February 3, 2021

Back to All Updates

Dear SFUSD Families:

You may notice we’ve added some new sections to today’s digest. We are continually working to improve the ways we share information with families, and are grateful to those who have offered feedback about how we can better communicate with you. Please continue to let us know how we can best keep you informed about what’s happening in SFUSD.

And please keep reading today’s digest for more important updates.

Return Safely Together Updates

SFUSD continues to plan and prepare to reopen school sites. Here are some current events related to the preparation process. 

• This week the SF Department of Public Health conducted more inspections at some of the SFUSD school sites district staff have been preparing to reopen. 
• SFUSD is meeting with labor partners.  Read the latest bargaining updates from Feb. 1 and Jan. 29.
• Given new public health guidelines and information, SFUSD must now find a provider for student and staff COVID-19 asymptomatic testing. To this end, SFUSD has posted a request for proposals.
• SFUSD In-Person Phase 2A Registration Survey Results: Of the 80% of Phase 2A families we’ve heard from regarding in-person learning, 57% have said they prefer to send their child to in-person and 43% have said they prefer to stay in distance learning. The district is using this information to plan with site leaders. More information about survey results is available in this recent Board of Education presentation, beginning on slide 7.
• Dr. Matthews and Board of Education President Lopez issued a statement in response to an announcement that San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera is suing the SF Board of Education and SFUSD related to in-person learning. 

Distance Learning Updates

Learning Resources 

It’s Black History Month! As a school district that values diversity, we believe Black History should be celebrated 365 days a year—366 in a leap year. The diverse histories, experiences, stories and voices of Black people should be recognized, honored, and uplifted every day. Learn more about some of this year’s celebrations and check out this resource guide for ideas of ways you can explore Black history. 

SF Loves Learning

How are you celebrating Black History Month? Would you like to share it on SF Loves Learning? Email sfloveslearning@sfusd.edu to share your ideas or submit your video using this submission form.

“What do plants and animals need to survive?” is next week’s theme on SF Loves Learning. Check out these segments that will air next week:

• The Butterfly Song (Music): Michael Ryther and special guest Talia Young-Skeen sing The Butterfly Song - a song about the life cycle of a butterfly.
• Round is a Mooncake (Read Aloud): Gung Hay Fat Choy! Learn about Chinese New Year traditions and customs through shapes in "Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes."
• How do Monarch Butterflies Meet Their Needs? (Daily Lesson): Maestra Meza teaches us that butterflies are insects and identifies body parts that help them breath and get food.
• District Parent Advisory Council Meeting (Community): Join us for the DPAC Virtual Cafe on Feb. 11 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

You can search for any content from the show, and plan instruction for next week in two ways:

• Digital Library: Find any segment (read aloud, daily lesson, music, movement, community)!
• YouTube channel: Subscribe to this channel, explore the playlists, and receive notifications when new content is published.

SF Loves Learning is now airing every weekday, 8:30-9:00 a.m. on KTVU Plus and any time at sfusd.edu/sfloveslearning.

School Meals Updates

Pandemic-EBT: Two Steps to Take

California is getting ready to issue Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) benefits for the 2020-21 school year. Eligible families can receive a P-EBT card with funds to purchase food while school buildings are closed.

To receive P-EBT, review the following before Feb. 22:

1. Ensure your children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. If you haven’t already, update your household income information online by submitting the Multipurpose Family Income Form. 
2. Ensure your mailing address is correct. Check which address you have on file or update it by completing the Emergency Card form online in ParentVUE.

The State of California will mail cards directly to families March through June. Families do not need to apply. Benefits have recently been increased by 15% and will include any August and September funds not received. Like school meals, P-EBT is available regardless of citizenship status and is not considered a “public charge.” 

Note: All students enrolled in Community Eligibility Provision schools, receiving CalFresh or CalWORKs, or who are homeless, migrant, or foster, are automatically eligible and do not need to submit the Multipurpose Family Income Form. Please ensure your mailing address is correct!

Survey: Grab & Go Meal Pickup Time

Student Nutrition Services is gathering feedback to learn what time is most convenient for families to pick up meals at our grab and go locations. Please complete this survey by Tuesday, Feb. 16. Thank you for your input!

Staff/Family Resource Highlight

COVID-19 Vaccination Site for Those Over 65

• The Southeast Health Center located at 2401 Keith St. San Francisco, CA 94124 will be providing vaccines to all those 65 and over in two zip codes—94124 and 94134.
  • The vaccine will be available every day from 9am to 3pm and will be drop in—no appointment required.  The office will be closed from 12 to 1 p.m. for lunch.  Please bring an ID with your proof of age and residency, i.e. utility bill or driver's license. If you have any questions please contact the Southeast Health Center directly at (415) 671-7000.

Did You Know?

Did you know that you can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to distance learning and reopening plans on our website? We continually add answers to questions we’re hearing. Check out the FAQs.

Bright Spot

Check out this Channel 5 News story featuring a Balboa High School student “who uses education as a way to empower herself and others, with her academic success making a positive impact for communities of color in the Bay Area.”

Warm regards,

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews