April 29, 2020 - Staff Digest

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Dear SFUSD Staff:

This week the Board of Education approved a new grading policy for the remainder of this semester that has been shaped by many conversations with all stakeholders and aims to address the unique challenges we are facing while schools are closed. To all who have been involved in this process, thank you for continuing to keep the best interests of our students at the core of our work.

Continuity of Learning: New Grading Policy through June 2

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. With this in mind, 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. 

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. 

Family Partnership

The School Community Network reminds us that families’ unique knowledge of their children positions them to support their children’s learning, and help them look to the future with wonder and hope.

School staff can encourage families to explore questions with youth, such as: “What do I most enjoy learning about or doing?” and “Where will my education take me?” Both families and teachers can help students see a connection between what they learn in school and how it may help them reach future goals.

Reminder - Technology Tips & Resources to Support Distance Learning

• Webinars and Professional Learning - Take advantage of Office Hours and webinars to help you make the most of digital learning.
• Guides for Meeting Online with Staff and Students - Safely facilitate virtual meetings via Meet and Zoom.
• Student Privacy and Continuity of Learning FAQs - Prioritize student safety and privacy. Secure data in your files using appropriate Google Drive Sharing and Permissions.

Reminder - SF Loves Learning TV Show - Submissions Welcome!

Submit a video for consideration - submission guidelines; entry form (one per video or idea); email questions to sfloveslearning@sfusd.edu

View past episodes at sfusd.edu/sfloveslearning.

Reminder - Volunteers needed to support Chromebook distribution

Sign up to volunteer if you can support with distribution.

Reminder - Access to schools and 555 Franklin/ 601 McAllister

No staff or students are allowed in schools at this point. 555 Franklin/ 601 McAllister are closed except for:

• Laptop distribution days and times posted at sfusd.edu/device
• Employees with fobs for these buildings
• Visitors who have a pre-scheduled appointment

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. Staff may email staffingquestions@sfusd.edu 

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).

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 1st is both School Lunch Hero Day and School Principal Day! Let’s celebrate our dedicated Student Nutrition Services staff for their service on the frontlines of our COVID-19 response efforts (serving over 600,000 meals), and for their tireless efforts to provide healthy meals to children. You are our heroes every day!

And let’s also celebrate our Principals –– their leadership holds our school communities together whether we’re learning in-person or remotely. We are so grateful for all you do to serve our students! 

Warm regards,
Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews