January 6, 2021

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Dear SFUSD Families:

You may be following the news regarding the assault on our nation’s capital today in a very disturbing display of violence and hatred that many are calling an attempted coup. You may have also seen that Georgia elected their first ever African American senator, Raphael Warnock, and Jon Ossoff will be the first Jewish senator elected to a Southern state in over 100 years.

As we continue to grapple with a very divided nation and the terrible impacts of the pandemic, I am inspired by community leaders in Georgia where record numbers of voters turned out. Today’s historic events in Washington and Georgia are a reminder that we must persist in our commitment to social justice and that the work we do to educate our children to become critical thinkers and to evaluate information using multiple sources is more important than ever. I’m proud of our shared core values and the thousands of students, families and staff who demonstrate those values in action every day. 

We’re sharing SFUSD updates and more with you in today’s digest but also want to be sure to acknowledge the many feelings we all may be having right now. Please take good care.

Updates

In-Person Learning Registration Survey for Phase 2A Families

Before we recessed for the winter break, I sent an email to let you know that we will not begin our phased approach and reopen the first 12 schools to in-person instruction on January 25 as originally proposed.

We do not yet have a new target date set to begin a phased return to in-person learning. 

We are continuing to work hard so we are prepared to offer a safe in-person learning opportunity to our most vulnerable students when we are able to do so. 

If you have a child in Phase 2A, you should have received a personalized survey link in your email we have on record for you with SFUSD. Most families have responded to that survey. If you have not done so, please do no later than January 15 so we can plan for the number of students who may be interested in returning to in-person when possible.

SF Loves Learning for K-2 Students

SF Loves Learning is now airing every weekday, 8:30-9 am on KTVU Plus and on our website: sfusd.edu/sfloveslearning. Each episode includes a culturally affirming science based daily lesson, original song, read aloud, and movement activity, as well as segments from the community. The theme this week on SF Loves Learning is “I am a Scientist!” Next week's theme is "How to Use All Your Senses as a Scientist!" All segments of each episode are in alignment with these themes throughout the weeks. You can search for any segment of any episode by segment type, educator, Graduate Profile skill, and more in our digital library. Segments from this week include titles such as:

• Are You a Scientist? Daily Lesson
• Green is a Chile Pepper: Read Aloud
• Exploring Science Through Dance: Movement Segment
• Rinconcito del invierno: Original Song

You can also find Seesaw activities linked in our digital library and on our SF Loves Learning Seesaw page. To contribute content for the show, fill out this form (make sure to click “Community” for Type of Segment). To offer feedback about the show, email Brian Fox at foxb2@sfusd.edu.

Free Grab & Go Meals Available!

• This Friday: 2 days’ worth of meals, plus snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk is available for all children 18 and younger!
• Meals are free for ALL students this school year!
• Visit sfusd.edu/menus to view the January menu.
• Visit sfusd.edu/schoolfood for a list of locations and what to bring.
• Download the January Grab-and-Go Schedule. 

New Technology in the New Semester? We’re Here for You!

Need help with a technology tool? Visit bit.ly/sftechtutors to sign up for a free 30-minute session in 9 languages for Zoom, Seesaw, ParentVUE, Chromebooks, Google Meet, Google Classroom, other important tools in Google Suite and also the Multipurpose Family Income Form (MFIF).

Helpful Reminders for Logging in to Zoom Meetings

Please review our guide on accessing Zoom meetings so that you can access your classes! This guide is also available in:عربى, 中文, Tagalog, Español, tiếng Việt

• Need help? Students and families can contact the Family and Student Resource Link line at 415-340-1716 or familylink@sfusd.edu. 

Bright Spot

SFUSD is taking Ethnic Studies to a whole different level, incorporating podcasting to help lift student voices and develop the skills necessary to become agents of change. Learn more here and listen to the podcasts here.

Warm regards,

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews