April 3, 2020 - Family Digest

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Dear SFUSD Families:

The current situation we are living in right now is challenging. We are all being asked to do a lot, and at the same time, we know you are doing the best you can. 

I’m thrilled to share that this week we made tremendous strides in getting thousands of computers into the hands of students who need them, so they will be able to continue learning from home. I am so thankful for all the staff, volunteers, community partners, donors, and everyone who stepped up in service of our students to make this happen. We will continue this effort next week; keep reading for details.

Notice of Virtual Meetings 

SFUSD is currently in Phase 2 of a three-phase plan to implement our vision of distance learning. Teachers and central office content teams are currently developing rigorous, standards aligned, grade level curriculum to implement during Phase 3, which begins the week of April 13th. Please see the Notice of Virtual Meetings for Synchronous Learning for information about how students may be communicating online during school closure.

New Schedule for Week of April 6 - Technology Access

While schools are temporarily closed, SFUSD is working to provide access to technology for students in need of a device for distance learning, to the greatest extent possible. In service of this effort, the district will loan Chromebooks to SFUSD students in grades 3-12 who do not have access to a computer during the day at home to support distance learning.

• For the week of April 6, pickups will take place Monday, April 6 through Wednesday, April 8 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at centralized locations based on a staggered schedule to reduce crowding and prioritize health and safety. 
• Home delivery will be available for a limited number of students who are unable to pick up at one of the centralized locations.
• Please fill out the device request form at bit.ly/sfusd-device before picking up a device. Have your student ID number ready at the time of pickup.
• All devices are SFUSD property and will be on loan to families. They will need to be returned to SFUSD when schools reopen. There is a limit of one device per student.

For information on pick-up times, locations, and identification needed to pick up a device, visit sfusd.edu/device.

Internet Connectivity Update

SFUSD is working with the City and County of San Francisco, community-based organizations, and local philanthropists to expand Internet access for students in grades 3-12 who need WiFi to engage in SFUSD’s Distance Learning Plan to the greatest extent possible. We are prioritizing our students who are homeless, students living in single room occupancies, and students in public housing to start. 

In support of our efforts, several Internet providers are offering free and/or low-cost options to SFUSD families now. In addition, we are working toward the strategic distribution of SuperSpots, hotspots, and access through San Francisco’s Fiber to Housing program, during the weeks of April 6 and April 13, in phases that prioritize need. Learn more about these options at sfusd.edu/internet.

SFUSD will follow up directly with families that have completed our technology request form to share with them the available options. 

Family Portal (ParentVUE) Activation Resources

If you have not activated your ParentVUE account yet, here are NEW helpful resources to get you started:

• How to Activate ParentVUE Video (available in Spanish and Chinese)
• How to Update Contact Information Video

If you need an activation code (you received a letter in the mail), please contact us through the bit.ly/familyportalhelp. Questions? Please visit www.sfusd.edu/parentvue and go toclick on the FAQ page! 

School Properties Closed to Public

In alignment with the City’s Shelter in Place order, which has closed the City’s Recreation and Park playgrounds and other facilities, all SFUSD school yards, playgrounds, sport courts,  and playgrounds will be closed to the public during the school closure period.

Get your science on! This idea is meant for younger students but could be fun for the whole family. Find a spot to sit in quietly with a partner for 10 minutes, (and if outside the home, at least 6 feet away from others who you don’t live with). Use your science observation tools (eyes, ears, nose and fingers). Tell your partner all the things you see, hear, smell, and feel. Find a new spot each day.

It's okay to be flexible around your child’s needs - not all kids learn the same way, so it's okay to ask your child what they want to learn. Be sure to support their passion projects! When children learn about something they care about, it can feel much easier to support them.

Student artwork from the 2020 SFUSD Arts Festival can now be experienced online! While our ability to gather in person to celebrate our students’ creative brilliance may be limited, we can still enjoy and reflect on their artistic achievements. Read more about the Arts Festival and view the gallery online here.

Warm regards,
Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews