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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: December 14, 2023 | |
Spotlight on Student Learning | |
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October 26 Board Spotlight on Staffing
The SMUHSD Board approved a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Audit during the 2022-23 school year. The District hired DG Coaching and Consulting to facilitate the audit consisting of document review, differentiated student and staff surveys, and four focus group interviews of classified staff, certificated staff, management, and new hires. The total numbers of employees and students who participated were 841 and 489 respectively, for a total of 1,330.
There were many findings from the employee and student feedback. Much of it was positive in that the District has made noted progress through initiatives designed to transform the culture and become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. These efforts along with many financial assistant programs and facility improvements has provided more accessibility both in physical access and programmatic opportunities.
The District has demonstrated a commitment to embrace the unique backgrounds of its employees and students to cultivate a sense of belonging and respect. The goals of the efforts in this area include the enhancement of creativity and innovation through expanded collaboration and open mindedness.
Read the board memo to learn more.
View the slide deck that was presented at the October 26 board meeting.
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SMUHSD Parents/Guardians: Your Opinion Matters
Deadline to take the Panorama Survey is this Friday, December 1
The Panorama Survey is issued to parents and guardians, students and staff of the San Mateo Union High School District every year. Each of these groups is given a survey unique to their group.
The District is issuing this survey, because we want to know what each of these groups think about their experience in our schools. We want to know your thoughts and opinions on:
- School culture and climate
- Communications from the District/school to you
- Opportunities for engagement with your school community
It is important that we hear from a variety of diverse individuals. Your responses help to guide our planning for future academic and enrichment programs and help us to address areas where our programs need improvement. The results also help us to support successful initiatives and evaluate and improve those that are not as successful.
The parent/guardian survey takes about 14 minutes to complete, and can be accessed by visiting: www.smuhsd.org/panorama
You can take the survey in Spanish - simply select “Spanish” from the drop down menu at the top of the first page of the survey.
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Help Advise SMUHSD on Services for Multilingual Learners
Next meeting is tomorrow - November 28
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.
- TOMORROW - November 28, 2023
- 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 for more information.
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Upcoming Concerts Across the District
Aragon Music
- December 1: Choir and Orchestra Concert Night
- December 8: Band Concert
- December 15: Jazz Concert
Burlingame Music
- December 1: Burlingame Holiday Celebration
- December 6: 100th Annual Winter Concert
- December 9: Stanford Jazz Workshop Fall Jazz Festival
Capuchino Music
- December 14-15: Winter Concert
Hillsdale Music
- December 8-9: Winter Concert Series
- December 9: Stanford Jazz Workshop Fall Jazz Festival
- January 26: Double Exposure Jazz Concert
- February 15: Choral Pops Concert with participating Middle Schools (San Mateo Performing Arts Center)
- February 16 Instrumental Pops Concert
Mills Music
San Mateo Music
- December 5: Instrumental Concert featuring Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Marching Band
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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.
The first meeting on December 6 will be with Superintendent Randall Booker and the Special Education department where we share our vision in supporting students.
All of these events will take place at the District Office, located at 650 N. Delaware Street in San Mateo.
Wednesday, December 6 , 6 - 7:30 p.m. | RSVP
6 - 6:30 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Superintendent Randall Booker
6:30 - 7 p.m.: How do we support students with IEPs in our District
7 - 7:30 p.m.: Networking and Questions
Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | RSVP
6 - 6:30 p.m.: Family Networking
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: District Vocational Team Shares Transition Process and Community Resources
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | RSVP
Mentoring and Supporting our Incoming Parents
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, 6 - 7:30 p.m. | RSVP
End of the Year Celebration
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School Psychologist Week
National School Psychologist Week took place November 6 - 10 and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team of school psychologists who support student’s ability to learn and teacher’s ability to teach.
