April 24, 2020 - Family Digest

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Dear SFUSD Families:

Since closing school buildings last month, we’ve been working as quickly as possible to provide services to each and every student within the constraints of public health guidelines and district resources, both human and otherwise. We’ve been sharing resources to help you manage all of the changes coming your way. We’ve created numerous website pages, sent multiple email updates, and even called and sent text messages. I’m excited to share that we now have a new way for you to reach out to us with your questions. Keep reading today’s digest for details

Family Resource Link

The SFUSD Family Resource Link is a new service that helps families navigate SFUSD resources and questions during distance learning. It does not replace existing phone lines and emails to reach district departments. Families with questions can access the Family Resource Link in three ways:

• Email a request to familylink@sfusd.edu
• Go to familylink.sfusd.edu to complete an online request form
• Call 415-340-1716 (Hours of operation for the phone are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Callers can leave a voicemail at all hours. Translation services will be provided, as needed. 

Food Resources

Beginning Monday, April 27, grab & go meals will be limited to a maximum of 4 bags per person in order to serve as many children as possible. Please remember that adults are required to wear a face covering while waiting in line and picking up bags. Find pickup times and locations for SFUSD meals: sfusd.edu/schoolfood and access City information on where to get food resources. You may also call 311.

Virtual Meeting Resources Link to this section

Families can find information on student norms for online learning and how students and families can use district-approved conferencing tools (Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom) on this Virtual Meetings page. 

Reminder - School Closure Digest moving to Wednesdays only  Link to this section

Starting next week, April 27, the School Closure Digest will be shared with the SFUSD community once a week every Wednesday evening. SFUSD will continue to share new updates online, through social media and other channels. We invite you to reach out if you have questions. Families may email familylink@sfusd.edu or call 415-340-1716. 

Reminder + CORRECTION - Text Messaging Service for TK-2 Families—Learning Tips Link to this section

• SFUSD is pleased to offer a free research-based text messaging service for TK through 2nd grade families. Ready4K builds on daily routines and sends messages that match your child’s age (children ages 0-8).
• Each week families receive 3 texts with fun facts and tips on ways to help children learn and grow. Many PreK families enrolled in SFUSD already receive these messages, and report the service is a helpful resource for supporting their children.
• To sign up for free, text SFUSD to 70138 (number corrected - we apologize for the error in Wednesday’s digest). The service is free while schools are closed for the remainder of the school year. Please note that data and messaging rates may apply. 

Reminder - Continuity of Learning Technology Resources Link to this section

• Get your child’s Google account: Your child’s SFUSD-provided Google account gives them access to a variety of learning and collaboration resources. 

• Need Help? Visit sfusd.edu/familytechnology to get support with the technology resources that support your child’s learning, including:
  • Stay connected via Family Portal (ParentVUE)
    • If you need help with ParentVUE, please submit a request at bit.ly/familyportalhelp.
  • Get help connecting to the internet.
  • Still need a Chromebook?  

The moments before we fall asleep and the first moments we spend out of bed are great opportunities to set healthy habits and maintain a consistent rhythm to our life. Some suggestions:

• Prepare the night before. Place a glass of water by the bed to rehydrate the body upon waking. In the morning, reflect on how you slept and share dreams with each other.
• Eat a healthy breakfast together with protein and whole grains.
• If there is time, meditate, stretch or jog together around the block. Avoid technology, if possible.
• Before you start the rest of your day: take a couple of minutes to jot down your primary goals and to do’s for the day, then help your child write down their goals. This can help maintain a sense of peace as the rest of the day transpires.

April is Arab American Heritage Month! Mr. Fan, Arabic Teacher at Marina Middle School, has created this 2-minute educational video. Hear about important holidays in the Arabic culture and famous Arab Americans. Do you know what “Kulli sana wentu Tayyibeen” means? Watch to find out. 

Warm regards,
Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews