Today Hilltop Middle School experienced a fire alarm that required us to evacuate the building. The Ilwaco Fire Department quickly responded and completed a full check of the school. There was no fire and everyone is safe.
At this time, it appears the alarm was triggered by an issue in one of our elevators. A technician has been contacted and will be inspecting the elevator.
We want to thank Chris Panta, the Ilwaco Fire Department, and our staff for their quick action and calm response in safely evacuating students. We appreciate the strong teamwork that helps keep our school community safe.
#HilltopROCKS #HilltopFishermen #SafetyFirst 🚒🏫
At this time, it appears the alarm was triggered by an issue in one of our elevators. A technician has been contacted and will be inspecting the elevator.
We want to thank Chris Panta, the Ilwaco Fire Department, and our staff for their quick action and calm response in safely evacuating students. We appreciate the strong teamwork that helps keep our school community safe.
#HilltopROCKS #HilltopFishermen #SafetyFirst 🚒🏫

Last Friday night's Mariachi concert was truly special. Our students sang from their souls, filling the room with joy, pride, and powerful voices. Smiles were everywhere as they honored Hispanic culture through music, tradition, and heartfelt performance. We are so proud of their passion, dedication, and the way they brought our community together through song. 🎶❤️
#Mariachi #StudentMusicians #HispanicCulture #CulturalPride #ArtsInEducation #StudentVoices #MusicBringsUsTogether #SchoolCommunity #ProudMoment #CelebratingCulture
#Mariachi #StudentMusicians #HispanicCulture #CulturalPride #ArtsInEducation #StudentVoices #MusicBringsUsTogether #SchoolCommunity #ProudMoment #CelebratingCulture




🍦 6th Grade Only Ice Cream Social 🍦
Calling all Hilltop 6th graders. Join us for an afternoon of ice cream, games, music, and fun as we kick off the new year together.
📅 January 16
⏰ 3:30–5:15 pm
📍 Hilltop Middle School
This event is just for our 6th grade students and is a great chance to connect, have fun, and enjoy some sweet treats. We hope to see everyone there.
Questions? Contact Kristina.Salas@oceanbeachschools.org
Calling all Hilltop 6th graders. Join us for an afternoon of ice cream, games, music, and fun as we kick off the new year together.
📅 January 16
⏰ 3:30–5:15 pm
📍 Hilltop Middle School
This event is just for our 6th grade students and is a great chance to connect, have fun, and enjoy some sweet treats. We hope to see everyone there.
Questions? Contact Kristina.Salas@oceanbeachschools.org


This morning, we had a situation where an individual without school business attempted to enter the building. As a precaution, we implemented a secure campus for the day.
All students and staff are safe, and classes are continuing as normal inside the school. There is no ongoing concern.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
All students and staff are safe, and classes are continuing as normal inside the school. There is no ongoing concern.
Thank you for your understanding and support.

Hi Hilltop Families,
Due to last night’s power outages, Hilltop Middle School is currently not able to receive or make incoming or outgoing phone calls 📞🚫. We do have access to wired internet 💻, so email is the best way to reach us today.
Please contact us at htoffice@oceanbeachschools.org
📧 and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding 💙
Due to last night’s power outages, Hilltop Middle School is currently not able to receive or make incoming or outgoing phone calls 📞🚫. We do have access to wired internet 💻, so email is the best way to reach us today.
Please contact us at htoffice@oceanbeachschools.org
📧 and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding 💙

Celebrating Respect at Hilltop! 💙🙌
We are excited to recognize our November CharacterStrong award winners for demonstrating outstanding respect. These students lead with kindness, listen with care, treat others with dignity, and help create a school where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Their everyday actions strengthen our community and inspire others to do the same. Congratulations to our recipients . We are so proud of the example you set! 🌟👏
#HilltopRocks #CharacterStrong #Respect #StudentLeaders #PositiveCulture #PBIS #ProudPrincipal
We are excited to recognize our November CharacterStrong award winners for demonstrating outstanding respect. These students lead with kindness, listen with care, treat others with dignity, and help create a school where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Their everyday actions strengthen our community and inspire others to do the same. Congratulations to our recipients . We are so proud of the example you set! 🌟👏
#HilltopRocks #CharacterStrong #Respect #StudentLeaders #PositiveCulture #PBIS #ProudPrincipal



Our morning got a little dramatic at Hilltop today! The fire alarm went off thanks to an overachieving fog machine from the high school music program. No fire, just a machine that thought it deserved a standing ovation.
Students and staff handled it like pros, heading outside calmly and safely. Thanks for rolling with the unexpected with us!
Students and staff handled it like pros, heading outside calmly and safely. Thanks for rolling with the unexpected with us!
💀🌸 Honoring Día de los Muertos at Hilltop 🌸💀
Our students created beautiful ofrendas and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) displays in the main hallway this week. Each ofrenda honors the lives and memories of loved ones with color, creativity, and heartfelt symbolism.
We’re so proud of our students for their thoughtful work and for helping our Hilltop community learn more about this meaningful celebration of remembrance and love. 💛🕯️
#HilltopROCKS #DiaDeLosMuertos #Ofrendas #StudentCreativity #HilltopCommunity #CelebrateCulture
Our students created beautiful ofrendas and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) displays in the main hallway this week. Each ofrenda honors the lives and memories of loved ones with color, creativity, and heartfelt symbolism.
We’re so proud of our students for their thoughtful work and for helping our Hilltop community learn more about this meaningful celebration of remembrance and love. 💛🕯️
#HilltopROCKS #DiaDeLosMuertos #Ofrendas #StudentCreativity #HilltopCommunity #CelebrateCulture








🎶💐 Hilltop Mariachi Shares Music and Joy! 💐🎶
Our talented Hilltop Mariachi students celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by performing at a senior living center in Astoria this week. Their beautiful music brought smiles, memories, and connection to the residents.
After performing, each student musician spent time visiting and talking with the residents, spreading kindness and showing what it means to be part of a caring community. 💙
We are so proud of our Mariachi students for sharing their talent, culture, and hearts with others. 🎺🎻✨
#HilltopROCKS #DiaDeLosMuertos #MariachiPride #KindnessInAction #HilltopCommunity
Our talented Hilltop Mariachi students celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by performing at a senior living center in Astoria this week. Their beautiful music brought smiles, memories, and connection to the residents.
After performing, each student musician spent time visiting and talking with the residents, spreading kindness and showing what it means to be part of a caring community. 💙
We are so proud of our Mariachi students for sharing their talent, culture, and hearts with others. 🎺🎻✨
#HilltopROCKS #DiaDeLosMuertos #MariachiPride #KindnessInAction #HilltopCommunity









🌟 Hilltop Staff Spotlight! 🌟
Please join us in celebrating our Crystal Anchor Award winners, our amazing Staff Members of the Month! 🏆💙
These dedicated individuals go above and beyond each day to keep our Hilltop community strong, positive, and connected. They are true anchors for our students and staff, steady, supportive, and always leading with heart.
Thank you for the incredible work you do and the difference you make at Hilltop Middle School! ⚓💫
#HilltopROCKS #CrystalAnchorAward #TeamHilltop #KindnessInAction
Please join us in celebrating our Crystal Anchor Award winners, our amazing Staff Members of the Month! 🏆💙
These dedicated individuals go above and beyond each day to keep our Hilltop community strong, positive, and connected. They are true anchors for our students and staff, steady, supportive, and always leading with heart.
Thank you for the incredible work you do and the difference you make at Hilltop Middle School! ⚓💫
#HilltopROCKS #CrystalAnchorAward #TeamHilltop #KindnessInAction

🌟 Honesty Award Recipients! 🌟
We’re so proud of our Hilltop students who were recognized for showing honesty which is one of our core Hilltop ROCKS values! These students lead by example, building trust and integrity in our school community. 💛
Congratulations to each of you for doing what’s right, even when no one is watching!
#HilltopROCKS #Honesty #HilltopMiddleSchool #CharacterCounts #ProudPrincipal
We’re so proud of our Hilltop students who were recognized for showing honesty which is one of our core Hilltop ROCKS values! These students lead by example, building trust and integrity in our school community. 💛
Congratulations to each of you for doing what’s right, even when no one is watching!
#HilltopROCKS #Honesty #HilltopMiddleSchool #CharacterCounts #ProudPrincipal



❤️🤍💙 Hilltop Middle School Honors Our Veterans! ❤️🤍💙
We’re excited to invite all veterans to join us on Friday, November 7, for a special morning of appreciation. Come enjoy Muffins with the Military before our Veterans Day Assembly as we honor your service and sacrifice.
🕗 Muffins with the Military: 8:30 AM
🎖️ Veterans Day Assembly: 9:00 AM
📍 Hilltop Middle School Auditorium
Students and staff are looking forward to celebrating and saying thank you to the incredible men and women who have served our country. ❤️🤍💙
We’re excited to invite all veterans to join us on Friday, November 7, for a special morning of appreciation. Come enjoy Muffins with the Military before our Veterans Day Assembly as we honor your service and sacrifice.
🕗 Muffins with the Military: 8:30 AM
🎖️ Veterans Day Assembly: 9:00 AM
📍 Hilltop Middle School Auditorium
Students and staff are looking forward to celebrating and saying thank you to the incredible men and women who have served our country. ❤️🤍💙

