|
San Mateo Union High School District
650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94401
650-558-2299 | www.smuhsd.org
10 Schools | 6 Cities | 1 District
| | Thursday, June 12 Board Meeting and Public Meeting | | |
Mills High School Celebrates Completion of Site Improvement Projects
Mills High School celebrated the completion of school site improvement projects at a May 9 ribbon cutting ceremony! The event included the Mills Spirit Squad and music by the Mills Jazz Band, led by Music Director Dave Gregoric.
Superintendent Randall Booker, SMUSHD Board Vice President Teri Chavez and Trustee Ligia Andrade-Zuniga were in attendance along with former SMUHSD Board Trustees Peter Hanley and Marc Friedman. Speakers included Principal Pam Duszynski, Board Vice President Teri Chavez, Citizens Oversight Committee Chair Simon Mazzola, MHS 12th grader Kalyssa Chu, and Millbrae Mayor Anders Fung.
The District wishes to express its gratitude to the voters and taxpayers who supported Measure L - a $385 million general obligation bond which funds capital facilities projects across the District. Measure L was approved by voters in 2020. Ribbon-cutting events are meaningful milestones to celebrate the completion of bond construction. They serve as a way to show the community how we are spending their tax dollars in service to generations of students.
Stay tuned for information about ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the gymnasiums at Burlingame and San Mateo High Schools in August.
| Burlingame High Release Promotional Video | |
Discover what makes Burlingame High shine in “Burlingame at a Glance"—a short video (available in English and Spanish) showcasing the school's strong academic programs, vibrant visual and performing arts, competitive athletics, and the spirited community that ties it all together.
Learn more about Bay Academy, which provides students with disabilities, with the skills and experiences necessary for greater independence and success beyond high school. At Burlingame High every student is challenged to find a passion and reach their full potential!
| Summer Work Program Kicks Off 5th Year | |
On June 4, SMUHSD students and recent graduates attended a one-day employment preparation boot camp to learn workplace readiness skills, participate in job exploration, and advance their self-advocacy skills, as part of the 2025 Summer Work Experience Can Work Program.
During the boot camp, students heard from SMUHSD Vocational Specialists / Job Coaches Matthew Park and Cammy Leung; Transition Specialist Eli Poblitz; and NovaWorks Young Adult Program Career Advisors Abe Menor and Athena Gazay. School Counseling Intern Nicole Ho was also on hand to offer support.
The summer program, in its fifth year, is a partnership between the San Mateo Union High School District’s Transition Programs, the California Department of Rehabilitation and NovaWorks Young Adult Program.
This Summer the program will be supporting 17 SMUHSD graduates and two rising 12th graders - students who have previously received special education services from SMUHSD. The funding from the program is provided by the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that the Department of Rehabilitation manages.
Participants will be matched to SMUHSD employer partners along the peninsula for a work-based learning opportunity for the summer that will run June-August. Students will have the opportunity to work full-time and earn $17.95 per hour.
Thank you to the following employers for partnering with us this Summer to give our students and graduates an opportunity to get meaningful work experience that will set them up for success as they choose their career paths:
Learn more about SMUHSD’s Transition Programs.
For more information about modeling this program in your School District or learning about being an employer with this program in the Summer of 2026, contact Matthew Park at mpark@smuhsd.org or Eli Poblitz at epoblitz@smuhsd.org.
| |
Board Approves Ban on Sale of Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles on all Campuses
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
| | |
Student Work Permits Over Summer Break
Students: If you need a work permit over the Summer, please visit the SMUHSD website to find out who at your school will be available to assist: www.smuhsd.org/work-permits
| | |
Class of 2025 College Support
College, Career, Financial Aid Advisors, Career Coordinators, & School Counselors are just a call/text away!
For support over the summer connecting with your intended college/program, the SMUHSD Summer College Support Line is available to assist with things like:
- Rerouting Final Transcripts
- Connecting with college counselors
- Registering for classes
- Submitting community college applications
- Understanding Financial Aid/FAFSA/CADAA
- Transferring your 504/IEP plan
- College transition support
- Applying for programs
- Other Job-related needs
- Certificate Programs Research support
- And anything else that pops up as you get ready for your next steps!
The Summer College Support line is open June 9-July 11:
| | |
Summer Wellness Support
As we head into summer break, we recognize that the shift away from daily routines can bring new challenges for some students. SMUHSD remains committed to supporting equitable access to mental health care for all students and families.
Limited Wellness support will be available from June 5 through July 10, Monday–Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
-
For non-urgent support, students can complete a Google Form to request an appointment with a Wellness Counselor.
- For urgent needs or immediate safety concerns, please call 911 or visit the SMUHSD Mental Health Resources page for additional support services available in the community.
In addition, Care Solace is 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. Students and their families can access Care Solace services by contacting the Wellness team or:
- Call (888) 515-0595 to speak with someone from your Concierge team (Representatives are standing by to take your call or email 24/7)
| | |
Summer Construction Impacts
Several school campuses will be closed to the public at various times throughout the summer due to ongoing construction projects.
Visit the District website for more detailed information.
| |
Summer Food Resources
During the school year, all SMUHSD students are able to access breakfast and lunch daily at school, free of charge. During the Summer, we also provide breakfast and lunch to students enrolled in our Summer School programs. For families of students NOT enrolled in Summer School, we want to make sure that you are aware of other free food resources they can access during the Summer.
USDA Summer Meals Site Finder
Visit the U.S Department of Agriculture Summer Meals Site Finder and type “San Mateo County” in the search field.
California Department of Education Summer Food Service Program Finder
Visit the CDE's Summer Meal Programs page to find a list of San Mateo County sites.
These programs are not affiliated with SMUHSD, so we recommend reaching out directly to the contact information in each program’s listing for more information about eligibility and how to participate.
| |
Athletic Clearance Now Open for 2025-2026 School Year
SMUSHD students: Are you planning to participate in athletics during the summer/fall of 2025 or the winter/spring of 2026?
Athletic clearance is now open for the 2025-2026 school year! Please visit the SMUHSD Athletic Clearance website for more information about what is required to obtain medical clearance for athletics.
All athletes must be cleared through SportsNet prior to participating:
| | |
June Proclamations
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation
At the May 22 meeting, the board approved the LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Proclamation. June has historically become a symbolic month in America in which LGBTQIA+ persons and allies come together in various celebrations of pride to support the community’s right to live their lives out proud. Many school districts across the United States, including SMUHSD, recognize and celebrate June as Pride Month.
SMUHSD has a diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community along with SMUHSD allies. The San Mateo Union High School District is committed to supporting dignity, equity, and visibility for all people in the community.
Read the proclamation, available in English and Spanish: www.smuhsd.org/proclamations
| |
Juneteenth Proclamation
The board also approved the Juneeenth proclamation at the May 22 meeting. On Juneteenth (June 19), we remember our extraordinary capacity to heal, to hope, and to emerge from our worst moments as a stronger, freer, and more just Nation. It is also a day to celebrate the power and resilience of Black Americans, who have endured generations of oppression in the ongoing journey toward equal justice, equal dignity, equal rights, and equal opportunity in America.
We recognize that while we as a District we have made progress, we must continue to make advancements in fully actualizing the ideals reflected in our Equity Mission to: “continually disrupt and eliminate institutional biases and barriers to ensure that all students have the skills and knowledge to thrive physically, emotionally and academically” and in our Equity Vision where: “All students will learn in a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that validates, respects and honors their unique backgrounds, interests and identities.”
Read the proclamation, available in English and Spanish: www.smuhsd.org/proclamations
| | |
Burlingame High Student Presents at International Conference
Burlingame High student Bryan Zhan is presenting at the International Conference on Electro/Information Technology (ICEIT) in Indiana this week. His presentation, "A Neural Network Model of Wildfire Spread for Arbitrary Topography, Fuel Load Distribution, and Wind Field" was inspired by the Eaton Fires. Bryan has worked on developing an AI system to predict how wildfires may spread.
This conference brings together a vibrant community of researchers, educators, industry professionals, and students who are at the forefront of innovation in the fields of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology.
Learn more: https://www.eit-conference.org/
| | |
Aragon Student Honored By Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action
Aragon High student Emily Ma was recognized by Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) as their Member of the Month in June.
SVYCA empowers youth leaders to tackle the challenges of the future, with teams and individuals gaining recognition for their climate and community impact.
Check out the post on SCYCA's LinkedIn page.
| | |
San Mateo High School Student Published Scientific Research
Congratulations to Trisha Sabadra, a valedictorian at San Mateo High School and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She published her scientific research on applying quantum machine learning to power systems in the IEEE journal and presented her findings at the 2024 IEEE Big Data Conference in Washington, D.C. She also published her research on quantum cryptography in the Columbia Journal of Undergraduate Mathematics.
