Superintendent Community Update

Translation: Para ver este boletín en español: 1) ubique el ícono que ve a la derecha de este artículo ( la figura de palo en un círculo) ... está en la parte superior derecha de su pantalla. 2) Haga clic en la imagen. 3) seleccione "Traducir" en la parte superior derecha de su pantalla (computadora). 4) Seleccione Spanish/Español.​

Dear JUHSD Community,

I hope this message finds you well. September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we, as a District, want to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for the success and well-being of our students.

When students attend school regularly, they are provided with the opportunity to excel academically and thrive on their educational journey. Consistent attendance enables students to fully engage with their lessons, interact with their peers, and benefit from the valuable resources and support our schools provide. We want every student to feel emotionally and physically safe at school, connected to their teachers and fellow students, and supported in their personal and educational growth.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that your student arrives at school on time and attends daily. Your commitment to their education is invaluable, and it plays a significant role in their overall development and future success.

As we continue through the academic year, let us all work together to prioritize attendance and provide our students with the best possible educational experience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding attendance or any other aspect of your student's education, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Toni Presta

Superintendent

@superintendent_tonipresta

This weekend, September 23-24, Pacifica will hold their biggest event of their year, Fog Fest! Once again, JUHSD is excited to host a booth at this festive event. We'll be on hand to share enrollment information with new students and their families, along with employment opportunities, general information about our high schools, upcoming District events, and more! Swing by booth 243 on the corner of Palmetto and Paloma Avenues, say hi, and spin the prize wheel to win some JUHSD swag. Don't miss the annual parade down Palmetto Avenue that kicks off the event starting at 10:00 am on Saturday. For additional information on this year's Pacific Coast Fog Fest, click here.

Photo: Leadership students from JUHSD schools work the District booth at the 2022 Fog Fest.

JUHSD will host its annual High School Fair for all future students and their families this Thursday, September 28, 2023, in the District Office Galleria, 699 Serramonte Boulevard, Daly City, 6:30-8:00 pm. At this event, school leaders and representatives from the District's high schools will be in attendance to chat about the amazing programs taking place at their sites. To learn more about this event, along with upcoming Open House dates and Shadowing information, please click here or email communication@jeffersonunion.net.

In collaboration with the San Mateo County Office of Education, JUHSD is excited to be the first high school district in the county to launch a new anonymous reporting system called STOPit the week of October 2. STOPit is a schoolwide reporting system designed to empower students to anonymously share safety concerns, misconduct, or other issues.

In the coming days, students will notice signage and banners displayed prominently at their school sites. These signs will feature two QR codes that will enable students to access the STOPit system conveniently:

1. QR Code for App Download: By scanning this QR code, students can easily download the STOPit app onto their smartphones. This app will serve as a user-friendly platform for reporting concerns.

2. QR Code for Real-Time Reporting: The second QR code will allow students to report concerns in real-time. This feature will ensure that feedback reaches us promptly, enabling a swift response to issues.

We believe that STOPit will provide an additional layer of safety and support within our district. Please take some time to explore this reporting system further by checking out this YouTube video. As always, all are encouraged to share student safety concerns with the school's site administration team.

This past Monday, September 18, EdSurge Magazine, an online publication that features all things education, released a feature on the benefits of JUHSD's Educational Housing, featuring an interview with Westmoor High School Administrative Assistant to the Principal Shirley Cruz. The article, How a Parking Lot Became a Panacea for This School District's Housing Crisis, shares the District's approach to dealing with staff vacancies and educator attrition rates. Click here to read the full article.

Join the Pacifica Peace People organization as they host a presentation, A Community Dialog About The Impact of Racism, on Thursday, October 5, 7:00 pm, in the Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School Multipurpose Room, with doors opening at 6:30 pm.

During this event, JUHSD's Board Clerk Rosie Tejada will serve as a member of the panel with Nicole Anderson as moderator. To register (optional) for this event, click here.

It’s not too late! JUHSD is still looking for more teachers, staff, students, parents and guardians in the District community that are interested in serving on a short term Budget Committee.

• Purpose - to discuss the status of JUHSD finances and determine recommendations for the Board of Trustees
• Minimum Commitment - Four meetings via Zoom on Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 pm on the following dates: October 4, October 18, November 1, and November 15
• Optional Commitment - assist in preparing a report and presenting to the Board of Trustees, tentatively scheduled for the evening of January 16

There is no prior knowledge necessary to participate and all voices are valued. We hope you will consider participating by completing this form: JUHSD Budget Committee Interest Form. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Van Raaphorst, (650)550-7954.

Today, JUHSD Alum and Pacifica resident Henry Lie, son of Andrew and Page Lie, will embark on the journey of a lifetime as he heads to Senegal as a volunteer with the United States Peace Corps program.

A 2019 graduate of Terra Nova High School, and recent graduate of San Diego State University, Henry is ready for a commitment of service where he will share his skills of urban agriculture with those living in highly populated urbanized areas. JUHSD wishes Henry nothing but the best as he explores the world around him through this worthwhile program.

To read more about Henry's epic adventure, check out this article from the Pacifica Tribune. Click here to learn more about the Peace Corps program in Senegal.

Photo credit: Anna Hoch-Kenney, Pacifica Tribune

Join the Latino Leaders Coalition of the Bay Area (LLCBA), a new formed San Mateo County organization, as they host a series of speakers during four different evenings, TONIGHT, September 22, along with October 6 and 13, celebrating and showcasing the rich diversity of the Latino community with the goal of helping students turn their dreams into a reality. For additional registration and event information, please click here. Flyer in Spanish.

Every year from September 15 to October 15, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America as part of Hispanic Heritage and Latino Heritage Month.

This is a time to honor the many Hispanic and Latino Americans who have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S. Their contributions are immeasurable and they have left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy. Learn more about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Recognizing when people in our lives are struggling with emotional pain and helping them feel comfortable to talk about it, can help prevent mental health crises, including suicide. Learning the warning signs, knowing how to start a conversation, and knowing where to get professional help can make a powerful, life-changing difference.

Learn more about:

• Youth warning signs
• Risk & protective factors
• LGBTQI+ warning signs

For crisis support:

• Call the lifeline at 988 or text "HELP" to 741741 for free crisis counseling 24/7/365
• Call 9-1-1 and request a crisis-trained responder
• Go to your local emergency room
• Care Solace

September is National Preparedness Month! Schools play an important role in planning and responding to emergencies. Key to readiness is understanding, promoting, and implementing The Big Five emergency preparedness protocols. Let’s raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters that could happen at any time. Learn more about The Big Five at https://bit.ly/38yHgS3.

Raise your hand if your students could use help after-hours! JUHSD teachers and students have free access to PAPER’s professional tutors, 24/7! Log in by clicking HERE or check out paper.co for more information.

The San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture is hosting "Our Shared Stories," an art showcase that features talented local artists, aged 14-18, to express their cultural heritage and creativity through hangable artworks. This year, participants are encouraged to create works of art that explore themes related to cultural identity, diversity, heritage, and personal narrative. To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please click here. Deadline to apply is November 17.

As a district, we embrace inclusion, value diversity, and educate ourselves in order to confront and dismantle systemic inequities to bring about a more just society. JUHSD commits to engaging, educating, and empowering ALL students, with an intentional focus on those under-served, inadequately served, or disenfranchised by educational institutions and systems, eliminating disparities in educational outcomes.

Follow us on Instagram @juhsd1 and use the hashtag #juhsdproud

Email: communication@jeffersonunion.net
Website: www.juhsd.net
Location: 699 Serramonte Boulevard, Daly City, CA, Suite 100
Phone: (650) 550-7900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JUHSD1