Dear Community,

Education has always been a powerful catalyst for change, and women have been at the forefront of driving that transformation. From classrooms to boardrooms, and from grassroots movements to global initiatives, women educators and leaders have shaped and inspired countless minds, fostering action and progress.

This National Women’s History Month, we honor and recognize the collective strength, resilience, and influence of the women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. These trailblazers continue to shape the minds and futures of every generation, pushing boundaries and challenging norms to create more inclusive environments for all.

In particular, I want to express my gratitude for the incredible women educators within JUHSD. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators is truly invaluable. I am thankful for the profound impact that they have on our students, and for the inspiration they provide each and every day.

This month, and especially on International Women’s Day, I reflect on how we can all contribute to advancing women’s rights and opportunities. Together, we have the power to challenge stereotypes, address discrimination, question biases, and celebrate the incredible achievements of women. By doing so, we can create a world that’s more inclusive, equitable, and supportive of every individual.

Let’s continue to stand together and take action that positively impacts women’s advancement, helping to bring us closer to achieving true gender equality for all.

Warm regards,

Toni Presta

Superintendent

@superintendent_tonipresta

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.

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

Paper Login

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.

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

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 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.

On Tuesday, our LGBTQIA+ youth and wellness counselors participated in The Youth Advocacy and Social Summit (YAASS) which aims to lead, inform, engage, and inspire all students in San Mateo County to be supportive of one another. YAASS specifically supports the work of LGBTQ+ middle and high school students and their allies to make all middle and high schools safer and more inclusive.

#yaassconference #loveislove

Wellness Staff Pictured (from L to R): Yvette Yambao, THS, Mika Sasaki, TNHS, Jeannette Herbert, OHS, Erika Hapa, JHS, and Sarah English, WHS

Terra Nova High School’s Napoleon Calimlim stands with Principal Ms. Megan Carey after being named the District’s Student of the Month for March! Superintendent Presta, the JUHSD Board, Terra Nova staff, and Napoleon’s family celebrate his many accomplishments. Congratulations, Napoleon!

Terra Nova Girl's Wrestling team is thriving thanks to the hard work and dedication of three standout athletes: Emily Darer, Sophia Darer, and Ava Mendoza. These three women not only excel in competition but also lead by example, both on and off the mat.

Emily Darer (Second Year Athlete)
A fierce lightweight at 100 lbs, Emily consistently competes during the offseason and often weighs in 5-8 lbs under her class. She’s earned notable tournament finishes, including 6th at RM Parks, 4th at Dusty, and 2nd at PAL. Her background in judo gives her an edge with speed and technique.

Sophia Darer (Third Year Athlete | Team Captain)
Sophia is a seasoned competitor and team leader. With tournament wins such as 1st at Dusty, PAL, and CCS, and a CIF Wrestling Championship qualification, she’s proven herself as one of the top wrestlers. Her leadership as captain inspires her teammates to elevate their performance.

Read more about Sophia and Emily Darer featured in the San Mateo Daily Journal.

Ava Mendoza (Third Year Athlete | Team Captain)
Ava shines with multiple tournament wins, including 1st at RM Parks, Dusty, and PAL. She’s also a CIF Championship qualifier and attends the inaugural Women’s Wrestling class at Skyline College. As team captain, Ava continues to push herself and her teammates to greater heights.

Together, these athletes represent the strength, skill, and determination that defines Terra Nova's wrestling program. We’re excited to watch their continued growth and success in the sport.

Terra Nova Journalism students had an amazing visit to the San Francisco Chronicle! They got an inside look at how the news is made and experienced the buzzing newsroom firsthand.

And guess what?! They ran into one of their favorite authors, Raina Telgemeier! A moment to remember as they got to chat with the incredible creator of Smile, Drama, and so many more beloved graphic novels!

This field trip was full of inspiration and unforgettable moments. Who knows... maybe the next big name in journalism or graphic novels will be one of our own!

Congratulations Jasmine Combes, a 10th grader at Westmoor High School, for her outstanding achievements in the Girls Cross Country Varsity Division. Jasmine earned the following titles:

* 13th place in the PAL Division with a time of 20:02.87
* 11th place in the CCS Division with a time of 19:51.43
* State Division qualifier, finishing 73rd out of 201 finishers with a time of 19:50.08
* All-League in both PAL and CCS.
* Jasmine is the second sophomore in Westmoor history to qualify and compete in the State finals.

JUHSD would like to extend its appreciation to her coach, Ron DiMaggio, for his guidance and support of Jasmine. A true role model to her peers, Jasmine exemplifies what it means to be a stellar athlete, both on the field and in the classroom. Way to go, Jasmine — you make JUHSD proud!

• JUHSD March 4, 2025 Board agenda
• Watch the recorded meeting through the JUHSD YouTube Channel

March 4th Board Meeting Highlights

• Terra Nova High School March Student of the Month - Napoleon Calimlim
• Fall Sports Recognition - Jasmine Combes, WHS - Girls Cross Country Varsity Division

Additional Information and Upcoming Board meetings

The next regularly scheduled Board Meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 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

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/

• 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
• 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

• 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

• 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!)

• San Mateo County Health Coverage Enrollment Assistance

• HIP Housing Information

• 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

• Daly City/Colma Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar

• 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