December 7, 2010 > News from New Haven Unified School District News from New Haven Unified School District Submitted By Rick La Plante Student Council launches projects at Hillview Crest: The student council at Hillview Crest Elementary School is planning a "Gingerbread House Night" on Wednesday, December 15, to support community service projects, teacher Kelly Payton reports. Students are looking for donations of graham crackers, canned frosting, and candy. Items can be dropped off in the school office. The student council is also looking for donations of new or gently used books for a Spring Book Carnival. "The intent is to provide a variety of books for students to read over the summer vacation that are at the student's reading level," Ms. Payton says. Donations can be dropped off in the school office. For more information on either event, contact Ms. Payton at (510) 471-5720, ext. 60914. Hopeconnections deadline nears: The deadline is fast approaching to donate to the annual Hopeconnections winter drive at James Logan High. Clubs, teams, classes, and staff are adopting needy families, referred by each New Haven school, and raising money to provide a $100 food certificate for each. Logan graduate Sharan Johal, a student at UC Berkeley who is serving as Hopeconnections advisor, is helping coordinate the drive, with assistance from Activities Director Monique Walton and House 1 Principal Francis Rojas. Their goal is to serve 160 families again this year. Deadline for donations is December 10. Contact Logan High School at (510) 471-2520.