She is a USA Computing Olympiad Platinum contestant, and ranks in the top 5% globally. At the Competitive Programming Initiative (CPI), she led global outreach efforts to expand access to computer science education. Trisha played water polo all four years of high school, earned the Scholar-Athlete Award, and will continue as a Division III athlete while studying Computer Science at Caltech this fall.
| | |
Burlingame High Service Commission Wins Sustainability Challenge
Congratulations to the Burlingame High School's Service Commission, including students Samantha Hollrah, Ren Tsunehara and Katie Jarrett with advisor Bethany Li, for being recognized as the top campaign in the SEI’s Energize Schools 2025 Earth Day Challenge. The prize was $1,000 which will go towards continuing sustainability efforts at BHS.
The Service Commission’s winning campaign included informational posters, a BTV news segment, and a Clean Commute Spirit Day!
| | |
Aragon Students Place Third in Bioengineering Competition
Team develops ML-powered asthma tool inspired by a teammate’s resilience
| | |
Aragon High School students Luke Novak, Evan Westheimer, Joshua Fu, Sou Matsumoto, and Miles Rokala earned third place in Medical Engineering at the prestigious UC Berkeley Bioengineering High School Competition (BioEHSC) in April. Hosted by the university’s Bioengineering Honor Society, the competition challenges high school teams nationwide to identify a real-world problem in medicine or biology and propose an innovative bioengineering solution—all within seven weeks.
Motivated by their teammate Sou Matsumoto, a standout cross country runner who excels despite his asthma, the students are developing AsthmaML, a free, machine-learning-based tool designed to help asthmatics predict potential asthma attacks throughout the day.
Working under the mentorship of UC Berkeley bioengineering student Basil Chirayil, the team is building a predictive model using Gaussian Naive Bayes classification. The algorithm analyzes personal health metrics (like sleep quality and lung strength) and environmental data (such as air quality index, temperature, and humidity) to estimate the probability of an asthma exacerbation. In a time when the cost of asthma treatments like rescue inhalers and corticosteroids is high, the team’s tool aims to provide an accessible, data-driven solution to help users manage their condition.
“We wanted to create something that could have a real impact for people like our friend Sou,” said team member Evan Westheimer.
Competing against 38 teams, the Aragon students were honored with third place in the Medical Engineering category, a testament to their creativity, collaboration, and technical skill.
Physics and AP Chemistry Teacher and Biotechnology Club Advisor Kevin Doyle served as the team’s coach.
The team will also be presenting their project/research at a medical devices/apps conference in Huntington Beach in June.
Photo 1: From left to right: Evan Westheimer, Joshua Fu, Luke Novak and Miles Rokala (Sou Matsumoto not pictured) with UC Berkeley Bioengineering Honor Society Officers.
Photo 2: From left to right: Sou Matsumoto, Miles Rokala, Joshua Fu, Evan Westheimer, and Luke Novak.
| | |
The below Parent Venture webinar is free to attend and offers simultaneous Spanish interpretation.
A Parents' Guide to E-Bike Safety for Youth
Schools are facing increasing challenges in addressing e-bike safety, as more students rely on e-bikes for their commute, but often lack the knowledge or skills to ride safely.
The webinar will equip families with essential information about e-bike classifications, current California and local e-bike laws, safety gear and security, proper e-bike maintenance, helmet use, and the dangers of tampering with or modifying e-bikes.
The goal is to create a safer environment for youth e-bike riders and support schools and communities struggling to address this rapidly evolving transportation trend. Empowered parents can reinforce safe riding habits at home and advocate for safer streets and school policies.
-----------------------------
Check out the Parent Venture's video library of recently recorded webinars:
| | Community News and Opportunities | | |
Call for Student Artists: Community Mural Project
Calling all high school students and college age young adults (ages 14–24) living in San Mateo County —come be part of a collaborative mural project that brings art and community together!
The Center of Creativity (CfC) is excited to share a summer opportunity that supports youth engagement in the arts in San Mateo County. CfC is organizing a community mural project and is seeking San Mateo County youth aged 14 - 24 to participate.
The first design workshop will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2-5 p.m. and painting begins Tuesday, July 29 through Friday, August 8.
Participants will work to design and paint a wrap-around mural inside the Eureka Gallery at the CfC in downtown Redwood City.
Space is limited - sign up today!
| | |
allcove San Mateo Upcoming Events and Resources
allcove San Mateo's events are held at their drop in center, located at 2600 S. El Camino, Suite 300, San Mateo. allcove recognizes the importance of resources from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. allcove team members can provide services in English and Spanish.
Save the dates for these Summer events at allcove:
Movie Night
Fridays: June 27, July 11, July 25, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Painting at the Cove
Wednesdays: June 11, July 9, 4 - 5 p.m.
Origami Workshop
- Thursday, June 12, 4 - 5 p.m.
- Learn the traditional Japanese craft of paper folding through creating intricate and beautiful origami designs. Materials will be provided.
Summer Bash
- Friday, June 13, 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Kick off the start of summer with tie-dye shirt making, therapy dogs, food, photo booth, and more!
Self Compassion Workshop
- Monday, June 16, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
- Explore the power of self-compassion and learn practical tools to foster a kind and understanding relationship with yourselves. Through guided exercises and mindfulness practices, uncover what it means to show ourselves the same care and encouragement we offer to others.
Sonny Angel Keychain Making Workshop
- Wednesday, June 25, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
- All supplies are provided, including authentic Sonny Angels straight from the official site. Personalize and decorate your selected figurine to take home! Supplies are limited; please RSVP to secure your spot.
Open House
- Monday, June 30, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- Come tour the space, learn more about what allcove offers, and meet the team! This event is open to youth and the community.
Education and Employment Support for Students
allcove San Mateo is now offering Supported Education and Employment (SEE) advising. The service provides the following:
- Career exploration: one-on-one help to find you a career based on strengths and interests
- Job skills development: Learn the tools, techniques, and knowledge you need to do a specific job
- Soft skills development: Improve how you work with people and respond to situations
- Job search and application support
- Post-secondary education/college advising
- Financial education and literacy
Students can call 650-226-7030 to make an appointment with a peer specialist!
| |
Students: Develop Your Emotional Skills and Coping Strategies
NAMI San Mateo County will be hosting its next Blues Teen Group! This six-week virtual program, for youths aged 11-18 who reside anywhere in California, is designed to teach students how to develop emotional skills and daily coping strategies.
When: Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where: Virtual on Zoom
NAMI San Mateo County is currently accepting applications for the June 21 group:
For any questions, email events@namisanmateo.org.
| | |
CalKids: Free Money for College
The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) was launched in 2022 by the State of California with a clear mission: to help jump start college savings for children statewide by awarding scholarship accounts to youth across the state.
Administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, CalKIDS takes the initiative by automatically offering children born in California AND eligible public school students in California a CalKIDS Scholarship Account, along with other potential financial incentives.
Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/calkids
| | |
June 21: San Mateo County Community Resource Fair
Join San Mateo County for a Community Resource Fair on Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn about all the initiatives, programs, and resources available to county residents. The Resource Fair will be held at 500 County Center in Redwood City. There will be food, performances and music - making for a fun-filled day!
| | |
Save the Date: Arts and Culture Fest is September 28
Mark your calendars for September 28, 2025, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. for the second annual September Arts and Culture Festival in downtown San Mateo! The San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture and the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce will provide a day of local music, performances, artists, food, children's activities, and fun.
Learn more.
| | |
We are Hiring
Check out notices of vacancies at our school sites, District Office and Transportation Department: www.smuhsd.org/careers.
Applicants need to register for an EdJoin account and apply online.
| | |
Utility Worker
Instructional Assistant I
- Part-time, 27.5 hours per week
- Location: San Mateo High School
- Apply by June 9
Clinical Services Supervisor
Career Coordinator
| | |
Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
- Temporary, three month assignment, 30 hours per week
- Location: Districtwide
- Apply by June 30
Substitute Teacher for Adult School
- On-call as needed, $43/hour
- Location: San Mateo Adult and Career Education
- Apply by June 30
Instructional Assistant II - Special Education
| | |
We have an Immediate Need for Substitute School Plant Operations Employees and Substitute Utility Workers!
SMUHSD has an immediate need for substitute School Plant Operations Employees and substitute Utility Workers! Subbing with SMUHSD is a great way to get your foot in the door and find out about full-time positions!
Substitute School Plant Operations Employees (SPOE) earn $32.82 per hour and average about 80 hours a month. Apply now: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/1918642
Substitute Weekend Utility Workers earn $32.82 per hour and average about 20-30 hours a month. Apply now: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/1994379
| | |
Student Nutrition Jobs
Contact Denis Vorrises at 650-558-2479 or dvorisses@smuhsd.org if you are interested in applying or want more information.
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 cafeteria opportunities.
| | |
Transportation Jobs
School Bus Driver
| | |
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.
| | San Mateo Union High School District | | | | | |
