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Welcome to SMJUHSD!
Superintendent's Message
As we reflect on the progress and accomplishments of our school community, I want to express my deepest gratitude to every member of our district—students, staff, families, and partners. Your unwavering commitment and dedication to our shared mission have helped create a learning environment where our students are growing academically and are also supported in all aspects of their development.
News & Events
Latest News
![All SMJUHSD schools compete at Vex Robotics Tournament at Cal Poly]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768958805/smjuhsdk12caus/bxzptljinylpfizvnmva/Districtteams2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768958805/smjuhsdk12caus/bxzptljinylpfizvnmva/Districtteams2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768958805/smjuhsdk12caus/bxzptljinylpfizvnmva/Districtteams2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768958805/smjuhsdk12caus/bxzptljinylpfizvnmva/Districtteams2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1768958805/smjuhsdk12caus/bxzptljinylpfizvnmva/Districtteams2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1768958805/smjuhsdk12caus/bxzptljinylpfizvnmva/Districtteams2.jpg","width":2200}])
Three teams from the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) won awards during the 15th Annual Central Coast Vex Robotics Competition at Cal Poly on Saturday.
![SMJUHSD Hosted January Professional Learning Day Focused on Growth and Innovation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768339153/smjuhsdk12caus/xw0wgtmv1ppibfdbrfym/IMG_0729.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768339153/smjuhsdk12caus/xw0wgtmv1ppibfdbrfym/IMG_0729.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768339153/smjuhsdk12caus/xw0wgtmv1ppibfdbrfym/IMG_0729.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1768339153/smjuhsdk12caus/xw0wgtmv1ppibfdbrfym/IMG_0729.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768339153/smjuhsdk12caus/xw0wgtmv1ppibfdbrfym/IMG_0729.jpg","width":1290}])
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District hosted its January Professional Learning Day at Pioneer Valley High School, bringing educators together for a full day of professional growth and collaboration.
![Santa Maria FFA named the Number 1 FFA Chapter in California!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766178621/smjuhsdk12caus/w70rvqrli70fjgrxxh3x/2025Officers.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766178621/smjuhsdk12caus/w70rvqrli70fjgrxxh3x/2025Officers.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766178621/smjuhsdk12caus/w70rvqrli70fjgrxxh3x/2025Officers.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766178621/smjuhsdk12caus/w70rvqrli70fjgrxxh3x/2025Officers.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766178621/smjuhsdk12caus/w70rvqrli70fjgrxxh3x/2025Officers.jpg","width":1440}])
Santa Maria FFA has been named the Number 1 FFA Chapter in the State of California for the second consecutive year.
![MRC Ag Farm Classes and FFA students Crop Donations]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766178501/smjuhsdk12caus/xwdvi9zrj6dhnrbbuhdx/20251218_122240.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766178501/smjuhsdk12caus/xwdvi9zrj6dhnrbbuhdx/20251218_122240.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766178501/smjuhsdk12caus/xwdvi9zrj6dhnrbbuhdx/20251218_122240.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766178501/smjuhsdk12caus/xwdvi9zrj6dhnrbbuhdx/20251218_122240.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766178501/smjuhsdk12caus/xwdvi9zrj6dhnrbbuhdx/20251218_122240.jpg","width":1512}])
This week, MRC Ag Farm classes joined forces with FFA students from RHS, SMHS, and PVHS, partnering with Plantel to grow and harvest a crop that was donated to local food banks and church pantries.
![SMHS Band Director Samantha Bunten has been selected to participate in the 2026 Rose Parade]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766178387/smjuhsdk12caus/et4sr7njfl7bksb465oy/2022Rose.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1766178387/smjuhsdk12caus/et4sr7njfl7bksb465oy/2022Rose.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1766178387/smjuhsdk12caus/et4sr7njfl7bksb465oy/2022Rose.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1766178387/smjuhsdk12caus/et4sr7njfl7bksb465oy/2022Rose.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1766178387/smjuhsdk12caus/et4sr7njfl7bksb465oy/2022Rose.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766178387/smjuhsdk12caus/et4sr7njfl7bksb465oy/2022Rose.jpg","width":1920}])
Band Director Samantha Bunten from Santa Maria High School has been selected to participate in the 2026 Rose Parade as part of Saluting America’s Band Directors, marking their second opportunity to perform in the iconic New Year’s Day event with the group.
![SMHS Marching Saints and the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764894186/smjuhsdk12caus/yo0alkqctvfcyuxbesmh/ParadeRoute.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764894186/smjuhsdk12caus/yo0alkqctvfcyuxbesmh/ParadeRoute.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764894186/smjuhsdk12caus/yo0alkqctvfcyuxbesmh/ParadeRoute.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764894186/smjuhsdk12caus/yo0alkqctvfcyuxbesmh/ParadeRoute.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1764894186/smjuhsdk12caus/yo0alkqctvfcyuxbesmh/ParadeRoute.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764894186/smjuhsdk12caus/yo0alkqctvfcyuxbesmh/ParadeRoute.jpg","width":1620}])
Santa Maria High School proudly announces the successful return of the Marching Saints, who recently performed in the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade during their educational and performance tour from November 24–28.
![SMHS AP Environmental Science and Morro Bay Field Trip]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764089373/smjuhsdk12caus/f04ux9g1gjxlmjgahyjg/SMMB1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1764089373/smjuhsdk12caus/f04ux9g1gjxlmjgahyjg/SMMB1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1764089373/smjuhsdk12caus/f04ux9g1gjxlmjgahyjg/SMMB1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1764089373/smjuhsdk12caus/f04ux9g1gjxlmjgahyjg/SMMB1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764089373/smjuhsdk12caus/f04ux9g1gjxlmjgahyjg/SMMB1.jpg","width":1285}])
A group of students in Santa Maria High School’s AP Environmental Science class visited Morro Bay State Park to participate in some hands-on science late last week.
