Superintendent Community Update
July 27, 2022
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.
Superintendent's Message
Dear JUHSD Community,
As we near the first day of school, I would like to welcome you to the 2022-2023 academic year and remind you of our focus on Access, Opportunity, and Equity. We have been hard at work this summer participating in professional development and readying our schools. I hope you have had a wonderful summer vacation filled with family and friends and are as excited as we are to be back on campus!
This newsletter includes Back to School Orientation information, introductions of the newest site administrators joining our community of academic excellence, announcements from District Office departments, and highlights showcasing standout District moments that happened over summer vacation, including our staff workforce housing being featured in the SF Chronicle and Associated Press, a nationwide publication!
I encourage you to stay updated with all things JUHSD by visiting your student's school website, along with our District website at www.juhsd.net. Additionally, you may wish to follow the District on social media @juhsd1 (Instagram & Twitter) or me @superintendent_tonipresta (Instagram).
Please enjoy your remaining few weeks of vacation and I hope you return to school this August feeling rejuvenated and ready for the coming new year!
Warmly,
Toni Presta
Superintendent
When we're joined together, we are one. #JUHSDPROUD
Back to School Orientation Schedules
Board Meeting Highlights, July 19, 2022
Please view highlights from this past Tuesday’s Board Meeting by clicking HERE.
- JUHSD Students Standout This Summer -
Greetings from GrizzArts
In turn, Dragonfly Community Arts hired Bay Area Mural Program (BAMP), a nonprofit organization of mural artists dedicated to creating inspiring public art, to work with our JHS students. BAMP led several workshops with GrizzArts to collaboratively design a mural to pay homage to our city.
After approaching several potential mural sites, the team got an agreement from Daly City Mitsubishi and the owner of its building to host the amazing artwork, and execution of the “Greetings from Daly City” mural began in early June, with students assisting BAMP artists with the painting. The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer vacation, with a ribbon-cutting planned for after students return to school in August. Way to go, Grizzlies!
JHS & WHS Students Attend Future Grads Academy
During the last week in June, 23 students from Jefferson and Westmoor high schools attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula's Future Grads Academy held at Menlo College. During this worthwhile program, students:
- Learned about the value of a college education
- Reviewed the eligibility requirements for the various college systems
- Understood the different types of financial aid available
- Created academic plans that will help them reach their postsecondary goals
- Envisioned their futures with a college degree
JUHSD thanks the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula for providing our students with this opportunity. For more information on this program, please click HERE.
Photos from Esmeralda Ortiz, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula.
JUHSD staff housing in the news! Click on the photo to read the article.
- JUHSD Welcomes New Site Administrators -
John Harrigan, JHS Principal
Adam Kubey, JHS Vice Principal
Adam Kubey is a passionate educator with 16 years of teaching experience who has assumed increasing responsibilities during his tenure as an educator. Most recently he has served as a Social Science teacher at Jefferson High School and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the Jefferson High School community, students and staff.
Welcome to the Grizzlies Territory, VP Kubey!
Alyflor Navalta, JHS Vice Principal
Alyflor Navalta joins the District after 8 years of teaching mathematics in Southern California. During her tenure as a teacher, she has assumed a variety of leadership responsibilities including AVID Advisor, PBIS Committee Leader, and a WASC Focus Group Leader. She has a demonstrated commitment to serving all students, along with fostering relationships through equity. Welcome to Jefferson High School, VP Navalta!
Michal Nozik, OHS Vice Principal
Sterling He, WHS Vice Principal
Tina Yee, WHS Vice Principal
Victor Zou, WHS Vice Principal
Victor Zou joins the WHS Admin Team after most recently working for Burton High School in San Francisco. He is a passionate educator who has worked as an English teacher, special education co-teacher, English learner teacher and program induction coach. During his tenure as a teacher, he has actively sought out leadership responsibilities. He is committed to ensuring all students have access and the appropriate supports so that they may thrive in school and in life beyond school. Please help us welcome VP Zou to Westmoor High!
- Messages from District Office Departments -
Wellness Services
Jefferson Union High School District partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of our staff. If you or a family member are looking for help with mental health or substance use, Care Solace can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs regardless of the circumstance.
Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential service provided by Jefferson Union High School District. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:
- Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language.
- Visit www.caresolace.com/juhsdfamilies and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
For additional wellness resources, including meal, housing, clothing, and employment assistance, please visit our District's Wellness Department page.
PAPER returns this year!
JUHSD's Commitment to Equity
The Jefferson Union High School District uses our educational systems to right current and historical inequities by examining and understanding how our decision-making reinforces or interrupts injustice.
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.
The JUHSD Board of Trustees and Superintendent's equity statement was drafted with input from a Districtwide equity committee.
Attention ALL SENIORS!
Also, this assembly bill requires the school district, county office of education, or charter school to exempt a student or the student's legal guardian from completing a form if the local educational agency determines the student is unable to complete the form, and prohibits a student's ability to graduation from being affected by a pupil's failure to fill out a form.
If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact Deputy Superintendent Kareen Baca at kbaca@jeffersonunion.net.
A Message from SamTrans
Effective August 7, 2022, SamTrans will implement changes to many of its school-oriented routes. These route changes are included in the final Reimagine SamTrans plan, an in-depth analysis of the bus system designed to improve service throughout the county. These upcoming changes will improve efficiency while maintaining service for many students who rely on SamTrans to get to school. To see a full list of these changes, please click HERE.