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News You Can Use
News You Can Use
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. Winners will be announced the week of January 19.
Dance: February 9
Theater: March 16
Film: April 13
February 19 Webinar: Learn About Nursing Pathway Programs
Nursing Pathway Programs
Learn about College of San Mateo and Dominican College Nursing Programs and the nursing career in general
Details
Thursday, February 19, 6 - 7 p.m.
Topics:
Different careers in nursing
What can students do now, in high school, to prepare for a career in healthcare?
What is the educational pathway to becoming a nurse?
Speakers:
Professor Melinda Nguyen, Nursing Program Director, College of San Mateo
Carlos Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Dominican University of California (San Rafael)
Questions?
Contact your school site College, Career, and Financial Aid Advisor.
Save the Date: 5th Annual Districtwide Career Expo is February 26
SMUHSD students and their families are invited to attend the 5th Annual Career Expo!
Thursday, February 26, 5 - 7 p.m.
Hillsdale High School, 3115 Del Monte Avenue, San Mateo
Attend the Expo to:
Learn about high-paying careers
Network with industry professionals
Participate in hands-on activities
Learn about various opportunities from the 50+ representatives from Bay Area companies, apprenticeships and training programs
One of the main goals of the SMUHSD Career Expo is to educate and expose students to opportunities for high-paying careers that don’t necessarily require a four year degree.
Employers
If you are an employer wanting to host a table at the Career Expo, contact Jerel Reyes at jreyes@smuhsd.org.
Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/careerexpo
Saturday, March 7: Black Student Leadership Conference
Deadline to register is February 14
The Black Youth Advisory Board of the Bay Area Community Health Advisory Council (BACHAC) hosts the first-ever Black Student Leadership Conference (BSLC) for San Mateo County on Saturday, March 7 at 10 a.m., centered on the powerful theme: “The Power of Our Voice: If Not Me, Then Who?”
This inaugural conference is designed to foster community, connection, and belonging among Black students who often find themselves in the minority within their school communities. Students will engage in inspiring and interactive sessions focused on leadership development, identity, financial literacy, academic success and time management, and college preparation. The day will also include a keynote speaker, dynamic breakout workshops, a Resource Village, and entertainment.
What to Expect
Interactive workshops tailored by age group
Inspiring keynote speaker to spark action and confidence
Engaging conversations on leadership, identity, and advocacy
Resource Village with colleges, community organizations, and youth-serving programs
Free meals, fun activities, prizes, and giveaways throughout the day
Parents and caregivers are invited to attend as well. The Resource Village will feature community-based organizations and college representatives, along with parent-focused breakout sessions, including:
The Black Minds Matter Report presented by The EdTrust - West with Niambi Clay
A college preparation workshop led by Cañada College
Details
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cañada College The Grove. 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City
This event is free to attend.
Seeking Student Art Submissions for San Mateo County Print Magazine
Submissions due March 8
The For(e)thought Collective is a youth-run online design and arts magazine accepting submissions for its debut issue!
Submit design, art, or literary work that aligns with the theme ‘REBOOT.’
Read the editor’s note and submit your pieces at https://forethoughtcollective.org by Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Forethought Collective is a project of Ryan Chou, San Mateo County District 5 Youth Arts Fellow.
Calling All Young Filmmakers and Movie Enthusiasts!
Submissions due March 22
The Citizens Environmental Council (CEC) is thrilled to announce their 2026 CEC Student Film Fest—a one-of-a-kind event celebrating youth environmental creativity and storytelling! This festival is open to students in grades 4 to 12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County.
Whether you’re an aspiring director or a nature lover eager to share your passion and inspire others to action, this event is for YOU!
Dates
Sunday, March 22: Entries are due
Tuesday, April 14: Winning entries will be screened at Burlingame High School on at the 9th Annual CEC Student Film Fest where you could win up to $500!
Entry and admission to the film fest is FREE. To register for this event and for more info about the CEC Student Film Fest go to burlingamefilmfest.com.
Save the Date: The OYE Latinx Youth Conference will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Cañada College in Redwood City!
This annual event brings together hundreds of local teens and young adults ages 12 to 22. This day is an opportunity for youth and their parents to explore questions of identity and purpose, and build community through a fun and interactive day that includes hands-on workshops, inspirational speakers, artistic expression, community resource sharing, and networking.
The event will feature performances, interactive workshops, resource tables and free breakfast and lunch for all in-person participants.
Watch an event recap of last year's conference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIDPxcSxoGY/?hl=en
Conference organizers are looking for Emcees from 14-18 years old! Apply by January 9.
For any questions or issues submitting the application, please contact Elisa Chavez at echavez@redwoodcity.org.
Volunteer Opportunity: Distribute Suicide Prevention Bookmarks
Project EDSA, allcove San Mateo and Peninsula Suicide Prevention are looking for volunteer students to deliver free 988 Suicide Lifeline bookmarks to schools across the Bay Area this winter.
Sign up before March 9: https://forms.gle/aKckA7hAojqpCVgQ9
For questions, email: michelle.ye.edsa@gmail.com
Student Cabin Leaders Needed for Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education is looking for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to serve as cabin leaders in the cabins with students at the San Mateo County Office of Education's (SMCOE) residential outdoor education program in La Honda.
Students earn 99 hours of community service for their week, and learn hands-on environmental science, education and child care skills, and lots of responsibility.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can send your students to participate, please contact Allison Collins, Director, at acollins@smcoe.org, and visit the SMCOE website.
Is your Student Interested in Attending Middle College?
Is your child interested in applying to attend Middle College for the 2026-27 School Year? Do you have questions or want more information about Middle College?
Watch the video about Middle College:
We offered a virtual information session for families to learn more about Middle College on January 22. This info session was in English, with simultaneous Spanish interpretation available.
To view the recording in Spanish, click the globe icon in the bottom right side of the screen.
View the accompanying slide decks:
Spring 2026 Session Dates Announced for Parent Connect Support Groups
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.
Spring 2026 Sessions
Sessions are offered in English and in Spanish. Parents/guardians can join the sessions at any date:
Session 1: Tuesdays, February 3 - March 17, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
Session 2: Tuesdays, April 7 - May 19, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
English group session location: San Mateo High School, BioTech Room
Spanish group session location: San Mateo High School, MPR Building
Learn more: www.smuhsd.org/parent-connect
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 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
January and February Financial Aid Assistance: In-Person Workshops, Drop-in, and Virtual Support
Students and their parents/guardians who need assistance with their financial aid applications can join us at in-person workshops in February:
Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Mills High School
In addition to the above workshops, school sites are offering the following drop-in and virtual opportunities for more assistance. All families, regardless of home school, are welcome to attend any support opportunity:
In-Person Support (English / Spanish Assistance)
Tuesday, February 24, 2 - 4 p.m.
San Mateo High School College and Career Center
506 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo
Thursday, March 5, 2 - 4 p.m.
Capuchino High School College and Career Center
1501 Magnolia Avenue, San Bruno
Note: For all of the above opportunities, please sign in at the School’s Main Office.
Virtual Support (English Only) Fridays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/iie-mxdc-xig
Or dial: (US) +1 443-507-8043 PIN: 874 390 048#
Saturday, February 21: Free Heart Screenings for Students
The Peninsula Health Care District, the San Mateo Union High School District, and the Kyle J. Taylor Foundation invite youth and young adults (ages 12-25) to their 2nd Annual Free Heart Screening Event on Saturday, February 21, at San Mateo High School.
Don't miss this opportunity to check your heart health—register today!
Watch a video: Early Detection: Heart screenings vital to identify risk factors in youth.
Details
Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: San Mateo High School, 506 N. Delaware Street
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.
We Want Your Opinion: Take the Panorama Survey
SMUHSD Parents/Guardians: Take the SMUHSD Panorama Survey today!
We want to know your thoughts and opinions on:
School culture and climate
Communications from the District/school to you
Opportunities for engagement with your school community
Take the survey:
English: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/familysurvey/surveys
Spanish: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/sanmateo/encuestafamiliar/surveys
Your thoughts improve the future of our District and Schools for our entire school community. The deadline to complete the survey is February 6, 2026.
San Mateo Adult and Career Education Hosts Apprenticeship and Internship Fair on February 26
The San Mateo Adult and Career Education’s (SMACE) Career and Apprenticeship Fair on Thursday, February 26 will connect you to career resources, training opportunities and community partners.
Details
The fair will be held in two sessions:
Session 1: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Session 2: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: SMACE, 789 East Poplar Avenue, San Mateo
Job Seekers: Register
Employers: Interested in attending the fair to promote your various apprenticeship/Internship opportunities. Fill out this form.
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:
Learn more at www.smuhsd.org/cadaa
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