Bear News
Daily announcements are made over the school' s intercom system at the beginning of 4th period.  Submit announcements in writing to the student leadership class by emailing This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it no later than 9 pm the night before you want the announcement read.  Announcements can be submitted for a max of 3 days.

There are three bike cages located on the M-A campus where students can safely park their bicycles while they are in class - tennis courts, softball diamond and student parking lot. Students should park and lock their bikes there. Access is limited during the day, although the cages are unlocked before and after school hours. Anyone who bikes to school - and we encourage students and staff to do so - should have a secure lock and strong cable because we have occasional thefts.

Every student is issued a free M-A calendar and telephone directory at the beginning of the school year that includes helpful information about the school. Additional directories can be purchased for $10.00 in the Administration Office.

M-A offers a full selection of food, snacks, and drinks in a variety of locations throughout the campus before school, and during brunch and lunch. Food is not available for purchase during class time. Sample menu items include yogurt, bagels, donuts, milk, coffee, juice, and cereal in the mornings; pizza, sandwiches, tuna and fruit salads, stir-fry chicken and rice, beef and noodles, soup, burritos, hamburgers, fruit, chips, and nachos at lunch. Most items are priced under $3.00.

Lockers are provided for student use and students will be held responsible for their condition. Upon payment of a $5 deposit, a student is issued a locker and lock from the Administrative Vice Principal. Students retain their locks and lockers throughout their enrollment at M-A. The deposit is returned when the lock is returned. Students who wish to change lockers must notify the AVP office.

In order to speed-up the application process for both college examinations and college admissions, students should have a social security number. Information on how to obtain a Social Security Card is available at the College and Career Center.

The Journalism class publishes the M-A school newspaper (Bear Naked News) monthly. To submit editorial information to the newspaper or to ask about advertising opportunities, contact faculty advisor Doss Welsh (phone: 322-5311, x8676, or email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it ).

Student Store
The on campus student store is located between rooms B-20 & B-21 and is open every day at lunch.  The store sells spirit wear, school supplies and select food & beverages.  And extensive bear wear selection is available on line.

Student Resource Center
Room B-20 has been converted to a student resource center where kids can come to  get help or give help.    Information is available regarding community services & support, tutoring availability (get help), tutoring opportunities (give help), community service work and job recruitment.

The Student Support Fund is available to help students with short-term financial hardships such as eyeglasses, food, clothing, school supplies, bus passes, or prom tickets. Any student who has a financial need may apply for a small grant (usually under $100). Contact: Geri Nicholas, 322-5311, x5020

There are also financial scholarships available through Outreach, PTA, and other groups to assist with the purchase of school-related needs, such as AP exam fees, graduation cap and gown, Grad Night ticket, field trip costs, and yearbook. Contact: Steve Lippi, 322-5311, x5112

Copies of the SamTrans bus route maps and timetables are available free of charge in the M-A administration office, most public libraries, and by calling 800-660-4287. Bus passes are available for $22 in the M-A Treasurer's Office. Students who need financial assistance to purchase bus passes may apply to the Student Support Fund.

This monthly newsletter is published by the M-A PTA and is mailed to the homes of all students. Its purpose is to keep families informed about upcoming events and aware of school programs and issues. For information on submitting articles for publication and to access current and archived issues, visit the Trivocis page of the PTA website.

In order to work, all students under age 18 must have a work permit. Work permits must be renewed each school year in September. Summer work permits are issued in June. Work permit applications can be picked up in the College and Career Center daily at brunch.

The M-A Guidance Office and the Administration Office keep a limited supply of directories that list many of the public services available in San Mateo County. These agencies can help with a broad range of youth and family concerns, such as basic needs, counseling, drug and alcohol abuse, emergency housing, health, teenage parenting, pregnancy, legal aid, immigration status, sexual abuse, recreation and after-school programs, job placement and training, foster homes, and transportation. Students may also call (650) 595-7950 to get a copy of the San Mateo County Guide to Community Resources.