Hidden Valley: HVMS Newsletter, September 2026

From the Desk of Dr. Norton

Dear Hidden Valley Families and Community,

We have had a great start to the school year, and it has been wonderful seeing our students reconnect with friends, build relationships with their teachers, and begin settling into their routines. As we move into September, our focus continues to be on making sure every Panther is connected to school, understands what they are working toward, and knows that there are adults on campus ready to support them.

Back to School Night & Community Fair

Please join us on Thursday, September 17th for one of our favorite community events of the year!

Community Fair: 4:00 to 6:00 PM

Our Community Fair is an opportunity for families to connect with school and community resources, learn about services available to support students and families, and spend some time together as a Hidden Valley community.

Back to School Night: 6:00 to 7:00 PM

Beginning at 6:00 PM, families will have an opportunity to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and learn more about what students will be learning this year. We hope you will join us for both events. Strong schools are built through strong partnerships with families, and we are excited to welcome everyone to campus.

Our Panthers Are Setting Goals

This year, every Hidden Valley student is developing academic and personal goals and learning how to monitor their own progress. Students are creating SMART goals and will revisit those goals throughout the school year. Our staff and Support Team will also be checking in with students about their goals, what progress they are making, and where they may need additional support. Families are an important part of this work. Please take a few minutes to ask your student:

• What is your academic goal right now?
• Why did you choose that goal?
• What are you doing to reach it?

Middle school matters. The habits students build now around attendance, completing assignments, asking for help, studying, and maintaining good grades prepare them for success in high school and beyond. Please continue talking with your student about the importance of their grades and checking their academic progress regularly.

Student Portfolios

Another exciting part of our work this year is that all students will be developing portfolios that tell the story of their learning and growth. Throughout the year, students will collect examples of their work, reflect on their progress, connect their work to their goals, and identify areas where they have grown. Ultimately, we want our students to be able to talk confidently about who they are as learners, what they are proud of, and what they are working toward. Do not be surprised if your Panther begins talking with you about goals, strengths, interests, or work they want to include in their portfolio. Ask questions and let them tell you their story!

E Bike, Bike & Scooter Safety Reminder

We continue to have many students riding bikes, scooters, and e-bikes to and from school. We appreciate families helping us reinforce safe riding expectations. Students should always wear a properly fitted helmet, follow traffic laws and signals, remain alert to vehicles and pedestrians, and ride responsibly around our campus and throughout the community. Students should never ride in a way that places themselves, another student, or a community member at risk. Please talk with your student about making safe choices before they leave home each morning. Our priority is that every Panther arrives at school safely and returns home safely at the end of the day.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us. September will be a busy month filled with learning, goal setting, relationship building, and opportunities for our families to be part of the work happening at Hidden Valley. We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, September 17th for our Community Fair and Back to School Night!

Every Panther learns, leads, belongs.

Dr. Norton

Level Up Attendance Challenge

The September Attendance Challenge is officially live! Encourage your student to be in class on time every day to help their advisory class win top prizes like: eSports time, extra lunch, and front-of-the-line passes.

Starting in September, tardy students will be assigned lunch detention. If you need support getting your child to school on time, please reach out, we're here to help!

Important Events

• Sept. 4th: Make-Up Picture Day
• Sept. 7th: No School
• Sept. 9th: SSC/CSAC Meeting
• Sept. 14th: EXPLORE Classes Begin
• Sept. 15th: Coffee with the principal
• Sept. 16th: Palomar Hospital Field Trip (8th grade only; Group A)
• Sept. 17th: Community Fair/BTSN from 4-7 p.m.
• Sept. 18th: Palomar Hospital Field Trip (8th grade only; Group B)

Every Panther has a path. Learn. Lead. Belong.