In this uplifting episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Director of Communications Diego Perez is joined by Lead Elementary Principal Natalie Delahant, Fiesta Gardens International School Principal Daniel Robles, Boys & Girls Club Site Director Lorena Alcayaga, and Hector Lopez, a proud parent from Sunnybrae Elementary.

Together, they explore the real impact of the San Mateo-Foster City School District’s Community Schools Initiative—one year into receiving a $5 million grant from the California Department of Education. From after-school enrichment like ukulele and coding to empowering parents through PIQE workshops, this episode highlights how wraparound services are transforming school culture, family engagement, and student pride.

Hear powerful stories of parent empowerment, growing student confidence, and authentic partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club that extend far beyond the school day.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really possible when a school becomes the heart of a community, this is the episode to tune into.

Learn more about the Community Schools Initiative on our website.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this special episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Board Clerk Maggie Trinh and Board Trustee Gene Kim join Director of Communications Diego Perez to offer valuable insights into the Board Trustee Area 3 vacancy. Together, they walk the community through the district's transparent and thoughtful approach to selecting the newest board member.

If you’re interested in applying and live within one of the eligible school neighborhoods, check out the details below to learn more about the process and how you can get involved!

The San Mateo-Foster City School District is accepting applications for appointment to the Trustee Area 3 vacancy. Please contact the Superintendent’s Office at (650) 312-7348 to request an application packet. You may also email Superintendent Ochoa at diegoochoa@smfcsd.net. Applications can be found online by visiting www.smfcsd.net. 

Any person is eligible to be a member of the Board of Trustees if he/she is:

• 18 years of age or older
• a U.S. citizen
• a resident of the SMFCSD Trustee Area 3
• a registered voter
• not legally disqualified from holding a civil office

A person is disqualified from holding any office upon conviction of designated crimes specified in the Constitution and laws of the state. (Government Code 1021) An employee of a school district may not be sworn into office as an elected or appointed member of that school district’s governing board unless and until he or she resigns as an employee.  If the employee does not resign, the employment will automatically terminate upon being sworn into office. (Education Code 35107)

The complete application and any supporting materials must be received via email or in the Superintendent’s Office at the San Mateo-Foster City School District office located at 1170 Chess Dr. Foster City, CA, no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 6, 2024. 

Open Board Position - Trustee Area 3

The current board vacancy seat is in Trustee Area 3 with a 4-year term. The following schools are located within the area boundary:

• Borel Middle School
• Baywood Elementary School
• Highlands Elementary
• Meadow Heights Elementary
• San Mateo Park Elementary School

Interested candidates may view the Board Trustee Seats in the Trustee Area Map to view the 5 Board Trustee Areas and their associated neighborhood schools (Printable PDF Board Trustee Seats in Trustee Area Map). If you reside within the boundary of Trustee Area 3, you are eligible to apply if you meet the additional requirements listed above. [Click here to access the PDF printable and fillable application.]

 It is anticipated that the Board of Trustees will interview applicants and make an appointment on December 12, 2024. 

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this heartwarming episode of the oneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Diego Ochoa joins two dedicated preschool teachers, Miroslava Salmeron and Doa Higazi, along with parent Brisi Bautista, to delve into the impactful world of early childhood education.

Together, they discuss the transformative benefits of free preschool access and how it enriches the whole child in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. With stories of children's first steps in socialization, play, and self-discovery, they share how preschool helps kids develop essential life skills, from building friendships to fostering a love for learning.

Brisi's experience underscores the challenges faced by new families and the profound support the district offers, ensuring that every child finds a welcoming, vibrant learning environment. This episode celebrates the joy, dedication, and essential community that free preschool brings to families and students alike.

Learn more about the Preschool Equity Summit and other District Summits by visiting our website.

-
Translations for Spanish speaking guest:

:10-:20 
“I liked that he is with other students, learned new things, and began to form their character.”

3:20 - 3:40

“My name is Brisi. I am 23, and I have a student who is named Kayler, and he is four years old”

8:00 - 8:30

 “Did you enroll your child in Turnbull at the age of three?” 

“Yes”. 

“Why was it important for you to do it at that age?” 

“First of all, because he's an only child and we do not have other kids to play or talk to. We like that. He's talking with other kids. They learn new ideas, learn from each other, discover new things and find their personalities.”

“From a young age, enrolling him to Turnbull. Was it easy? Was it difficult? How did it go?”

“Well, we arrived three years ago, in our first year, we enrolled him. To us, is something completely new. Back in our country, it was easy, but here it was tough. We didn't have medical insurance. It was expensive in the hospital to get his physical exam. We faced some difficulties, but the teachers helped us.”

“I appreciate you telling us all of that because people behind us want it to be free, everything has to be free. We have to help the families receive services so it doesn't cost much, perhaps just time signing the papers, but it's part of what we want to change in this community: open the doors to preschool, not close them. When your kid goes to school, how does he feel? What does he say when he comes back home?”

“Sometimes I asked him, How was your day? And he says, the teacher gave me a burger. Gave me fries. We were singing. We played in the park.”

“For him, playing outside is their park.”

10:40 - 11:40 

“It's accessible for children in wheelchairs too. Everything is new. The grass is new, the toys are new. It's our way to tell the families that we want their children to have a pretty space, fully accessible. As a parent, what do you think we can do to help families even more? What could we do to help you and your son even more?”

“Well, personally, I really like the assistance at the principal office. I like that it's fast when we take and pick up our child, how they receive us, the teachers are always kind and welcoming, and it's something that makes us happy.It's not like, Oh no, why do I have to bring him here? Everyone is so kind.”

16:10 - 16:27

“We had free classes for many years, and the district shut them dow

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

Current Kindergarten teachers are seeing some impressive skills from the new 2024-2025 students entering elementary school. Many of their students had access to our newly opened preschool classrooms at their neighborhood schools.

In this episode of the onesmfc Podcast, we explore the vital role of preschool education and its impact on families. Joining Superintendnet Ochoa are the key leaders from the Turnbull Children's Development Center, who have been instrumental in opening new preschool classrooms and witnessing firsthand the positive outcomes.

• Cristina Haley and Amanda Driscoll, Directors of Turnbull Children Development Center, share their experiences in leading this initiative, discussing the shift to opening preschool programs at Elementary schools where there is a need.
• Nataly Barba, Community Services Specialist, highlights how family communication and resources have played a critical role in the success of families navigating the early education system, reinforcing support with multilingual families and ensuring that all students and families are supported every step of the way.
• Claudia Ramirez, Early Learning Center Technician, provides insights into the operational side of opening these classrooms, having worked at Turnbull for over a decade.

Tune in to hear more about how we leverage community collaboration to support all students and families at the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Borel Middle School Teacher and Drama Director Alyssa Goldrath and the cast of Goosebumps The Musical!

This episode spotlights the very unique journeys each student had during the making of the musical. Regardless of your background, the arts play a pivotal role in nurturing students' creativity, and we take immense pride in our district's thriving theater program, providing a platform for students to explore their artistic potential.

Get your tickets now: https://ow.ly/b3ZB50QJrLp

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by two rock star teachers, Ms. Lang and Ms. Dixon, and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Schools, Pam Bartfield.

Our educators dive into the spirit of collaboration that's reshaping our approach to teaching by highlighting how our teachers have been revolutionizing the way our students learn how to read.

 Our conversation is an intimate look at the supportive teaching environment we cherish, highlighting the resilience required to foster educational triumphs that aren't always immediately measurable, but with the right systems, can see the results we expect. 

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by two Teachers on Special Assignments for Literacy, Ms. Nicole Habeeb and Ms. Larissa Kenny,   and the Director of Curriculum Instruction for Elementary Schools Pam Bartfield. 

The three discuss our focus in early literacy at the San Mateo-Foster City School District, highlighting system changes, professional development, and an upcoming 1st Grade Literacy Summit by teachers, for teachers!

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Principal of College Park, Angienette Estonina, Teacher Yaou Liu, student Quincey and parent Helen. This culturally rich episode highlights the various events College Park holds to foster global citizens at their school. As a Mandarin immersion program, College Park embraces not just Mandarin as both the language and a culture, but makes time and space to include the diverse student body and the cultures they bring.

