Hillcrest Jazz Band Performances Members of the Hillcrest Jazz Band performed at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility in Santa Rosa on Wednesday, February 25. After their performance, band members spent time chatting with the residents. The Jazz Band will perform again on Wednesday, March 25.   Hillcrest ready for the opening and welcome speech. Our projects are in the background. Our first activity was STEAM Workshop. Students built cars to race or to clear different circuits. They could also build and design little dolls and paint geometrical designs. Hillcrest leaving the STEAM Workshops.  Moving to the second part of the day - presenting the projects.   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information 7th Grade Ashland, Oregon Overnight Trip: Packing & Preparation Zoom Meeting We invite 7th grade parents and guardians of students attending the Ashland, Oregon field trip to a "Packing and Preparation" Zoom Meeting. Please make every effort for at least one parent or guardian to attend. Date: Monday, March 9, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Zoom link At this meeting, Mr. Collins and Ms. Clements will: Provide an overview of the Ashland, Oregon overnight trip Review important packing and preparation details, including an updated medication policy Answer parent questions For full trip details, please see the ParentSquare post about the Ashland field trip: Ashland Trip Post Link Please Note: If your student does not attend the Ashland, Oregon field trip and is not on campus, these days will count as unexcused absences. Unexcused absences can be avoided by applying for and completing Independent Study. Independent Study forms are available in the HMS Main Office. Students who do not attend the field trip may also attend school during this time. They will follow an alternative schedule and receive teacher support to complete an Independent Study packet, which will be provided to every student who does not attend the Ashland, Oregon Field Trip. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   Garden Adventures and Updates   Growing Gratitude in the School Gardens One of the things teachers and parents work hardest at instilling in our students and children is a sense of being valued as individuals, while also embodying a vital set of values. We want them to understand what is worth caring about in this world, and know how to support and sustain these many precious parts of life. In the garden education program in our GUSD community, one practiced value that makes everyone feel both appreciated and appreciative is project-based relational gratitude. As students and teachers at both Hillcrest and Gravenstein work together, you wouldn’t believe how many times you hear the words “thank you” from everyone involved. And, we genuinely mean it! We experience in a hands-on way that it truly takes a cooperative mindset and shared responsibilities to grow healthy and harmonious lives. Whether moving soil into new garden beds or making “seed snails” together, garden group work allows students to recognize and feel proud of the value of their own efforts and positive attitudes, as well as those of their community members. And this all happens while learning to cherish and improve the ecological world around them! What’s not precious about that? If you would like to volunteer time and/or materials to the Gravenstein Gardens, please email Shauna Lavi, School Garden Coordinator, at slavi@gusdschools.org for more information. We have two upcoming group volunteer opportunities: Hillcrest – March 27th at 9am Gravenstein – April 3rd at 2pm Come grow with us!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   The Adolescent Brain Class is Back! A 1 hour class for adults who love and care for tweens and teens. Learn: Why the teen brain is so different than the adult brain Tools and strategies to support your teen through this amazing, powerful stage in their lives That most of what makes you crazy about your teen is normal and they will probably grow out of it Ways to help adolescents help themselves When: Thursdays 6:00 - 7:00 PM Dates: March 12 and April 16 Where: Twin Hills Middle School, Room 13, 1685 Watertrough rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Taught by Middle School Teacher Andrea Hagan (who is shocked that she has been teaching 7th grade for 30 years) Cost: Free (Donations accepted to cover materials, time, blood, sweat, and yes, some tears). Enrollment is limited to 20 Register at ahagan@sonic.net or text (707) 481-8213. Please indicate if you would like to attend the March 12 or April 16 session.   The Museum of Sonoma County invites you to Second Saturday (3/14/2026) - Free Admission all Day! and Drop-In Activities from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Spring is Here! Join us for a free, drop-in celebraton — make a cyanotype print, decorate a garden pot, and learn how gardening can help slow climate change with Master Gardners of Sonoma County. All ae welcome! Special Events: March 14, 2026 What: Free Admission All Day! With Drop-In Activities available 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM For more information about this event take a look at their flyer: English | Spanish For more information about the Museum check out their website at Museum of Sooma County.   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   We are so excited for this year’s 2026 North Bay Science Discovery Day  Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds This is a one-day, free community science festival to spark curiosity and wonder in children and families. The festival brings together 100+ organizations and 10,000 attendees — supported by 70 sponsors and 150 volunteers — for youth to talk with scientists and engineers while exploring 150+ interactive exhibits. See the flyer using the following link for more information: North Bay Science Discover Day Flyer (in English and Spanish) Or go to their website for more information: www.northbayscience.org   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) March 2026 Class Schedule March 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, Mar 08 2026

Monday Messages March 2, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages March 2, 2026   Superintendent's Message Wellness Policy The GUSD Wellness Plan is a guide that outlines how our district supports student health and well-being. It includes policies and goals related to nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and creating a safe, supportive school environment. We invite all parents and guardians to review either the full draft District of the Wellness Plan or a quick slideshow that summarizes the Plan. GUSD Wellness Plan slideshow GUSD Wellness Plan - DRAFT and share your feedback by completing our short Google Form: GUSD Wellness Plan Input Form Annual Parent Survey- closes Friday, March 5 Each year, we ask parents to participate in the annual Parent Survey. These anonymous responses are looked at by administration, school board trustees, teachers, and classified staff. We all want to know how we are doing and if there are any ways we can improve. Your input matters! Parent Survey- English Parent Survey- Spanish Summer Jumpstart Filling Fast! We are pleased to announce that GUSD is once again offering Summer Jumpstart for TK-6 as part of our Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).  Changes at the state level have introduced more specific restrictions on how those funds may be used. As we work carefully to manage our district budget and avoid drawing from the general fund, we must ensure that ELOP revenues are matched with our expenses. We have 184 students already registered and current waitlists in many grades. Families will be notified of their registration status (acceptance or waitlist) as soon as possible. Quick Info Open to current TK - 6 students only Jumpstart is GUSD's ELOP program, which complies with state requirements Registration is open, but there are waitlists at many grades Session 1: June 15-July 2 Session 2: July 13-July 31 Both sessions follow an 8:00am - 5:30pm schedule Jumpstart 2026 Registration Jumpstart 2026 Registration- Spanish   NO SCHOOL Spring Break is Monday, March 16 — Friday, March 20, 2026 Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 PM - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, March 13, 8:30 AM - GUSD - DELAC meeting in Gravenstein Principal's Office Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 PM - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Wednesday, March 25, 6 PM - GPA - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Friday, March 27, 5:30 PM - GPA - Skate Night at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park Gravenstein Thursday, March 5 — Grades 3—5 Field Trip to Hillcrest to see the musical "The Music Man Jr." Friday, March 6 — Grades TK—2 Field Trip to Hillcrest to see the musical "The Music Man Jr." Monday, May 4, 5-6pm — TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - Grav - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm — 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm — 4th & 5h Grade Open House Monday, May 11 — Band Spring Concert at Hillcrest Hall Wednesday, May 27, 9am — Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony in the Gravenstein Courtyard Thursday, May 28, 9 am — 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony in the Gravenstein Courtyard Hillcrest Thursday, March 5, 6:00 PM — Spring Musical Performance Friday, March 6, 6:00 PM — Spring Musical Performance Saturday, March 7, 2:00 PM — Spring Musical Performance Thursday, March 12, 5-7 PM - Jazz and Tacos Night Thursday, April 16, 6:00 PM — Welcome to Middle School Parent NIght Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM — School Dance Thursday, May 7, 5-6 PM — Open House   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   LAST CHANCE – ONLINE AUCTION ENDS MARCH 6TH! Time is running out! Don’t miss your final opportunity to bid in our online auction featuring your generous donation and so many other amazing items. Bidding closes, March 6th! Please, help us spread the word by sharing this message in your newsletters, emails, and on social media. Every share makes a difference! We’d also love for you to jump in and place a bid before it’s too late. Start bidding now: https://www.32auctions.com/GPA Thank you for supporting our enrichment programs and our incredible school community!   GPA NEEDS YOU! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board! Social Media Manager – Share our mission and highlight events on Facebook and Instagram. Event Chair – Help lead our fundraising and community events. These roles are key to supporting our students and strengthening our school community. Experience is helpful, but heart and reliability matter most — and you’ll have a supportive board beside you. Interested (or know someone who is)? Email wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs. We’d love to connect!   Upcoming Events Online Auction, February 17th - March 6th Skate Night, March 27th PARENT ONLY EVENT *POSTPONED*   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   A Message from Principal McDowell Dear Families, At Gravenstein, we are committed to creating a community where every child feels safe, valued, and included. We want our students to know that kindness matters in our words, our actions, and the small choices we make each day. We continue to talk with students about using safe and respectful language, being mindful of how their words impact others, and making sure everyone feels like they belong. Differences in interests, backgrounds, identities, abilities, and perspectives are what make our community strong. When students choose kindness and inclusion, they help build a school where everyone can thrive. We also remind students that asking an adult for help is always okay. If something feels uncomfortable, confusing, or unkind, we want them to speak up. Reaching out to a teacher, staff member, or trusted adult is a positive and responsible choice. Our adults are here to listen, support, and guide. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home by reinforcing the importance of empathy, respectful communication, and standing up for others. When school and home work together, we create a strong example for our children. Thank you for partnering with us to build a caring and inclusive school community. Matthew McDowell Gravenstein Principal   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 interested in our school next year and want to learn more about our programs? Have family friends that are interested in our incredible school? Please sign up using the link below for campus tours. 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   The Hillcrest Dancers   The Music Man, Jr. is Coming to Hillcrest! There's trouble in River City—and his name is Professor Harold Hill! The Music Man bursts with unforgettable charm as slick-talking con man Harold Hill persuades the people of River City, Iowa that they need a children' s marching band!  Come enjoy Hillcrest's student-run production of Broadway classic The Music Man, Jr., featuring unforgettable songs like "76 Trombones", "Till There Was You", and "Wells Fargo Wagon". Tickets:   Available beginning: February 12 Purchase from: The cast and crew, or from Hillcrest's front office PreSale: $8.00 At the Door: $10.00.   Public Performances: Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 P.M. Friday, March 6 at 6:00 P.M. Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 P.M. We hope to see you there!   Future 6th Graders Gravenstein 5th graders, we are excited to welcome you to Hillcrest Middle School.  In just a few short months, you will become Hillcrest Hawks! As we move towards the start of a the new school year, we wanted to share some important information that you will need to know:  If you are already enrolled at Gravenstein, there is no need to fill out new enrollment forms. On Thursday, March 5th, the 5th graders will come to Hillcrest to watch the Spring Musical The Music Man Junior.  Gravenstein students will remain after the play for a tour of the campus and enjoy lunch at HMS. In the Spring, we will email home a Google form for students to sign up for their 6th grade Electives. All 5th grade students and families are invited to join us for Hillcrest’s Open House on Thursday, May 7th, 2026.  It is a wonderful opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers and see the classrooms! We are always available for families who would like to get a guided tour of the campus.  If you would like to schedule a tour, please call the Hillcrest Main Office at 707-823-7653.  Email Principal Deeths wdeeths@gusdschools.org with any questions.  Looking forward to an incredible school year!   1st Annual Jazz & Tacos Night! Join us for a fun evening of music and great food at Hillcrest! Date: Thursday, March 12 Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Where: Hillcrest Band Room Taco plates are $15, and churros are available for $5. The HMS Jazz Band will perform from 5:30–6:30 PM and will play songs inspired by music from several Latin American countries. All proceeds from the evening will support the Music Department trip to Disneyland. Bring your family and friends, enjoy a great meal, and celebrate the talents of our student musicians. We hope to see you there!   Welcome to Middle School Parent Night Hillcrest Middle School is excited to invite parents of incoming middle school students to a special information night. Starting middle school is an important milestone. During this event, we will duscuss the joys and challenges as your student enters the next phase of their school careers! Please join us on Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 PM at Hillcrest Middle School. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming your family to our school community!   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now  Hillcrest Athletics Special Rate and Reserved Seating Ends Today March 2nd! Saturday, April 4th, 6:45pm 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 our Gravenstein/Hillcrest Community!  Tickets are 30% off retail price & $5 of every ticket sold goes back into our Athletics Program! ✨First 8,000 kids in attendance receive a reversible youth arm sleeve! Get Your Tickets Here Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation  Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   Garden Adventures and Updates   Delightful Discoveries Cultivating a practice of noticing what we delight in all around our wild world –whether a wiggly worm, a verdant sprout, or an aromatic flower– improves our moods and allows us to attend to the daily positive aspects of our beautiful environments. Garden groups at Gravenstein have recently been delighted by continuous wildlife discoveries, botanical study, and nature-inspired art projects. There’s just so much fun afoot! Frogs jump, and little hearts thump, as you hear squeals of glee and looks of awe in the garden.    At Hillcrest, students in the Garden Elective and Leadership classes have continued shaping our new garden space while discovering joyful surprises along the way. Some were amazed to find a tiny sprout emerging from a redwood stump cut nearly six months ago, and to learn that salamanders and frogs have already made homes beneath and between the logs. Others basked in the sunshine on our new redwood alcove benches for the first time, enjoying a well-earned rest after completing their garden tasks, legs dangling in delight. Gardening invites us to slow down and notice the small wonders that brighten our days.  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 group volunteer opportunities: Hillcrest- March 27th, at 9am Gravenstein- April 3rd, at 2pm  Come grow with us!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Sebastopol Sharks 2026 Football & Cheer Registration is open! Cheer: Youth Ages 5 - 14 $200 Registraion Fee $250+tax Uniform Football Youth Ages 7 - 14 $350 Registration Fee Register between March 1st — April 15th and save $50 Payment plans Available Practice & Fitting Dates & Times TBD See flyers for more information: Link to Flyer in English | Spanish   The Museum of Sonoma County invites you to join us for the exhibition Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific, and two special events. Come early to explore the exhibition and museum prior to the events. Space is limited, reserve your seat today - email programs@museumsc.org (please note if you have special accessibility needs) Special Events: March 5, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 pm What: A conversation with Dr. Caroline Collins exhibition curator of Take Me to The Water: Histories of the Black Pacific   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   We are so excited for this year’s 2026 North Bay Science Discovery Day  Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds This is a one-day, free community science festival to spark curiosity and wonder in children and families. The festival brings together 100+ organizations and 10,000 attendees — supported by 70 sponsors and 150 volunteers — for youth to talk with scientists and engineers while exploring 150+ interactive exhibits. See the flyer using the following link for more information: North Bay Science Discover Day Flyer (in English and Spanish) Or go to their website for more information: www.northbayscience.org   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes) March 2026 Class Schedule March 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, Mar 01 2026

Monday Messages February 23, 2026 for GUSD Families!

Monday Messages February 23, 2026 Superintendent's Message Summer Jumpstart Registration We are pleased to announce that GUSD is once again offering Summer Jumpstart as part of our Extended Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).   In past years, this program has been extremely popular, and we were able to accept nearly every student who applied. Changes at the state level to the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) have introduced more specific restrictions on how those funds may be used. As we work carefully to manage our district budget and avoid drawing from the general fund, we must ensure that ELOP revenues are matched with our expenses. Our Jumpstart program will still have a Math & Language Arts Instruction focus in the morning, afternoon enrichment sessions, and then daycare until 5:30pm.  Space is limited to currently enrolled TK-6 grade students and we anticipate that the program will fill quickly.   Registration for all current TK-Grade 6 Families will open on Sunday, February 22, and registration links will be posted in Monday Messages. Families will be notified of their registration status (acceptance or waitlist) as soon as possible. Quick Info Open to current TK - 6 students only Jumpstart is GUSD's ELOP program, which complies with state requirements Registration is now open Session 1: June 15-July 2 Session 2: July 13-July 31 Both sessions follow an 8:00am - 5:30pm schedule Jumpstart 2026 Registration Jumpstart 2026 Registration- Spanish   Annual Parent Survey Each year, we ask parents to help us out by completing the annual Parent Survey. These anonymous responses are looked at by administration, school board trustees, teachers, and classified staff. We all want to know how we are doing and if there are any ways we can improve. Your input matters! Parent Survey- English Parent Survey- Spanish   Mark Your Calendars District Tuesday, February 17 to Friday, March 6 - GPA - Online Auction Wednesday, February 25 - GUSD - Site Council Meeting Friday, February 27 - GUSD - End of Trimester 2 Tuesday, March 10, 5:00 PM - GUSD - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 - GUSD - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break Wednesday, March 25, 6pm - GPA - Board Meeting - All Welcome! Gravenstein Thursday, March 5 - Grav - Grades 3—5 Field Trip to Hillcrest to see the musical "The Music Man Jr." Friday, March 6 - Grav - Grades TK—2 Field Trip to Hillcrest to see the musical "The Music Man Jr." Monday, May 4, 5-6pm - Grav - TK/K Open House Tuesday, May 5, 5-6pm - Grav - 2nd Grade Open House Wednesday, May 6, 5-6pm - Grav - 1st & 3rd Grade Open House Friday, May 8, 5-6pm - Grav - 4th & 5h Grade Open House Wednesday, May 27, 9am - Grav - Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony Thursday, May 28, 9 am - Grav - 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony Hillcrest Thursday, March 5, 6:00 PM - HMS - Spring Musical Performance Friday, March 6, 6:00 PM - HMS - Spring Musical Performance Saturday, March 7, 2:00 PM - HMS - Spring Musical Performance Friday, March 27, 6:00 PM - HMS - School Dance   School Lunches To view the menu visit our Nutrition Services page on the District Website.  Fruits &/or Veggies are offered with all meals.  Meals are not offered a la carte.  Menu items are subject to change.  All student meals are free of charge.  A completed Medical Statement to Request Accommodations letter to the office is required to accommodate any dietary restrictions or vegetarian/vegan requests.   Gravenstein Parent Association   THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!! Thank you to all our volunteers and amazing announcers for making Bingo Night so fun! We can't do this without people like you that take a little time out of their day to make these community building events happen. Thank you again to our wonderful GUSD community!!!   ONLINE AUCTION IS HERE Our online auction is live Tuesday, 2/17 through March 6th!!! Bid on nearly 200 amazing items generously donated by local businesses and families — from vacations and staycations to wine tastings, gift certificates, summer camps, babysitting, gym memberships, front-row graduation seats, and so much more. Look out for an email from GPA/GLPs for more information. Don’t miss your chance to score something great while supporting our school community! SHARE THE LINK WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS! Visit the Auction Website: Simply click on the following link to browse the items and start bidding: https://www.32auctions.com/GPA   GPA Needs You! 💙 We’re looking for a few community-minded volunteers to join our board and help support our school in meaningful ways: Social Media Manager – Share our mission, highlight events, and celebrate our impact on Facebook and Instagram Event Chair – Help plan and lead our fundraising and community events that bring families together These roles play an important part in strengthening our school community. Experience is helpful, but heart, enthusiasm, and reliability matter most. You will have a board of wonderful people to help you ease into a role that suits you. If you’re interested — or know someone who would be a great fit — please email wearegpa@wearegpa.com or reach out to your GLPs. We’d love to connect!   Upcoming Events Online Auction, February 17th - March 6th Skate Night, March 27th PARENT ONLY EVENT *POSTPONED*   Upcoming Board Meeting Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 at 6pm Hillcrest, Room 5 GPA Google Meet Link Or Dial: +1 530-430-7704 PIN:188694989 Connect With Us Stay up to date in the quickest way by following us on Facebook and Instagram.  Tag your photos with #wearegpa to show your school pride! email: wearegpa@wearegpa.com Website: www.wearegpa.com   WHAT'S NEW at   Drop-Off & Pick-Up Times TK / K Drop-off: 8:30–8:40 Pick-up: 2:20–2:35 (Wed: 1:00–1:15) 1st / 2nd Drop-off: 8:15–8:25 Pick-up: 3:20–3:35 (Wed: 1:45-2:00) 3rd / 4th / 5th Drop-off: 8:00–8:10 Pick-up: 3:05–3:20 (Wed: 1:30-1:45) Lower Lot Access AM: Open for student drop-off from 8:00–8:20   26-27 Open House and School Year Enrollment information Campus tours are in full swing and more tours are available throughout the school year! Do you have students 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 Event! 👉Gravenstein Campus Tours   Gravenstein Field Trip Information Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! Kinder Field Trips - Pay Now 1st Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 2nd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 3rd Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 4th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 5th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Want to See What is Happening at Gravenstein! Stay connected with all the exciting events and activities happening at Gravenstein! Check out our social media pages, where we frequently post updates. Be sure to look for photos from our recent school-wide field trip to the Middle School to see the Matilda musical production! Follow us on: Facebook: Gravenstein Elementary Instagram: @gravensteinelementary   WHAT'S NEW at   Sixth Grade Life Skills Needs Your Help! Our Sixth Grade Life Skills students are beginning their cooking and sewing units, and they are excited to start creating! To help make these hands-on lessons successful, we are asking for a few donations. If you are able to contribute, we would truly appreciate your support. Items Needed: • Thread • Dried lavender • Large-eye sewing needles • Rice • All-purpose flour • White sugar • Kosher salt Donations can be sent to school with your student. If you have questions, please contact the main office. Thank you for supporting our students as they learn important life skills!   See Our Hillcrest Dancers Take the Stage! Our Hillcrest Dance students have been working hard, and we are excited to see them perform alongside Analy High School dancers in a shared evening of dance. Who: Hillcrest Dance 1 and Dance 2 students Dates: February 25, 26, and 27 Time: 7:00 PM Location: El Molino Theater on the El Molino campus While middle school and high school students will perform separate pieces, they will share the same stage and performance program. This is a wonderful opportunity for our middle school dancers to showcase their talent in a high school theater setting. We hope you’ll join us to support our dancers and celebrate their hard work!   The Music Man, Jr. is Coming to Hillcrest! There's trouble in River City—and his name is Professor Harold Hill! The Music Man bursts with unforgettable charm as slick-talking con man Harold Hill persuades the people of River City, Iowa that they need a children' s marching band!  Come enjoy Hillcrest's student-run production of Broadway classic The Music Man, Jr., featuring unforgettable songs like "76 Trombones", "Till There Was You", and "Wells Fargo Wagon". Tickets:   Available beginning: February 12 Purchase from: The cast and crew, or from Hillcrest's front office PreSale: $8.00 At the Door: $10.00.   Public Performances: Thursday, March 5 at 6:00 P.M. Friday, March 6 at 6:00 P.M. Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 P.M. We hope to see you there!   Lost & Found Reminder Our Lost and Found is filling up quickly. Please ask your student to take a few minutes this week to check for any missing jackets, sweatshirts, water bottles, or other personal items. All unclaimed items will be donated on Friday, February 27th. Thank you for helping us return items to their owners before they are donated.   High School Planning for 8th Grade Families Dear 8th Grade Families, As your student prepares for this next step, we know there is a lot of information to review and many options to consider. Our local high schools each offer different programs, timelines, and opportunities. Some schools are: Accepting applications Offering campus tours Scheduling shadow days To make things easier, we have moved all high school flyers and shared information into one post, which we will continue to update as we receive new details. Link to High School Information Post We also encourage families to visit the websites of any high schools you are considering. School websites will always have the most current and complete information. If your student plans to attend a shadow day, please let us know in advance. We will arrange an independent study contract so your student can stay on track with schoolwork. Have questions? We are happy to help—please reach out anytime.   Hillcrest Field Trip Information Ashland, Oregon Overnight Trip — 7th Grade Parent Information Meeting We invite all 7th grade parents and guardians to attend an informational Zoom meeting about the Ashland overnight field trip this Monday night. February 23, 2026 6:30 PM Zoom Link:   https://zoom.us/j/95280673208?pwd=5z74O0YRLFh7QiCqYir15xKI3ldv07.1 At this meeting, Mr. Collins and Ms. Clements will: Provide an overview of the Ashland, Oregon overnight trip Review important details before permission slips are due Answer parent questions If you would like more information before deciding whether your child will attend, this meeting is for you. For full trip details, please use the link below to see the ParentSquare post about the Ashland field trip: 7th Grade Overnight Field Trip Please Note: If your student does not attend the Ashland, Oregon Field Trip and they do not attend school on campus, these days will count as unexcused absences. Unexcused absences can be avoided by applying for and completing Independent Study. Independent Study forms are available in the HMS Main office. An Independent Study packet of work will be provided to all students who do not attend the Ashland, Oregon Field Trip. Your child may also opt to attend school during the field trip.  They will have an alternative schedule and receive teacher support completing Independent Study work. Help Make Field Trips Possible Field trips bring learning to life! From day trips to overnight adventures, these experiences help students grow, explore, and make lasting memories. Donations are never required, but they help offset the cost of transportation, activities, and lodging—especially for overnight trips. Your support allows us to offer meaningful experiences to all students. 👇 Click your student’s grade level below to donate if you are able. Thank you for supporting our students and helping make these learning opportunities possible! 6th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 7th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now 8th Grade Field Trips - Pay Now   Hillcrest Athletics Special Rate and Reserved Seating Ends March 2nd! Saturday, April 4th, 6:45pm 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 our Gravenstein/Hillcrest Community!  Tickets are 30% off retail price & $5 of every ticket sold goes back into our Athletics Program! ✨First 8,000 kids in attendance receive a reversible youth arm sleeve! Get Your Tickets Here Stay Connected with Hillcrest Athletics Want to stay connected with Hillcrest Middle School sports? Join our Athletics ParentSquare Group to receive updates from our Athletic Director, Meggan Young. Updates include: Tryout Information Game schedules Important announcements You can also visit our Hillcrest Athletics webpage for team information, required forms, and upcoming events. Whether your student is an athlete or you are cheering from the stands, all families are welcome to join and stay connected! Support Hillcrest Athletics Hillcrest Athletics is proud to offer no-cost sports for all students. There are no tryouts and no participation fees, so every student has the opportunity to join a team. Families who are able are invited to consider a $40 donation per sport to help support our athletic programs. In the past, your generosity has helped us purchase important equipment, including new football jerseys. This fall, donations will go even further thanks to a generous matching gift from GPA. Your support will help us purchase new Hawks uniforms for our basketball and volleyball teams. 👇 Click the button below to make an online donation and support Hillcrest Athletics. Thank you for helping us continue to provide inclusive and meaningful sports opportunities for our students! Athletics Donation   Hillcrest Middle School on Social Media Want to keep up with what is going on at Hillcrest? Want to see photos and learn about what is going on in the classrooms of HMS? Want to make sure you are updated on all the latest information and events on the campus? If you said yes to any of these questions, be sure to follow Hillcrest’s Social Media Pages: Instagram - SoarHawksSoar Facebook - Hillcrest Middle School - Sebastopol   GUSD Counseling Page Click on the link below to to view all the resources available to you and your family on the Hillcrest Counseling page. GUSD School Counseling Page   Garden Adventures and Updates   Bugs and Slugs While there’s been a lot of bad “bugs” going around lately, the kind students are really excited about finding after the rains are the crawling and flying varieties. The everyday term “bugs” encompasses a whole suite of arthropods that belong to various scientific classes, such as: Class Insecta (e.g., crickets), Class Arachnida (e.g., spiders), and Class Diplopoda (e.g., millipedes), to name a few of the kids’ favorite eco-neighbors pictured here. Most students also absolutely love our resident slugs and snails (Class Gastropoda) to the point they may want to make them actual “class”-mates! Worry not, teachers and families! The garden team carefully tends to these clammy creatures that are tucked away in designated “bug snugs” created by students.  You too can share in our campus critter experience with your students -sans any slime exposure- by checking out the GUSD iNaturalist page. 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 group volunteer opportunities: Hillcrest- March 27th, at 9am Gravenstein- April 3rd, at 2pm  Come grow with us!   COMMUNITY CORNER   Share Non-Profit Events with the Community We share flyers and information from approved non-profit organizations with the Gravenstein Union School District (GUSD) community. If you have a flyer or information about a non-profit event you’d like to share, please submit it to the District Office (mquirke@gusdschools.org) for approval. Once approved, it will be included in future Monday Messages for families across the district to see. Thank you for helping us connect the GUSD community with valuable resources and opportunities!   Are you feeling stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried? California offers free mental health support, wellness resources, emotional support, and more. Find free help today. For youth, young adults and families, find help at CalHOPE For kids, parents & caregivers, get free resources at BrightLife Kids and Soluna For older Californians, check out Friendship Line California   The Museum of Sonoma County invites you to join us for the exhibition Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific, and two special events. Come early to explore the exhibition and museum prior to the events. Space is limited, reserve your seat today - email programs@museumsc.org (please note if you have special accessibility needs) Special Events: March 5, 2026, 5:00 to 7:00 pm What: A conversation with Dr. Caroline Collins exhibition curator of Take Me to The Water: Histories of the Black Pacific   NatureBridge Coastal Camp registration is now open! Spots will go quickly, so register now! Once you have the session in your online cart, your spot is temporarily reserved as you complete your registration. If a desired session is full, we encourage you to register for the waitlist as spots may become available. If you are not able to register for your desired bus, please email coastalcamp@naturebridge.org to be added to our bus waitlist. Register HERE! Frequently Asked Questions: Check out our FAQ page for answers to our most common questions. Scholarship Support: To ensure that all young people have access to camp, we have expanded scholarship availability this summer. We can provide partial scholarships based on individual needs, whether it's $100 or $1,000. All scholarships come with complimentary extended care. If you need financial support to attend camp, please review our scholarship policies and apply. We hope you and your family will join us this summer!   Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Sonoma County is a one-day conference for 7th and 8th grade girls consisting of fun, hands-on STEM workshops led by local women working in the sciences. During the conference, young women will: Gain experience in STEM topics of their choosing Can interact with positive women role models Develop a deeper understanding of the need for STEM education and early career exploration. While the conference is hosted in Sonoma County, residents of other nearby counties are welcome and encouraged to attend. When: Saturday, April 11 Where: Santa Rosa Junior College Registration: Early March Lunch is provided. Use the following link to see a flyer with more information: Expanding Your Horizons Flyer   FREE Kindergym Kindergym is a weekly, play-based program where young children build essential motor and social-emotional skills through active play. Child development specialists are on site to support healthy growth, share available resources, and help caregivers recognize developmental progress. Most importantly, Kindergym is fun. It’s a welcoming space for families to play together, connect with others, and strengthen their bond with their children. Where: Monte Rio Elementary Address: 20700 Foothill Dr, Monte Rio When: Every Tuesday Time: 10:00am–12:00pm For more information please click the following link to see their flyer: English | Spanish   We are so excited for this year’s 2026 North Bay Science Discovery Day  Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where: Sonoma County Fairgrounds This is a one-day, free community science festival to spark curiosity and wonder in children and families. The festival brings together 100+ organizations and 10,000 attendees — supported by 70 sponsors and 150 volunteers — for youth to talk with scientists and engineers while exploring 150+ interactive exhibits. See the flyer using the following link for more information: North Bay Science Discover Day Flyer (in English and Spanish) Or go to their website for more information: www.northbayscience.org   CPI (Child Parent Institute Classes February 2026 Class Schedule February 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, Feb 22 2026