October 20 through 26, 2025, is America’s Safe Schools Week — a time to recognize the ongoing commitment of our students, staff, and community partners to maintaining safe, supportive learning environments across the Hillsboro School District.
The foundation for our physical safety efforts was built through the 2017 Bond, which invested approximately $21.6 million in critical security infrastructure districtwide. That investment established consistent levels of protection across all campuses through secure entry vestibules, upgraded fencing, window security film, and the district’s integrated “security trio” of access control, intrusion detection, and video surveillance systems.
Today, HSD continues to evolve its approach to school safety by continuously reassessing systems, training, and partnerships to stay ahead of emerging challenges. Our focus is on being proactive rather than reactive — strengthening collaboration with public safety agencies, enhancing staff preparedness, and ensuring that physical and behavioral safety measures work hand-in-hand to support a secure learning environment.
Together, these layers of prevention, preparedness, and response help ensure that every HSD school remains a place where students and staff feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
Learn more about HSD’s comprehensive approach to safety at hsd.k12.or.us/keepingstudentssafe and hsd.k12.or.us/safeandwelcoming.
Our featured student is Poynter Middle School 8th grader Andy Alonso Garcia! He is the only student in Oregon to have been awarded a scholarship through the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program, which provides mentorship and access to rigorous educational opportunities for his remaining middle and high school years. Andy’s Virginia-based mentor flew to Oregon in September to tour Poynter and to meet Andy, his family, and teachers. In November, Andy will fly to Virginia to tour the Foundation facilities and get a better sense of the programming he will engage in starting next summer. Andy reports being very happy about receiving the scholarship. He is currently interested in becoming an aerospace or civil engineer. Way to go, Andy! You make us Proud to be HSD!
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 to stay informed about what’s happening in our district and schools.