📣💙💛 It’s Homecoming Spirit Week across the Ocean Beach School District! 💛💙📣
Get ready to show your Fishermen pride and join the fun October 27th–31st with our district-wide Spirit Week Dress-Up Themes!
🎓 MONDAY: Mathletes vs. Athletes! 🤓🏀🏈
😴 TUESDAY: Slumber Party! Pajamas welcome! 💤
🌸 WEDNESDAY: On Wednesdays, we wear PINK! 💕
📜 THURSDAY: Throwback Thursday! Retro vibes only!
🎃 FRIDAY: Halloween Costume Day! 👻
(Please remember: no blood, gore, full-face masks, or fake weapons.)
Let’s see that school spirit shine across every Ocean Beach campus as we celebrate Homecoming Week together! 💪💙💛
#OBSDPride #HomecomingSpiritWeek #FishermenStrong #HilltopROCKS
Get ready to show your Fishermen pride and join the fun October 27th–31st with our district-wide Spirit Week Dress-Up Themes!
🎓 MONDAY: Mathletes vs. Athletes! 🤓🏀🏈
😴 TUESDAY: Slumber Party! Pajamas welcome! 💤
🌸 WEDNESDAY: On Wednesdays, we wear PINK! 💕
📜 THURSDAY: Throwback Thursday! Retro vibes only!
🎃 FRIDAY: Halloween Costume Day! 👻
(Please remember: no blood, gore, full-face masks, or fake weapons.)
Let’s see that school spirit shine across every Ocean Beach campus as we celebrate Homecoming Week together! 💪💙💛
#OBSDPride #HomecomingSpiritWeek #FishermenStrong #HilltopROCKS





Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest – Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders!
Hilltop Middle School students are invited to participate in the VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, sponsored by VFW Post 3721 – District 16, Washington! This national youth writing competition gives students a chance to share their thoughts on this year’s theme:
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
💰 Prizes & Scholarships:
Students can win awards at the local, district, state, and national levels—with national prizes totaling $55,000, and the top national winner receiving $5,000!
🗓 Deadline: October 31, 2025
📝 Essay Guidelines:
300–400 words, typed in English (no graphics or color)
Original work—no AI tools
Focus on a positive, patriotic message
Do not include personal identifiers (like name or school) in the essay body
📬 Who Can Enter:
Open to 6th–8th grade students in public, private, parochial, or home schools, as well as dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel overseas.
⚠️ Important: Use a personal or parent email when submitting—school email addresses often block messages from the application system.
This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on patriotism, showcase your writing, and represent Hilltop with pride! 💙
#HilltopROCKS #PatriotsPen #StudentWriters #VFW #FishermenPride
https://scholarsapp.com/scholarship/id-1307202408250439
Hilltop Middle School students are invited to participate in the VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, sponsored by VFW Post 3721 – District 16, Washington! This national youth writing competition gives students a chance to share their thoughts on this year’s theme:
“How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
💰 Prizes & Scholarships:
Students can win awards at the local, district, state, and national levels—with national prizes totaling $55,000, and the top national winner receiving $5,000!
🗓 Deadline: October 31, 2025
📝 Essay Guidelines:
300–400 words, typed in English (no graphics or color)
Original work—no AI tools
Focus on a positive, patriotic message
Do not include personal identifiers (like name or school) in the essay body
📬 Who Can Enter:
Open to 6th–8th grade students in public, private, parochial, or home schools, as well as dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel overseas.
⚠️ Important: Use a personal or parent email when submitting—school email addresses often block messages from the application system.
This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on patriotism, showcase your writing, and represent Hilltop with pride! 💙
#HilltopROCKS #PatriotsPen #StudentWriters #VFW #FishermenPride
https://scholarsapp.com/scholarship/id-1307202408250439
We are so proud of our Hilltop community today. During an unexpected medical situation, paramedics were called, and our students and staff responded quickly, calmly, and with great care. Thanks to their swift actions and teamwork, everyone is safe and doing fine. Moments like these remind us how strong, compassionate, and prepared our Hilltop family truly is. 💙 #HilltopROCKS #KindAndSafe #HilltopPride
🎉 Celebrate the grand opening of your official Hilltop School store with 20% OFF custom tees, hoodies, joggers, hats & more. Hurry—this sale won’t last long. 🙌 🥳 * This is not a fundraiser, just an opportunity to get some Hilltop gear.

