Bishop O'Dowd High School, though, began its school year on Friday.

Students at public schools in the hills -- and their parents -- are required to attend registration and orientation before the first day of class and should contact individual schools for more information.

Private schools in the hills are scheduled to start the 2004-05 school year as follows:

• Bentley School, 1 Hiller Drive: Sept. 1;
• College Preparatory School, 6100 Broadway: Sept. 7;
• Corpus Christi School, 1 Estates Drive: Aug. 25;
• Head-Royce School, 4315 Lincoln Ave.: Sept. 1;
• Renaissance School, 3668 Dimond Ave.: Sept. 7;
• St. Leo's School, 4238 Howe St.: Aug. 25;
• St. Paul's Episcopal School, 116 Montecito Ave.: Sept. 3;
• St. Theresa School, 4850 Clarewood Drive: Aug. 30;
• Northern Light School, 3710 Dorisa Ave. (formerly located at 4500 Redwood Road): Sept. 15.

Information for other private schools was not immediately available.

Students should register to attend Skyline High School on the following dates:

• Aug. 24 -- students with special needs;
• Aug. 25 -- 10th and 11th graders;
• Aug. 26 -- ninth graders; and
• Aug. 30 -- 12th graders.

A ninth-grade parents' retreat will take place on Saturday, Aug. 28.

Community volunteers are needed throughout registration. If you can help on one or more of those days, or for more details, send an e-mail to## lesleyrc@aol.com or call 510-531-0114.