HSF Innovative Grants
March 20, 2023 - The Hillsboro Schools Foundation (HSF) will award grants of up to $7,500 to fund innovative educational projects during the 2023-24 school year. A total of $50,000 will be distributed this May. 

Through their Innovative Education Grants, HSF supports projects that put the tools of exploration, imagination, and self-expression directly into students’ hands, providing them with opportunities they would otherwise not have under normal school funding. The process is simple, fair, and open to all HSD teachers, administrators, staff, and volunteer family groups for programs that enhance student achievement both inside and outside the classroom. Proposals are evaluated and selected based on student engagement and achievement; innovative instructional methods and tools; and sustainable, measurable results. 

The grant application is now open and available at hsfonline.org/apply-for-grants. Submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 11. 

Participation in a grant training webinar at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 2 is strongly encouraged. Please RSVP to Aron Carleson at aronc@wcchamber.org for the link. You may also reach out to Aron with any questions.

Special Education Teacher Information Session
March 20, 2023 - Interested in becoming a special education teacher? Register for a virtual information session from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 12 to learn about different pathways and supports HSD offers to help you achieve your dream!

STEM Summer Camp Teacher Recruitment
March 13, 2023 - The PSU Center for Entrepreneurship seeks four STEM Camp Instructors to provide teaching and workshop support for 7 weeks this summer. Instructors will assist with hands-on prototyping activities for middle school students. Learn more in this flyer.

Lewis & Clark School Counseling Master’s Degree Information Session
March 6, 2023 - Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education and Counseling is holding a virtual information session from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 9 on its School Counseling master’s degree and preliminary license program. Click here to register.

HR High Five Podcast
March 6, 2023 - Our Human Resources department’s new HR High Five Podcast series features achievements, ideas, and connections within our HSD community. Each episode has about ten minutes of content and focuses on a theme or key word. The goal of this podcast is to share ways our employees work together and highlight their contributions to our district. This month’s theme is The Heart of HSD! Enjoy listening to staff members Salo Acosta, Ciara Hartzell, and Yaquwlyn Vazquez Burgos share stories about what motivates them in their work. Watch for new episodes at the end of each month during the school year.

PERS Retirement Seminar
February 20, 2023 - A free PERS/403(b) virtual retirement planning seminar will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22 via Zoom. The webinar will be presented by Skylar Koon with Cetera Investors, who has been conducting similar seminars for the HSD employees for over a decade.

The workshop is open to all employees and their partners, whether they are planning to retire in the near future or are simply looking to get some questions answered. Topics will include explaining the PERS system, its changes over time, and what they will mean to you. Different payout options will also be discussed to help you start thinking about what may be best for you and your family. Sylar will review the steps necessary to acquire an estimate for your retirement as well as the paperwork process for someone who decides to retire. Other topics will include taxes, health insurance, long-term care, and how PERS fits into other retirement tools to create a cohesive financial strategy for retirement, in addition to pitfalls to avoid when utilizing PERS in combination with other retirement accounts as well as Social Security. 

Please note the seminar will not be recorded. 

Register in advance at this link. Once you have registered, you will receive a follow-up email confirming your registration, along with Zoom instructions to attend the seminar at the scheduled time. If you do not receive a confirmation email, make sure to check your spam folder or reach out to Skylar at skylar.koon@ceterainvestors.com.

HSD’s Evaluation 5D+ Rubric Training
February 20, 2023 - Licensed staff are invited to join us for an optional professional development session on HSD’s Evaluation 5D+ Rubric. The objectives will be to:

• Understand our 5D+ Evaluation Rubric

• Understand our Instructional Framework: 5Ds of Teaching and Learning

• Identify how the 5Ds are represented in our instructional day

There are two sessions to choose from:

• Thursday, Feb. 23 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Administration Center Board Room

• Thursday, Apr. 20 from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Administration Center Board Room

Mark your calendars if you can make it. Extended contract will be paid.

HR High Five Podcast
February 6, 2023 - Our Human Resources department is pleased to announce its new HR High Five Podcast series, which features achievements, ideas, and connections within our HSD community. Each episode has about ten minutes of content and focuses on a theme or key word. The goal of this podcast is to share ways our employees work together and highlight their contributions to our district. This month’s theme is celebration! Enjoy listening to staff members Morgan Quimby, Dave Peterson, and Leandre Butler share their stories. Watch for new episodes at the end of each month during the school year.

Strategic Plan Feedback 
January 30, 2023 - All staff are invited to review the core elements of our draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and provide their feedback by Friday, Feb. 17. The survey will be made available to students, families, and other HSD stakeholders on Monday, Feb. 6 once translation is complete.

Licensed Transfer Window Open
January 23, 2023 - Now through Wednesday, Mar. 1 licensed staff may request consideration for a voluntary transfer to another school or assignment, or for a leave of absence or change to FTE in the 2023-24 school year (per Article 12, Section b of the HEA/HSD Licensed Professional Agreement). Full details were emailed to licensed staff directly; please speak with your HEA building representative or supervising administrator if you have questions.

Hillsboro Public Library Newsletter for Teachers
January 16, 2023 - January’s edition of the Hillsboro Public Library’s Student Success Newsletter features information on upcoming study halls, a teen art contest, and a program for beginning readers. Also check out the Library’s January events brochure for additional events and information.

Paid Leave Oregon Staff Notice
January 2, 2023 - Paid Leave Oregon is a new state-level program that allows individuals to take paid time off for many of life’s most important moments that impact our families and our health and safety. Required contributions are made by employers and employees. Employers pay 40% and employees pay 60% of the contribution rate, which is 1 percent for 2023.

While some employers and employees will begin paying for the new program in January, Hillsboro School District intends to provide an Equivalent Plan administered by a private insurance carrier. This plan will provide at least the same benefits as the State's program. Mandatory monthly paycheck deductions of 0.6% will not begin until the benefits are available in September 2023.  

Hillsboro School District has determined that providing these benefits through a fully insured Equivalent Plan is the best option for the district and its employees. More information will be provided during the annual Employee Benefit Enrollment period in August 2023. 

You can find more information about Paid Leave Oregon here: https://paidleave.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Oregon School and After School Wellness Awards
January 2, 2023 - ODE, the Nutrition Council of Oregon, the Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council, and OregonASK are teaming up to reward exemplary school and after school programs for creating and sustaining a culture of wellness for youth and staff. Learn more here and apply by Jan. 31, 2023.

United Way Campaign
December 12, 2022 - Each year, HSD joins forces with United Way of Columbia-Willamette to mobilize support around improving lives in our region. Participating in the United Way’s annual campaign provides you with the opportunity to share in this vision and enhance our community.

Local agencies need ongoing help with the most basic needs in our community. The United Way’s program for specific agency donations allows donors to select an agency of their choice to receive their contribution. There are many Washington County agencies that work directly with children and families, or you can select any other tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity to receive your donation through the United Way.

For more information, please visit the United Way website and review their FAQ. When you decide to donate, you can email your completed pledge form to Katie Russell-Willis, send it via interdepartmental mail to AC201, or fax it to 503-844-1557. 

Click here to view informational videos and see how your donation makes an impact.

This year’s campaign runs from Friday, Nov. 4 to Friday, Dec. 16. 

Each of us has an opportunity to give back to our local neighbors and communities. Thank you for what you do, not only as an educational professional, but also as an integral, contributing member of our local community.

Winter Break Reminders
December 12, 2022 - As HSD prepares to take winter break, here are a few best practices for “shutting down” your classrooms and office spaces:

• Close drapes and/or blinds to reduce heat loss during the day.

• Turn off all monitors and charging carts.

• Ensure no furniture, posters, or bulletin boards are covering HVAC units or sensors. Ventilator fans must be exposed to allow for proper air circulation even during periods where rooms are not occupied.

• Ensure all light switches are OFF, thus disabling any unintentional use of lighting sensors. 

• Turn off and unplug all personal lamps and other small electronics. 

• Turn off and/or unplug personal printers, projectors, TVs, copiers, coffeepots, radios, powerstrips (not connected to computer equipment), and other devices. 

• Empty and unplug all refrigerators, and prop open the door. 

• Unplug all personal microwaves.

• Turn off and unplug all classroom PA systems and hallway monitors. 

Gift yourself cost savings by adopting these energy-saving best practices at home during the holidays:

• Schedule a heating system check-up if it has been a while since you had one. 

• Keep the cold air outside by adding or replacing weatherstripping around doors and windows.

• Switch to a smart thermostat to optimize your furnace runtimes. 

• Turn down the thermostat at night and bundle up under a blanket for additional warmth. Reducing set points during sleeping hours reduces overall usage. 

• Close off unused rooms - why heat a room no one uses?

• If you have a fireplace, close the damper when it’s not in use.

• Keep air vents unblocked. Blocked air vents make your heating system work harder and reduce air circulation. 

• Check your insulation, especially around electrical outlets, plumbing, windows, and skylights. 

• Set your water heater to 120 degrees and insulate it. This moderate temperature provides adequate hot water and keeps the heating element from running more than necessary.

• Wash and dry only full loads of laundry. Consider wearing clothing - especially outer layers - multiple times before washing. 

• Put your holiday lights on timers. 

• Switch to LED lights, including holiday lights.

• Unplug unused electronics and appliances. Appliances that are plugged in draw electricity even when set in the “OFF” position. These are known as “energy vampires” because they draw energy during periods of non-use or sleep.

• Take advantage of the full sun during the day and then close drapes/blinds at night. Days are short, but when the sun comes out free heating is available!

Health Reimbursement Account Support Sessions
December 5, 2022 - If you were enrolled in Moda Plan 5, Kaiser 2, or were a licensed or classified employee enrolled in Kaiser 3 for the 2021-22 plan year - you may have money waiting for you. Stop by one of the upcoming Q&A sessions to speak with someone who can help you understand the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) benefit. 

• Tuesday, Nov. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Transportation North (7705 NE Jacobsen St.)

• Tuesday, Nov. 8, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the HSD Administration Center (3083 NE 49th Pl.)

• Tuesday, Nov. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Transportation South (1220 SW Walnut St.)

• Tuesday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at South Meadows Middle School (4690 SE Davis Rd.)

• Thursday, Dec. 8, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. virtual session on Zoom. 

You are also welcome to stop by if you are enrolled for the current 2022-23 Plan Year and have questions about the HRA benefit. See this flyer for more information.

Hillsboro Public Library Newsletter for Teachers
December 5, 2022 - December’s edition of the Hillsboro Public Library’s Student Success Newsletter invites teachers to sign up for a sponsored school visit with a local author, and includes information about free events and activities taking place at both library locations this month.

We Need Your Peanut Butter
November 28, 2022 - Just a reminder that peanut butter donations are being collected for the Elks Holiday Basket program, which supports more than 600 HSD families and students in need. Drop off your donations at boxes located in the Administration Center break rooms or at HOA by Thursday, Dec. 1.

Safety Alert
November 21, 2022 - Thefts from vehicles are unfortunately on the rise in the Hillsboro/Washington County area. Recently, several staff members have had their vehicles broken into and their access cards and keys stolen. Staff are strongly encouraged to not leave their access cards and keys in their unattended vehicles at any time; this also includes storing them in your vehicle overnight or on weekends. 

If you do become the victim of a theft that involves your access card, please immediately submit a Facilities work order request (select Access Control System and then select the “report lost card” option) to report the issue. For lost or stolen keys, please notify your building administrator and office manager. 

As the holiday season approaches, it is also a good reminder to not leave valuables or purchases in unattended vehicles or in plain sight as that makes your vehicle an attractive target for theft.

Hillsboro Elks Holiday Support
November 14, 2022 - Each year, the Hillsboro Elks Club supports more than 600 HSD households with food and toys for children 18 and younger. You can help by giving money, donating a toy through the Hillsboro Fire and Rescue Toy & Joy program, or dropping off peanut butter at Hillsboro Online Academy (452 NE Third Ave.) or the Hillsboro School District Administration Center (3083 NE 49th Place) by Friday, Dec. 2. 

Monetary donations can be taken to the Lodge or dropped off at the HSD Administration Center, attention Communications. Checks should be made payable to Hillsboro Elks (7553 NE Quatama St., Hillsboro, OR 97124). 

Thank you so much for your support of our students and families in need!

Retention Bonus Update for Classified and Licensed Staff
October 31, 2022 - Classified and licensed staff members should have received an email on Oct. 25 informing them of the retention bonus they are eligible for thanks to one-time funds received through Oregon’s House Bill 4030 Retention and Recruitment grant.

Here are some friendly reminders from our Payroll team:

• For those who already have their Direct Deposit account set up, you will receive your retention bonus on Nov. 10, 2022.

  • Those without Direct Deposit will be sent a live check via the U.S. mail to your current address on file with HSD.

If you have changed your Direct Deposit account, please notify Payroll by Nov. 4, 2022 at payroll@hsd.k12.or.us.

Educator Network Opportunities
October 31, 2022 - The Northwest Regional ESD encourages educators to participate in the following groups:

• Northwest Regional Educator Network: The Northwest Regional Educator Network (NREN) will help any educator interested in researching, creating, advancing or sustaining initiatives that support the success of educators of color in the region. Any educator can apply as an individual, team lead or student group adviser and the NREN staff are available to assist with the process. Would you like to learn more about how to prepare your application for our January 13 application deadline? Learn more and apply.

• School Culture and Climate Collaboratives (Various Dates): Northwest Regional Education Service District is hosting three learning collaboratives to provide educators with tools to build welcoming, inclusive and connected school communities. Topics will include: LGBTQ2SIA+ Equity, Tribal History/ Shared History (SB 13), and ODE Student Success Plans. Learn more and sign up.

• Professional Learning Community for Early Career Special Educators (Various Dates): This professional learning series supports special educators in the first one to three years of their career. Attend six virtual professional learning sessions on topics like legal procedures and compliance, quality IEP development, and equity and diverse family partnerships through the IEP process. You will also have access to optional virtual drop-in sessions and an optional on-site coaching visit. Free to educators in the Northwest Regional Education Service District service area. Learn more and join.

Lifetouch Photos for Administration Center Staff
October 31, 2022 - Photographers from Lifetouch will be in AC Conference Room 213 on Friday, Oct. 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again on Friday, Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Photos are optional (but highly recommended) for new staff or staff who want to retake their existing photo, and will be added to the staff directory (some staff do not appear in the directory and please notify Justin Arey if you’d prefer to opt-out). Please dress professionally. Note that photographers have been vaccinated and will be masked throughout the process. Staff are asked to wear masks until it is time for the photo to be taken. Thank you!

Hillsboro Public Library Newsletter for Teachers
October 31, 2022 - November’s edition of the Hillsboro Public Library’s Student Success Newsletter includes information about book giveaways for teachers, OBOB Meet-Ups, their Simple Science Elementary-level Program, online tutoring, and festivities. 

Strategic Plan Feedback Session for Staff 
October 24, 2022 - Staff have an opportunity to see the work-to-date on our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan and provide their feedback in a live virtual session with our consultant on Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please join us!