May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health refers to our emotional and social wellbeing and impacts how we think, feel, and behave. It plays a key role in connecting with others, making decisions, handling stress, and many other aspects of daily life. 
Like physical health, mental health is a spectrum along which each of us is traveling. At times, things may arise that require additional attention and intervention to assist us in returning to the good-to-great end of the spectrum; and some may experience chronic issues that necessitate ongoing and regular care. In short, our mental health deserves just as much attention as our physical health. 
Over the last several years, many have experienced the impact of isolation, stress, and uncertainty and the toll they can take on our wellbeing. HSD wants to be your partner in reducing the stigma of mental health challenges, and encourages everyone to seek the help and support they need to thrive. Visit our website for information about local resources, or connect with your school counselor to learn more about services and support available in our community. 
On Saturday, June 3rd HSD will partner with the National Alliance of Mental Illness of Washington County to host a Parenting and Mental Health event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Orenco Elementary School. The event will feature stories of healing and coping, a panel discussion with local community professionals, presentations, and more. 
Our featured staff member is Liberty High School social studies and economics teacher Amy Fifth-Lince for winning Oregon’s 2023 Financial Empowerment Educator of the Year Award! State Treasurer Tobias Read visited Amy’s classroom on Wednesday, May 10th to congratulate her in person and talk to her class about his role in state government. For winning the award, Amy will receive $1,500 and Liberty will receive $500. In addition, Liberty students selected at random will receive a share of $500 in scholarships from the Oregon College Savings Plan. 
Our bond update is on the progress at Tamarack Elementary School. June 30th is coming soon, and that’s the expected date of substantial completion for Tamarack. There will be some external site work for the playground areas and landscaping, but the campus will be ready for the August 23rd grand opening – we hope to see you there! Stay updated at hillsboro-bond.org.
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.