Absence Intervention Contacts
Please review the contacts/resources below if you need assistance with your student's attendance.
District Social Worker
mediaz@smuhsd.org
Office: 650-558-
Contact the District Social Worker if you/your child need help with the following:
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Samtrans bus passes to support transportation to/from school
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Case management services to facilitate access and linkage to community resources, e.g. food banks, childcare needs, housing resources, external mental health referrals
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Engagement with a student in the home environment to encourage and support school attendance
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Parent/caregiver psych-osocial support through groups/classes, e.g. Parent Connect
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Student support through individual sessions and groups
Assistant Principals
Michael Holtz, Grades 10 and 12
mholtz@smuhsd.org
Gary Hong, Grades 9 and 11
ghong@smuhsd.org
Lauren Ponti, ELD
lponti@smuhsd.org (Speaks Spanish)
Contact any Assistant Principal if you/your child need help with the following:
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Concerns about the attendance letter and notification you received
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Concerns about the safety or well-being of your child
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Issues around consequences due to absences and truancy
- If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact Lauren Ponti.
Family Engagement Coordinator
Neil Urquidez
nurquidez@smuhsd.org (Speaks Spanish)
Contact the Family Engagement Coordinator if you/your child need help with the following:
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Learn about opportunities for engagement (meetings, workshops, school events)
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Connecting with school personnel (advocacy)
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Assist families in understanding our school system (schedules, calendar, Parent Canvas accounts)
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School and Community Resources
School Attendance Technician
Corina Menéndez (Speaks Spanish)
cmenendez@smuhsd.org
650-558-2308
Contact the Attendance Technician if you/your child need help with the following:
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Reporting an absence
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Obtain pass for student who are leaving school early
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Inaccurate data related to attendance
Mental Health and Wellness Counselors
Diana de Guzman (Speaks Tagalog)
ddeguzman@smuhsd.org
650-558-2376
Maye Gutierrez (Speaks Spanish)
mgutierrez@smuhsd.org
650-558-2384
Helen Citrin
hcitrin@smuhsd.org
650-558-2362
Elena Ortiz (Speaks Spanish)
edortiz@smuhsd.org
650-558-2380
Contact a Wellness Counselor if you/your child need help with the following:
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Mental health concerns related to attendance
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Mental health referrals to Care Solace or other community resources
School Counselors
Alex Chavez (Speaks Spanish)
Works with English Language Development (ELD) Students
650-558-2317
gchavezandrade@smuhsd.org
Veronica Gasco
Works with 9th Graders / Class of 2029
650-558-2313, vgasco@smuhsd.org
Nicole Ellis
Works with 10th Graders / Class of 2027
650-558-2312
nellis@smuhsd.org
Works with 11th Graders / Class of 2026
650-558-2316
jzimmerman@smuhsd.org
Crystal Beltran (Speaks Spanish)
Works with 12th Graders / Class of 2025
650-558-2351
cbeltran@smuhsd.org
Contact a School Counselor if you/your child need help with the following:
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Concerns about missing days and assignments
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Connecting students with their teachers on missing assignments due to absences
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Academic supports including 504 plans, health issues impacting students’ education, after-school tutoring and supports
Health Aide
Shana Scatena650-558-2322
sscatena@smuhsd.org
Contact the Health Aide if you/your child need help with the following:
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Finding local medical services (including required immunizations)
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Getting connected to medical insurance
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Needing support with a Chronic Illness Verification Form (CIVF)