News You Can Use

Digital Student Arts Showcases: Music Submissions Now Open

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: December 15

• Art: January 12

• Dance: February 9

• Theater: March 16

• Film: April 13

Saturday, December 20: CSM Nursing Program Open House
The College of San Mateo Nursing Program is hosting an Open House on Saturday, December 20 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the Health & Wellness Building 5, Third Floor. 

CSM invites students to:

• Explore its cutting-edge skills lab

• Meet their dedicated faculty

• Connect with high school and pre-nursing students who share your passion for healthcare

• Attend short panel discussions

Attend the Open House to see what makes the College of San Mateo Nursing Program such a vibrant, supportive community. Whether you’re just starting to explore nursing or ready to take the next step, this is your opportunity to experience CSM Nursing up close!

December 29: Brushstrokes and Boba Event at allcove San Mateo

Allcove San Mateo invites students to relax, unwind and get creative at their December 29 Brushtrokes and Boba event. Sip on boba and work on a paint by numbers canvas that you can take home! All materials are provided, just bring your creativity. This event is in collaboration with the San Mateo Public Library! 

Details

• Monday, December 29, 4:30 - 6 p.m.

• allcove San Mateo, 2600 South El Camino Drive, Suite 300
  San Mateo

• Space is limited, so please register.

Chan Zuckerberg Community Space Call for Art 

Submissions Due January 5

Call for Art Theme: The Meaning of Home

“The Meaning of Home” invites artists to explore home as presence and absence, from shelter and displacement to self and community, and to reflect on the many forms belonging can take. 

High School Category Selection Process:

Up to two high school students may be selected to exhibit their artwork. Each high school student applicant chosen to exhibit is eligible to receive a $1,000 stipend. 

This Call for Art is open to high school students in San Mateo County! Selected artwork will be displayed at the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space located in Redwood City. 

Apply by January 5, 2026.

Learn more: 

• View the flyer in English 

• View the flyer in Spanish

High School Students: Apply now for the California Youth Environmental Data Leadership Program

Apply by January 4, 2026

Ten Strands is thrilled to announce the launch of the California Youth Environmental Data Leadership Program (C-YED)—a six-month knowledge-to-action initiative that empowers California high school students (grades 9–12) to become community scientists and environmental data leaders.

Participants will develop data literacy, systems thinking, and communication and leadership skills while contributing to statewide efforts to advance environmental and climate action in TK–12 schools.

Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, community science or service-learning hours, and may be eligible for the CA State Seal of Civic Engagement (district-dependent).

Recruitment is open now through January 4, 2026.

2026 "Step Into the Light" Creative Contest
Submissions deadline is January 23, 2026

Celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by participating in the Step Into the Light creative contest. Entries should be respectful to all cultures, races, religions, and orientations, and be uplifting and inspiring. Students will submit work to the Cow Palace where it will be displayed in an exhibit and free reception open to the public on Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students, their families, teachers, and friends are invited to attend. 

Learn more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tMjGFVl68pOCyBB5n0GoDiYYaizl-9pJ/view

Submissions are due January 23 by 6 p.m.

Online entry form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepPdofTDV1QGSB16PhgmWcca6vDbkxnHwwEvKvJP-z3V6HYA/viewform

Camp Cinder: Free Summer Opportunity for Girls Ages 15–17
Apply by January 31, 2026

Camp Cinder, CAL FIRE’s free, action-packed four-day firefighter camp, is back for next year in Shasta and San Luis Obispo! Led by experienced women firefighters, this four-day experience is packed with adrenaline and empowerment—from scaling ropes, practicing water rescues, laying hose, building leadership as a team, and learning real-world fire service skills.

If you’re looking for confidence, courage, and community — this camp delivers it all.

Applications are open from December 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026. The application can be found at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/camp-cinder

Learn more and view the flyers here: https://bit.ly/CampCinderApps

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: 

• Tuesday, February 3, 6 - 8 p.m. at the District Office 

• 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)

• Wednesday, January 7, 2-4 p.m.

  • Aragon High School Library

  • 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo

• Thursday, January 28, 2 - 4 p.m.

  • Burlingame High School Alumni Room

  • 1 Mangini Way, Burlingame

• Monday, February 2, 2 - 4 p.m.

  • Hillsdale High School College and Career Center

  • 3115 Del Monte Street, San Mateo

• 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#

Save the Date: Free Heart Screenings for Students is February 21, 2026

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!

Details

• Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Location: San Mateo High School, 506 N. Delaware Street

• Register.

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

Information about registration will be posted in early 2026.

Parent Venture Webinars

The following webinars are free to attend and offer simultaneous Spanish interpretation unless otherwise noted.

Cómo dar una linda navidad a sus hijos sin endeudarse (in Spanish only)

(How to provide a lovely holiday for your children without going into debt)

• Tuesday, December 16, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

• Learn more and register

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People (Parents Under Pressure Series)

• Wednesday, January 14, 5:30 p.m.

• Learn more and register

Creating Inclusive Environments for Neurodivergent Youth (Neurodiversity Education Series)

• Thursday, January 22, 5:30 p.m.

• Learn more and register

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

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.