News You Can Use

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
This May, Mental Health America is helping people have more good days by meeting them where they are, supporting them as whole people, and understanding that “good” is subjective.

Let’s have more good days, together.

Find the resources you need to have #MoreGoodDaysTogether: https://mhanational.org/2026-mental-health-month-action-guide/

Learn more about the San Mateo Union High School District’s Mental Health and Wellness Program: 

www.smuhsd.org/KnowYourResources

Parent Venture Webinars
Check out The Parent Venture's upcoming free webinars, including:

Thursday, May 7, 5:30 p.m.

Raising Loving Siblings - Stop the Fighting and Help Your Kids Connect: 

Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m.

How to Navigate Life: New Science of Finding Your Way in School and Career

Can’t attend a live webinar?
Visit the Parent Venture free Video Library for access to 400+ video recordings, including 60+ webinars in Spanish.

Next Parent Connect In-Person Support Groups Sessions

Raising teens can be one of the most challenging jobs you may ever have. If your student is not attending school or is exhibiting difficult behaviors, we can help.

The San Mateo Union High School District has developed a Family Support Group with parents and primary caretakers in mind.

Learn about:

• Teens and Mental Health

• Impact of Technology on Adolescent Development

• Building Connections Through Effective Communication

• Parenting Styles & Dynamics

• Understanding Independence & Setting Expectations

Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to proactively resolve conflicts with your teens, improve their attendance, and enhance their well-being.

Sessions are offered in English and in Spanish. Parents/guardians can join the sessions at any date:

• Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.

  • English session location: San Mateo High School, BioTech Room

  • Spanish session location: San Mateo High School, MPR Building

Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/parent-connect

Community Opportunities for Students

Digital Student Arts Showcases

The San Mateo County Office of Education presents a series of digital arts showcases that serve to highlight the incredible talent and creativity of students in TK-12th grade across the county. 

These showcases will feature student work in all five art forms: dance, theater, music, visual arts, and media arts. This project celebrates and uplifts student voices, fosters artistic expression, and provides a platform where students can share their work with the broader community. Through these showcases, we aim to inspire future artists and ensure that the arts remain a vital part of every student's educational experience. 

Explore each of the five categories, which include submission requirements, judging criteria, important dates, and other information for each showcase.

Submissions open on the following dates:

• Music: Submissions closed.

• Art: Submissions closed.

• Dance: Submissions closed.

• Theater: Submissions closed.

• Film: opened April 13

Winners for Dance, Theatre, and Media Arts will be released at the end of May. 

CreatorsCircle’s CREATE Summer Fellowship

Apply by May 15

CREATE Summer Fellowship is a six-week online program that helps high school students build confidence, community, and clarity about their future pathways through interactive sessions, mentorship, and a “mini-internship” week with professionals in the sustainable finance, green building, and health sectors. 

In addition, fellows who successfully complete the program will be eligible to receive up to $2,000 in funding to complete a self-designed community impact project during the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Apply by May 15.

Serve on the California Youth Empowerment Commission

The California Youth Empowerment Commission provides a great opportunity to develop leadership skills, influence positive change, and help build a stronger, more vibrant community for all youth.

If you're between the ages of 14–25 years old, a California resident, and ready to serve a two-year term, apply to be a California Youth Empowerment Commissioner today!

The California Youth Empowerment Commission was created to ensure that young people have a direct advisory role in shaping policies that affect their lives. 

Youth Commissioners: 

• Advise the Governor, Legislature, and Superintendent of Public Instruction

• Develop policy recommendations and resolutions

• Elevate youth priorities across California

• Help bridge lived experience and state government decision-making 

This is not symbolic participation — this is meaningful civic leadership.

Learn more about requirements and eligibility.

Saturday, May 9: Move for Minds 5K 

The Health and Wellness Subcommittee of the San Mateo County Youth Commission invites you to attend its Move For Mind 5K at Seal Point Park in San Mateo on May 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Move 4 Mind is a free community 5K run/walk dedicated to promoting both mental and physical health—and raising awareness of how deeply connected they are.

Move 4 Mind brings together youth, families, and community members for an energizing and welcoming experience that goes beyond fitness. Participants will have access to county and community mental and physical health resources, interactive information tables, free snacks and drinks, and live entertainment.

The goal is to create a space that is uplifting, supportive, and informative—where people can move their bodies, connect with others, and learn about the resources available to support their well-being. While the event is youth-focused, all community members are welcome to attend.

Learn more and register for the May 9 5k: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SanMateo/SMCYCMove4Mind

Youth Poetry and Collage Project
The Center for Creativity is excited to offer a new FREE Poetry & Collage Project (https://www.rwccfc.org/poetry-collage-project) for San Mateo County middle and high school students. 

This unique program invites students to explore creative expression through both writing and visual art, guided by accomplished poets and artists. The program includes hands-on workshops, a public poetry reading, and a month-long exhibition of the students' work.

Program Details:

• Open to students in grades 6–12 (San Mateo County)

• Workshops: Saturday & Sunday, May 16–17 | 1–4 PM

• Location: Center for Creativity, 800 Main Street, Redwood City

• Poetry Reading: Wednesday, May 27 | Redwood City Main Library

• Exhibition: Student work on display throughout June at the CfC
  
  

Register for the Poetry and Collage Project.

Free Camp College Workshops

Join the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) on Wednesdays this summer and fall for the return of Camp College.

This seven-session virtual bootcamp for college applications is FREE and open to all high school counselors and students in the graduating class of 2027. 

Reserve your spot now for this informative series specifically curated to maximize each step of the application journey.

Dates:

All sessions are held on Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m.

• May 27: Building Your College List

• June 3: How College Application Decisions Are Made

• June 10: Avoiding Missed Opportunities On The Common App/UC App

• June 17: Getting Started On Your App: Essays & Activities 

• June 24: Personal Writing For The Common App And UC App 

• September 23: Ask The Experts Q&A Session

• September 30: Financial Aid

Registration is required for each participant.

Only one registration is required to access all sessions. Links to recordings will be sent to all participants, so please register even if you’re not able to attend live.

Monday, May 11: Black Educators End of Year Celebration

Join Black educators across San Mateo County for an end-of-year gathering hosted by the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) and the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE). Unplug, celebrate, connect, and cultivate community.

Highlights

• Network with fellow Black Educators and enjoy soulful food and good music!

• Get an update on the next year opportunities!

• Hear about The Black Student Leadership Conference from our students.

• Highlight your success and best practice,.

• Acknowledgment of anniversaries and retirements

RSVP by May 6: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/black-educators-gathering-end-of-year-gathering  

Questions? Email info@bachac.org or call 650 204-1611 for more information.

Sunday, June 7: Black Family Hangout for San Mateo County Middle and High School Families

The Black Youth Advisory Board of San Mateo County, in partnership with BACHAC, invites you to attend the Black Family Hangout on Sunday, June 7, 3 - 6 p.m. The location is TBD, and more information will be posted closer to the event date. 

Students: Get Support in Achieving your Goals, Career, Finances and More

allcove San Mateo will be hosting FREE new year planning sessions between now and the end of the year. Youth can get 1:1 support with goals related to school, career, finances, personal habits, or any other life areas during these personalized sessions. 

Stop by Monday - Friday, 1 - 7 p.m. to meet with allcove Education and Employment Specialist Diego! 

Students: call in advance to make the appointment or drop in to get set up with this session: 650-226-7030

Get help with:

• School & Career Goals – majors, trade programs, or jobs

• Money Moves – budgeting, saving, or planning for big goals

• Mindset Reset – study skills, motivation, and stress management

• Habit Building – productivity and time-management routines

This service is offered in English and Spanish!

See the flyer for details: English  |   Spanish

Save the Date! Job Fair for Community Members is on May 12

Community members are invited to attend a job fair on May 12 hosted by San Mateo Adult and Career Education (SMACE) and NovaWorks!

Details: 

• Tuesday, May 12, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

• SMACE, 789 E. Poplar Avenue, San Mateo

Register

• Job Seekers

• Employers

We are Now Hiring Coaches for All Sports and Seasons! 

SMUHSD is seeking motivated and enthusiastic Sports Coaches to support student-athletes and promote a positive, inclusive athletic environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in coaching and supervising student-athletes

• Promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and skill development

• Ensure student safety during practices and activities

Qualifications:

• Experience in coaching or working with youth preferred

• Strong communication and leadership skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff and students

Sports: Football, Basketball, Water Polo, Soccer, Lacrosse, Tennis, Wrestling

Check out the complete list of SMUHSD coach openings on EdJoin.

Food Resources in San Mateo County

The San Mateo Union High School District wishes to ensure that our community members have access to healthy meals. Core Service Agencies provide safety net services to San Mateo County residents in need of food, emergency housing assistance, emergency utility assistance, shelter and other basic needs. 

Learn more by visiting the San Mateo County website. 

Second Harvest also offers information on how to find free, nutritious food near you. 

Undocumented and Mixed Status Students in California: You have options when it comes to your college dreams!

To CA undocumented students, there’s a pathway to your college dreams. The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) gives you access to state financial aid to cover your tuition and college costs. Information shared about you and your family is protected and only used to determine your eligibility. 

Submitting the CADAA helps get you closer to your college dreams. Apply by the priority deadline of March 2 to be considered for all the aid you’re eligible for.  

Get resources to apply: 

• FAFSA vs Dream: Using the Correct Application

• Types of Financial Aid for Undocumented Students in CA

• CA Dream Act & Cal Grant Checklists

• CA Dream Act Map to Receiving Your Financial Aid

• AB 540 Quick Guide: Nonresident Tuition Exemption 

• CA Dream Act Application 

• CSAC Resources about the CA Dream Act Application

Learn more at www.smuhsd.org/cadaa

Immigration Related Resources and Support

The Rapid Response Hotline is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Call 203-666-4472 to verify possible immigration enforcement activity.

If someone is detained by ICE share their full name, birth date, country or

origin, and case number (A#) if you have it.

Visit: SmcRapidResponse.org for more information.

Save the Rapid Response Line phone number in your phone:

• Alameda County: 510-241-4011

• Contra Costa County: 925-900-5151

• Marin County: 415-991-4545

• West Marin County: 415-755-3622

• San Francisco: 415-200-1548

• San Mateo County: 203-666-4472

• Santa Clara County: 408-290-1144

• Sonoma, Napa & Solano Counties: 707-800-4544

Medi-Cal and CalFresh: Protect Your Coverage 

Public benefits are changing in San Mateo County, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh. These updates can be confusing, but you can take a few steps now to help protect your coverage and avoid delays. 

What to do: 

• Log in to BenefitsCal.com and make sure your contact information is up to date 

• Open and respond to mail from the County 

• Renew on time if you get a renewal notice 

Learn more about Medi-Cal and CalFresh changes.