Thank you:
- Erin Canter, Aragon
- Jihye Jung, Aragon and Burlingame
- Susie Hidayat, Burlingame
- Celine Lovelace, Capuchino
- Zach Wood, Hillsdale
- Jennifer Beasley, Hillsdale
- Laura Hansen, Mills
- Charlette Martin, Mills
- TyAnn Foster, Peninsula and District Office
- Christi Hadley, San Mateo
- Joselyn Badra, San Mateo
School Psychologists provide:
- Academic and behavior interventions
- Mental health supports
- Evaluation, assessment and data analysis
- Consultation with educators and families
- Culturally responsive services
- Crisis prevention and response
School Psychologists support:
- Struggling and diverse learners
- Academic achievement
- Positive behavior and mental health
- Safe and supportive learning environments
- School-family-community partnerships
- School-wide data-based decision making
School Psychologists Help Children Thrive:
- In School
- At Home
- In Life
Learn more about the critical role school psychologists play in the life of a student on the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) website: www.nasponline.org
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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 501c, 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 recent years, the association hosted numerous events via Zoom including the Unity in the Community series of parent, student, and community engagement opportunities. The group also hosted webinars related to success in college, financial literacy, coding and more. This group is perhaps best known for its annual Baccalaureate which traditionally takes place in June to celebrate our graduates and award scholarships to students.
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 attached 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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Save the Date: Pride Prom 2024 is February 23
Celebrate the 2nd Annual Pride Prom, an inclusive, safe, welcoming, night to remember for 9th-12th grade students who attend high school in San Mateo County. This FREE event will celebrate and uplift LGBTQIA+ young people and advocate for the sustained and continued efforts in our County to build places where youth are seen and supported in environments free from hate and discrimination.
Details
When: Friday, February 23, 2024 from 6:30-10 p.m.
Where: College of San Mateo, College Center (1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402)
Who: Current San Mateo County high school students (9th-12th graders) may attend.
Learn more: https://www.smuhsd.org/prideprom
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Aragon Students Compete and Place in Singing Competition | |
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Aragon Director of Choirs and Orchestras John Chen accompanied students Mia Weinberger, Alessandra Hernandez, Gwen Johnson, Katie Yue, Owen Browne and Tatupu Vaili at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition in early November.
Owen and Tatupu both placed in the upper high school boys category! They were competing alongside singers from Sacramento to the South Bay who train at conservatories and music schools!
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Two Hillsdale Students Appointed City of San Mateo Youth Commissioners | |
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Congratulations to Hillsdale High School students Thomas Jelniker and Serene Li - they were recently sworn in as the City of San Mateo's first ever Parks and Recreation Youth Commissioners!
(Thomas and Serene are pictured with San Mateo City Council and guests)
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Burlingame High Teacher Named University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award
Burlingame High School English Teacher Tim Larkin was recently selected as a University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award recipient!
Students accepted into the University of Chicago Class of 2027 were asked to nominate an educator whose guidance has helped them along the path toward intellectual growth. An Outstanding Educator shapes young minds in meaningful ways—thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom.
Tim will be recognized at a virtual event on November 29 featuring University of Chicago's Dean of Admissions Jim Nondorf.
More information about the awards can be found on the University of Chicago's website.
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San Mateo Adult School's Marina Kravtsova Helps Sequoia Adult School Launch Student Ambassador Program
Shout out to San Mateo Adult and Career Education’s (SMACE) Marina Kravtsova - she was instrumental in helping Sequoia District Adult School (SAS) launch their own Student Ambassador Program this Fall. Marina has been an English Learner Specialist and Student Ambassador Program Coordinator at the school since August 2016. She is also a former ESL student - and was one of the school’s first student ambassadors.
Marina has been presenting and writing about the program for three years for various associations and at adult education conferences. She was recently asked by ACCEL San Mateo County, the local adult education consortium, to help Sequoia District Adult School start a similar program. Marina met with the school’s director Tatiana Roganova and staff to share her expertise; she attended their meetings and met with potential student ambassadors at the school to give them an idea of what the program is like.
