May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asians and Pacific Islanders of the United States. Originating after U.S. Congress action in 1997, this commemoration serves to highlight the vastness of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, which spans more than 30 countries where over 100 different languages are spoken, and where the experiences are equally as varied. From the migration stories to their stories of colonial resistance, the work of prominent figures such as Dr. Haunani Kay Trask, Carlos Bulosan, Yuri Kochiyama, Grace Lee Boggs, Pauline Park and Justice Mary Yu reflect the continued resilience of these communities and identities. 
During the month of May and integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year, we celebrate our AAPI community intentionally and honor their gifts, cultures, diverse histories, and continued contributions to the Hillsboro School District and our nation. In our schools and classrooms, we take time to explore the rich history and culture of people who are AAPI. We continue to teach, learn and unlearn, reflect on and even condemn the violence and hatred that has been directed at the AAPI community. We work to rebuild our classroom communities as we elevate the stories, contributions, and experiences of the AAPI communities with love, empathy, and inclusivity.
Our featured students are Free Orchards swimmers! Students at Free Orchards Elementary School were in for a treat this April, thanks to a Hillsboro Schools Foundation grant proposal that was written by P.E. teacher Dan Waterman and awarded in May of 2019. The grant called for fourth grade students to receive swimming and water safety lessons in the month of April 2020; due to the pandemic, however, implementation of the grant was on hold until this year. Finally, on Monday, Apr. 10th, 2023, the first of nine lessons for Free Orchards’ 46 fourth graders took place at the Shute Park Aquatic and Recreation Center. Students are bussed to the Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays where they change into swimwear and participate in a 30-minute swimming lesson led by a certified instructor. Many thanks to Mr. Waterman for his great idea, to the Hillsboro Schools Foundation for their generous support - including swimsuits for students in need - and to the Nike School Innovation Fund for providing towels. 
Our bond update is on energy efficiency. As a result of bond investments in energy-efficient equipment, the District celebrated Earth Day by garnering $5 million so far in state program incentives, which go to the general fund, and continuing energy savings in our facilities. Read more in the latest issue of our District newsletter: A Look Inside Hillsboro Schools.
Hot News is produced and emailed to HSD families and staff each week school is in session. Please add the address to your “safe sender” list to make sure you always receive the latest issue. Please also bookmark our district website: hsd.k12.or.us and the 2022-23 School Year page: hsd.k12.or.us/202223schoolyear to stay informed about what’s happening in our district and schools.