Cougar Courier Newsletter

📚 SAT Registration Information

• Exam Date: October 9th at HMBHS
  

• Open to 11th and 12th graders.

• To register, complete this form and ensure all information matches our school's student information system.

• Payment Details:

  • $70 (via check or cash) due to Ms. Acosta in the front office by September 20th, 2024.
  • Make checks payable to HMBHS and write SAT - [student name] in the memo line.
  • Failure to submit payment by the deadline will result in a canceled registration.
    

• Questions or Accommodations?
  Contact Mrs. Tower for:

• Questions about registration or payment.
• Requests for accommodations that align with your IEP or 504.

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📝 PSAT/NMSQT Registration Information

• Exam Date: October 17th at HMBHS
• Open to 10th and 11th graders.
• To register, complete the form and ensure all information matches the data in our school's student information system.

Payment Details:

• $35 via Total Registration
• Payment must be received by September 27th, 2024, to avoid cancellation of registration.
• Link to Total Registration: www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/051120

About the National Merit Scholarship Corporation

NMSC® is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. NMSC conducts the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an annual academic competition for recognition and college scholarships.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), cosponsored by College Board and NMSC, is the entry route to the National Merit Scholarship Program.

If you have questions about any aspect of the National Merit Scholarship Program, including student participation requirements, the selection process, and awards offered, visit nationalmerit.org.

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2024-2025 AP Exams Registration Deadlines and Fees

• Go to myap.collegeboard.org to create an account or access your existing account.

• Important: Make sure your account is linked to your personal email account, not your school email account. With your school email account, you may miss notifications from the College Board and you won’t be able to access your account after you graduate.

• Enroll in your AP class by using the Join Code provided by your AP teacher (Mrs. Tower can also provide you with Join Codes)

• Confirm your registration for the AP Exam(s). You have the choice of taking or not taking the exam but you must make that designation through MyAP. You need to confirm your registration for each AP course in which you are enrolled. The default setting is “Undecided.” You must indicate YES or NO for the exam. “Undecided” will automatically switch to “No” after the deadline.

• Deadlines:

• Register for exam(s) by September 30th, 2024

• Late Registration between October 1st, 2024 and February 28th, 2025

• You must see Mrs. Tower for late registration. You will not be able to register online after September 30th, 2024.

• Fees:

• $105 if registered for exam by September 30th, 2024

• $40 fee for late registration (from October 1st, 2024 to February 28th, 2025)

• $40 for unused/canceled exam

• Fee Reduction Forms due by September 23rd, 2024

• Payment is made through Total Registration. Link can be found on our website.

• Payment must be made by October 15th, 2024 in order for the exam(s) to be ordered for you.

• See Mrs. Tower in the front office:

• for the Fee Reduction Form, if applicable (or print it from our website)

• if you have any logistical questions.

zitlali@bgccoastside.org

Join us for a fun event with Fortune 500 companies in attendance, exclusively for high school and college students.

📅 Wednesday, September 25
⏰ 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
📍 BGCC Teen Center (Cunha Campus)

Come enjoy pizza, connect with top companies, and explore exciting opportunities! Click on the attachment below for more information.

Join the Community on Campus Committee! We are excited to announce the relaunch of our initiative to engage volunteers in enhancing our campus. The first of two Open House events will take place next Thursday, September 26th, at 5 PM in the high school library. We’ll start with games to get to know each other, followed by a slideshow outlining our committee’s purpose and goals for the year. We’ll also cover the district’s volunteer requirements and what’s involved in becoming a member. Monthly meetings will be held for those interested in getting involved. Learn more about the district’s volunteer requirements on the district website! Light refreshments will be provided. Email Yasmin East-Bratt or Mr. Jones if you have any questions.

Cougar Sports Update

Congratulations to all our Cougars on a fantastic start to the fall season!

• This Week’s Highlight:

  • Girls Golf celebrates the start of their league season.

• Volunteer Reminder:
  Wrestling and Soccer families, it's your turn for Football game volunteer duty this Friday.
  Please sign up here: Volunteer Sign-Up

• Football:
  Join us for a HOME Football game this Friday as our 3-0 Cougars take on Woodside!

• Volleyball:
  Come cheer for Volleyball at their two home games this week: Tuesday and Thursday in the gym.
  Gate pricing will apply—see details below.

• Girls Tennis and Water Polo:
  Both teams are on the road this week, competing at Menlo Atherton, Hillsdale, and San Mateo. If you're able, take a short drive and support our Cougars!

Have a great week and Go Cougars!

Click here to read September 2024 CTE’s Newsletter.

Click here to watch the trailer.

San Mateo County Jobs for Youth (JFY) Program is coming to HMBHS!

• The first workshop of the year will be on September 25th during Advisory.
• Workshops are open to all students, but limited to 40 spots – sign up now!
• Registration deadline: Friday, September 20th.
• Students who attend a JFY workshop are eligible to apply for the annual $2,000 JFY scholarship – don’t miss this opportunity!

Free workshops at the HUB coming soon!!

Preparing for College Application Process

• Thursday, September 19th, 6 PM: What is FAFSA?
• Thursday, September 26th, 7 PM: College Essay Workshop

Physical Education Makeups – 1st Semester 2024

Makeup Dates:

• September 10
• October 9
• October 29
• November 6
• November 13
• December 4

Details:

• During Advisory
• Important Reminders:
  • Speak with your Physical Education teacher to get an Advisory slip before the date.
  • Come to school in workout clothes or be ready to change during the passing period.
  • First, go to Advisory and check in with your teacher.
  • When it's time, head to the front of the gym.
  • Bring homework or something to read as you will remain in class for the duration of the period.
  • Return your Advisory slip to your Physical Education teacher for credit.

Pro Tip:

• Don’t wait until the end of the semester to attend makeups! Be proactive and contact your teacher early to plan ahead.

Jay and Leo will be offering free tutoring in math and science every EVEN (Black Bell Schedule) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Room G8, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Drop by, and we'll assess how we can assist your child in math or science!

Need flexible hours? If these hours don’t fit your student’s schedule, they can arrange a Zoom or one-on-one appointment with Jay or Leo either during or outside school hours. Just follow these steps:

How to Connect via Remind App:

1. Text 81010.
2. Send the message @ljlaux (for Leo) or @tutorjayt (for Jay) to connect with the tutor of your choice.
   
   

Contact Information for Parents: Students may also reach out to Jay or Leo via personal email, as Cabrillo student emails won’t work for this purpose.

📅 Date: Wednesday, September 25th

🕖 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: HMB Brewing Company, at the Harbor

Mark your calendar! We need volunteers for both the auction and party planning teams. During the meeting, we’ll review the schedule, due dates, location, and theme for the 2025 Grad Night celebration.

Got questions?

📧 Email: hmbhs.gradnight@gmail.com
🌐 Check out the website and sign-up: hmbhsgradnight.com

We’ve got you covered! Click on the link below for easy step-by-step instructions to help you download and set up the app.

🚨 Coming Soon: Friday, September 27th, from 2 to 4 PM, our IT team will host office hour sessions to assist you with any issues, whether it's downloading, logging in, or troubleshooting the app.

Stay tuned for more details! 🛠️

The HMBHS Real Life Learning (RLL) program links students with chances to engage in real-world situations and gain authentic experiences during their time in high school. Karen Hoffman, the Program Coordinator, is available on campus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, offering office hours during lunch, advisory sessions, or by appointment.

Already there are so many exciting opportunities to get involved in our community and some with deadlines fast approaching!

As always, students can scan the QR code posted around campus to access more details about all of the RLL Service Opportunities postings.

Service Jam will be held this Thursday, September 19 during lunch in the Quad.

Approximately 30 local organizations will be on campus to introduce students to opportunities to get involved in the community and earn service hours!

NEW! HMBHS service organizations include: AYSO, HMB Amateur Radio Club, HMBHS Girl’s Basketball and Rancho San Benito.

Students can access more details about these RLL Service Opportunities and more by scanning the QR code posted around campus.

📸 School Pictures Are Ready!

To order, please log in to your account on mylifetouch.com

or create a new account using your student's school ID number.

🆓 In addition, all families can log in and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

💡 Learn more about the SmileSafe program here.

Thank you for your support!

It's time to make a difference! We're collecting new pairs of socks to help those in need beginning in October. Stay tuned for more information on how you can contribute.

The attached document highlights a list of 15 Scholarship Programs available to your students. More than 290 Individual Scholarships will be distributed through these 15 Programs. You are eligible for all awards listed in the attached document.

Important Senior Information

Be on the lookout for important information that has been mailed to you! Take advantage of the starting prices—they will increase throughout the school year!

If you haven't already uploaded your student's baby picture for the graduation slideshow, please do so. It's never too early to submit it!

Additionally, please complete the Diploma/Legacy Form (the form was mailed to you in early September) at your earliest convenience and have your student turn it in to Mrs. Alvarez or Mrs. Acosta in the front office.

For further details, please refer to the attached letter, which includes helpful links.

Here are a few important dates from October 2024 onwards:

• October 31, 2024: Senior Picnic @ Great America - Last Day Before Next Price Increase
• November 1, 2024: Yearbook Ads - Last Day to Order Online Only
• January 31, 2025: Senior Portrait - Last Photograph Date in a Studio
• February 15, 2025: Yearbook Pose Selection Deadline
• March 31, 2025: GradNight - Last Day Before Next Price Increase
• June 5, 2025: Graduation & GradNight ($145)
  
  

Click on the attachment below for more details and additional events.

Check out the Yearbook Tab under Student Life on the HMBHS website for all information related to the 2024-2025 yearbook! Early Bird pricing is still available until October 6th, 2024, after which the price goes up.

You may purchase a yearbook online at: www.yearbookordercenter.com

Please enter the school code: 16344

Parents of Seniors. Order your Senior Ads today! You have until November 1st to submit the page. Payment will not be accepted until the project is completed online at the site listed above. See the first image below.

Submit Your Photos for the Yearbook!

Upload your photos at hjeshare.com using the school code HMBHS25.

Uploading here helps us by allowing you to input important details like the names of people in the photos, their grade level, and more. See the second image below to get a preview of how it looks when you upload your photo(s).

Thank you to those who have submitted images, appreciate it.

Thank you! Any questions, please contact Mrs. Baker.