Counselors' Connection

Senior College Info Night - SAVE THE DATE!

Attention parents of seniors! On Thur. 9/28 at 7PM, the Mills Counseling Department will host Senior College Info Night in the Auditorium to help 12th graders & parents learn how to navigate the college application process. All families of seniors applying to 4-year colleges are strongly encouraged to attend. See flyer for details. 

Applying to Colleges

Last week, the counselors went into Gov/Econ classes to teach seniors about the college application process. Parents are welcome to check out the slide deck, along with our new College Application Workshop flyer that lists upcoming workshops for seniors.

Free Tutoring Available

Parent Connect - Fall 2023 Dates Announced

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. SMUHSD has developed a Family Support Group with parents and primary caretakers in mind. 

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 also in Spanish. Parents/guardians can join the sessions at any date:

• English: Wednesdays, September 13 -  October 18, 2023
• Spanish: Tuesdays, September 12 - October 17, 2023

Location: District Office, 650 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo (next to San Mateo High School)

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

Canvas Training Sessions

Canvas is Easy to Use - Let us Help You! The District is offering three in-person workshops in Spanish and one in Portuguese in September and October. 

September 19, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Hillsdale High School Library

September 28, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Capuchino High School Library

October 10, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

San Mateo High School Library 

Learn more: https://www.smuhsd.org/tech-support

Questions? Contact District Family Engagement Coordinator Elsa Pulido: epulido@smuhsd.org

Tech Support - Family Portals

SMUHSD Families: Do you need assistance with: 

• Aeries Parent Portal access/account setup
• Canvas Observer access
• Parent Square access/account setup
• Hotspots

From August 7 - October 27, 2023 families can contact Belkis Delgadillo, Family Tech Support Coordinator, at bdelgadillo_sub@smuhsd.org or 650-200-3783 between 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 

After October 27, 2023, please contact your school site Library Team if you need help with basic account setup and trouble-shooting support.

Family Education Webinars

Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and

College Admission

• Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Speaker: Ana Homayoun, Author, Erasing the Finish Line
• Free event presented by The Parent Venture
• Register

Erasing the Finish Line highlights the essential skills students need to move beyond a prescribed path and truly thrive in school and life. Reflecting on over two decades of working with students around the world, local academic advisor and early career development expert Ana Homayoun has written the book we desperately need.

Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in Digital World

• Thursday, September 21, 2023, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Speaker: Devorah Heitner, PhD, Author, Growing Up in Public, Screenwise 
• Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be provided
• Free event presented by The Parent Venture
• Register

In her new book, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, digital media expert Dr. Devorah Heitner shows parents how to help tweens and teens navigate boundaries, identity, privacy, and reputation in their digital world.

Community Corner

September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and in light of that, this year San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity and San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee will lead a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and communication campaigns. The 2023 Suicide Prevention Month statewide theme is “Share Hope Together.” For the latest updates on free events and resources, please visit smchealth.org/SPM