
Superintendent Community Update

Superintendent's Message
Dear Community,
I am incredibly proud of the remarkable strides we are making together in service of our commitment to sustainability. The creation of the Jefferson Union Sustainability Committee (JUSC) in Winter 2024 marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to prioritize environmental responsibility within our schools and district. This committee is a testament to the power of student leadership and community collaboration.
The JUSC grew out of the dedicated work of the Student Eco Alliance, a network of green teams across the district. Their passion and determination led to the successful petitioning of our school board to adopt Board Policy 3510 — Green Schools Operations. This forward-thinking policy, which was unanimously passed in Spring 2024, places sustainability at the core of our operations, with a special focus on student involvement.
The mission of the JUSC is to create a climate-resilient community by reducing our energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, and incorporating environmentally friendly practices across our schools. This is a student-driven initiative that empowers our youth to take an active role in shaping and evaluating green initiatives. Together with the support of our dedicated staff, families, and community partners, we are making significant progress toward a greener and more sustainable future.
The work of the JUSC, in partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education and the County Sustainability Department, is not just about setting goals—it’s about ensuring sustainability is woven into the fabric of our daily operations and decision-making. I am deeply inspired by the efforts of our students, staff, and community partners, and I look forward to the continued success of our collective efforts to build a more sustainable future for everyone in the district.
I am proud of our work so far and thank our community for the dedication to making JUHSD a leader in sustainability.
Warm regards,
Toni Presta
Superintendent
@superintendent_tonipresta
Jefferson Union Sustainability Committee
Meal Accommodations during Ramadan
On behalf of schools with students fasting for Ramadan, the California Department of Education (CDE) has approved Jefferson Union High School District for a Ramadan Meal Waiver. This waiver allows schools to send a breakfast and a lunch home with students, in attendance, that are fasting. Non-fasting students will receive school breakfast and lunch, as usual, that are to be consumed at school.
Students who are fasting during Ramadan will have the option to receive a take home lunch for the day of service, and a breakfast for the following day beginning Friday, February 28-Friday until April 4, 2025. Please visit the school cafeteria during normal hours and request a takeaway lunch and breakfast.
Each meal is served according to state and federal school breakfast/lunch requirements.
JUHSD Summer School 2025
Information for the District's 2025 Summer School Program is here!
We are proud to announce a number of learning pathways to support your students and their learning experiences here at JUHSD. To learn more about course offerings and the summer school registration process, please take a look here (Spanish Version, and Tagalog Version). The location is at Westmoor High School, and the first day of summer school is June 4, 2025.
Parents and Guardians, please note that:
Students who are in need of meeting graduation requirements will be identified by the school counselors, and they will communicate with both students and you about enrolling into the summer school.
Students can also complete the summer school registration process at Westmoor front office with the drop-in counseling during June 2 - June 6, 2025 from 8:30am to 1:30pm.
Students who are interested in taking the acceleration/enrichment courses (Math course 3, Spanish 1, and a CTE class) will need to submit an application through this link.
Immigration and Student Safety - Updated
JUHSD is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive space where every child can learn and grow. We uphold the rights and dignity of all students, regardless of immigration status or background.
- Printable Red Cards (available in multiple languages)
- Frequently Asked Questions on Student Records and Immigration (English/Spanish/Tagalog)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the SMC Rapid Response Hotline
- Know Your Rights (English/Spanish/Chinese)
- Daly City Youth Health Center Individual and Family Services - Fridays: 10 am - 1 pm
- Immigration and Student Safety Community Letter
Immigrant Legal Resource: Family Preparedness Plan
Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan in case of an emergency. It is critical for immigrant families to think ahead and set more concrete plans for immigration emergencies that can arise. See the Immigrant Legal Resource Center's Family Preparedness Plan.
Click on Image(s) to Access in Spanish and Tagalog
OYE Latinx Youth Conference
Jefferson Union School District is cordially invited to join Canada College as strategic partners by bringing JUHSD students and parents to participate in the 13th Annual OYE Latinx Youth Conference on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at Cañada College. Last year, more than 500 youth and parents participated, exploring ideas and engaging in meaningful conversations about culture, identity, community challenges, and future possibilities. The conference included interactive workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, resource and networking sessions.
JUHSD Celebrates CTE Month!
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an important part of any student’s education. CTE programs offer students the opportunity to explore various career options and pursue the classes and experiences they need to succeed in the career of their choice. In turn, students who enroll in CTE programs are more engaged and graduate high school at higher rates.
Learn more about our CTE programs by reading the Winter CTE newsletter, highlighting student field trips, guest speaker, and future programs.
Jefferson High School
Jefferson High School's Digital Arts Field Trip
Westmoor High School
Terra Nova High School
Upcoming Terra Nova Band Event - Don't Miss out!
March 1st, 12-4 pm All City Music and Art Festival
Oceana High School
Oceana's Mock Trial Team
Oceana's court artists, Aubrey DePriest and Adelina Lim, won first and second place in the Court Artist competition, so they are able to attend the state mock trial competition in March. Our court journalist, Sarah Ghazzawi, won second place in the court journalist competition, so she is also able to attend the state competition in March. This is the second year in a row that all three students have won in the court artist and court journalist county competition were able to attend the state competition.
Adult Education
The University of San Francisco chapter of Street Law had the opportunity to collaborate with the Adult Education English Learners program to deliver an informative Know Your Rights presentation. This engaging session was held for both the AM and PM groups of learners, providing them with vital legal information in a clear and accessible manner. The presentation aimed to empower participants by explaining their legal rights in various situations, ensuring that they feel more confident and informed when navigating legal matters in their everyday lives. Street Law’s volunteers worked diligently to tailor the presentation to the unique needs of the learners, making sure the content was both relevant and easy to understand. This event was an important step in fostering greater awareness and advocacy for the rights of English learners in the community.
FAFSA and CADAA Application Deadline has been extended to April 2, 2025
Great news: college financial aid applications are now being accepted! Apply today to maximize your financial aid opportunities and see if you qualify for free money to attend a California college, university, or vocational school – regardless of your documentation status. This year, students have through April 2nd to submit their applications. Even if you think you don’t qualify, many college scholarships require you to apply for financial aid. Learn more at www.smcoe.org/financialaid and https://www.csac.ca.gov/
Youth Voting Advisory Committee (YVAC)
What is the Youth Voting Advisory Committee?
The mission of the committee is to advise and to help spread election and voting information and to increase pre-registration, registration and voting among young voters.
The Youth Voting Advisory Committee also provides recommendations identifying and prioritizing activities, programs, and policies to ensure young voters have equal access to the ballot and understand how to register to vote.
The committee was formed in collaboration with Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Congressman Kevin Mullin and the Registration and Elections Division.
Committee members will be expected to attend virtual meetings online via Microsoft Teams every other month, except during election season when meetings will be held monthly. This is a volunteer committee. There is no stipend or reimbursement for participating on the committee.
Who can participate?
In order to be a Youth Voting Advisory Committee member, applicants must:
- Attend a high school in San Mateo County;
- Have an interest in or are familiar with contemporary issues affecting youth and engaging young people in community activities, politics, or government;
- Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
What is the timeline for the Youth Voting Advisory Committee?
- Online application is available at www.smcacre.gov.
- Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Daly City Colma Chamber of Commerce 2025 Scholarship
The deadline to apply for the Daly City/Colma Chamber of Commerce 2025 scholarship is quickly approaching on March 1, 2025! Graduating students living in the towns of Daly City, Broadmoor, or Colma have a chance to receive $750 - $1,000+ in scholarship money. Application available here.
Additional Student Opportunities
- SMCOE Golden Sneaker Contest Deadline February 28
- Escribo en Español Deadline February 28
- 2025 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest Deadline March 7
- Pre-Med Scholarship Deadline March 10
- 2025 San Mateo County Farm Bureau Scholarship Program Deadline March 14
Ruby Bridges Multimedia Contest Due March 15 Learn more.
- Burlingame CEC Film Festival Deadline March 23
- SMC Crop Report Art Contest Deadline March 28
- OCAP Kids’ Art Contest Deadline April 9th
Win Tickets to NHRA Sonoma Nationals - Register by July 23, 3:00 p.m. Learn more.
- Youth Unlimited (K-12 Students) Ongoing - SamTrans provides free bus travel for eligible students. Learn more.
- Take Space to Pause
Family Resources
Transition to Adulthood: Connections California | Transición a la Edad Adulta: Connections California
- ODE Parent Project Classes Begin March 4th Learn More (ENG) March 5th Spanish
- Silicon Valley Reads
- Preventing Underage Drinking
Public Health Resources Learn more.
San Mateo County Health Information
- SMC Mobile Clinic Schedule
- Health Coverage Enrollment Assistance for Low- to Mid-income Residents or San Mateo Medical Center Patients (in English and Spanish)
San Mateo County Health Vaccine Guidance (English | Spanish).
Mama's Unidas (Spanish Speaking) - DCYHC Mother's support Group. Learn More
Mama's United (English Speaking) - DCYHC Mother's support Group. Learn More
Connections California - Parents helping Parents. Learn More
Oral Health Resources - San Mateo County oral health resources for children and families. Learn More
Family Events
- Trampoline Party - March 2nd at 6 pm
- Chinatown Rising Film Screening - March 8th Learn More
- Noe Music “Carnival of the Animals - March 8th at 12 pm
- Pacifica 4-H Family Movie Night - March 14th 6:00 pm Learn More
Counted Out Film Screening - March 14, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn more.
Science Instructional Leaders Community of Practice - Beginning March 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Learn more.
- Noe Music “The Living Earth” - April 12th at 12 pm
Scan the QR code or @juhsd1 and use the hashtag #JUHSDProud to follow us on Instagram.
Email: communication@jeffersonunion.net
Website: www.juhsd.net
Location: 123 Edgemont Drive Building A, Daly City
Phone: 650-550-7900
JUHSD's Equity Statement
Jefferson Union High School District