Updates and Opportunities

The Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) invites you to:

Celebrate Black History Month

Theme: Honoring African Americans and Labor

Visit Domini Hoskins Black History Museum & Learning Center
890 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City
(650) 921-4191 | hoskinsblackhistorymuseum.org
Hours: Tuesdays-Saturdays 12:00-6:00 PM, Sundays 12:00-5:00 PM

Read Black Authored Books and more
Get free tickets to local museums, read books, check out audiobooks,
attend an event, explore with hiking back packs, or watch a movie.
San Mateo County Libraries www.smcl.org (library services are free)

Watch films & documentaries by Black filmmakers
Explore free films and documentaries on:
ASALH TV www.youtube.com/c/ASALHTV
San Mateo County Libraries www.smcl.org

Support & Shop Black Owned Businesses
Find Black-owned business, use following sites:
RenCenter: www.rencenter.org/shop-our-network/
San Francisco Bay Directory: sfbayblackbiz.com

 

See a curated list of events by BACHAC for more ways to celebrate Black History Month. 

Girls Who Code Challenge: AI + Sustainability 

Girls Who Code (GWC) Challenges are annual community competitions in which participants can build a project addressing a real-world problem and win prizes. Learn more and apply by February 12, 2025

Bay Area Urban Eagles presents:

Meet the Pros: Women of Color in Aviation

Saturday, February 8, 12 - 3 p.m.

EPA Center, 1950 Bay Road East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Meet the Pros 2025 is a groundbreaking event celebrating and showcasing the achievements of Women of Color in Aviation. This year’s theme highlights the inspiring stories and career paths of women who are breaking barriers and soaring to new heights in aviation.

Connect with an incredible lineup of professionals, including airline pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, maintenance specialists, flight instructors, and airport operations specialists. Whether you’re an aspiring aviation professional, a student exploring career opportunities, or someone passionate about diversity and representation, this event is for you!

Get ready for:

• Panel Discussions featuring trailblazing women sharing their journeys and insights
  • Including Brigadier General and former NASA Astronaut Yvonne Cagle
• Networking Opportunities to connect with industry leaders and peers.
• Interactive Workshops to learn about aviation careers and pathways to success.
• Hands-On Exhibits showcasing the latest in aviation technology and training tools.

Let’s come together to celebrate diversity, inspire the next generation, and create a more inclusive aviation industry.

Register for this free event.

The Black Youth Advisory Board of San Mateo County presents The Black Youth Movie Night on Friday, February 14!

This event is free with registration: https://tinyurl.com/BlackYouthMovieNight

Details

• Captain America: Brave New World
• Friday, February 14
  • Pre-Fun: 6:30 p.m.
  • Movie: 7 p.m.
• Cinemark Century Theatre, 825 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
• Entry includes: Drink, popcorn and raffle

Download the flyer for more information.

The Youth Advocacy and Social Summit (YAASS) aims to lead, inform, engage, and inspire all students in San Mateo County to be supportive of one another. YAASS specifically supports the work of LGBTQ+ middle and high school students and their allies to make all middle and high schools safer and more inclusive. 

High school students are invited to attend the summit on Tuesday, March 4, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Register: Please check in with your GSA Faculty Advisor or School Counselor to register.

The summit will feature presenters from San Mateo Pride Center, Outlet, Safe Space Center and CORA. 

Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

Download the flyer.

 

The Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities and the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Commission Youth Action Board are co-hosting a summit to lift up youth voices and hear their perspectives. Learn from the experience of adolescents and transition-aged youth regarding mental health, needed services, and the gaps in the support system. 

Details

• Saturday, February 1, 1 - 4 p.m.
• Location: allcove San Mateo, 2600 South El Camino Drive, San Mateo, Suite 300
• Register
• Download the flyer.

 

The Black Parents Association of SMUHSD (BPA) invites you to attend:

Village Talks: Strengthening Our Community and Building Legacies

Saturday, February 1, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

SMUHSD District Office, 650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP

 

Panelists

• Maurice Goodman, NAACP San Mateo Branch President
• Trena Patton, Deputy Public Guardian at San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services

The goal of this event is to spark conversation and continue engagement within the community. Interested SMUHSD community members, of all backgrounds, are invited to attend this event and get involved with the BPA!  

 

If you would like to stay connected and receive information from the BPA in the future, complete the BPA Contact form.  

 

 

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) at Skyline College is excited to host a Spring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshops for girls in grades 6 through 12.

Date/Time: Saturday, March 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Skyline College

Join for a day of discovery, featuring hands-on activities led by researchers, scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals from the community.

Registration is free and open from January 15 - March 1, 2025.

Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot!

Students will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of workshops to participate in, selecting three of their choice.

A morning snack and lunch will be provided, but please bring your own if you have specific dietary needs, restrictions, or food allergies.

Visit https://skylinecollege.edu/eyh/ for workshop details, or email eyh@smccd.edu for more information.

Energy is Everything is actively seeking high school juniors and seniors interested in real-world projects in the energy and sustainability industry. Encourage students in your network to apply to The Energy Coalition’s (TEC) Energy Internship!

Through this opportunity, students develop professional skills, learn from career mentors, and support real-world projects that make a difference in their communities! 

Internship Details: 

• Energy Fellows will complete four milestones with subtasks that equal 150 total service hours. The four milestones are determined by The Energy Coalition’s main area of focus in energy services. 
• The fellowship lasts 10 weeks and is an unpaid, fully remote position. (Students must have access to a laptop or computer).
• Although unpaid, Energy Interns will receive a stipend and a software license during the fellowship.

Applications close on February 14, 2025! 

View the work of past TEC Interns!

K-12 students are encouraged to enter the California Coastal Commission's K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest! Entries must have a California coastal or ocean theme and be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on January 31, 2025. 

See winners from last year.

Learn more.

Engineer Girl Writing Contest

Submissions due February 1
 

Every year, EngineerGirl hosts a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. The 2025 EngineerGirl Writing Contest asks students to write a piece describing a common object you would make "smart". Tell us what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong.

Learn more about the 2025 EngineerGirl Writing Contest.

Submissions are due by February 1, 2025

NPR Student Podcast Challenge

Application period: January 6 - May 2

NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is opportunity for students in grades four through 12 all around the country to record their stories and share them with NPR. Learn more.

 

U.S. National Science Foundation STEM Video Contest

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the US National Science Foundation with an exciting Game Design Challenge.  Learn more and register. Submissions are due January 31, 2025. 

Spanish

Get in-person assistance with enrolling your child in high school!

The SMUHSD Student Services Team will be hosting two evening enrollment workshops:

Thursday, January 23, 4 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday, January 29, 4 - 7 p.m.

San Mateo Union High School District Office, 650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo

Assistance will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese and more.

Learn more about enrollment and the documentation you need to bring, including residency validation: smuhsd.org/enrollment

Download the flyer.

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 Familias del Grado 8: Taller de inscripción para el año escolar 2025-2026

¡Obtenga ayuda en persona para inscribir a su estudiante en la high school!

El equipo de Servicios Estudiantiles de SMUHSD tendrá dos talleres nocturnos de inscripción:

Jueves 23 de enero de 4 - 7 p.m.
Miércoles 29 de enero de 4 - 7 p.m.

Oficina de San Mateo Union High School District, 650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo

Habrá ayuda disponible en inglés, español, chino y más.

Obtenga más información sobre la inscripción y la documentación que debe traer, incluida la validación de residencia: smuhsd.org/enrollment

Vea la volante.

Spanish

The 8th Annual CEC Student Film Fest—a one-of-a-kind event celebrating  environmental creativity and storytelling is April 22, 2025!

This festival is open to students in grades 4 to 12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County.

Whether you’re an aspiring director or a nature lover eager to share your passion, this event is for YOU!

Winning entries will be screened at Burlingame High School on Tuesday, April 22, and you could win up to $500! Submissions are due Sunday, March 23.

Younger students (grades 4-8) are invited to a FREE conference to learn filmmaking skills and get inspiration. This will be held on Saturday, February 1, 1 - 3:30 p.m. at The Nueva School’s San Mateo campus.

For more information about the CEC Student Film Fest visit, burlingamefilmfest.com.

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¡Llamando a todos los jóvenes cineastas y entusiastas del cine!

El 8º Festival Anual de Cine Estudiantil de la CEC, es un evento único que celebra la creatividad y la narración ambiental, se llevará a cabo el 22 de abril de 2025.

Este festival está abierto a estudiantes del 4º al 12º grado que vivan o asistan a escuelas en el condado de San Mateo.

Si eres un aspirante a director o un amante de la naturaleza deseoso de compartir tu pasión, ¡este evento es para ti! Los trabajos ganadores se proyectarán en Burlingame High School el 22 de abril y podrías ganar hasta $500. El último día para presentar su proyecto es el 23 de marzo.

La Conferencia sobre Producción Cinematográfica es el sábado 1 de febrero

Los estudiantes de los grados 4 al 8 están invitados a una conferencia GRATUITA para aprender habilidades cinematográficas y obtener inspiración. Esta conferencia se llevará a cabo el sábado 1 de febrero de 1 a 3:30 p.m. The Nueva School en el campus de San Mateo.

Para obtener más información sobre el Festival visite la página burlingamefilmfest.com.

 

 

Save the dates for these upcoming events related to 2025-2026 Enrollment in Middle College: 

Monday, January 13: 10th Graders at Aragon, Burlingame, Hillsdale, Mills, and San Mateo will hear a presentation during their PE Class. 

Wednesday, January 15:  10th Graders at Capuchino will hear a presentation during an Assembly.  

Thursday, January 16 - Friday, February 28: 2025-2026 Enrollment Application Period 

Wednesday, January 22, 6 - 7 p.m.: Virtual Info Session for Students and Parents/Guardians 

Monday, January 27 - Thursday, January 30: Shadow a current Middle College Student.  A link to sign up will be available on afternoon of January 15. 

Week of March 24: Students will be notified of the status of their application.

For more information, contact your school counselor, watch a video about the Middle College experience, read a recent school newsletter or visit the Middle College website: middlecollege.smuhsd.org 

Congratulations to November Golden Apple Award recipients Jewel Walli and Liliana Garcia. The Golden Apple is a peer nominated award that is given to an employee who goes above and beyond.
 

Jewel, a Special Education Teacher at Capuchino High School, has been with the District for 30 years! Here is what a few of her colleagues had to say about her…

Ofelia Angulo: Jewel has dedicated over 30 years of commitment to bettering the lives of her students. Her compassion and dedication in enriching students' experiences in school is commendable. Jewel also mentors the young new educators that cross her path. I feel privileged to work with Jewel.

Eli Poblitz: Jewel exemplifies what it means to be an advocate, a leader, and a dedicated professional who is deeply committed to the success and well-being of her students. Jewel is a tireless advocate for her students, always going above and beyond to ensure that their needs are met, not only in the classroom but in every aspect of their lives. She consistently works to ensure that each student has access to the best vocational services and support, empowering them to reach their full potential.
 

Liliana is a graduate of our District, and she was hired four years ago. Prior to that she volunteered in our District seven years ago as an Instructional Assistant in our EL Summer School.  She currently serves as Staff Assistant at the Bridge Academy.

Here is what Principal Samia Shoman had to say about her: Lily knows what staff and students need before we even get a chance to tell/ask her; she greets everyone with a smile and exudes warmth…She is the students and staff go-to - "y Ms. Lily" is a popular phrase when they come into the Bridge office looking for her and do not see her. She makes sure to keep everything running at our school, pitches in to support all of us, and understands deeply what it means to be student - centered.

NAMI San Mateo County invites youth (ages 11-18) to a six week program that focuses on teaching teens/pre-teens how to manage emotions and learn coping skills that can be applied to their everyday life. 

This group meets in person in San Mateo starting on Monday, January 27 and will meet every Monday for six weeks from 6-7 p.m.

Parents/students: Learn more and register.

 

Dear SMUHSD Students and Families:

I am writing to share the news of some recent changes to our administrative team in our school district. 

Don Scatena - the District’s longtime Director  of Student Services and Principal of Middle College was recently appointed by the Burlingame School District Board of Trustees to serve as that District’s deputy superintendent of student support services. I am so happy for Mr. Scatena and the students of our partner elementary school district in Burlingame, as I know he will serve these students well. Mr. Scatena will remain influential in our own District as he guides and supports our future students.

I have appointed Valerie Arbizu, current Assistant Principal at Burlingame High School to serve as the Interim Director of Student Services for the remainder of the school year. Ms. Arbizu is a talented educator who has served as an administrator at Mills, Aragon and Burlingame. She is well positioned to serve our students at the District level. I am working with human resources to hire an interim assistant principal at Burlingame High for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. 

I have asked Dr. Ron Campana, our current Principal of Peninsula High School, to split his time between Peninsula High and Middle College for the remainder of the school year. Dr. Campana’s experience in alternative educational settings will benefit our students at both schools. Fred Wolfgramm, Peninsula High’s current Assistant Principal, will continue to work at the school full time to assist in meeting the administrative needs of the Peninsula Community. I am confident that these two administrators will meet the needs of both schools successfully.

All of these changes will take effect December 2nd. 

I am working closely with our human resources department to permanently fill both of these positions for the 2025-26 school year, and I will keep our educators and community apprised of opportunities and developments. 

It can be bittersweet to watch a highly skilled administrator leave our District for another job, but ultimately I feel this particular promotion for Don Scatena serves our students and community so well! Mr. Scatena’s experience as an educator mixed with his commitment to student success makes him the perfect candidate for this work. I remain committed to recruiting and hiring the most qualified educators for our open positions to support the growth and success of our students. 

 

Sincerely,

Randall Booker
Superintendent

Save the dates for the following 2025 Financial Aid Workshops.

Remember: It is a graduation requirement to file for financial aid!

SMUHSD will be hosting financial aid workshops at multiple school sites in January and February for 12th graders and their families to get hands-on assistance with completing the FAFSA and California Dream Act applications.

• These workshops are open to all SMUHSD students and their families (not just students of the school where the workshop is located).
• Please bring your school-issued laptop.
• Spanish interpretation will be available for Spanish speaking families

Wednesday, January 22, 6 - 8 p.m.
San Mateo High School

Thursday, January 30, 6 - 8 p.m.
Aragon High School

Wednesday, February 5, 6 - 8 p.m.
Burlingame High School

Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Mills High School

Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Capuchino High School 

Monday, February 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
Mills High School

RSVP for any of the above workshops.

 

 

On Friday, October 25, more than 70 students in Hillsdale and Burlingame High’s Bay Academy Programs; their peer buddies from Unified Physical Education (PE) class; AND leadership students came together for a morning of community building through soccer! 

The event, overseen by Adapted PE Specialists Jeff Torres and Tara Ciardella, was mostly run by leadership students and the peer buddies in the Unified PE class. Together they organized various soccer drill stations, a craft table and a stretching station. 

The SMUHSD Unified PE Program, established this 2024-25 School Year, is designed to promote inclusivity and provide opportunities for general and special education students to engage in physical education activities together. Unified Physical Education includes students with all ability levels and serves to develop awareness, empathy, wellness, and relationships to promote success and self-confidence in the PE setting. All students participate in activities that follow the state standards for various team and individual activities, weight training, outdoor and adventure activities, dance, yoga, and aquatics. 

The class includes involvement in Special Olympics and other related activities/field trips. Students work towards achieving lifelong personal wellness habits through fitness training and learning positive health skills as a part of this course. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of ALL students (coaches and athletes) to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment. Learn more about Unified PE within the San Mateo Union High School District. 

Special thanks to San Mateo Police Officers Carlos Basurto and Alison Adle along with Rookie the Therapy Dog, as well as San mateo COunty Sheriff Deputies David Dominguez and Joaquin Moreno, who were all on hand to engage with the students and participate in the drills. 

The District partners with Special Olympics of Northern California on various events throughout the year. Their mission is to create an inclusive community where people with and without intellectual disabilities can make connections, develop healthy lifestyles, achieve success, and experience the joy of sports.

For more information about Special Olympics events within the San Mateo Union High School District, contact Jeff Torres (jatorres@smuhsd.org) or Tara Ciardella (tciardella@smuhsd.org).

 

November 12, 2024

Dear SMUHSD Community,

As we reflect on the recent presidential election results, we recognize that this is a time of change and transition for our nation. I want to assure you that here in SMUHSD our focus remains steadfast on creating supportive, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for all of our students.

While diverse opinions are a natural part of democratic society, the way we engage with each other should always be grounded in kindness and civility. We encourage everyone to continue fostering dialogue with each other, listening to different perspectives and supporting our young learners as they grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens. Together, we can continue to help our students thrive in an ever-changing world. 

SMUHSD is proud to be a school district that is inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds. All students and families, regardless of race, faith, national origin, immigration status, political views, sexual orientation and gender identity belong in our community. You are important and valued.

Below are some resources for our Immigrant and LGBTQIA+ families that may be helpful:

• As in prior years, SMUHSD will host a workshop for families, please save the date: Legal Aid Workshop & Office of Community Affairs-Immigrant Services, December 5, 2024 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, Mustang Room.
• Resolution Setting Forth The San Mateo Union High School District’s Principles in Support of Undocumented Students and Families - 2016 (English and Spanish)
• Salud Mental y Bienestar (Mental Health & Wellness)
• Servicios de Imigracion y Legal (Immigration & Legal)
• Comprehensive list of Community Resources
• Declaración de CABE Sobre Preocupaciones Electorales / CABE Post Election Resources 
• Multilingual Learner Program Support Staff
• Mental Health and Wellness Staff
• Resources for Undocumented Students
• SMUHSD Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning + Resources
• National LGBTQIA+ History Month SMUHSD Proclamation: English  |  Spanish
• LGBTQIA+ Pride Month SMUHSD Proclamation: English | Spanish 
• SMUHSD Community Resources
• San Mateo County Office of Education: LGBTQ+ Resources
• Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 6144:  Controversial Issues 

 

Sincerely,

Randall Booker
Superintendent

 

StarVista is now accepting applications for its HAP-Y Winter 2025 Cohort! This cohort will follow a hybrid model of 12 weeks virtual and the last two weeks in-person at an East Palo Alto or Redwood City location (actual location TBD). Meetings will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 7 p.m. 

StarVista’s HAP-Y program trains youth ages 16-24 to become Health Ambassadors. The trainings cover common challenges in mental wellness, signs and risks of suicide, suicide prevention, and how to access mental health services. Trained Health Ambassadors become community agents who help raise awareness and help increase access to behavioral health services through information sharing and/or providing referrals when appropriate. In addition, Health Ambassadors have the opportunity to represent HAP-Y in community events such as presentations, outreach events, and trainings.

Participants can receive community service hours or internship hours in collaboration with their academic institutions.

Youth who successfully complete the program earn a completion bonus of $700.

Deadline to submit an application is December 6. 

Learn more and apply. 

Download the flyer.

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Every year, hundreds of thousands of American families become homeless, including more than 1.7 million children.

According to the California Department of Education, in the 2022-23 year, there were 246,480 homeless students enrolled in California schools. This was a 9% increase in the homeless student population from the previous school year.

Youth.gov, states that homeless high school students are more than three times as likely to have attempted suicide within the last year. Additionally, almost 50% of homeless youth reported participating in self-harming behavior.

According to the SMUHSD annual census, 43 of our current students are experiencing homelessness in SMUHSD.

Through our District and School Site Homeless Student liaisons, we are committed to improving student equity and access to high-quality education and resources, included, but not limited to, school supplies, food, clothing, bus passes, free admission to dances, yearbooks and school apparel for youth experiencing homelessness and who are in foster care.

Read the proclamation, which Student Board Council members Emily Ma and Elizabeth Bours helped to write, that was approved at the October 24 SMUHSD Board Meeting.

National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated in November, recognizes the lives and accomplishments of the Indigenous peoples of what is now known as the United States. The 57th Annual Native American Day was celebrated at the California Capitol on September 27, 2024. This year’s theme was Recognizing 100 Years of Citizenship and the Fight for the Right to Vote: 1924-2024.” 

Today there are more than 100 federally recognized Indigenous tribes in California, more than any other state in the nation. The United States Bureau of the Census determined in 2020 that there were over 720,000 individuals in the State of California of Native American descent, making it the largest population of Indigenous people in the 50 states.

SMUHSD acknowledges that it is located on the unceded ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples, recognizes that, as the original stewards of this land, the Ramaytush Ohlone understood the interconnectedness of all things and maintained harmony with nature for millennia, and honors the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples for their enduring commitment to Mother Earth.

SMUHSD supports the use of curricula at our schools that highlights the experiences and contributions of Native Peoples both historically and in our current times to help students understand the importance and relevance of Native American culture and history. 

Read the proclamation, which Student Board Council member Elizabeth Bours helped to write, that was approved at the October 24 SMUHSD Board Meeting. 

At the October 24 Board meeting we celebrated more than 80 Certificated and Classified Educators who achieved Permanent Status this school year.  Congratulations to all of our educators who are committed and contributing on a daily basis to the well-being of the students and families we serve.

 

San Mateo Adult and Career Education

Shohreh Bahmanyar, Accounting Technician

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Aragon High School

Rosa Adame Valdivia, School Plant Operations Employee

Scott Bondurant, Teacher

Erica Cerles, Counselor

Javier Magana, Teacher

Angelica Zamora Zuniga, Student Nutrition Services Assistant

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Bridge Academy

Nicole Duffy, Teacher

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Burlingame High School

Carly Balmana, Instructional Assistant I

Elizabeth Bellas, Teacher

Deanna Farrugia, Student Nutrition Services Assistant

Christopher Fogata, Instructional Assistant II

Alexandra Gray, Teacher

Isabel Hernandez, Instructional Assistant II

Hannah Korslund, Teacher

Curtis Lu, Student Nutrition Services Assistant

Stephanie Murphy, Teacher

Benjamin Ortiz, Instructional Assistant II

Sebastian Perez, School Plant Operations Employee

Elizabeth Wall, Teacher

Ola Riad El Ayoubi, Instructional Assistant I

Jami Weatherson, Teacher

Michael Wu, Teacher

Dara Phung, Piano Accompanist, BHS and SMHS 

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Capuchino High School

David Araya, School Plant Operations Employee

Faye Jeannette Baltazar, Student Data Analyst

Alec Bolino, Instructional Assistant I

Kimberly Koivisto, Career Center Assistant & Career Coordinator

Jennifer Martinez, Teacher

Wei Xing, School Plant Operations Employee

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Districtwide

Osama Abulebdeh, Accounting Technician

Lauren Campanelli, Teacher

Nandana Datt, Accounting Technician

Jessica Dizon, Accounting Technician

Emma Krpan, Speech and Language Therapist

Matthew Lopez, Accounting Technician

Cristina Montanez Velazquez, Payroll Technician

Lisa Reed, Teacher

Thuy Thi Tran, Accountant

Heather Brown, Special Education Van Driver

Chelsi Cheng, District Social Worker

Wai Ping Cheung, Facilities Specialist

Patricia Corea, Student Nutrition Operations Manager

Lisa Mejia Sandoval, District Social Social Worker Multi-Lingual

Martha Montellanos Cardenas, School Bus Driver

Amelia Nash, Mental Health Therapist-TUPE

Fausto Sandoval Jr, Carpenter

Justin Vargas, Auditorium Technician

Joel Vasquez Jr, Equipment Operator

Jael Victoria, Special Education Van Driver

Buddy Wolf, Special Education Van Driver

Ashleigh Wong, Instructional Assistant II

Patrick Wynne Jr, Utility Worker

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Hillsdale High School

Britzia Arroyo, Teacher

Enrique Avalos, School Plant Operations Employee

Sean Bald, Teacher

Leo Fung, Instructional Assistant II

Cloudiya Garcia-Arevalo, Instructional Assistant I 

Jill Jacobs, Teacher

Cassandra Lopez, Mental Health Therapist Associate

John Paul Luana, Teacher

Anne Pesquie, Teacher 

Heather Wade, Teacher

Man Chi Yu, Student Nutrition Services Assistant

Adriel Espinoza, Instructional Assistant I-ELD, HHS and SMHS 

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Mills High School

Amanda Brown-Lee, Teacher

Valerie Canas-Gonzalez, Teacher

Matthew Christenson, Teacher

Sarah Davis, Instructional Assistant II

Michael Debois, Teacher

Tara Donohoe, Teacher

Juan Escobar Brizuela, Utility Worker

Yoshiko Higashimura, Instructional Assistant II

Johnson Huynh, Student Data Analyst

Christopher Kaminski, Counseling/Student Services Assistant

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Peninsula High School

Daniel Tostado, Counselor/ Social Worker

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San Mateo High School

Helen Citrin, Mental Health Therapist Intern

William Dekom Jr, Facilities Manager

Edna Marie Gabrillo, Instructional Assistant I-ELD

Veronica Gasco, Counselor

Maria Martinez, Teacher

Kelyn Mcgill, Instructional Assistant I-ELD

Nicolas Piccininni, Teacher

Perla Ramirez Sanchez, Instructional Assistant I

Jennifer Virgen, Instructional Assistant I-ELD

Naoko Yui, Student Nutrition Services Assistant

The San Mateo County Youth Commission recently announced its leadership for the 2024-2025 School year and San Mateo High School 12th Grader Noor Chowdhary has been named Chair. She serves with more than 20 students from San Mateo County, including the following SMUHSD students who serve as Youth Commission members: 

• Matthew Lau, Aragon High School, 12th Grade
• Adele Ryono, Aragon High School, 10th Grade
• Mira Youssef, Mills High School, 9th Grade
• Joy Zou, San Mateo High School, 12th Grade

The San Mateo County Youth Commission is an advisory commission to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, established in 1993 to address youth needs in the county and provide youth voice in local government. The Commission consists of up to 25 members, between the ages of 13-21, who reside in San Mateo County. Funded by the County Executive's Office, reporting to the Board of Supervisors, and housed under the Budget, Policy, and Performance Office, the Commission is a collaborative effort of all three San Mateo County serving entities.

Youth Commission meetings are open to the public and occur on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. Meeting agendas and additional information are available on the Youth Commission website: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/youth-commission”

Follow the Youth Commission on Instagram to stay up-to-date on what they are up to: https://www.instagram.com/smcyouthcom/ 

Learn more about the Commission: https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/youth-commission

 

The San Mateo County Office of Education presents: Chinatown Rising Film Screening

Friday, October 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Attend this free screening of Chinatown Rising, a documentary about the Asian American Movement, highlighting young residents who protested and challenged conservative views in their changing neighborhood from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Learn more.

 

Dear Students, Families and Educators: 

I’ve been following the media coverage of the school shooting that occurred in Georgia on Wednesday. My heart is heavy, and I wanted to take a little time to process this tragedy before reaching out to you. 

This event is heartbreaking and can surface fears about safety. We know events like these can impact the physical and mental well-being of our students, staff, and families. In our District we live, work and learn by our Mission, Vision and Beliefs. As part of these ideals we believe that communities have a responsibility to the individual as individuals have a responsibility to the community. There is no greater time to lean into this value than now.   

We encourage you to connect with your friends and family and support each other and seek help as it is needed. We want to assure you that the San Mateo Union High School District is committed to the safety of our schools and the well-being of our community. Whatever you or your family are experiencing, we want you to know that you are not alone and that support is available to you.

If you or someone you know needs help, please see our Mental Health and Wellness webpage to learn more about resources for you and your loved ones. Students, families and staff can also access Care Solace, an online no-cost resource with a live 24/7 concierge meant to assist students and families in finding local mental health-related programs and counseling services (with or without insurance). Care Solace can be reached by calling 888-515-0595 or visiting www.caresolace.com/smuhsdfamilies.

 We also encourage every member of our community to be an upstander. If you see something, say something. There are trusted adults on every campus who value the safety and wellbeing of our school communities over everything else. Students, families and educators can also report a safety concern anonymously using the District’s online reporting tool StopIt. 

Please take the time to care for yourself in the wake of this tragedy and in the transition into our new school year, and know that your school and District communities are here to support you. 

 

Sincerely,

Randall Booker
Superintendent

 

 

Due to a labor action, SamTrans service may be disrupted this week. SamTrans successfully prioritized school service on Thursday, Sept. 5 and will continue to do so tomorrow. However, we recommend all customers seek alternative transportation options on Friday, Sept. 6.  

For updates go to https://www.samtrans.com/status/

Official press release:  https://www.samtrans.com/news/samtrans-service-disrupted-bus-operator-sick-out

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In anticipation of a SamTrans disruption, the SMUHSD Transportation Department has planned the following interim measures to offer transportation to a limited number of students to and from school on Friday, September 6. The SamTrans disruption does not affect any of SMUHSD’s regular (yellow) school bus routes in any way. SMUHSD school bus routes for students who ride SMUHSD (yellow) school buses who live in Foster City, attend Peninsula High, and students with an IEP are not impacted by this disruption. 

Should SamTrans service be disrupted on Friday, SMUHSD will use its school buses to pick up SMUHSD students at regular SamTrans bus stops along the following locations:

• ECR - El Camino Real Route heading south - to Mills High and Capuchino High Schools (starting at 8:40 a.m. at the El Camino and San Bruno Avenue stop) 

• Delaware Street - heading north to San Mateo High and Bridge Academy (starting at South Delaware and 16th Avenue bus stop - around 1600 S. Delaware heading north at 8:30 a.m.)

• Shoreview Park (950 Oceanview Avenue, San Mateo) - to Aragon High School and Bridge Academy - starting at 8:30 a.m. (please wait at the park not the nearby elementary school) 

• Lakeshore Martin’s Field Park (1500 Marina Court, San Mateo) to Los Prados Park (1837 Bahia Street, San Mateo) - to Hillsdale High School starting at 8:40 a.m.

 

This service, using SMUHSD (yellow) school buses, will begin after drivers have completed their regular routes. Our drivers are only able to transport SMUHSD students during this time. Students will need to present their school ID, and there will be no charge to the students. 

We will provide rides from schools to the same routes in reverse order in the afternoon. These buses will depart schools at approximately 5 p.m. 

SMUHSD school buses will have limited space, so families who are able to drive their students to and from school, carpool with others or find another safe way to get to school are encouraged to do so. Our schools will excuse reasonable tardies and absences due to this incident. 

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

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Debido a una acción laboral, el servicio de SamTrans podría verse interrumpido esta semana. SamTrans priorizó con éxito el servicio escolar el jueves 5 de septiembre y continuará haciéndolo mañana. Sin embargo, recomendamos a todos los clientes que busquen opciones de transporte alternativas el viernes, 6 de septiembre.  

Para obtener actualizaciones, favor de dirigirse a: https://www.samtrans.com/status/

Enlace del comunicado de prensa oficial: https://www.samtrans.com/news/samtrans-service-disrupted-bus-operator-sick-out

En previsión de una interrupción de SamTrans, el Departamento de Transporte de SMUHSD ha planificado las siguientes medidas provisionales para ofrecer transporte a un número limitado de estudiantes hacia y desde la escuela el viernes 6 de septiembre. La interrupción de SamTrans no afecta de ninguna manera a ninguna de las rutas de autobuses escolares regulares (amarillas) de SMUHSD. Las rutas de autobuses escolares de SMUHSD para los estudiantes que viajan en autobuses escolares (amarillos) de SMUHSD que viven en Foster City, asisten a Peninsula High y los estudiantes con un IEP no se ven afectados por esta interrupción.  

