Start with your child’s teacher or specialist—they know your student best and can often address concerns quickly. You can find HCSD staff contact info in the All School Directory.
You can follow up with the appropriate staff member:
Your child’s School Principal
• North Hillsborough – Heidi Beames: (650) 347-4175
• South Hillsborough – Lina Butte: (650) 548-4260
• West Hillsborough – Heather Mata: (650) 344-9870
• Crocker Middle School – Keith Rocha: (650) 342-6331
Director of Student Services – Regina Piper: (650) 548-4211
Superintendent – Ana de Arce: 650-548-4209
San Mateo County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) – selpa@smcoe.org or (650) 802-5464 (smcoe.org)
You can also always reach out to RISE Parent Group volunteers—that’s what we’re here for!
An SST is a meeting where parents, teachers, and staff collaborate to discuss a student’s challenges and strengths. Together they create a plan of support within general education. Sometimes an SST is the first step before considering a 504 Plan or IEP.
A 504 Plan provides accommodations so a student can access learning on the same level as their peers.
An IEP (Individualized Education Program) provides accommodations and specialized instruction or related services.
RISE can help parents better understand these options and connect you with resources.
If your child is struggling academically, socially, behaviorally, or emotionally, start by talking with their teacher. From there, the school may suggest an SST, assessment, or exploring eligibility for a 504 Plan or IEP.
You’ll meet with a team that includes teachers, specialists, and school staff to review your child’s needs, strengths, and supports. RISE parents can share tips on how to prepare, what questions to ask, and what the process feels like from a parent’s perspective.
No. RISE is a group of parent volunteers. We do not provide legal advice or professional advocacy. Instead, we share resources, experiences, and community connections to help families feel informed and supported.
Join our WhatsApp group for real-time parent-to-parent support.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates, events, and resources.
Call, email or text us anytime! See the Who We Are page for detailed contact information
Yes. A great reference is Special Education Rights and Responsibilities (SERR)—a free, regularly updated guide that answers common questions about Special Education and 504 Plans. It covers both federal and California law.
Email RISE: rise.parentgroup@gmail.com