oneSMFC

Diego Ochoa

Superintendent Diego Ochoa bringing together teachers, students, administrators, community members. decision makers, to discuss the San Mateo-Foster City School District. read less
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Diversifying Our Libraries: Literature that Reflects our Students
Mar 1 2023
Diversifying Our Libraries: Literature that Reflects our Students
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!
Diversifying Our Libraries: Literature that Reflects our Students
Mar 1 2023
Diversifying Our Libraries: Literature that Reflects our Students
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!
How does SMFCSD rank on the new CA Dashboard?
Feb 28 2023
How does SMFCSD rank on the new CA Dashboard?
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.
SMFCSD Receives a $100k grant from San Mateo County for additional Summer Programs!
Feb 22 2023
SMFCSD Receives a $100k grant from San Mateo County for additional Summer Programs!
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.
3rd-Grade Math: Increasing Student Engagement and Learning
Nov 18 2022
3rd-Grade Math: Increasing Student Engagement and Learning
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.
Systems for Success in Special Education at SMFCSD
Nov 18 2022
Systems for Success in Special Education at SMFCSD
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.
The Montessori Method at SMFCSD: Parkside and North Shoreview Montessori Educators
Nov 17 2022
The Montessori Method at SMFCSD: Parkside and North Shoreview Montessori Educators
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.
2023 - 2024 New Student Registration: Important Dates and a Fiesta!
Nov 16 2022
2023 - 2024 New Student Registration: Important Dates and a Fiesta!
In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dennis Hills and Coordinator of Enrollment Stephanie Gibson. The three discuss important dates that are upcoming for the 2023 - 2024 new student registration and transfer process. They also bring up an important event the San Mateo-Foster City School district holds for current and prospective families called Fiesta de Opciones | Festival of Options! This event provides our community with early on-the-spot registration assitance and transfer requests!Learn more about Fiesta de Opciones by visiting our website.
District Math Fall Tests Scores: Celebrating Gains
Oct 18 2022
District Math Fall Tests Scores: Celebrating Gains
In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by two Teacher's on Special Assignments (TOSAs), Peter Limata and Eleni Maynard, and the district's Math Coordinator Amy Burke. The four discuss the recent Math Fall Test Scores and explains further the district's strategies to achieve these results.View the District Math Fall Test Scores: Celebrating Gains.Learn more about the L3 Report.
College and Career Ready Labs at SMFCSD: Career pathways start here
Oct 10 2022
College and Career Ready Labs at SMFCSD: Career pathways start here
In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by the Principal at Borel Middle School, Jessica Notte, Science Program Specialist Ian Kastelic, and one of our amazing educators teaching one of our College and Career Exploration (CCE) class, Mark Drumm. The four discuss the newly implemented Paxton|Patterson College & Career Ready Labs and how the students at SMFCSD have been engaging with the new curriculum.Learn more about the Paxton|Patterson College & Career Ready Labs in SMFCSD.
2022 Night at the Museum SMFC Education Foundation Gala
Sep 26 2022
2022 Night at the Museum SMFC Education Foundation Gala
In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by three dedicated and passionate individuals who help provide funds for students in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. Our excellent San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation partners are board president Annie Tsai, vice president Marianne Wallace, and executive director Sonja Tappan. The four discuss the upcoming SMFC Education Foundation Night at the Museum benefit gala! This year, funds will go towards the arts!Learn more by visiting the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation website.
Introducing the L3 Report: District Analysis of Internal and State Test Score Data
Sep 13 2022
Introducing the L3 Report: District Analysis of Internal and State Test Score Data
In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Education Services David Chambliss, Director of School Leadership Dr. Christian Rubalcaba, and Coordinator of Communications Diego Perez. The four discuss the recent L3 Report, also known as the Live Lead and Learn Reporting Document, which shows the relationships between internal data and state test score data. The district conducted a Root Cause Analysis to identify a path forward in terms of solving challenges. Noting the responsibility, the district has to tell its story and connect all efforts moving forward with the Strategic Plan.The San Mateo-Foster City School District held a Board Study Session on Equity-Focused Student Achievement on September 1st! Watch it on the San Mateo-Foster City Board of Trustees Youtube Channel.
Equity-Focused Student Achievement: SMFCSD Identifies Growth in Student State Test Scores
Sep 9 2022
Equity-Focused Student Achievement: SMFCSD Identifies Growth in Student State Test Scores
In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Education Services David Chambliss and Coordinator of Assessment, Research & Evaluation Dr. Kiela Jimenez. The three discuss the district's recent state test scores, noticing an increase in results from SMFCSD students. The district is excited to share the potential all students at SMFCSD have as well as highlight the resources and strategies the district is providing to have all students excel.The San Mateo-Foster City School District held a Board Study Session on Equity-Focused Student Achievement on September 1st! Watch it on the San Mateo-Foster City Board of Trustees Youtube Channel.
Special Education at SMFCSD: A conversation about reaching all students
Aug 15 2022
Special Education at SMFCSD: A conversation about reaching all students
In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dennis Hills and Director of Special Education Heather Morgan. The three discuss the new approach to Special Education for the 2022 - 2023 school year with additional supports in place. Supports include ensuring we get connected with families early in the school year to have parents/guardians engaged and, in turn, see our students thrive!
2022 - 2023 Safe Return to School at SMFCSD
Aug 5 2022
2022 - 2023 Safe Return to School at SMFCSD
In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Asst. Superintendent of Student Services, Dennis Hills, and Coordinator of Student Health Suzi Riley. The three discuss our COVID-19 mitigation efforts and Rapid Antigent Distribution events for families upon returning from summer break! We are excited to see our students back on our campuses!
2022-2023 Middle School Cell-Phone Free Environment: Yondr Pouches
Aug 4 2022
2022-2023 Middle School Cell-Phone Free Environment: Yondr Pouches
In this episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by three Middle School Principals. Abbott's new Principal Nicole Sandoval, Bayside's Principal Maria Demattai, and Borel's Principal Jessica Notte. The four administrators discuss the new approach to maximize every student’s opportunity to learn and build positive relationships at school. Each middle school student will receive a Yondr Pouch that will allow students to safely store their cell phones during the school day. Our students will be able to disconnect from their phones and engage more meaningfully with peers and staff. District guidelines and permission slips will be provided by your child's middle school prior to the start of the new school year. We are very excited about this new tool to help our students have a successful school year!
Making a Difference: A conversation with Gilead Foundation & SMFC Ed Foundation
May 31 2022
Making a Difference: A conversation with Gilead Foundation & SMFC Ed Foundation
In this special episode of the OneSMFC Podcast, we are joined by Joydeep Ganguly Senior VP of Corporate Operations at Gilead Sciences and Board Member, Gilead Foundation, and Annie Tsai, Board President for the San Mateo-Foster City Education Foundation. The three leaders discuss partnership and the future of SMFC students, curating the next generation of engineers!
New Science Curriculum: OpenSciEd
May 12 2022
New Science Curriculum: OpenSciEd
In this episode, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Science Teachers on Special Assignments (TOSA) Ian Kastelic and Angel Yan, and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Middle Schools, Kenyetta Cook. We are very pleased to announce that our Middle school Science department has found a wonderful new program that reflects the newest California State Science Standards, known as the Next Generation Science Standards! OpenSciEd has been designed from the ground up with the intent of guiding students to become life-long learners of science and to develop critical thinking skills that transcend the classroom and are applied to their daily lives.We hope that you will take some time to look into this exciting program!
Upcoming Summer '22 Construction Projects: Thank You Taxpayers!
May 10 2022
Upcoming Summer '22 Construction Projects: Thank You Taxpayers!
In this episode, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Director of Facilities and Construction, Amy Ruffo, Project Manager Bob Price, and the San Mateo-Foster City's sitting Board President, Alison Proctor. We are excited to share with you all about our current projects and the timelines!
F2B w/ San Mateo Park Elementary's Principal Cristina Haley
Apr 28 2022
F2B w/ San Mateo Park Elementary's Principal Cristina Haley
In this episode of the podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Schools, Pamela Bartfield, and Principal at San Mateo Park Elementary, Cristina Haley. San Mateo Park Elementary ranked in the top 3 of the district's first Spring Break Literacy challenge on Footsteps2Brilliance!To learn more about our Footsteps2Brilliance visit our district F2B webpage.
Spring Break Transformative Literacy Challenge with Footsteps2Brilliance
Mar 24 2022
Spring Break Transformative Literacy Challenge with Footsteps2Brilliance
In this episode of the OneSMFC podcast, Superintendent Ochoa is joined by Amanda Driscoll, principal at Baywood Elementary, Stephanie Fraumeni, principal at Meadow Heights Elementary, and Pamela Bartfield, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Schools. The four administrators discuss our upcoming Spring Break challenge starting Friday, March 25, 2022, through Sunday, April 10, 2022. The district will be awarding students that read the most books during the spring break vacation. Visit our Footsteps2Brilliance webpage for more information on joining!The school district will also be distributing Rapid Antigen Tests to families at College Park Elementary on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 12 - 6 pm. Please come great your test kits if you need additional testing.