Updates and Opportunities

Ten Strands is thrilled to announce the launch of the California Youth Environmental Data Leadership Program (C-YED)—a six-month knowledge-to-action initiative that empowers California high school students (grades 9–12) to become community scientists and environmental data leaders.

Participants will develop data literacy, systems thinking, and communication and leadership skills while contributing to statewide efforts to advance environmental and climate action in TK–12 schools.

Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, community science or service-learning hours, and may be eligible for the CA State Seal of Civic Engagement (district-dependent).

Recruitment is open now through January 4, 2026.

The High School Advisory Board invites San Mateo County students in grades 9–12 who are passionate about making a difference in their communities to share their ideas on active transportation (walking, biking, and rolling), public policy, environmental sustainability, and community advocacy. Participants will attend monthly meetings and take part in three in-person sessions from January to June, diving into a range of active and shared transportation topics. Volunteer hours are offered and all students are welcome. No prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! 

Share the flyer with others who may be interested! 

Apply by  December 12, 2025!

 

allcove San Mateo invites students to relax, unwind and get creative at their December 29 Brushtrokes and Boba event. Sip on boba and work on a paint by numbers canvas that you can take home! All materials are provided, just bring your creativity. This event is in collaboration with the San Mateo Public Library! 

Details

• Monday, December 29, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
• allcove San Mateo, 2600 South El Camino Drive, Suite 300
  San Mateo
• Space is limited, so please register.

 

Camp Cinder, CAL FIRE’s free, action-packed four-day firefighter camp, is back for next year in Shasta and San Luis Obispo! Led by experienced women firefighters, this four-day experience is packed with adrenaline and empowerment—from scaling ropes, practicing water rescues, laying hose, building leadership as a team, and learning real-world fire service skills.

If you’re looking for confidence, courage, and community — this camp delivers it all.

Applications are open from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The application can be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/camp-cinder

Learn more and view the flyers here: https://bit.ly/CampCinderApps

 

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Campamento Cinder: Oportunidad para campamento de verano gratuito para niñas de 15 a 17 años

El campamento Cinder, es un campamento de bomberos gratuito y lleno de acción de cuatro días de CAL FIRE, regresa el próximo año a Shasta y San Luis Obispo. Dirigido por mujeres bomberas experimentadas, esta experiencia de cuatro días esta llena de adrenalina y empoderamiento: desde escalar cuerdas, practicar rescates acuáticos, colocar mangueras, desarrollar liderazgo en equipo y aprender habilidades prácticas de servicio contra incendios.

Si buscas confianza, valentía y comunidad, este campamento lo tiene todo.

El plazo de solicitud está abierto del 1 de diciembre de 2025 al 31 de enero de 2026. La solicitud para aplicar se encuentra en: https://www.fire.ca.gov/camp-cinder

Obtenga más información y vea los folletos aquí: : https://bit.ly/CampCinderApps    

The Peninsula Health Care District, the San Mateo Union High School District and the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation invite youth and young adults (ages 12-25) to its:

2nd Annual Free Heart Screening Event on Saturday, February 21 at San Mateo High School

Don't miss this opportunity to check your heart health—register today!

 

Details

• Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• San Mateo High School, 506 N. Delaware Street
• Register

See the flyers for more information: English | Spanish

allcove San Mateo will be hosting FREE new year planning sessions between now and the end of year. Youth can get 1:1 support with goals related to school, career, finances, personal habits, or anything life-related during these personalized sessions. 

Stop by Monday - Friday, 1 - 7 p.m. to meet with allcove Education and Employment Specialist Diego! 

Students: call in advance to make the appointment or drop in to get set up with this session: 650-226-7030

Get help with:

• School & Career Goals – majors, trade programs, or jobs
• Money Moves – budgeting, saving, or planning for big goals
• Mindset Reset – study skills, motivation, and stress management
• Habit Building – productivity and time-management routines

This service is offered in English and Spanish!

See the flyer for more information: 

English |  Spanish

The Scholastic Awards are the nation’s longest running, and one of the most prestigious recognition programs for creative teenagers across America and a significant source of scholarships for young artists and writers. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization manages the growing program.  

One of the benefits of entering the Scholastic Awards is the opportunity to have your work considered for national scholarships ranging from $500 to $12,500.

Visit the What You Need to Know page to find out everything you need to participate, including the Awards AI Policy, category changes, new category updates, and portal updates. 

Teens and educators can visit artandwriting.org now to log in or create an account in the portal. 

Deadlines

• Region at Large West Writing Deadline: December 2, 2025, 8:59 p.m.
• California Bay Area Art Region Deadline:  January 6, 2026, 8:59 p.m.

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

Join on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Skyline College for a day of discovery, featuring engaging hands-on activities led by researchers, scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals from the community. 

Registration is free and open from January 15 through March 1, 2026. Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot! Students will have the opportunity to select from a variety of workshops, choosing three of their preferred sessions. A morning snack and lunch will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own food if they have specific dietary needs, restrictions, or food allergies. 

Please note: Parents and/or teachers are not required to chaperone the students during the event. If they do attend, however, they will not be permitted in the workshop spaces. 

Visit https://skylinecollege.edu/eyh/ for workshop details or reach out should you have any other follow-up questions.

Poetry Out Loud (POL) gives high school students the confidence to make themselves heard, using one of the most powerful tools at their disposal—poetry. It encourages teens to learn about poetry through memorization, performance, and competition.

Educators, youth organization leaders, and high school students are invited to be part of San Mateo County’s Poetry Out Loud 2026 Program. Teens build public speaking skills and self-confidence, while learning about literary history and contemporary life through poetry with the help of a coach.

School/organizational champions will be mentored by local Poet Laureates and poetry teachers preparing them to effectively compete at the county, state and national levels if selected.

Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program in partnership with the NEA, the Poetry Foundation, and each state’s arts agency. Important dates:

• September 1 - December 12, 2025: Registration window is open
• January 2026: Mentoring sessions for teens via Zoom
• February 2026: San Mateo County Finals
• March 15 - 16, 2026: State Finals Competition in-person in Sacramento
• May 2025: National Finals in-person in Washington, DC

Learn more and register.

This past summer, 41 SMUHSD students interviewed with Bay Area pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and 15 students obtained internship positions. On August 1, students from Aragon, Mills and San Mateo High Schools presented on what they learned during their eight-week Biotechnology Summer Internships. Each intern had a mentor and training program for the position they accepted. 

Thank you to the following companies who provided internships for SMUHSD students: 

• Vitalant Research Institute - Muench Laboratory
• Vitalant Research Institute - Jackman Laboratory
• Segan Industries / Go 2 Products
• International Process Solution
• Bay Area BioScience Education Community (BABEC)
• Courtin Family Dentistry
• Chua Family Dentistry

Learn more.

Apply to the Bay Area Youth Climate Summit by July 2

Rising 9th, 10th, or 11th graders: Interested in getting involved in the climate movement? Join the Bay Area Youth Climate Summit!  

The Bay Area Youth Climate Summit (BAYCS) is an environmental organization run by youth, for youth. From workshops to logistics to newsletter to social media, The Youth Advisory Council of BAYCS runs all the events and behind-the-scenes action. BAYCS encourages high school students especially from low-income and/or BIPOC communities to apply.

Application Deadline: July 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
 

Want to lead and make a real impact?

Join One Love’s Youth Leadership Program and be part of a national movement to end relationship abuse and build healthier communities. As a Youth Leader, you’ll host workshops, advocate for change, and raise awareness on your campus.

Open to high school and college students ready to make a difference.

Registration for the 2025–2026 school year is now open.

 

Read 10 Signs of a Healthy Relationship: English  | Spanish

 

On April 24, the SMUHSD board approved a resolution banning the sale of single-use plastic water bottles on all of its campuses. Students and Sustainability Committee Members Sydney Chen (Aragon) and Matt Lau (Aragon), spoke during the public comment period about the proposal. (View their comments from the board meeting)
 

SMUHSD currently sells plastic water bottles to students during school brunch/lunch periods. The sale of these plastic bottles increases plastic waste from SMUHSD campuses, which contributes to the 35 million tons of plastic the United States produces per year, with only 9% of that being recycled (United States Environmental Protection Agency).

The SMUHSD Sustainability Committee, made up of District staff and students, worked on a petition encouraging the ban and as of April 15, it had over 1,200 signatures.

The board approved the ban unanimously and the District will enact the following: 

• Ban the use and sale by SMUHSD of single-use plastic water bottles starting July 1, 2025
• Direct staff to update Board Policy to include a ban on the use and sale of single-use plastic water bottles 
• Staff will start working with sites and departments to implement the ban effective July 1, allowing provisions for depleting existing inventory and winding down current contractual obligations.
   

“Implementing this ban will significantly contribute to our sustainability goals and foster a culture of environmental responsibility within our community,” said Yancy Hawkins, SMUHSD Associate Superintendent Chief Business Officer.

Read the board memo for more information.

Learn more about sustainability efforts throughout SMUHSD: www.smuhsd.org/sustainability

 

Midpen’s volunteer programs offer opportunities to join habitat restoration workdays, as well as participate in guided nature activities. 

View their volunteer webpage for more information.
 

allcove San Mateo is now offering Supported Education and Employment (SEE) advising. Young professionals can receive help with college applications, polishing their resumes, discussing academic stresses, or other matters as it relates to education and employment. The approach focuses on meeting the evolving and unique needs of young people, while providing a platform for young people to develop independent agency and self-determination as it relates to their career and educational goals

 

The service provides the following:

• Career exploration: Providing one-on-one to help you find a career based on strengths and interests.
• Job skills development: Learning the tools, techniques, and knowledge you need to do a specific job, improving your communication.
• Soft skills development: Improving how you work with people and respond to situations (e.g., communication, teamwork, time management, emotional intelligence).
• Job search and application support
• Post-secondary education/college advising
• Financial education and literacy

Interested in learning more? Call (650) 226-7030 to make an appointment with a peer specialist! 

 

 

Read an update - sent to students, families and educators -  from Superintendent Booker about Supporting our Students. 

English

Spanish

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

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.

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

 

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

 

 

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.