Marina has also spread the word about the SMACE student ambassador program with colleagues in Berkeley, Oakland, Salinas and San Joaquin Adult Schools.
San Mateo Adult and Career Education staff is proud to share their expertise and continues to be well known for its excellent engagement levels with its immigrant students.
Learn more about the Student Ambassador Program at San Mateo Adult and Career Education.
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Family Education Webinars | |
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Webinars for Parents and Guardians
How to Talk with Your Child About Gender and Sexuality
- Wednesday, November 29, 2023, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Anthony Ross, AMFT, Family Therapist and Health Educator
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Register
- Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
How can we build safe and accepting communities for LGBTQ+ youth? In this event, Anthony Ross, AMFT, psychotherapist and health educator, will suggest ways to talk with your kids about gender and sexuality. Whether your child identifies as LGBTQIA+ or you would like to educate yourself about gender and sexual identity, this conversation is for you!
This free presentation is sponsored by the Redwood City School District and Sequoia Healthcare District, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
My Body to Love: Dee’s Story (Short Film + Panel Discussion)
- Thursday, November 30, 2023, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
- Preeti Mankar Deb, Filmmaker; Natasha Singh, Sexual Literacy Educator
- Register
- Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
In MY BODY TO LOVE, Emmy award-winning filmmaker Preeti Mankar Deb presents a series of short documentary films that profile young, diverse Californians coming into their sexuality. Deb will be joined by Dee and Natasha Singh, sexual literacy educator.
This free presentation is sponsored by Sequoia Union High School District, Sequoia Healthcare District, and The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MA, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture (The Parent Education Series), at cmargot@parentventure.org.
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Community News, Events and Volunteer Opportunities | |
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Sustainable San Mateo County Seeks Award Nominations
Sustainable San Mateo County (SSMC) is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Sustainability Awards, which honor those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices.
Applications must be received by November 30. SSMC will celebrate the awardees at its 25th Annual Awards Celebration on April 10, 2024.
SSMC is seeking nominations for a Youth Sustainability Award for the first time this year to honor young people who contribute to sustainability in the county. Award nominations may be made in five categories: individuals, nonprofits, businesses, educational institutions and government agencies. Application forms and criteria for the awards are available on SSMC’s website at https://bit.ly/SSMCnominate.
For more information about Sustainable San Mateo County, visit https://sustainablesanmateo.org or email info@sustainablesanmateo.org.
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Student Volunteer Opportunities from Jewish Family and Children's Services
All volunteer and leadership opportunities offered by Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS) are open to all students - you don't have to be Jewish to participate!
Hanukkah Helpers: Spreading the Light
- Sunday, December 10
- 3:30 – 5 p.m. (San Mateo)
- Register
Embody the Jewish adage “a little light dispels a lot of darkness” by making Hanukkah candles and soothing bath balms for families in the JFCS Dream Program. Be part of helping mothers and children who have experienced domestic violence safely, freely, and peacefully celebrate the Jewish festival of lights.
Questions? Email meravb@jfcs.org
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Registration Now Open for the 2023-24 cohort of Peer Mental Health Advocates!
Do you wish you knew more about teen mental health, and some of the common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges? Do you want to make a difference in helping to improve the wellbeing of fellow teens in your community?
As a Peer Mental Health Advocate, you will:
- Become trained and certified in Teen Mental Health First Aid—a 3-session course that addresses common mental health challenges and provides teens with an action plan to help their peers.
- Co-host two online events for teens—using your new peer-to-peer support skills.
- Advocate for mental health-related issues in our State Legislature—build skills to effectively communicate and present ideas, views and opinions to others—culminating with an advocacy day event in Sacramento.
Learn more.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
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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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Utility Worker-Weekend Position
Instructional Assistant I – English Language Development (ELD)
School Plant Operations Employee
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AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Tutor
Student Nutrition Services Assistant
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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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