
Superintendent Community Update

Superintendent's Message
Dear JUHSD Community,
At a time when many school districts around us are facing difficult decisions, including school closures and layoffs, I want to assure you that JUHSD is not in the same place. Our district is in a healthy position, making thoughtful and strategic fiscal decisions in order to maintain vibrant learning communities at all of our schools.
Many of our neighboring school districts are funded per pupil through the LCFF (Local Control Funding formula), so when enrollment decreases, their funding follows. JUHSD, however, is Community Funded, meaning that we receive revenue based upon our property taxes. While we are the lowest funded high school district in our county, and must keep a watchful eye on spending, our funding is more stable than districts funded per pupil.
We recognize the value that each campus brings to our students, families and community, and are not contemplating any school closures or layoffs. Each of our campuses offers an enriching experience, providing students with rigorous academics, extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive learning environment and we remain focused on ensuring that every JUHSD student receives this well-rounded, high-quality education.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. As always, my door is open, should you have any questions or thoughts.
Warm Regards,
Toni Presta
JUHSD Superintendent
@superintendent_tonipresta
Walking, Biking, and Riding the Bus - Safety Reminders
As the days grow longer and the weather improves, more students will be walking, biking, and taking the bus to and from school. We encourage families to remind their children about personal safety and the importance of staying aware of their surroundings at all times.
Here are some key safety reminders:
Walking & Biking: Stay on sidewalks when available, use designated crosswalks, be mindful of traffic signals, and those around you. If you ever feel unsafe or an emergency has occurred, call 911 or notify a school administrator upon arrival.
Riding the Bus: If you experience any issues while riding, notify the bus driver immediately. For additional support, you can contact SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287 or email customerservicesupport@samtrans.com. In an emergency, call 911.
Let’s work together to ensure a safe and smooth journey for all students. Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe!
Librarian Position Update
Each year, we evaluate student enrollment, current staff, site staffing allocations, and fiscal impact to make decisions for the coming year with students' best interests in mind. Last year, we decided to reassign site librarians to classroom positions and employ a district librarian to collaborate with full-time library technicians at each site. The savings from these reassignments allowed us to provide a much-needed raise for all district staff.
Additional benefits from this change include:
- Increased streamlined coordination of resources and programs
- Districtwide consistency of library practices, policies, and standards
- Efficiency in purchasing books and digital resources
Please be assured that student access to library services will be available.
Message from JUHSD Food Service Department
Jefferson Union High School District today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to
students under the [National School Lunch / School Breakfast Programs] for the 2024– 2025 school year. All students will be served lunch and breakfast at no charge at the following sites:
Oceana High School, Terra Nova High School, Westmoor High School, Jefferson High School, and Thornton High School.
To view Income Eligibility Guidelines please visit
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/rs/
For additional information please contact: JUHSD, Food Services Department, Food Director Danielle Sweeters, 123 Edgemont Drive Bldg. A, Daly City CA 94015, 650-550-7900, dsweeters@jeffersonunion.net.
Changes to JUHSD Graduation Requirements - We want your feedback!
JUHSD Community,
We value your voice! The Jefferson Union High School District is considering important updates to graduation requirements and academic recognition, beginning with the Class of 2027 and Class of 2031.
What’s Being Proposed?
Graduation Requirement Changes (Class of 2031):
A new Personal Finance course requirement (AB 2927)
Coursework in both Visual & Performing Arts (10 credits) and World Language (10 credits)
An increase in total credits from 225 to 230
For more information, click on the links below
Jefferson, Terra Nova, and Westmoor (English, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese)
Oceana - Email from Oceana coming soon
Academic Recognition Changes (Class of 2027):
For more information, click on the links below
Elimination of Class Ranking from transcripts
(English, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese)
Introduction of a Latin Honors System (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude)
(English, Spanish, Tagalog, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese)
We want your feedback!
Please take a moment to share your thoughts by completing this FEEDBACK FORM
You’re also invited to attend an Informational Night. Please RSVP HERE if you are interested in attending the Informational Night
📍 In-Person: Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: JUHSD District Office – 123 Edgemont Drive, Daly City
💻 Virtual Option: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 6:45–7:15 PM
Join via Google Meet: Video call link
Or dial: +1 240-560-3871 PIN: 769 278 360#
More phone numbers: Meet dial-in info
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.
Youth & Students/Seniors (65+): $10 (Youth/Students must show valid student ID upon entry)
General Admission: $20
Tickets available at bit.ly/islandfiesta2025
Westmoor High School
Digital Arts students were provided a tour of SF MOMA, the guide-led tour highlighted selections from Open Ended, Paul Klee, When the World Is Watching, Count Me In, Unity through Skateboarding, and SECA.
Web Development students gained real-world experience while exploring careers in design and technology at Bridgegood Inspire.
Oceana High School
Oceana Culinary students had a work-site tour of Dandelion Chocolate. Students experienced a walk through the historic brick 16th Street factory with an expert Chocolate Educator. They were able to view the entire production line, and enjoy plenty of samples, from fresh cacao pulp to finished chocolate. Students learned about the history of chocolate, as well as Dandelions' sourcing and production processes.
Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our incredible OHS Seniors as they present their Senior Exhibitions! This year-long research project is a cornerstone of the Senior Humanities curriculum and a graduation requirement at Oceana.
From selecting their topics at the end of junior year to months of research, writing, and preparation, our seniors have put in tremendous effort to reach this moment. Today is all about showcasing their knowledge, passion, and growth. Congratulations, Class of 2025!
We are thrilled to announce that OHS student Gabby May has been awarded Best of Show at the JUHSD Student Artist Exhibit! 🎉 Their incredible talent, creativity, and dedication to the arts truly shine through in their winning piece. This achievement is a testament to the amazing artistic talent within our school and district.
Terra Nova High School
Terra Nova's Food Fair
At Terra Nova’s last food fair, the Asian Club sold out their popular BBQ chicken combo lunch in minutes, showcasing the community’s love for Asian cuisine. Proceeds from the booth will support outreach initiatives, including providing flip-flops to students in the Philippines and personal hygiene products to the Pacifica Resource Center. Funds will also support the club’s weekly events that celebrate different cultures, bringing students together through food, fun, and camaraderie. Ms. Gutierrez from the Science Dept is the advisor of Asian Club.
TN Leadership is hosted a lunchtime March Madness Tournament for students all week long! The event brought plenty of excitement, with students competing, cheering, and enjoying some friendly competition.
Jefferson High School
Engineering students were visited by Rivian, an electrical car company. Students learned about electric vehicles and building for the future of economic and health outcomes that benefit everyone on the planet.
Health Science students gained real-world experience while visiting American Medical Response (AMR) and learned about exciting careers in the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) field.
Adult Education
Sewing Class
Join our new Sewing Class and learn all the sewing basics to create useful projects! This class is perfect for beginners and anyone eager to enhance their sewing skills.
Spring Semester 2025: Session 2 - March 20, 2025 to May 15, 2025
- In-Person Class: Thursdays only
- Time: 6:00-9:00 pm
- Location: Room 516, Main Building, Westmoor High School
- Instructor: Terri Cabarle
- Cost: $95.00 [ payable at first day of class by cash or check ]
- Register Here
Legislative Brunch
This past Saturday, JUHSD Board Members Rosie Tejada, Andy Lie, and Jerome Gallegos attended the annual Legislative Brunch, where they joined Congressman Sam Liccardo, Senator Josh Becker, and Assemblymember Marc Berman.
Thank you to our dedicated leaders for your commitment to policies that support student success. Your work helps our students learn, grow, and thrive!
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
FAFSA Deadline - April 2nd
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/
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
Saturday, March 29, 10 AM–12:30 PM
Additional Student Opportunities
- SMC Crop Report Art Contest Deadline March 28
Tobacco Education Coalition Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Public Service Announcement (PSA) Contest Apply by Monday, March 31, 11:59 p.m. Read PSA contest guidelines. Access flyers.
- Art Competition - Congressman Kevin Mullin Deadline 4/6
- OCAP Kids’ Art Contest Deadline April 9th
- JETAANC Scholarship (Graduating Seniors) New! Due April 13 by 5:00 p.m. Learn more.
Pacific Ocean Guardians Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Youth Fellowship (Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Youth) Apply by Friday, April 18 Learn more
- 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
- All it Takes Social Emotional Learning Resources
Family Resources
- All it Takes Social Emotional Learning Resources
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
Science Instructional Leaders Community of Practice - Beginning March 25, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Learn more.
Women’s View Art Exhibit Through Sunday, March 30 Learn more.
Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness: Critical Information and Prevention Resources
March 31, 10:00 to 11:15 a.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