Meet the wonderful Principal at the annual Fiesta de Opciones | Festival of Options on Saturday, December 2, 2023! Our College Park team as well as our other magnet programs will be ready to welcome our community from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the College Park campus, 715 Indian Ave. San Mateo!

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Coordinator of Enrollment Stephanie Gibson and Administrative Assistant at Meadow Heights, Robyn Holmes. The three shed light on the district's intentional approach to our enrollment season. Through the shared experiences and insights from district staff, we aim to share how all actions, like knowing a student's name, can make a world of difference in making families feel welcome.

We'd like to welcome all families to attend our annual Fiesta de Opciones | Festival of Options! The district's innovative approach to welcoming families to meet our district magnet programs and providing on-the-spot registration and transfer requests!

Our magnet programs include our language immersion programs such as College Park Elementary (Mandarin) and Fiesta Gardens International School (Spanish). We also have two public Montessori programs, North Shoreview Montessori and Parkside Montessori.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

What if you could influence the structure of your child's school, ensure they receive a quality education, and foster a vibrant community while doing so?  In this podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Dr. Christian Rubalcaba, Director of School Leadership, Anavela Calderon, a student from San Mateo Park School, and Tania Toala, a parent with children in the district. The four discuss the community schools project and the impact our community makes to create a school that serves their needs.

Together they paint an inspiring picture of parent empowerment and community engagement in the school district, demonstrating the potential for a better school environment through collaboration and open dialogue.

Learn more by visiting the Community Schools webpage on the district website.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dennis Hills and Teacher on Special Assignment for LGBTQ+, Israel Cruz. The heartwarming episode provides our community with a journey into the world of educators who go above and beyond in their commitment to fostering inclusivity and acceptance.

The LGBTQ+ ToSA position was created from the district's strategic plan. To provide ALL students with a support system that fosters inclusivity and acceptance for who they are, as they are.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast,  Superintendent Ochoa is joined by a top Footsteps2Brilliance user, Beatriz Oliveira Lima, and Mrs. Sandra Oliveita Lima. Beatriz Oliveira Lima is becoming a strong multilingual student who has learned to speak English within 30 days of using the F2B program. Their family arrived from Brazil in February 2023. This early literacy program gives our community a great example of how parents can create a strong routine and strong reading habits that make literacy fun!

Congratulations to Beatriz for all of her hard work in being able to learn English and beginning to speak Spanish, "pocito."

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by student Yuito, a top Footsteps2Brilliance reader in the district, and his mom, Mrs.  Akiko Motomura.  The three discuss the usage of F2B and its power to provide Yuito with the tools to learn English since his move from Tokyo, Japan, in 2022. With barely a year and a half in Foster City, Yuito conducted the podcast entirely in English.

We are so proud of the fantastic work Yuito has accomplished here in the San Mateo-Foster City School District.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this special episode of the oneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by three Empowering Student Voices Council members from Parkside Montessori, North Shoreview Montessori, and Abbott Middle School. The three decompress on the student panel led by Sueprintendent for the 2023 - 2024 Admin Launch in July 2023.

Learn more about the Empowering Student Voices Council.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Restorative Solutions' very own President and co-founder, Randy Compton,  and principal, Lead Trainer, and Consultant, Catherine Childs. The three discuss the How, the Why, and the What regarding to restorative practice and restorative justice.

The district is excited about this partnership and for the nearly 600 district staff and employees trained in this field.

Learn more about Restorative Solutions.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Schools, Pam Bartfield, and the Principal on Special Assignment for the Annex Afterschool program Tiffany Kiniris. In this episode, the three discuss all things Annex Academic Enrichment Camp! The third installment of our initial Turkey Camp during the fall break in 2022.
 
The district thanks the County of San Mateo for the generous summer program grant that has enabled us to give more support to students throughout the year!

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast Superintendent is joined by Coordinator of Special Education Dr. Kristin Vogel-Campbell and Beach Park Elementary's Moderate/Severe Special Day Class Teacher Jeremy Jarvie! The three discuss what Extended School Year (ESY) is and how it is different than a regular school year for our students with special needs.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent is joined by the Director of Multilingual Learner Services, Aleyda Barrera-Cruz, the Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation, Mark Herrera, and the Principal on Special Assignment, Dr. Ryan Haven. The four discuss cross-departmental collaboration to create a safe, welcoming, and fun summer school experience for our students.

