
Superintendent Community Update

Superintendent's Message
Dear Community,
I am excited to share two important updates with you this month that showcase the hard work and dedication of our exceptional staff. These efforts make a lasting impact on our district, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude.
Launch of New District and School Websites
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our newly designed district and school websites! This is an exciting development aimed at providing our community with a more streamlined, user-friendly experience for accessing vital information about our schools. The new websites are designed to be more visually engaging, easier to navigate, and filled with essential resources for both families and staff. One of the key features is the addition of a translation option in the lower right hand corner, allowing users to access content in Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, and Simplified Chinese. Please take a moment to visit our new website soon!
I would like to extend a special thank you to our Director of Communications, Denise Shreve, for her leadership in spearheading this project. Additionally, I want to recognize the efforts of the school webmasters, whose hard work has been invaluable in bringing these sites to life. Michael Simon at Westmoor, Alyssa Ravenswood at Oceana, Gilvin Paniza at Jefferson, Michela Christensen at Terra Nova, Dennie Marenco at Thornton, and Twyla Eva at Adult Education.
Their collective effort, along with the guidance of Denise Shreve, has resulted in websites that truly serve the needs of our district. We are incredibly grateful for their time, creativity, and commitment.
Successful Professional Development Day – March 12th
On March 12th, we held a successful District Wide Professional Development Day that provided our educators with a valuable opportunity to grow and enhance their skills. This day was not only about fostering professional growth, but it also highlighted our district’s commitment to the ongoing development of our staff. Teachers, administrators, and support staff participated in various workshops designed to strengthen teaching practices, deepen subject knowledge, and ensure that we continue to provide a high-quality education for all students.
Professional development is a key pillar of our educational philosophy. It empowers our staff to keep learning, adapting, and refining their practices for the benefit of our students. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by our staff during these sessions is a testament to their commitment to excellence. We are so fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated team, and we deeply appreciate all their efforts in making our schools better every day.
Thank you to our staff for their continued commitment to professional growth and educational excellence. Together, we are making a positive impact on the future of our students.
Warm regards,
Toni Presta
Superintendent
@superintendent_tonipresta
Thornton High School
Terra Nova High School
Photo Credit: Terra Nova Times
Oceana High School
Jefferson High School
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.
Paper’s March Mania 2025 is here!
A fun, competitive way for teachers and students to prepare for spring assessments. Let the games begin today! With prizes for teachers, students, and classrooms, plus teacher webinars to boost statewide test prep, this is an amazing opportunity to build excitement around learning and help your students succeed.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Challenge Begins: March 3rd
- Challenge Ends: April 4th
- Winners Announced: April 7th
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
Jefferson High School
Westmoor High School
Terra Nova High School
On March 5th, Terra Nova held its 10th Annual Career Fair, bringing together students and professionals for an inspiring day of career exploration! From industry experts to dedicated volunteers, this event provided invaluable opportunities for students to connect, learn, and plan for their futures.
A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences. Special appreciation goes to Diane Spasic, College and Career Center Coordinator, and the incredible TNHS counseling team for their dedication and hard work in organizing this impactful event. Your efforts make a difference in shaping our students' futures!
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/
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.
Dress giveaways are back for the 2025 Prom Season!
High School teens can now book an appointment to shop our boutique at 455 Market Street.
Boutique Dates and Appointment Times
• Sunday, March 16, 10 AM-12:30 PM
• Saturday, March 29, 10 AM–12:30 PM
Additional Student Opportunities
- 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
- JETAANC Scholarship (Graduating Seniors) New! Due March 28 by 5:00 p.m. Learn more.
- SMC Crop Report Art Contest Deadline March 28
- OCAP Kids’ Art Contest Deadline April 9th
- San Mateo County Association of Grand Jurors Scholarship (Graduating Seniors, College Students) New! Application due Friday, April 25 Learn more
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
Parent Project class start dates have been postponed from March 4th and 5th to March 18th (virtual English class), March 19th, (first virtual Spanish), March 20th, (second virtual Spanish class ,this class has been added!)
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
- 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