Si el servicio de SamTrans se interrumpe el viernes, SMUHSD utilizará sus autobuses escolares para recoger a los estudiantes de SMUHSD en las paradas de autobús regulares de SamTrans en las siguientes ubicaciones:

• ECR - Ruta del Camino Real   En dirección sur - a las escuelas Mills High y Capuchino High (a partir de las 8:40 am en la parada de El Camino y San Bruno Avenue )

• Delaware Street : en dirección norte hasta San Mateo High y Bridge Academy (comenzando en la parada de autobús de South Delaware y 16th Avenue, alrededor de 1600 S. Delaware en dirección norte a las 8:30 a. m .)

• Shoreview Park (950 Oceanview Avenue, San Mateo) : hasta Aragon High School y Bridge Academy , a partir de las 8:30 a. m. (espere en el parque, no en la escuela primaria cercana)

• Desde Lakeshore Martin's Field Park (1500 Marina Court, San Mateo) hasta Los Prados Park (1837 Bahia Street, San Mateo) - hasta Hillsdale High School a partir de las 8:40 am

 

Este servicio, que utiliza los autobuses escolares de SMUHSD (amarillos), comenzará después de que los conductores hayan completado sus rutas habituales. Nuestros conductores solo pueden transportar a los estudiantes de SMUHSD durante este tiempo. Los estudiantes deberán presentar su identificación escolar y no se les cobrará nada.

Ofreceremos traslados desde las escuelas a las mismas rutas en orden inverso por la tarde. Estos autobuses saldrán de las escuelas aproximadamente a las 5:00 p. m.

Los autobuses escolares de SMUHSD tendrán espacio limitado, por lo que se anima a las familias que puedan llevar a sus estudiantes a la escuela y traerlos de regreso, compartir el vehículo con otros o encontrar otra forma segura de llegar a la escuela a que lo hagan. Nuestras escuelas justificarán las tardanzas y ausencias razonables debido a este incidente.

Le pedimos disculpas por las molestias y agradecemos su comprensión.

Notice of Public Hearing: September 26, 2024

Sufficiency of Instructional Materials for 2024/25 Academic Calendar

Spanish

Notice is hearby given of the intention of the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees to hold a public hearing or hearings on the Education Code Section 60119, which establishes steps and procedures to ensure the availability of textbooks and instructional materials.

The Board shall encourage participation by parents, teachers, members of the community interested in the affairs of the school district, and bargaining unit leaders, and shall make a determination, through a resolution, as to whether each pupil in each school in the District has sufficient textbooks or instructional materials, or both, that are aligned to the content standards adopted pursuant to Section 60605 or 60605.8 in each of the following subjects, as appropriate, that is consistent with the content and cycles of the curriculum framework adopted by the state board:

(i) Mathematics

(ii) Science

(iii) History-social science

(iv) English/language arts, including English language development component of an adopted program

Stakeholders who wish to provide comments should email comments@smuhsd.org by 7 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Please indicate that you wish to comment on the instructional materials public hearing and include your Zoom Name if it is different from your email. The agenda and Zoom login information will be posted on our website on Friday, September 20.

Direct questions or comments to Instructional Services 650-558-2253.

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Aviso de Audiencia Pública: 26 de Septiembre de 2024

Suficiencia de Materiales de Instrucción para el Calendario Académico 2024/25

Por la presente se da aviso de la intención de la Mesa Directiva del Distrito de Escuelas Preparatorias de San Mateo de celebrar una audiencia pública o audiencias sobre la Sección 60119 del Código de Educación, que establece los pasos y procedimientos para garantizar la disponibilidad de libros de texto y materiales de instrucción.

La Junta fomentará la participación de los padres, maestros, miembros de la comunidad interesados ​​en los asuntos del distrito escolar y líderes de la unidad de negociación, y tomará una determinación, a través de una resolución, sobre si cada alumno en cada escuela del Distrito tiene suficientes libros de texto o materiales de instrucción, o ambos, que estén alineados con los estándares de contenido adoptados de conformidad con la Sección 60605 o 60605.8 en cada una de las siguientes materias, según corresponda, que sea consistente con el contenido y los ciclos del marco curricular adoptado por la junta estatal :

(i) Matemáticas

(ii) Ciencias

(iii) Historia-ciencias sociales

(iv) Inglés / artes del lenguaje, incluido el componente de desarrollo del idioma inglés de un programa adoptado

Las partes interesadas que deseen proporcionar comentarios deben enviar un correo electrónico a comments@smuhsd.org antes de las 7 pm del día de la reunión. Indique que desea comentar sobre la audiencia pública de materiales de instrucción e incluya su Nombre de Zoom si es diferente de su correo electrónico. La agenda y la información de inicio de sesión de Zoom se publicarán en nuestro sitio web el 20 de Septiembre.

 

Preguntos o comentarios directos a: Servicios Instruccionales 650-558-2253

Dear SMUHSD Families, Students and Educators: 

Due to a labor action, SamTrans bus service to/from school may be disrupted on Monday, August 26 and Tuesday, August 27. We will hear a status update from SamTrans by 6 a.m. Monday morning and will communicate with you again then. 

We suggest that families plan ahead should there be a disruption to seek alternative transportation to and from school for Monday and Tuesday. While it is important for students to be on time to school, our schools will exercise compassion for students who are impacted by this event which is completely outside of the District’s control. Students who are late to school due to this incident should report this to the attendance office at their school, and they will be excused for a reasonable tardy or absence. 

We are also exploring the possibility of providing District buses to transport some students to and from school on Monday and Tuesday after these drivers have completed their regular routes. If this is possible we will communicate this information with you as soon as it is available. 

We apologize for the inconvenience. 

