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,

As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible growth, learning, and achievements of our students. This has been a year of resilience, creativity, and connection across all our schools.

The past few weeks have been filled with award ceremonies, Spring musicals, concerts, athletic finals, and so many other celebrations that highlight the many talents of our students. These events remind us of the power of community and the importance of recognizing hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Next week, we turn our focus to graduation—a profound milestone marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As we celebrate the Class of 2025, we honor not just their academic accomplishments, but their journey of growth into thoughtful, capable, and compassionate young adults.

While this year has brought moments of uncertainty in the world around us, I want to pause and recognize all that is good—especially here in JUHSD. Our youth are a source of hope and inspiration. They represent the future, and I am confident that they are leaving our schools prepared to lead, to think critically, to solve complex problems, and to engage with the world as informed global citizens.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, families, and community members for supporting our students every step of the way. Together, we have created a learning environment that empowers our youth to thrive and make a difference.

Warm Regards,

Toni Presta

JUHSD Superintendent

@superintendent_tonipresta

On May 13, 2025, Superintendent Presta and the JUHSD Board of Trustees had the honor of celebrating the incredible staff retiring at the end of the 2024–25 school year.

We are so grateful for the years of dedication, passion, and service each retiree has given to our students, schools, and community.

Adult Education

• Priscilla Aguilera- Assessment Tech (pictured)
• Carolyn Sobel - Workability

Adult Transition Program

• Maria Joji Villaseca - Paraprofessional

Bus Garage

• Lorraine Morton-Feazell - Van Driver

Oceana High School

• Adam Weiss - OHS - Librarian

Terra Nova High School

• Carla Hensley - Vice Principal (Pictured)
• Annette Kesterson - Librarian

Westmoor High School

• Annette Asciutto - Attendance Clerk
• Jorge Castelo - Grounds Maintenance
• Maria Eichenseher- Paraprofessional

Congratulations to Clinical Therapist/School Psychologist Danielle Cravalho on receiving an Award of Appreciation from the San Mateo County SELPA and its Community Advisory Committee (CAC). This well-deserved recognition highlights your dedication, compassion, and exceptional service to students with disabilities. We are proud to celebrate your leadership and commitment during the Inaugural SELPA and CAC Appreciation event.

We are looking for a diverse group of stakeholders, including staff, students, parents and guardians, to join the JUHSD Cell Phone Policy Committee. Please review this letter for full details which include the google form to indicate your interest. We are looking forward to working with you!

Returning this summer, Monday through Friday, June 4 to July 11 (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, Breakfast 9:50-10:05 am and Lunch 11:30- Noon. For additional information, please contact District Director of Food Services Danielle Sweeters, (650) 550-7961.

Thornton High School, Seniors kicked off their final days with the Senior Breakfast. Students and staff came together to celebrate the journey and the memories made along the way. Next stop: Graduation!

JUHSD is proud of you, Class of 2025. The best is yet to come!

This week Oceana's 10th graders presented their Sophomore Exhibition Humanities Project!

Through deep research, critical thinking, and personal reflection, students explored meaningful social issues and presented their insights with confidence, clarity, and heart.

This project isn't just about academic growth — it's about using voice, developing perspective, and learning how to impact the world through thoughtful communication.

The Students Learning English STAR Committee extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made our SLE Awards Night so special. From the vibrant performances by the Fil-Am Club and Baile Folclórico to the thoughtful presentations and behind-the-scenes support, your contributions created a joyful and welcoming celebration. Special thanks to our staff, Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Fetherston, Ms. Llanda, Ms. Coronado, Mr. Galang, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Acuna Melendez, and Ms. Rubin, for the personalized touches—from quotes on bookmarks to setting up the space—and to those who came simply to cheer on our students. Most of all, thank you to our incredible students and their families—your pride and smiles made the night unforgettable.

On Tuesday, JHS honored Seniors for their achievements over the last four years. From scholarships to graduation cords and certificates, these students have worked hard and it shows — congratulations, Class of 2025!

We are so proud of our Class of 2025! This week, WHS celebrated the hard work, dedication, and achievements of their incredible seniors during the Senior Awards and Graduation Cord Ceremonies.

From academic excellence to leadership, community service, and pathway completion, these students have earned every honor and distinction. The cords they received represent their unique journeys and accomplishments throughout high school.

Let’s hear it for our Rams—future-ready and full of promise!

Shoutout to our amazing Stage Tech students and Ms. Karkazis at TNHS for presenting their Capstone portfolios! These talented students showcased the skills, creativity, and technical expertise they’ve developed over their high school careers—everything from lighting design and set construction to sound engineering and production management.

Their presentations reflected months of hard work and a deep understanding of what it takes to bring a stage production to life behind the scenes. We're so proud of their growth and can’t wait to see how they continue to shine in the world of technical theater and beyond!

• JUHSD May 12, 2025 and May 13, 2025 Board agenda
• Watch the recorded meeting through the JUHSD YouTube Channel

May 12 Board Meeting Highlights

• Recognition of the JUHSD 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council

May 13 Board Meeting Highlights

• Employee of the Year Recognition
• Jefferson Union Sustainability Committee Report
• SMCOE Green facilities Data Collection Report Recommendations
• Food Services Department Update
• Approval of 6146.1 HS Graduation Requirements
• Approval of BP 5121 Grades/Evaluation of Student Achievement
• Approval of BP 5127 Graduation and Ceremonies
• Approval of Tentative Agreement with AFT Local 1481
• Salary Schedule Revision for Unrepresented Employees
• Public Hearing and Action: JUHSD/Teamsters 856 Contract Negotiations Proposals for the 2025-2026 School Years

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.

• JUHSD Governance Calendar
  
• Board Agendas Online
  
• Meet Our Trustees

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.

Click on image for information in Spanish

• Brisbane Summer Activity Guide https://www.brisbaneca.org/parksrec

• Daly City Summer Guide - https://www.dalycity.org/350/Summer-Youth-Recreation-Program
• InPlay Activity Guide Ongoing Events Learn more. Find a marketing toolkit and flyers.

• California State Parks Week Poster Contest New!

  Submissions due May 9 | June 11-15 Learn more.

• Launch Institute Registration Closes May 23 | June 16-20 Learn more.

• HealWell Community Conversations May 29, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn more.

• Black Family Hangout June 8, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Learn more. Register here.

• Win Tickets to NHRA Sonoma Nationals - Register by July 23, 3:00 p.m. Learn more.

• Summer Interns and Big Lift Summer Learning Facilitators

• 2025 Bay Area Summer Academy

• 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
• Managing Content on Social Media - How to remove content

Click on image for information in Spanish

• Not Again! School Stability for Foster Youth May 19, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Learn more.

• Protecting and Advancing DEI Pro Bono Initiative (Nonprofit Organizations, Funders) Learn more.

• LEAD for Racial Justice: Pro Bono Legal Assistance (Nonprofit Organizations, Funders) Learn more.

• InPlay Activity Guide Ongoing Events Learn more. Find a marketing toolkit and flyers.

• Daly City Summer Guide - https://www.dalycity.org/350/Summer-Youth-Recreation-Program

• Caltrain Climate Change Vulnerability Study Learn more

• All it Takes Social Emotional Learning Resources

• San Mateo County Health Coverage Enrollment Assistance

• 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).

• Connections California - Parents helping Parents. Learn More

• Oral Health Resources - San Mateo County oral health resources for children and families. Learn More

• CyberTipline - Report child sexual exploitation

• Managing Content on Social Media - How to remove content

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.