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Principal Message

Welcome to Peninsula High School (PHS). We have a rich history of serving students from San Mateo Union High School District (SMUHSD) who are off-track for graduation and providing quality education programs. At PHS, we focus on getting our students “back on track.” Our school is set up to accommodate our students’ academic and social needs. We want to create the right environment for students and staff. Our new phone policy of turning in one’s phone daily and appropriate language reminders are designed to keep everyone safe and focused on learning, which is why we have added these newer policies.

We believe it is a great time for students to renew their goals and educational aspirations, and to take advantage of all of our academic and social support whether this is their first time experiencing learning at Peninsula, or returning. Regardless of what program you are in, PHS treats everyone like family and takes care of one another. Every day we provide coaching for academics, personal, life skills, and future careers. As we all continue to work on the daily struggles, it is important our students take advantage of the social-emotional supports we provide on campus. PHS students will feel more connected to their instructors, and be provided the opportunity to ask more questions because our class sizes are reduced to better support everyone’s learning needs.

Our staff is trained in providing the very best in differentiated education, whether we’re utilizing Canvas or in-person instruction. Through a variety of diverse teaching strategies designed to build critical thinking skills, the Puma Family is here to provide a well-rounded and supportive academic education to meet a wide variety of learning styles. Students will also learn problem solve skills both independently and in group settings while enhancing their educational and communication skills.

In addition, in the 24-25 school year we are excited to be providing, based on student feedback, a Mental Health Period on Thursdays and Study Hall on Wednesdays at lunch and Thursdays after school for students to make up missing work and clear unexcused absences. Please check the bell schedule for times. During Mental Health Period students will select a space. More details to come. For returning or new students, it is also a great time to get involved in the school. We have our YPAR/Equity Group and Leadership class. We are encouraging students to get involved to share their schooling experiences and discuss what needs to change in schools for students to engage and find academic success. Sign-ups will be available in the first couple of weeks of school. 

Peninsula High School is available to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders.  PHS students have three options when enrolling after one school year. Students can either return to their comprehensive site if caught up on their credits, continue pursuing their education diploma with PHS, or if insufficient progress the student is enrolled in work towards the Adult School Diploma/GED. The majority of core classes will be offered in five of our six periods including career classes/social support/electives. Sophomores will be provided a full six period day to help them maximize credits and opportunities towards returning to their comprehensive sites as juniors. Regardless of grade level, all PHS students will be offered academic and social emotional support classes. Students who get back on track are not forced to return to their comprehensive site and may continue their academics with PHS. Students will learn basic skills and concepts to help prepare them for the rigors of post high school while utilizing the educational strategies and tools provided. Our focus is to give our students’ the skills they need to be successful in post-secondary life. Together, we work to create the right plan for everyone to succeed. We are looking forward to bringing out renewed energy and drive in our students this year.  

The post-secondary pathways we emphasize are: 

  • Community college and transfer to a university
  • AA degree from a community college
  • Job training schools for WorkForce Placement
  • Military
  • Trade School

We can’t wait to help our Puma seniors walk across the stage at graduation this Spring of 2025. We look forward to helping each student achieve their diploma. At Peninsula High School, we strive to help our students learn, find academic success and support, and the pathway that serves them best. The Puma Staff is prepared to support all students with skills to meet today and future challenges. I look forward to us working together and having a great year. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Ron Campana
Principal of Peninsula High School (PHS)