![SMHS Marching Saints and the Thanksgiving Day Parade]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1763765584/smjuhsdk12caus/cn1h3yb5ofjsjg2eyl7u/IMG_7958.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1763765584/smjuhsdk12caus/cn1h3yb5ofjsjg2eyl7u/IMG_7958.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1763765584/smjuhsdk12caus/cn1h3yb5ofjsjg2eyl7u/IMG_7958.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1763765584/smjuhsdk12caus/cn1h3yb5ofjsjg2eyl7u/IMG_7958.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1763765584/smjuhsdk12caus/cn1h3yb5ofjsjg2eyl7u/IMG_7958.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1763765584/smjuhsdk12caus/cn1h3yb5ofjsjg2eyl7u/IMG_7958.jpg","width":2200}])
The Santa Maria High School Marching Saints are all packed and ready for their big Thanksgiving trip to Chicago to participate in the Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Upcoming Events
By The Numbers
8,930
Students Enrolled
Shaping students for college, careers, and everything in between.
5
Top 5 in California for Student Growth
Named one of the Top 5 districts (1,000+ students) in California for student growth in 2023-2024.
1:1
Student Device Program
Every student has access to digital tools for success.
10.4%
Increase in English Language Arts Proficiency
Targeted support and great teaching are driving results. (2023-2024 CAASPP results)
3%
Increase in Mathematics Proficiency
Mathematics gains fueled by student-centered learning. (2023-2024 CAASPP results)
6.5%
Increase in Science Scores
Proving that focus, effort, and heart make a difference. (2023-2024 CAASPP results)
Voices of SMJUHSD
![Martha Garcia]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752514660/smjuhsdk12caus/y06v8cudqcbctwpkwdke/Martha.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752514660/smjuhsdk12caus/y06v8cudqcbctwpkwdke/Martha.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752514660/smjuhsdk12caus/y06v8cudqcbctwpkwdke/Martha.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752514660/smjuhsdk12caus/y06v8cudqcbctwpkwdke/Martha.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752514660/smjuhsdk12caus/y06v8cudqcbctwpkwdke/Martha.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752514660/smjuhsdk12caus/y06v8cudqcbctwpkwdke/Martha.png","width":2200}])
Martha Garcia
"Working at SMJUHSD feels like being part of a team that truly cares—about students, about equity, and about doing what’s best for learning. I love being part of a team that works hard to make learning meaningful and supports each other to grow and improve every day.”
— Martha Garcia, Administrative Assistant
SMJUHSD Administrative Assistant of the Year (2024-2025)
![Teddy Barahona]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752514723/smjuhsdk12caus/e54eswv7wkfkjxlyurbw/TeddyB.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752514723/smjuhsdk12caus/e54eswv7wkfkjxlyurbw/TeddyB.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752514723/smjuhsdk12caus/e54eswv7wkfkjxlyurbw/TeddyB.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1752514723/smjuhsdk12caus/e54eswv7wkfkjxlyurbw/TeddyB.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1752514723/smjuhsdk12caus/e54eswv7wkfkjxlyurbw/TeddyB.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1752514723/smjuhsdk12caus/e54eswv7wkfkjxlyurbw/TeddyB.png","width":2200}])
Teddy Barahona
"I love being a Campus Security Officer for the SMJUHSD because I get to build positive relationships with students and help create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone. Every day brings a new opportunity to make a difference. Knowing my presence helps our students feel safe and supported makes my work feel incredibly meaningful and rewarding."
- Teddy Barahona, Campus Security Officer
Mark Richardson Center Classified Employee of the Year (2024-2025)
![Martha Garcia]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752674600/smjuhsdk12caus/p24oszb7jr6l7eyfyeka/VictoriaLopez.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752674600/smjuhsdk12caus/p24oszb7jr6l7eyfyeka/VictoriaLopez.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752674600/smjuhsdk12caus/p24oszb7jr6l7eyfyeka/VictoriaLopez.png","width":655}])
Victoria Lopez
"Every conversation with a student is a chance to plant a seed—of confidence, hope, or guidance. I am very fortunate to work somewhere where I have the opportunity to have an impact on our future leaders."
— Victoria Lopez, Counselor
Santa Maria High School Certificated Employee of the Year (2024-2025)
![Tyler Lamica]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752690090/smjuhsdk12caus/nt8s7w43on9rfqgbabyj/TylerLamica.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752690090/smjuhsdk12caus/nt8s7w43on9rfqgbabyj/TylerLamica.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1752690090/smjuhsdk12caus/nt8s7w43on9rfqgbabyj/TylerLamica.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752690090/smjuhsdk12caus/nt8s7w43on9rfqgbabyj/TylerLamica.jpg","width":1080}])
Tyler Lamica
"Teaching at Santa Maria Joint has given me so many opportunities. I am so thankful to have the best students, colleagues, and admin team!"
— Tyler Lamica, Cyber Security & Networking Instructor
CTE Certificated Employee of the Year (2024-2025)
![Tyler Lamica]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753015578/smjuhsdk12caus/vtmacozyiohoaxyq0px8/jeff-cooper.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753015578/smjuhsdk12caus/vtmacozyiohoaxyq0px8/jeff-cooper.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1753015578/smjuhsdk12caus/vtmacozyiohoaxyq0px8/jeff-cooper.jpg","width":585}])
Jeff Cooper
"I have taught woodshop, World History, AP US History, economics, government, psychology, sociology, gardening, and robotics.In every subject, I focused on the same thing, creating opportunities for students to develop an unstoppable belief in themselves and their capacity to learn."
— Jeff Cooper
Delta High School Certificated Employee of the Year (2024-2025)