🌟 Crystal Anchor Award – September 🌟
Each month, Hilltop staff recognize one another for going above and beyond. Our September recipient truly embodies Hilltop ROCKS—Responsible, Orderly, Cooperative, Kind, and Safe! Congratulations and thank you for being a steady anchor in our school community! 💎⚓
Each month, Hilltop staff recognize one another for going above and beyond. Our September recipient truly embodies Hilltop ROCKS—Responsible, Orderly, Cooperative, Kind, and Safe! Congratulations and thank you for being a steady anchor in our school community! 💎⚓

Dear Hilltop Families,
This fall, Hilltop will be participating in the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS). The survey will be open from October 20 through October 24, 2025. The Healthy Youth Survey is an important tool that helps schools, communities, and state organizations understand the well-being of youth across Washington. Information gathered helps guide programs and resources that support student health, safety, and success.
At Hilltop, only our 6th and 8th grade students will take the survey. This is because the HYS is designed to gather data at specific grade levels to track trends in development and experiences during middle and high school years.
Participation in the survey is voluntary, and students may choose to opt out. If you would prefer that your child not participate, please notify the school before the survey window. Students who opt out will be provided an alternative supervised activity during the survey time. While participation is optional, we strongly encourage students to take part, as their voices help shape the programs and supports we offer.
For families who would like to review the survey questions in advance, they are available here: HYS Survey Questionnaires. An additional document with more details about the survey is attached to this email.
If you or your student have any questions, please reach out to our School Counselor, who is our Survey Coordinator:
Travis Krueger
This fall, Hilltop will be participating in the Healthy Youth Survey (HYS). The survey will be open from October 20 through October 24, 2025. The Healthy Youth Survey is an important tool that helps schools, communities, and state organizations understand the well-being of youth across Washington. Information gathered helps guide programs and resources that support student health, safety, and success.
At Hilltop, only our 6th and 8th grade students will take the survey. This is because the HYS is designed to gather data at specific grade levels to track trends in development and experiences during middle and high school years.
Participation in the survey is voluntary, and students may choose to opt out. If you would prefer that your child not participate, please notify the school before the survey window. Students who opt out will be provided an alternative supervised activity during the survey time. While participation is optional, we strongly encourage students to take part, as their voices help shape the programs and supports we offer.
For families who would like to review the survey questions in advance, they are available here: HYS Survey Questionnaires. An additional document with more details about the survey is attached to this email.
If you or your student have any questions, please reach out to our School Counselor, who is our Survey Coordinator:
Travis Krueger




🌟 Hilltop ROCKS! 🌟
We are so proud of our students who earned Character Awards for Kindness during the first month of school! 💙 These students have gone above and beyond to show care, compassion, and respect to others, making Hilltop a more welcoming and positive place for everyone.
👏 Let’s give a big round of applause to these amazing role models!
#HilltopROCKS #KindnessMatters #StudentLeaders
We are so proud of our students who earned Character Awards for Kindness during the first month of school! 💙 These students have gone above and beyond to show care, compassion, and respect to others, making Hilltop a more welcoming and positive place for everyone.
👏 Let’s give a big round of applause to these amazing role models!
#HilltopROCKS #KindnessMatters #StudentLeaders



📚💙 Support Our Hilltop Students 💙👟
At Hilltop, we want every student to feel prepared and confident for learning. Some of our students still need basic supplies to be successful, and we’re reaching out to our amazing community for support.
📝 You can view our Amazon Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/HAOBSXMF8BWC?ref_=wl_share
👟 We also have a need for gym shoes in various sizes. If you’d like to help with those, please email htoffice@oceanbeachschools.org
for details.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for showing what it means when Hilltop ROCKS: Responsibility, Orderly, Cooperative, Kind, and Safe! 💙
#HilltopROCKS #CommunitySupport #EveryStudentMatters
At Hilltop, we want every student to feel prepared and confident for learning. Some of our students still need basic supplies to be successful, and we’re reaching out to our amazing community for support.
📝 You can view our Amazon Wish List here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/HAOBSXMF8BWC?ref_=wl_share
👟 We also have a need for gym shoes in various sizes. If you’d like to help with those, please email htoffice@oceanbeachschools.org
for details.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for showing what it means when Hilltop ROCKS: Responsibility, Orderly, Cooperative, Kind, and Safe! 💙
#HilltopROCKS #CommunitySupport #EveryStudentMatters