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Estimadas familias, estudiantes y educadores de SMUHSD:

Debido a una acción laboral, el servicio de autobús de SamTrans hacia y desde la escuela puede verse interrumpido el lunes 26 de agosto y el martes 27 de agosto. Recibiremos una actualización de estado de SamTrans a las 6 a. m. del lunes por la mañana y nos comunicaremos con usted nuevamente en ese momento.

 

Sugerimos que las familias planifiquen con anticipación en caso de que haya una interrupción y busquen un transporte alternativo para ir y volver de la escuela el lunes y el martes. Si bien es importante que los estudiantes lleguen a tiempo a la escuela, nuestras escuelas tendrán compasión por los estudiantes que se vean afectados por este evento que está completamente fuera del control del Distrito. Los estudiantes que lleguen tarde a la escuela debido a este incidente deben informarlo a la oficina de asistencia de su escuela y se les justificará por una tardanza o ausencia razonable.

 

También estamos explorando la posibilidad de proporcionar autobuses del Distrito para transportar a algunos estudiantes hacia y desde la escuela el lunes y martes después de que estos conductores hayan completado sus rutas habituales. Si esto es posible, le comunicaremos esta información tan pronto como esté disponible.

 

Nos disculpamos por las molestias.

District and Burlingame High staff visited the BHS gym construction site yesterday for the “Topping Off Ceremony” where everyone involved in the project signs one of the steel beams.

Thanks to Royce Rippere and Mikael Estrada, both of Greystone Project Management; Peter Hopkins, BHM Construction Project Manager, and Joel Dougherty, BHM Construction Superintendent; and Jose Quintana, SMUHSD’s Capital Facilities Fiscal Manager, for hosting a whole crew from the District Office and Burlingame High School.

Burlingame High Assistant Principals Valerie Arbizu, Jenny Gibson and Aimee Malcolm as well as Music Director Kyoko Yamamoto were on hand for the event, along with BHS Facilities Manager Joey Tipton and Citizens Oversight Committee member Erica Lyons. 

Construction of the new Burlingame High gym includes a new building totaling approximately 37,492 square feet. Designed by longtime District partner Quattrocchi Kwok Architects and managed by Greystone West, the project replaces an outdated facility and includes a main gym and an auxiliary gym on the second floor of the new building as well as locker rooms, physical education offices, a wrestling facility, lobby, storage and support spaces. Construction is scheduled for completion in Summer 2025.

 

The District wishes to express its gratitude to the voters and taxpayers for their support of Measure L, a $385 million general obligation bond for improvements to facilities across the District.

Learn more about Measure L funded projects: www.smuhsd.org/measureL

 

 

Read "Students: You can be yourself at Pride Prom," written by former SMUHSD Director of Special Education Services Dr. Holly Wade, The article was written for EdCal, a publication of the Association of School Administrators (ACSA).

The article talks about how Pride Prom, open to all students attending high school in San Mateo County, celebrates students' diverse identities alongside their peers, allies and community members.

 

The SMUHSD Student Board Council program, established this school year, was a recipient of a San Mateo County School Boards Association 2024 Kent Award. Kent Awards recognize District or school programs that designed with clear and intentional goals, are innovative and also demonstrate clear evidence of student success.

The primary objective of SMUHSD’s student board council is to serve as a representative body for the diverse student population within our District.

The program is structured to promote intersectionality and equity within the student body. By representing the diverse backgrounds, identities, and circumstances of students across the district, the council seeks to address issues that affect different groups of students and advocate for their needs. This intentional focus on intersectionality and equity is essential in creating an inclusive and supportive school environment where all students feel valued and represented.

The program empowers students to actively participate in discussions about policies, programs, and initiatives that impact their educational experiences. By selecting two Student Board Members each quarter to attend school board meetings, the program provides students with a platform to voice their concerns and advocate for positive change at the district level.

The award was presented on May 10, 2024 at the SMCSBA Awards Banquet.

 

The San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees approved a contract to hire Michael Jones, Ed.D. as the new Principal of Aragon High School. Dr. Jones is replacing Valerie Arbizu, who will join the District Office to serve as the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)/504 Coordinator. His start date is July 1, 2024. Read the press release. 

San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees approved a contract to hire Dr. Rochelle Hooks, Ed.D. as the District’s new Director of Special Education Support Services. Dr. Hooks is replacing Dr. Holly Wade, who has served the District since July 2020. Dr. Hooks’ start date is July 1, 2024.  Read the press release. 

We are excited to announce that we are officially designated as a high school starting in the 2024-2025 School Year!

On January 18 the board approved the District’s request for Bridge to apply for a CDS code and on March 8 the District was notified by from the California Department of Education that our application was approved! 

Having Bridge become the tenth school in our District is an absolute blessing. Our board, our community and this District VALUE our Multilingual Learners and more specifically our newcomer students. Bridge is a school that embodies heart. The care and love that educators have for students and that the students have for educators and one another is tangible and palpable. I look forward to seeing the growth of this school in its first official year and for years to come. Shout out to Bridge Principal Dr. Samia Shoman, whose fierce leadership has brought Bridge from a small program that was partnered with Peninsula High School to become its own school and what will grow into a community school to serve not only newcomer students BUT the whole community. 

Beginning Monday, July 22, SMUHSD Bus Passes will be available for purchase at EZSchoolPay.com.

Beginning Monday, August 5, Bus Passes will be available for purchase in-person at 991 E Poplar Ave, San Mateo during the business hours of Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.