I hope this message finds you well. September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we, as a District, want to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for the success and well-being of our students.

When students attend school regularly, they are provided with the opportunity to excel academically and thrive on their educational journey. Consistent attendance enables students to fully engage with their lessons, interact with their peers, and benefit from the valuable resources and support our schools provide. We want every student to feel emotionally and physically safe at school, connected to their teachers and fellow students, and supported in their personal and educational growth.

Thank you for your support in ensuring that your student arrives at school on time and attends daily. Your commitment to their education is invaluable, and it plays a significant role in their overall development and future success.

As we continue through the academic year, let us all work together to prioritize attendance and provide our students with the best possible educational experience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding attendance or any other aspect of your student's education, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Toni Presta

Superintendent

@superintendent_tonipresta

This weekend, September 23-24, Pacifica will hold their biggest event of their year, Fog Fest! Once again, JUHSD is excited to host a booth at this festive event. We'll be on hand to share enrollment information with new students and their families, along with employment opportunities, general information about our high schools, upcoming District events, and more! Swing by booth 243 on the corner of Palmetto and Paloma Avenues, say hi, and spin the prize wheel to win some JUHSD swag. Don't miss the annual parade down Palmetto Avenue that kicks off the event starting at 10:00 am on Saturday. For additional information on this year's Pacific Coast Fog Fest, click here.

Photo: Leadership students from JUHSD schools work the District booth at the 2022 Fog Fest.

In the coming days, students will notice signage and banners displayed prominently at their school sites. These signs will feature two QR codes that will enable students to access the STOPit system conveniently:

1. QR Code for App Download: By scanning this QR code, students can easily download the STOPit app onto their smartphones. This app will serve as a user-friendly platform for reporting concerns.

2. QR Code for Real-Time Reporting: The second QR code will allow students to report concerns in real-time. This feature will ensure that feedback reaches us promptly, enabling a swift response to issues.

We believe that STOPit will provide an additional layer of safety and support within our district. Please take some time to explore this reporting system further by checking out this YouTube video. As always, all are encouraged to share student safety concerns with the school's site administration team.

During this event, JUHSD's Board Clerk Rosie Tejada will serve as a member of the panel with Nicole Anderson as moderator. To register (optional) for this event, click here.

A 2019 graduate of Terra Nova High School, and recent graduate of San Diego State University, Henry is ready for a commitment of service where he will share his skills of urban agriculture with those living in highly populated urbanized areas. JUHSD wishes Henry nothing but the best as he explores the world around him through this worthwhile program.

To read more about Henry's epic adventure, check out this article from the Pacifica Tribune. Click here to learn more about the Peace Corps program in Senegal.

Photo credit: Anna Hoch-Kenney, Pacifica Tribune

Every year from September 15 to October 15, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America as part of Hispanic Heritage and Latino Heritage Month.

This is a time to honor the many Hispanic and Latino Americans who have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S. Their contributions are immeasurable and they have left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy. Learn more about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

September is National Preparedness Month! Schools play an important role in planning and responding to emergencies. Key to readiness is understanding, promoting, and implementing The Big Five emergency preparedness protocols. Let’s raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters that could happen at any time. Learn more about The Big Five at https://bit.ly/38yHgS3.