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Suicide is preventable. You can be the one to help by taking these three steps:
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Know the signs of someone who is having suicidal thoughts
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Find the words to start a conversation
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Reach out for help
Whether you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are concerned about a loved one who might be, you are not alone. San Mateo County stands together to support those who are struggling and guide them to the help they need.
Learn more this Suicide Prevention Month at smchealth.org/suicide-prevention.
#SuicidePreventionMonth #LoveOverLoneliness
Are you prepared for an emergency?
San Mateo County uses a common emergency plan called The Big Five. Knowing The Big Five can help you & your child stay safe in case of an emergency.
Learn more: www.smcoe.org/thebigfive.
We will be closed on Monday, September 2, to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers, including staff across our school district. School sites and the district offices will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, September 3.
We encourage everyone to reflect on the contributions of our education workforce and appreciate how educators have strengthened our country through time.
Learn more at bit.ly/38Bbgww.
Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year! We missed you and can't wait to see you tomorrow!
Jefferson Elementary School District Opens Affordable Teacher Housing Complex, First K-8 Staff Housing in San Mateo County
Addressing housing affordability for teachers, Eastmoor Heights’ 56 rental units ensure residents can reside in the same community where they work.
Media Contact: Toni Barone, (650) 746-2450, tbarone@jeffersonesd.org
Daly City, CA (August 7, 2024) - Jefferson Elementary School District (JESD) celebrated the grand opening of Eastmoor Heights, the faculty and staff housing development it built with support from the City of Daly City and funding from Measure U (2018) to resolve the issue of the rising cost of living for its educators. Located at 305 Eastmoor Avenue, Eastmoor Heights is the first facility of its kind in San Mateo County for a California K-8 school district and the second project for a public school district in San Mateo County.
The much-needed housing facility will provide teachers with the opportunity to live in affordable, well-appointed, centrally located housing, increasing JESD’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff. Eastmoor Heights contains 56 housing units in two-story and three-story buildings surrounding a courtyard, community building, and a play area for children. About 56 to 70 employees will live in the units.
“This project brings to life our commitment to supporting our faculty and staff,” said Sandy Mikulik, Superintendent, Jefferson Elementary School District. “Staff and teacher housing is a known solution for all school districts. Our educators can focus on inspiring and educating our students instead of considering relocating due to high housing costs. Residents of Daly City have made it possible for us to recruit and retain the best teachers and staff for our schools. We are also thrilled to receive increased interest in job applicants. This is a step forward for our school district culture and recruitment and it will have a lasting impact for years to come.”
“On behalf of the Board of Education, I thank the JESD community and the City of Daly City for working with us to make this opportunity a life-changing reality for educators in our community,” said Shakeel Ali, Board President, Jefferson Elementary School District. “We appreciate your years of partnership and support. It’s a testament to the power of working together to achieve a milestone for the good of our students and future generations.”
The housing facility is environmentally friendly, equipped with solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, modular construction, and water-conscious landscaping and drainage.
“We have been trying to change our living situation for many years,” shared teacher Claudia Zervoulakos. “Unfortunately, we have never had the ability to move due to rising housing costs. The workforce housing has given us the opportunity to live in a better place at an affordable price. I am excited to now live in the same community where I teach. Thank you JESD.”
“It’s great to finally be moved in,” shared another teacher. “This is a great opportunity to save some money on rent and be able to stay living and working in the area we love!”
A staff member shared, “Being approved for residency in my district's workforce housing community is an opportunity I am very excited about! Saving money on market rental rates and being closer to work are benefits of this program I am grateful for.”
Another staff member shared, “I am thrilled that the district has provided the new apartments to the staff working in the district. This apartment has given me a secure gated community. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay in this brand new apartment.”
With this initiative, the City of Daly City makes history as the only jurisdiction in San Mateo County with two faculty and staff housing facilities within its boundaries.
About Jefferson Elementary School District: The Jefferson Elementary School District, established in 1866, serves Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade students from four contiguous areas in San Mateo County - Daly City, Colma, Broadmoor Village, and Pacifica. Jefferson Elementary School District provides all students with a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment where each student demonstrates a spirit of respect, responsibility and a commitment to academic and civic excellence. The district serves approximately 5,000 students. More than 20 languages are represented, making the district truly international. The district employs 25 certificated office and site administrators, 322 teachers and pupil services staff, and about 300 classified employees.
For more information: https://www.jsd.k12.ca.us/
On August 6, we opened Eastmoor Heights, a JESD community of 56 affordable housing units for teachers and staff! Check out more info from
Mr. Jon Hopkins has been with Jefferson Elementary School District since 2011. He taught at Daniel Webster Elementary for 12 years before moving on to the role of Dean of Academics at Ben Franklin Intermediate School. He has served as the Instructional Coach for Big Lift Summer School, as well as the principal of the Extended School Year summer program.
Mr. Hopkins is excited to work with the students, families, staff, and other community members as the new Vice Principal at Fernando Rivera Intermediate School. He is committed to providing students with the necessary tools for academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success. Mr. Hopkins lives with his family in Pacifica and his children attend schools in the Jefferson Elementary School District.
Padma Desikachari resides in West San Jose with her husband, two sons aged 21 and 19, her dad, and a labrador aged 13. She has been in education for over 15 years, teaching students from pre-school to undergraduate engineering. In Cupertino Union School District, she started as an ELD teacher, has worked closely with English Language Learners, and is passionate about Math. She taught middle school math for eight years and was a Math Instructional Coach for TK-8 grades for three years. Ms. Desikachari focuses on creating an inclusive community emphasizing students' academic success and socio-emotional well-being. She is a lifelong learner and received her Doctorate in Education last year. She loves arts, hiking, gardening, cooking, and watching TV. She is excited to join the TRP community and looks forward to contributing her skills and experience and finding opportunities to learn and grow.