October 28, 2020

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Dear SFUSD Families:

We’re well into fall and as the season changes, I want to remind everyone about the importance of taking care of ourselves and others. First, with COVID-19 and flu season overlapping, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine.  Everyone ages 6 months and older should get their flu vaccine this fall.  The flu vaccine protects everyone’s health — it prevents individuals from getting sick, limits the spread of flu from person to person, and reduces the chance of hospitalization. Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ offices, clinics, and pharmacies. To find a flu vaccine at a location near you, visit the Vaccine Finder or check the list of San Francisco Department of Public Health locations offering free or low-cost flu vaccinations for the public.

Here are a few reminders about where you can turn for student and family support, ways to share your input and donate to SFUSD’s reopening fund (if you are able): 

• Support: While the teachers and other staff at your child’s school are your first point of contact, if you’re ever unable to reach someone at your school or need help with something, you can always reach out to the Student and Family Resource link by phone, email or an online form. The SFUSD Student and Family Resource Link is available to support students and families in navigating available SFUSD resources. 
• Input: We want to hear from you. Someone from your child’s school will be reaching out soon to do a wellness check. We also encourage families to partner with your child’s teachers, school and the school district. Learn about parent advisory groups and/or share your views with the SF Board of Education.  
• Donate: Some families have asked how they can donate to support our work to safely return to in-person learning. Spark* SF Public Schools, a non-profit dedicated to raising funds for SFUSD’s priority initiatives, has established a Return Safely Fund. 

Updates

Upcoming Schedule Changes for Grab & Go Meals

In response to feedback from families to accommodate school and work schedules, meal pickup will now be offered in the afternoon, two days per week. After next week, grab and go meal sites will no longer be open on Wednesdays, 10:30-12. Schedule changes are also being made to accommodate the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Meal Pickup Changing to Tuesday Afternoons

Starting November 10, the weekly pick up time for all grab and go sites will change to Tuesday, 2-3:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, 5 days’ worth of meals, including breakfast, lunch, supper, fresh fruits and vegetables, and milk is available. Brown, Lau and Mission stay open until 4 p.m.

• New Second Pickup Day Offered

Starting November 13, sites will also be open a second day to pick up additional meals and snacks. On these days, 2 days’ worth of meals, plus snacks, fresh fruits and vegetables, and milk is available. Pick up meals one or both days!

• November Schedule
  • Wednesday, November 4, 10:30-12 (5 Day Bag)
  • Tuesday, November 10, 2-3:30 (5 Day Bag)
  • Friday, November 13, 2-3:30 (2 Day Bag)
  • Tuesday, November 17, 2-3:30 (5 Day Bag)
  • Friday, November 20, 2-3:30 (5 Day Thanksgiving Holiday Bag)
  • Thanksgiving: Closed
• Download Grab & Go Calendar
• Grab and go meals are available for SFUSD students and their siblings. View locations and more information at sfusd.edu/schoolfood.

Grab & Go Meal Schedule at Bret Harte Elementary Nov. 4

On November 4, Bret Harte Elementary will be opening late as equipment is moved. Pick up meals 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Possible Increase in ICE Activity

The City of San Francisco has issued a statement regarding possible increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on the days leading up to the election on November 3rd. While ICE has not shared any details, it is important that we are informed and prepared to support our students and families. The district’s Immigration Policy and Resources webpage includes local resources that are in place for our immigrant families.

Walk and Roll Week

Each October, thousands of kids at schools across San Francisco walk, scoot, and bicycle to school as part of International Walk & Roll to School Day. With students learning remotely this fall, Walk San Francisco has created activities to celebrate getting around in people-powered ways like on foot, bicycle, and scooter.

• The San Francisco Safe Routes to School Partnership is holding an art contest for all SFUSD students K-12 to help celebrate Walk & Roll Week. Entries are due by 11:59PM November 16, 2020.
• Teachers: When you sign up your classroom to participate in Walk & Roll Week, you’ll have a chance to win a set of books with sustainability, health, and safety themes for your classroom. Sign up your classroom now! 

Family Technology Webinars Still Available!

• Learn how to use ParentVUE, StudentVUE, Seesaw, Google Classroom, and Zoom! The final offering of Family Technology Webinar #3, Diving Deeper with SFUSD Technology Apps for Distance Learning, is Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 - 6:30.
• Visit the family webinars page at sfusd.edu/family-webinars for a link to the livestream and access to recordings and slide decks for all past webinars.
• Need additional help with distance learning apps? Schedule a live 30-minute 1:1 session at bit.ly/sftechtutors!

Having Trouble Accessing Your Class Zoom Meeting?

If you are getting an error that says “This meeting is for authorized attendees only” find the solution in our Zoom Troubleshooting Guide!

• The guide includes solutions to accessing meetings and the other most common Zoom issues.

Reminders

Education Funding Measures on November Ballot

Election Day is next Tuesday! As a reminder, San Franciscans will vote on Proposition J, which addresses a legal loophole to continue providing funds to SFUSD, and California Proposition 15, which would increase revenue for public education and other services. Learn more about these measures and remember to make a plan to vote and urge your family and friends to do so.

Bright Spot

Halloween is this Saturday, and while it will look different this year it can still be a lot of fun. Check out these ideas for ways to celebrate.

Warm regards,

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews