April 29, 2020 - Family Digest

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Dear SFUSD Families:

Today’s digest is full of important updates, new resources available to families, and helpful reminders about things we’ve already shared. Plus, keep reading for a tip on a special day coming up!

Continuity of Learning: New Grading Policy through June 2

SFUSD teachers will take the following approach to grading for the remainder of this school year: 

• Students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Grades will be provided in accordance with those plans. 
• Students in grades TK through 5: Classroom teachers will provide feedback on progress in the “comments only” report form. 
• Students in grades 6 through 12: Classroom teachers will assign “Credit / No Credit” for each course. 

Our hope is that students continue to learn to the greatest extent possible during this time and we know that circumstances vary among educators and families. Students will be given extra time even after this school year ends to earn credit for missed work. We know you may have clarifying questions. We’re updating this FAQ online. 

New Support Services 

• Governor Gavin Newsom announced Initiatives to support older Californians with meals, check-ins, and a “Friendship” phone line during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source Link, 4/24/2020).
• California’s CalFresh Program implemented EBT online purchasing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to allow individuals to purchase their groceries online using their EBT card at Amazon and Walmart while a statewide stay at home order remains in place. (Source Link, 4/28/2020). 
• California Employment Development Department (EDD) launched the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program to provide financial support to Californians who are out of business or whose ability to provide services has been significantly reduced as a direct result of the COVID19 pandemic. (Source Link, 4/28/2020). 

Reminder - Digest and Resources 

Starting this 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 via other channels. We invite you to reach out if you have questions. Families may email familylink@sfusd.edu or call 415-340-1716. 

Reminder - Sign up for TK-2 Learning Tips Via Text Message

Families that sign up for this service receive three text messages per week with fun facts and tips on ways to help children learn and grow. To sign up for free, text SFUSD to 70138. 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

• Get your child’s Google account - Your child’s SFUSD-provided Google account gives them access to a variety of learning and collaboration resources.
• Virtual Meetings - Find information about online learning and how you can use Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom (the district-approved conferencing tools). 

• 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)
  • Get help connecting to the internet.
  • Still need a Chromebook? Pick-up opportunities on Tuesday & Wednesday next week at SFUSD Central Office, 555 Franklin Street. 

Reminder - Food Resources

• Pickup times and locations for SFUSD meals: sfusd.edu/schoolfood
• City information on where to get food resources. You may also call 311.

Reminder - Family Resource Link

• The Family Resource Link can help families find information related to school closure in three ways:
  • Go to familylink.sfusd.edu to complete an online request form
  • Email request at familylink@sfusd.edu
  • Call 415-340-1716 (Hours of operation for the phone are Monday through Friday from 9 am - 1 pm. Callers can still leave a voicemail at all hours).
• Content experts from district departments will respond to a variety of questions, including, but not limited to:
  • Technology (i.e., how to log into Google Classroom)
  • Distance learning (i.e., what are the expectations for online learning)
  • Special education (i.e., will there still be IEP meetings)
  • Food & nutrition (i.e., where can I get free meals)
  • Student enrollment (i.e., what are my options if I want a different school)

Here is one simple strategy from Greater Good Magazine for you and your family members to start your day: Say, write, or draw one thing you’re grateful for, one thing to do, and one thing to let go of or accept. Putting gratitude at the front of your day will set a positive tone for the day. And while you undoubtedly have more than one thing to do, focusing on ONE important task and letting go of impossible standards will keep you from feeling like you are falling short every day.

This Friday, May 1 is quite a special day. We’re celebrating National School Lunch Hero Day and National School Principals Day! We appreciate the hard-working leaders of our schools every day, and this Friday is a special day for students and families to give thanks to our school principals. And, to appreciate our dedicated Student Nutrition Services staff, who have been on the frontlines of our COVID-19 response efforts, serving over 600,000 meals since school buildings closed in March. 

Warm regards,
Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews