
Superintendent Community Update

Superintendent's Message
Dear JUHSD Community,
I’m pleased to share a highlight from this week’s Board Meeting that truly reflects the heart and voice of our schools—our students. The Student Advisory Council delivered a thoughtful and impactful presentation on three important topics: Outreach and Opportunity, Wellness and Student Body Health, and New Student Integration (English Language Learners (ELLs) and newly enrolled students).
The Student Advisory Council is composed of dedicated student representatives from each of our five schools. These students meet regularly to discuss pressing issues, collaborate on ideas, and bring forward the perspectives of their peers. They serve as student trustees during board meetings, providing the Superintendent, Executive Cabinet, and School Board with valuable insights into student safety, wellness, and curriculum—directly from the student experience.
We will celebrate their commitment, their voices, and their vision for a more inclusive and supportive school community at 7pm on May 12th at the District Office. Their work not only informs our decisions—it inspires them. Thank you to each of our student trustees for their leadership, courage, and dedication to creating a space where all students can thrive.
Westmoor High School
Chloe Chou, Lauren Tam, Charlotte Tsang, Ryan Chou, and Adam Myat
Jefferson High School
Eden Magbilang, Evelyn Carias, Nathalia Alvarado, Fernanda Moreira, and Angela Chin
Terra Nova High School
Rafferty Perez, Summer Simpson, Alaia Aulachong, Hannah Rosoff, and Wyatt Ryan
Oceana High School
Violet Schueller, Dominic Presta, Eva Imperato, Avani Rajan, and Katlynn Nguyen
Thornton High School
Daniel Gervacio and Sofia Uribe
Warm Regards,
Toni Presta
JUHSD Superintendent
@superintendent_tonipresta
Mr. Zou - ASCA Region 5 Co-Administrator of the Year
Congratulations to WHS Principal Victor Zou for being named the ASCA Region 5 Co-Administrator of the Year!
His leadership, dedication, and unwavering support for students and staff continue to inspire the Westmoor school community every day. This recognition is well-deserved, and we couldn't be prouder to have him leading Westmoor High School.
Updates from the Graduation Committee
Farewell to the JHS Gym
A 1937 Jefferson High School time capsule has been uncovered and you’re invited to witness its reveal!
Join us for a Farewell to the JHS Gym
When: May 3rd
Time: Open House from 10AM–1PM
Where: Jefferson High School Gym
RSVP: https://forms.gle/NpFfZqebCT4DqRoo9
Be one of the first to see what’s inside this 87-year-old treasure. Let’s honor the past and celebrate the memories before the gym says goodbye. Special thanks to the incredible JHS Maintenance crew—Steve Hawkes, Giuseppe Sibillo, and Miguel Cardenas—for your hard work uncovering this piece of history.
Returning this summer, Monday through Friday, June 5 to July 12 (excluding June 19 and July 4), the District Food Services Department will serve a free meal to current JUHSD students, one meal per student, from the Westmoor High School Cafeteria, Edgemont Drive side of the campus, 10:30-11:00 am. For additional information, please contact District Director of Food Services Danielle Sweeters, (650) 550-7961.
Ideas for Celebrating Earth Day from the JUHSD Sustainability Committee
Jefferson Union High School District
Experiment in International Living
We’re thrilled to share that 12 outstanding students from across our district have been selected to participate in The Experiment in International Living this summer! Founded in 1932, this prestigious program is known for its mission to foster global understanding and peace through immersive, hands-on learning. Each year, students from around the world embark on life-changing journeys, living with host families, engaging in community service, and exploring new cultures through language and daily life. This incredible opportunity allows our students to grow as global citizens, develop leadership skills, and return home with a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. We can’t wait to hear their stories and see how their experiences abroad shape their futures!
Oceana
- Mia Palomino Serrano- France
- Darla Carrington- Italy
- Dominic Presta- Ecuador
Westmoor
- Alissandra Zavala- France
- Nataly Cuculista- France
- Katelyn Tan- France
- Yu Kai Zhu- South Korea
- Yafet Yohannes - Japan
Jefferson
- Zitong He- South Korea
- Julius Alferez- Ecuador
- Angela Chin- South Korea
- Natalie Mejia- Italy
Yesterday, staff from WHS, JHS, and OHS proudly represented our district at the SMCOE CTE Spring Advisory Board!
It was an inspiring day filled with collaboration between educators and industry leaders, all working together to support the future of Career & Technical Education.
Special shoutout to WHS student Kayla Wong for stealing the show with her incredible presentation! She wowed industry professionals with her original designs from the Fashion Pathway. We’re so proud of her creativity, confidence, and passion!
Westmoor High School
Westmoor's French Class is in the Oceana Kitchen
Westmoor's level 3 and 4 French class prepared chocolate soufflés last week in Oceana's Culinary room with Laurie Hughes. It was a huge success!
Terra Nova High School
Special Olympics at Terra Nova High School! Superintendent Presta joined in the joy, laughter, and sportsmanship on display throughout the event.
A HUGE thank you to all of the amazing Terra Nova and Adult Transition Program students and faculty who made the event possible. Your spirit and support truly make a difference!
Fun was had by all — and memories were made that will last a lifetime. Tiger Pride!
Spring Musical
Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of ABBA on stage. Get ready to sing, dance, and fall in love with Mamma Mia at Terra Nova High School!
Show Dates: April 25-27 and May 1-2
Where: Terra Nova HS Theater
Scan the QR code for tickets and more information!
Oceana High School
Jefferson High School
Link Crew is our Freshmen transition program that is meant to assist in making the jump from Middle School to High School. Link Crew takes current Jeff juniors and seniors, pairs them with small groups of Freshman during orientation so that they can go through a set of games/activities welcoming them to Jefferson. Link Leaders stay with their Freshman groups throughout the year checking in during advisory and outside events. Link Crew has worked with ASB to welcome Freshman by covering their cost to the Aloha dance and the first home football game so they are introduced to more of what Jeff has to offer. Link Crew also facilitates small lessons and games during Freshman advisory, providing contests and prizes every once in awhile to keep Freshman engaged in advisory. Link Leaders also assist with school events at the beginning of the year such as Back to School Night & 8th Grade open house where they helped guide parents and families through campus and assisting with language if any parent or family needed help interpreting English.
JUHSD Board Meeting Highlights - April 22, 2025
- JUHSD April 22, 2025 Board agenda
- Watch the recorded meeting through the JUHSD YouTube Channel
April 22 Board Meeting Highlights
- Adult Education Student of the Year - Maria Fernanda Giron Orellana
- 2024/25 Winter Sports Champions - See pictures below for details
- Westmoor High School
- Nurmuhammad Abdybekov
- Abdulazis Abdybekov
- Terra Nova High School
- Ava Mendoza
- Sophia Darer
- Oceana High School
- Angeline Galon
- Appointment of new administrators
- Austin Worden - Westmoor Vice Principal
- Christopher Jones - Director of Transportation
- Student Advisory Presentations
- Graduation Requirements and Academic awards Presentation
- Report from the Director of Maintenance and Operations
Additional Information and Upcoming Board meetings
The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Public open session begins at 7:00 pm (unless otherwise noted) on the JUHSD YouTube channel and in person at the New District Office, 123 Edgemont Drive, Daly City.
In Memoriam
JUHSD has a longstanding tradition of honoring members of our beloved community who have passed. In order to ensure that we are informed, we ask that you follow a new process. If you would like a community member's passing to be acknowledged at a Board meeting, please complete the form and submit it by the Wednesday prior to that Board meeting.
Adult Education Student of the Year - Maria Fernanda Giron Orellana
Superintendent Presta and the JUHSD Board congratulate Maria Fernanda Giron Orellana as the Adult Education Student of the Year. Maria's hard work and dedication shines through in everything she does. Way to go Maria!
2024/25 Winter Sports Champions
The Board of Trustees is proud to recognize the following athletes for their outstanding athletic achievement during the the 2024/25 winter season. JUHSD would like to extend its appreciation to all the coaches and families for their guidance and support of these athletes. They exemplify what it means to be a stellar athlete, Way to go — all of you make JUHSD proud!
- Westmoor High School
- Nurmuhammad Abdybekov
- Abdulazis Abdybekov
- Terra Nova High School
- Ava Mendoza
- Sophia Darer
- Oceana High School
- Angeline Galon
JUHSD is thrilled to welcome back Austin Worden as the newly appointed Vice Principal of Westmoor High School. Austin previously served the Jefferson Union High School District in the role of Vice Principal and in the role of Director of Communications and Staff Housing. Prior to joining the Jefferson Union High School District, Austin served in the Peace Corps and has worked in the field of education as a middle school teacher, a high school teacher and activities director, and as an assistant principal at the elementary and middle school levels.
JUHSD is excited to welcome Christopher Jones as the newly appointed Director of Transportation. Christopher brings over 38 years of experience in the transportation industry, having worked as a driver, dispatcher, route and schedule manager and certified trainer in both the public school and private sectors.
Additional Student Opportunities
Brisbane Summer Activity Guide https://www.brisbaneca.org/parksrec
Sustainable San Mateo County’s Youth Advisory Council (Young leaders ages 15-24) New! Applications due April 25 Apply Here. Obtenga más información y presente su solicitud en español aquí.
- San Mateo County Association of Grand Jurors Scholarship (Graduating Seniors, College Students) New! Application due Friday, April 25 Learn more
- New! 3rd Annual Youth for Climate Policy: Advocating for Environmental Justice - May 13, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Click Here to Register
Soy & Tofu Festival Youth Art Competition www.soyandtofufest.org/youth-art-contest Deadline: Wednesday, May 14
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
- All it Takes Social Emotional Learning Resources
Family Resources
Caltrain Climate Change Vulnerability Study Learn more
- No-Cost Green Energy Home Assessment
- All it Takes Social Emotional Learning Resources
HIP Housing Information - April English & Spanish
Transition to Adulthood: Connections California | Transición a la Edad Adulta: Connections California
- 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
Be Wildfire Safe & Ready April 26, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more.
New! 3rd Annual Youth for Climate Policy: Advocating for Environmental Justice
May 13, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Click Here to RegisterInPlay Activity Guide Learn more.
Brisbane Summer Activity Guide https://www.brisbaneca.org/parksrec
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