Visit our Summer School page to learn more about other summer offerings.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Executive Director for the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation, Sonja Tappan, and Beach Park Elementary student Zach Thorpe. This student feature podcast highlights the strong community and equitable focus Zach brings to life in our district.

Zach highlights the impact of shoe waste on the environment and how GotSneakers has helped to reduce this waste and also provides shoes for many across the globe. Zach is inspiring and provides a crucial student-centered point of view as to how we can all make a difference toward sustainability.

From Zach: Our current sneaker drive will be at Foster City Elementary School from April 4-27, 2023. Please drop off your closed-toed shoes, in any condition, in our Got Sneaker? bins. All donations of shoes help support the sneaker drive and raise money to benefit all students in our district!"
 
Learn more about GotSneakers? fundraising program,
Learn about the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Librarians Barbara Sibley and Jennifer Alfonso-Punzalan, and the Instructional Material Center Technician Joanna O'Brien. The four have a conversation about the strategies at play to increase diverse content in our libraries and broaden access.

Our school librarians have always provided an incredible service to our students, helping to expand their views of the world, through the books they read aloud during class visits, and by helping each student find books to check out that are just right for them!  

This year, an additional focus of our librarians has been collaboration on improving our school library collections, to make them more inclusive and culturally relevant.  This work includes researching and finding the best books, creating monthly cultural heritage library displays, and a complete audit of all our library collections.  We appreciate all their hard work!

Learn more about what our school libraries do!

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Davis Chambliss and Coordinator of Data, Evaluation, and Assessments Kiela Jimenez. The three discuss how the district is currently ranked on the new CA Dashboard.

The San Mateo-Foster City School District published the California Dashboard L3 Update document to walk families through how the district is doing overall and in the county.

Learn more about the L3 Report.
Read the California Dashboard L3 Update.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Director of Multilingual Learner Services Aleyda Barrera-Cruz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Pam Bartfield, and Principal on Special Assignment for the Annex Afterschool program Tiffany Kiniris. The four discuss the upcoming Spring Break "Sunshine Camp" and Summer School programs, all made possible through a grant from the County of San Mateo. The district is strategically inviting students with academic need and economic need, to increase learning opportunities district-wide for all students.

Read the full press release on the district website.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Coordinator of Math, Amy Burke, and two 3rd-grade teachers, Kimberly Amoroso from San Mateo Park Elementary and Dawn Presse from Foster City Elementary. The four discuss instruction in 3rd-grade math classrooms and how engaged students have become with the new approach to math instruction—reinforcing students to understand concepts and procedures, problem-solving and data analysis, and communicating reasoning.

To learn about the district fall math internal Common Formative Assessment test scores, visit the District Math Gall Test Scores: Celebrating Gains and Strong 8th Grade Math CFA Scores.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Director of Special Education Heather Morgan, Assistant Director of Special Education Kira Walsh Nazario, and Coordinator of Special Education Monique Arbuckle. The four discuss the recent updates in the Special Education department, which includes a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst and Registered Behavior Technician teams. These teams collaborate with site leaders and our district special education coordinators to provide teachers and students with the necessary resources.

To learn more about this structure, visit our Special Education page.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!

In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Principal at Parkside Montessori, Nima Tahai, Parkside Montessori teacher Rebecca Castiglia and North Shoreview teacher Jason Humphrey. The four discuss the district's public Montessori programs, highlighting the unique and wholesome approach to teaching our kiddos.

Meet both Parkside and North Shoreview's administrators and PTA by joining us for the Fiesta de Opciones | Festival of Options on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at College Park Elementary School, 715 Indian Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401. The event will begin at 10 am - 2 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. Learn more by visiting the Fiesta de Opciones page.
 
To learn more about our Montessori Programs and other magnet school programs, visit Our Magnet Schools page.

To learn about our Montessori Schools, visit Parkside Montessori's and North Shoreview Montessori's websites.

Interested in learning more? Check out our recent On the Road to Year 3 Annual Report!