January 20, 2021

January 20, 2021

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Dear SFUSD Families:

Happy belated Martin Luther King Jr. Day! Dr. King worked tirelessly in the civil rights movement and his leadership was instrumental in ending segregation. Recent events underscore that the work of Dr. King is still important today.  Teachers, students and families have opportunities to learn from important events –– from the legacy of Dr. King to the history being made today with America’s first woman vice president, Kamala Harris. 

Please keep reading today’s digest for more important updates.

Updates

Though we have not yet set a new date to begin our gradual return for students who choose in-person learning, SFUSD is actively preparing so we’re ready when it is possible. Some of the work happening includes staff completing a 3-hour online training about health and safety protocols; school facilities getting set up to serve students in Phase 2A at the first set of schools set to open; negotiations with labor groups continue; and the dashboard is updated weekly.

In-Person Learning Registration Survey (Phase 2A)

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. 

We recognize that not all families surveyed have responded and that there is a lot of information families would like to have access to as they consider this option. SFUSD isn’t able to share more details that are dependent on information that is not yet available.

COVID 19 Vaccine Updates

The vaccine is one of the most important ways to end the pandemic. It is very safe, and highly effective. Currently, the vaccine remains available only in limited quantities. Vaccines allocated to the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) have either been administered or are earmarked for those who have been scheduled to receive a first dose and those who need a second dose. 

San Francisco is following the State's population prioritization plan. The vaccine is expected to be available to everyone by the end of 2021. A complete vaccination requires two doses. 

You can sign up to get a notification when you are eligible to get the vaccine by going to this link and signing up to get a notification. You may not get a notification for months, because vaccines are in limited supply. It depends on when the City receives doses from the state and federal government.

Learn more about the vaccine and the rollout in San Francisco here. Regardless of whether you have received the vaccine or not, you can also do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep others safe by staying home, staying 6 feet apart while outside, and wearing a face covering.

Are You Experiencing a Technology Challenge? We Have Resources for You!

  • This guide has solutions for the most common distance learning technology challenges: bit.ly/tech-help20 
  • You can also sign up for a personalized session with a trained volunteer. Visit bit.ly/sftechtutors to sign up for a free 30-minute session in nine different languages.

SF Loves Learning for K-2 

SF Loves Learning is now airing every weekday, 8:30-9am on KTVU Plus and any time at sfusd.edu/sfloveslearning. The theme of this week's episodes on SF Loves Learning is “How do scientists remember their observations and questions?” Next week’s theme is “How germs spread!” A few highlight clips from this AND next week include:

  • The Experiment - Germs Spread (Daily Lesson): Maestra Meza uses glitter to demonstrate how germs spread.
  • Dancing with Symbols (Movement): Ms. Jessica and Mr. Manolo explore how to use words, symbols, and sounds to record data and create choreography.
  • The Nonsense Monster (Read Aloud): This book teaches young children how to focus and overcome distractions.
  • Color Mixing (Creative): We are all connected! Colors are connected too. What happens when we connect colors? Can we create something new?

You can search for any content from the show, including segments for next week in two ways:

  • Digital Library: Search for any segment type (read aloud, daily lesson, etc.), Educator, Graduate Profile skill, keyword, and more.
  • YouTube channel: Subscribe to this channel, explore the playlists, and receive notifications when new content is published.

Bright Spot

Starr King Elementary School fourth graders wrote about home and identity with 826 Valencia - check out their work in the Potrero View!

Warm regards,

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews

This page was last updated on January 20, 2021