Apology for Santa Ban Controversy

As you may know, HSD was at the center of a media controversy last week. At issue was a statement that was sent out to staff members at one of our schools that talked about holiday decorations. The particulars about how this situation arose through a series of unplanned events is not as important as reiterating that the Hillsboro School District does not have a policy or directive in place that bans Santa or other holiday decorations. We respect and value all religions, cultures, customs and traditions, including Santa and Christmas. We sincerely apologize for any miscommunication and want to invite any staff member, parent, student, or community member to talk to a staff member or administrator if there are questions in the future about something that has been communicated. We are very proud of the work our school communities do to honor and include all students, especially at this time of year!

ESSA Community Meeting Reminder

Oregon's Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Salam Noor, is traveling the state to hold a series of information and feedback gathering sessions on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Our local meeting will take place at Jackson Elementary School, 675 NE Estate Dr., this Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more about ESSA, engage in a discussion with state and local education leaders, and share your input and feedback on Oregon's State Plan for improving education.

United Way Reminder

Just a reminder that if you are interested in making a donation to the United Way, please do so before Tuesday, Dec. 13! Materials and forms are available in your staff lounge; completed forms can be returned to your office manager for forwarding back to the District Office. Thanks to United Way's Cornerstone Partners, 100 percent of contributions received will be invested in programs to help people in need in our community. To learn more, visit www.unitedway-pdx.org.

PACE Safety Awards

PACE, HSD's provider of property and casualty insurance, is sponsoring a safety award program to recognize achievements that allow members to better serve the students of Oregon. There is both an Outstanding Program Award (for a district) and an Outstanding Service Award (for individuals). To learn more or to access the nomination form, please visit PACE.OSBA.org/awards.

Superintendent Coffee Chat

This week's Superintendent Coffee Chat will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at the South Store Café in Scholls, 24485 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. Please join Superintendent Scott at this casual, no-host, drop-in event to learn more about important activities going on in the District and ask any questions you may have.

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FIRST LEGO League Qualifying Tournament

Come watch exciting robot competitions and cheer on HSD students as they showcase their hard work at the Intel Oregon FIRST LEGO League qualifying tournament on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hillsboro High School, 3285 SE Rood Bridge Rd. Teams from Brookwood, Ladd Acres, Patterson, Reedville, and Witch Hazel will be competing.