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San Mateo Union High School District
A Commitment to Qualify Education for a Better Future
650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
650-558-2299 | www.smuhsd.org
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Next Board Meeting: January 18, 2024 | |
Spotlight on Student Learning | |
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December 14: Instructional Leadership Initiative Presentation
SMUHSD is prioritizing resources to ensure every student graduates and thrives. This second phase of the Instructional Leadership initiative focused on creating a Manager of Multilingual Learners to oversee support of our multilingual learners. The Manager of Multilingual Learner Programs was also instrumental in the successful completion of Federal Program Monitoring.
The District has experienced a sharp increase in the number of multilingual learners, and their specific needs have become more complex. Over the last ten years, the District has seen a 20% increase in the number of total Multilingual Learner students. This includes students in the ELD program, Long-Term English learners and multilingual students in the standard educational program.
The District underwent and successfully completed federal program monitoring (FPM) review to analyze its education of multilingual learners. The outcome of this process will allow us to serve multilingual learners to provide better academic outcomes.
View the slide deck from the December 14 presentation.
View the board memo to learn more.
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Videos Highlight Construction in the District | |
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The latest bond construction projects in the San Mateo Union High School District are highlighted in a recent series of videos just released by the District. Videos produced in English and Spanish feature projects across the District funded by Measure L - a $385 million general obligation bond approved by voters in 2020; Measure O approved by voters in 2010 and deferred maintenance projects. Included in the series are shorter sizzle reels featuring modernization projects, safety-related construction and the District’s athletics facilities. The videos can be viewed on the District’s YouTube Channel.
The District wishes to extend its gratitude to voters and taxpayers for their support of Measures L and O. The District’s robust construction program provides state of the art facilities - making its schools ideal environments for current and future students to learn and grow.
Learn more about current projects by visiting the District’s Measure L webpage.
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Pride Prom is February 23: Students RSVP by February 11
High school students who attend school in San Mateo
County are invited to attend the 2nd Annual Pride Prom on Friday, February 23. The free event will once again be held on the College of San Mateo Campus.
Learn more and RSVP by February 11: www.smuhsd.org/prideprom
SMUHSD is proud to partner with the following organizations on this event: San Mateo County Office of Education, College of San Mateo, Coast Pride, San Mateo Pride, and the San Mateo County LGBTQ+ Commission.
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Get Help Filling Out Financial Aid Applications
These in-person workshops are open to all SMUHSD 12th Graders and their families. Attend a workshop to get hands-on support in filling out the FAFSA or California Dream Act applications. We plan on having a bilingual staff member on hand to help Spanish speaking families with the application process.
Remember, it is now a graduation requirement that you have to file for financial aid!
No RSVP required - just show up! Bring your school-issued Chromebook or a personal laptop. You might also need to bring tax returns, net worth of investments/businesses and current balances of cash and bank accounts.
Workshop dates and locations - any student can attend any workshop:
- Tuesday, January 23, 6-8 p.m., Burlingame High School Library
- Wednesday, January 31, 6 - 8 p.m., Hillsdale High School Library
- Thursday, February 8, 6-8 p.m., Aragon High School Library
- Tuesday, February 13, 6-8 p.m., San Mateo High School Library
- Wednesday, February 21, 6 - 8 p.m., Mills High School Career Center
- Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Capuchino High School College and Career Center
Questions? Contact your school’s College, Career and/or Financial Aid Advisor.
Additional Resources
Quick Guide: What You Need to Know About FAFSA
Follow California Student Aid Commission on Instagram
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District Seeks Input on New Logo
Survey Closes on January 31
The San Mateo Union High School District is redesigning its logo to create a more accurate and positive visual representation of its values and mission as well as our equity vision and mission.
Voler Strategic Advisors is guiding the District in this process to ensure that diverse voices are heard and can be realized in an artistic expression that accurately portrays its identity. The District is seeking input in the process via a survey intended to explore the thoughts and ideas of our community around the District’s brand and what our new logo should look like.
The survey seeks to gather feedback on values and imagery that resonate with a vision for the San Mateo Union High School District. Responses will help to inform the District’s rebranding efforts and will help guide the conceptual and artistic choices for the logo redesign project. The survey closes on January 31. Learn more by visiting our website. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts!
Take the seven question survey: English | Spanish
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In the News: San Mateo High's Cell Phone Free Policy
Read the Yahoo Life article: "This school banned cellphones 4 years ago. Here's how it's going — and why others are now following suit" about San Mateo High's cell phone free policy and hear from Principal Yvonne Shiu about the positive impact she sees in campus culture.
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10th Grade Families: Learn More About Middle College at an Upcoming Information Session
10th Grade Students/Families: Are you/is your student interested in getting a head start on college courses and saving money on future college expenses? Middle College is an alternative education program in the San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD), in collaboration with the San Mateo Community College District, that allows students to earn college credit while meeting their high school diploma requirements.
Middle College, located on the beautiful College of San Mateo campus, offers an individualized learning community that focuses on the following values:
- Critical Thinkers and Communicators
- Personal and Collective Well-Being
- Community Engagement
- Self Determination
Information Sessions for 2024-2025 School Year
Student presentations will take place on January 22, 2024 during PE Class. If you do not have a PE class, please contact your school counselor about attending this information session.
Parent/Guardian Presentations:
The enrollment application will be posted on the College of San Mateo's Middle College web page on January 22.
Learn more about Middle College: www.smuhsd.org/middlecollege
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Help Advise SMUHSD on Services for Multilingual Learners
Next meeting is January 23
SMUHSD's District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is a district-wide committee. that advises the school district’s board on programs and services for Multilingual Learners.
All meetings are held at the SMUHSD Office, 650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo, unless otherwise noted.
Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- January 23, 2024
- February 27, 2024
- March 26, 2024
Meetings are conducted in English with Spanish interpretation.
Questions? Please contact District Family Engagement Coordinator Elsa Pulido at epulido@smuhsd.org or 650-558-2226 or visit www.smuhsd.org/delac.
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Upcoming Student Performances Across the District
Save the dates for these upcoming performances. Learn more at www.smuhsd.org/vapa
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Aragon Music:
- March 1: Double Exposure Concert with Hillsdale
Aragon Drama
- March 21-24: Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express
Burlingame Music
- February 7: Joint Concert with BIS and Crocker Middle Schools
Burlingame Drama
- March 15-17 and March 22-24: Footloose the Musical
Capuchino Drama
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March 21-23: Chicago (Teen Edition)
Capuchino Music
- March 28: Pops Concert
- May 2-3: Spring Concert
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Hillsdale Drama
Hillsdale Music
- February 15: Choral Pops Concert with participating Middle Schools
- February 16: Instrumental Pops Concert
- March 1: Double Exposure Jazz Concert with Aragon
- March 29: Jazz Concert with Friends
- May 16: Spring Concert Series #1
- May 22: Spring Concert Series #2
Hillsdale Dance
- April 25-27: Knight Moves
Mills Drama
- April 19-27: Bye Bye Birdie
San Mateo Drama
- February 2-4 and 8-10: The Wedding Singer
- April 18-21: William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or What You Will
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Families of Students with IEPs: Attend Upcoming Meetings to Learn About Resources and Support Services
SMUHSD's Special Education Advisory Committee invites families of students with IEPs to a series of meetings throughout the 2023-2024 school year. The goal is to provide information about special education supports and resources in high school and to build community among families.
Save the Date
The next meeting will take place on January 31, 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the District Office and guests will hear from the District Vocational Team as they share the transition process and community resources.
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Parent Connect Family Support Group Spring 2024 Sessions Announced
Raising teens can be one of the most challenging jobs you may ever have. If your student is not attending school or is exhibiting difficult behaviors, we can help.
The San Mateo Union High School District has developed a Family Support Group with parents and primary caretakers in mind.
Learn about:
- Parent-child communication
- Positive behavior management
- Interpersonal relationships
- Healthy boundaries
- Strategies that promote school success
- Self-care strategies and coping skills to manage stress
- Tobacco, Vapes, Cannabis, and other drugs
Spring 2024 Sessions
Sessions are offered in English and also in Spanish. Parents/guardians can join the sessions at any date:
- English: Wednesdays, February 7 - March 20, 6 - 8 p.m.
- Location: San Mateo High School - MPR, 506 N. Delaware Street
- Spanish: Tuesdays, February 6 - March 19, 6 - 8 p.m.
- Location: San Mateo High School MPR, 506 N. Delaware Street
If you have questions, please email Dagoberto Espinoza or Chelsi Cheng or visit www.smuhsd.org/parent-connect.
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The Black Parents Association of SMUHSD Needs You!
The Black Parents Association of the San Mateo Union High School District is a 501(c)(3), volunteer-led association that supports equitable and inclusive learning environments for our students. The group is dedicated to cooperatively promoting quality education for students of African, African American, or multiracial descent while offering the best level of support and information to both students and parents. Through collaboration, participation and support, they help to enrich our students’ high school journey preparing them to reach their fullest potential.
In order to continue to be operational, the group needs a Board of Directors, including a president, treasurer, and secretary. These individuals need to be at least 18 years of age, so the opportunity could be extended to recent high school graduates who have an interest in learning more about non-profit management.
We are currently looking for SMUHSD and partner district families to help fill these roles within the BPA. Please see the flyer for more information and fill out the survey if you are interested in joining the board or just want to learn more.
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San Mateo High Hosts Hackathon Open to High School and Middle School Students
MateoHacks event will take place Saturday, March 24
MateoHacks is a 12 hour in-person hackathon for building projects, making new connections, and having fun! A hackathon, also known as a codefest, is a social coding event that brings computer programmers and others together to improve upon or build a new program.
This hackathon is open to all middle and high school students across the country. Students of any skill level can participate in MateoHacks. Mentors will be available to help with projects.
Details
- Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Location: San Mateo Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 N. Delaware Street
Highlights:
- Connect with industry professionals
- Gain a valuable administrative experience
- Learn about computer science and marketing
- Opportunity to earn volunteer hours
Learn more about participating and volunteering: mateohacks.com
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San Mateo County Transition to Independence Fair is Saturday, February 10
The San Mateo County Transition to Independence Fair, hosted by the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities, will be held Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the San Mateo County Office of Education in Redwood Shores.
This event provides resources, support, and options for youth with disabilities that are transitioning into adulthood. Come and enjoy live entertainment, free food, interesting panels and speakers, informative workshops, and keynote speaker Tryn Miller, a commissioner on the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities!!
Learn more: https://www.smctransitionfair.org/
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Four SMUHSD students Complete Health Ambassador Program Through StarVista
Congratulations to the four SMUHSD students who recently completed the Fall 2023 Cohort of Starvista's Youth Health Ambassador Program - (HAP-Y).
- Isabella, Capuchino High School
- Isaac, Capuchino High School
- Pavitra, Hillsdale High School
- Annika, Aragon High School
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.
Participants can receive community service hours or internship hours in collaboration with their academic institutions. In addition, a completion bonus of $700 is distributed to those who complete the program. The program accepts applications on an ongoing basis.
Photo: StarVista's Program Coordinator Kassandra Chavez with students across the county who completed the Fall 2023 Cohort of its Youth Health Ambassador Program.
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Art Exhibit Features SMUSHD Students
Artists Reception is this Saturday, January 20
The Foster City Library invites community members to attend:
Our Shared Stories Art Show and Reception
- Saturday, January 20, 2 - 4 p.m.
- Foster City Library, 1000 E Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City
SMUHSD students who are being featured include:
- Jose Angel Bahena Sanchez, Bridge Program Student
- Alex Carreon, Hillsdale High School Student
- Dony Aguilar, San Mateo High School Student
- Kyra Chen, Hillsdale High School Student
- Tamar Dayagi, San Mateo High Student
- Jocelyn Zhu, San Mateo High School student and
- Julie Stock's art students from San Mateo High School
Dive into the world of "Our Shared Stories: “A Multicultural Art Showcase” that provides a captivating platform for individuals of all cultures to express their unique narratives through art. Join us in spotlighting the diverse stories of talented artists from across San Mateo County as they showcase their creativity and cultural pride.
The exhibit, which will run January 20 - February 3, can be seen seven days a week at the library, which is located at 1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd. in Foster City. See the library website for hours.
Our Shared Stories is sponsored by the San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture and Friends of the Foster City Library and organized by Hillsdale High School student Alex Carreon, a dedicated Youth Cultural Ambassador of San Mateo County.
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BHS and MHS Architecture Students Participate in CREATE Mentoring Program Event | |
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Architecture students from Mills and Burlingame High Schools recently participated in the CREATE Mentoring Program competition. The competition was hosted by the Construction Industry Education Foundation and sponsored by various companies and organizations.
The CREATE Mentoring Program exists to educate and inspire high school students to pursue career pathways which create the built environment.
13 schools and 21 teams participated in the competition where students presented their projects in front of 40-50 people, including industry professionals.
Architecture teachers Alena Reyes (Mills) and Anna Liu (Burlingame) were both proud of their students!
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SMUHSD Employees Recognized By School Business Officials Association
Three SMUHSD employees were recognized with nominations at the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Northern Section Magnificent Seven Awards Luncheon in December.
SMUHSD's Chris Carmichael, Painter Foreperson; Andrea Hadley, Facilities Use Accounting Technician; and Carl Vernale, Electrical Foreperson were all recognized for their outstanding work.
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January is School Board Recognition Month | |
Please join SMUHSD Superintendent Randall Booker and our community in saying thank you to our Board of Education! January is School Board Recognition Month, and we’re celebrating our SMUHSD board for their tireless efforts as champions for our students and families.
Our board works year-round with District staff and administration to ensure a high quality education is available to all students.
To learn more about our board, visit our website.
Watch Board President Ligia Andrade Zuniga talk about why serving on the board is important to her.
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Family Education Webinars | |
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Free Webinars for Parents and Guardians
Adjusting the Lens: Changes for More Effective Parenting (This webinar is in Spanish)
- Tuesday, January 16, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Presenter: Edwin Fernandez, LCSW, One Life Counseling Center
- Register
In this talk, Edwin Fernandez, LCSW, will discuss the mistakes we parents make and the victories we achieve, but more importantly, the changes we can make to be more effective parents in this new year to strengthen our family.
This free presentation is sponsored by Sequoia Healthcare District, Sequoia Union High School District, Redwood City School District and The Parent Venture. The parent forum is an initiative of Sequoia Healthcare District.
Cultivate Mindful Routines for the New Year
- Wednesday, January 17, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (In English)
- Presenter: Carin Winter, CEO, Mission Be
- Register
- Thursday, January 18, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (In Spanish)
- Presenter: Corinne Cortes, Mindful Educator, Mission Be
- Register
Carin and Corinne will offer simple techniques to be in the present moment, digitally detox, connect with nature, and start and end your family's day with mindfulness practices that connect to a place of peace and serenity.
This free presentation is sponsored by Sequoia Union High School District, Sequoia Healthcare District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Book Discussion - Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives it Changed
- Thursday, January 25, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Presenter: Dashka Slater, bestselling author and journalist
- Register
- Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available.
What does it mean to be held accountable for harm that takes place behind a screen? Award-winning journalist and New York Times–bestselling author Dashka Slater has written a must-read book for our era that explores the real-world consequences of online choices. When a high school student started a private Instagram account that used racist and sexist memes to make his friends laugh, he thought of it as “edgy” humor. Over time, the edge got sharper. Then a few other kids found out about the account. Pretty soon, everyone knew.
Ultimately no one in the small town of Albany, California, was safe from the repercussions of the account’s discovery. Not the boy who created the account. Not the kids who followed it. Not the adults—educators and parents—whose attempts to fix things made them worse.
This free presentation is sponsored by Sequoia Union High School District, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Peninsula Health Care District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Book Discussion - Thinking Critically in College: Essential Tools for Student Success
- Tuesday, January 30, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Presenter: Louis Newman, PhD, former Dean of Academic Advising at Stanford University
- Register
- Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available.
Unlike most college prep books—which advise you to go to office hours, get enough sleep, take good notes, and learn how to get along with your roommate—Thinking Critically in College explains how to tackle the academic and social challenges of college. In this engaging webinar, Louis E. Newman, PhD, will discuss the importance of developing critical thinking skills, and encourage students to look at their college experience broadly, as preparation for a lifetime of learning and civic engagement.
This free presentation is sponsored by Sequoia Union High School District, Sequoia Healthcare District, and Peninsula Health Care District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
A Strength-Based Approach to Learner Variability and Neurodiversity
- Wednesday, February 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Presenter: Barbara Pape, EdM, Senior Director, Learner Variability Project, Digital Promise, and co-founder of The IEP Project
- Register
- Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available.
How can we incorporate research-based concepts into supporting our students with learning differences? We begin with defining terms such as learner variability, whole child, and universal design for learning (UDL). Barbara Pape, EdM, will discuss how these terms can be applied to create strength-based teaching and learning for students.
The Neurodiversity Speaker Series is presented by a consortium of Silicon Valley-based nonprofits including The Parent Venture, Children's Health Council, Compass High School, REEL2e, and The RILEY Project, with major funding from the Educating All Learners Alliance (EALA).
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Mental Health Workshops for Parents/Guardians
Parents/guardians of teens and preteens: Jewish Family and Children's Services presents a special series of mental health-focused workshops in the new year, each one focusing on a different topic:
- Wednesday, January 24: Parenting teens with ADHD
- Thursday, February 22: Drug Use - what it might mean for your teen
- Wednesday, March 13: Supporting your Teen with Body Image Resilience
These interactive sessions will be facilitated by experts in their fields who will provide foundational knowledge, share insights, and offer parents a chance to share experiences and ask questions.
Learn more.
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Citizens Environmental Council Announces 7th Annual Student Film Fest
Students in grades 4-12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County are invited to submit a short film about the environmental topic of their choice by March 17.
Winning entries will be screened and cash prizes will be awarded at the 7th annual Citizens Environmental Council (CEC) Student Film Fest on April 24.
This year the Film Fest will be featuring an expanded filmmaking experience for youths in grades 4-8 who want to develop filmmaking skills and make videos with social impact. Join us on Saturday, February 3, 1-4 p.m. at The Nueva School’s San Mateo campus for The Bay Area Social Impact Filmmaking Conference (formerly known as the CEC Film Fest Workshop).
Learn more about the Film Fest: burlingamefilmfest.com.
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We are Hiring
Check out the following notices of vacancies at our school sites, District Office and Transportation Department. Applicants need to register for an EdJoin account and apply online. View all current openings: www.smuhsd.org/careers
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District Social Worker - Serving Multilingual Learners
Under the general supervision of the Manager of Multilingual Learner (ML) Programs, the District Social Worker (for ML) provides a wide range of support services to students, families, and schools to promote student engagement, including counseling, crisis support, consultation, case management, and related duties. Because this position serves multilingual families, a candidate who is bilingual and literate in Spanish is preferred.
Learn more and apply by January 24 on EdJoin.
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Office Assistant I
Instructional Assistant I – English Language Development (ELD)
- This is a grant-funded position for Spring Semester only
- Part-time, 32.5 hours per week
- Location: Capuchino High School
- Apply by January 25
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Instructional Assistant I – English Language Development (ELD)
- This is a grant-funded position for Spring Semester only
- Part-time, 12.5 hours per week
- Location: Hillsdale High School
- Apply by January 25
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Student Nutrition Jobs
Contact Denis Vorrises at 650-558-2479 or dvorisses@smuhsd.org if you are interested in applying or want more information or apply on EdJoin today.
Highlights
- Work five hours a day, Monday-Friday
- Summers off and paid holidays
- Health benefit opportunities
- Starting pay is $24.17
- Employees with minimal experience in food services may be trained on all duties to be assigned.
Need more flexibility? We also have substitute student cafeteria opportunities.
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Transportation Jobs
Please also check out the following openings in our Transportation Department:
School Bus Driver
Special Education Van Driver
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Substitute Positions
Visit www.smuhsd.org/substitute for more information about substitute teaching.
Substitute Classified (Non Teaching) Positions
Need a Flexible Work Arrangement? Try Substituting with Us!
Learn more about the following substitute opportunities and apply online on Edjoin today!
To see a complete list of current vacancies - permanent and substitute, visit www.smuhsd.org/careers.
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