August 5, 2020 - Staff Digest

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Dear SFUSD Staff:

We’re less than two weeks until the first day of school and I know we’re all eager to reconnect with our school communities. While we’re beginning the school year from a distance, our district is united in our commitment to serve each and every student and provide them with the best possible experience with distance learning. 

Updates

Distance Learning: Professional Development Opportunities & Resources

Foundational Technology Skill-Building for Distance Learning

The Department of Technology will provide foundational skill building support for SFUSD educators to build the skills needed to successfully launch the school year in a digital distance environment! This support includes both training and resources:

• Webinars on leveraging our core applications for teaching and learning and resume on August 5 (view offerings and sign up here)! 
• Top Resource: Explore our new Digital Backpack site! This site now shows tools available for use instructional purpose, and includes curricular use suggestions, resources, tutorials, and more!
• Looking for a resource or tool to get started? Visit our Digital Learning Resources Hub for a comprehensive list of all digital learning resources designed to support distance learning.

Teachers Supporting Teachers - Peer Support with Distance Learning

 

 

SFUSD Meal Sites Closed August 12

All SFUSD meal sites will be closed next week, August 12, to provide a break for our dining staff before resuming service with the start of the new school year.  Twice the meals were provided at the August 5 pickup.  Since March, SNS has distributed over 2.6 million meals!

Grab & Go Meals Now Available to SFUSD Students Only

As the school year begins with distance learning, SFUSD Student Nutrition Services will continue to provide nutritious school meals for students. Beginning August 19, meals will be available to SFUSD students only. This change is due to USDA policies. Families must provide the student’s barcode for their meal account when picking up meals. Each student’s barcode will be mailed to households by August 18. For families that did not receive their barcode, or need assistance, SNS will provide assistance at select sites on August 21. 

Free meals are available to students who qualify or attend CEP schools. If a student is not eligible for free or reduced-price meals, $22.50 per bag will be charged to their SchoolCafe account. Learn more and help families apply at sfusd.edu/MFIF. View the list of sites and schedules at sfusd.edu/schoolfood. 

Encourage Families to Apply Online for School Meal Benefits!

The Multipurpose Family Income form for the 20-21 school year is available online at sfusd.edu/MFIF. The form is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. Families must submit a new application each school year to qualify for meal benefits. For assistance, families may reach out to SNS at 415-749-3604 or SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu.

Volunteer & Help Students Access School Meals

Student Nutrition Services has volunteer opportunities for SFUSD employees!

• Help with setup and line control at grab & go meal sites
• Volunteer as a delivery driver for students with disabilities and special dietary needs

Questions? Email SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu.

Pre Service Preparation Extension for Pathway To Teaching (Good for Other New Teachers as well)

Pathway to Teaching is hosting a three-day “PSP Extension” on Aug 5-7 for Pathway teachers in its newest cohort. This extension of the seven-week summer pre-service preparation program will be specifically focused on knowledge and skills for distance learning. 

Pathway teachers will engage in preparation in three areas: setting up their digital classroom, building learning partnerships with families, and creating a safe and supportive digital classroom. If you have any questions about Pathway PSP Extension, please reach out to Kristin Alvarez:  alvarezk@sfusd.edu.

Para Educator Device Deployment Round 2!

SFUSD will provide paraeducators and core para subs with a Chromebook to complete essential work duties during this period of distance learning, as well as for continued use as part of their employment with SFUSD. 

Paraeducators who do not already have one can pick up a Chromebook this THURSDAY, AUGUST 6th at John O’Connell High School (2355 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110) from 10am to 2pm. 

Deployment will occur in the back of the building. Enter through the parking lot on Harrison Street (near 20th). Parking is also available in the lot.

Eligibility requirements - must 

• Be a Paraeducator as primary role
• Be currently active employee
• Not have received a district device previously 

Device Exchanges

If their district-provided device is not functioning and makes it challenging to perform work duties due to damage or disability, they are eligible

• If they previously received a district device from your school site, and it is not working, they are welcome to pick up a new device. They must coordinate the return of the non-working device with the school site they got it from originally.
• If they are a paraeducator at a VILS Middle school, they are eligible

When picking up a device, paraeducators will need:

• A current, valid photo ID (driver’s license, SFUSD employee ID, etc.)
• A protective mask or face covering.
  •  It is REQUIRED to wear a face mask or other protective face covering, per SFDPH guidelines.
• SFUSD email account and password login credentials. 
  • Paras must be able to log-in to your SFUSD Gmail account to use the Chromebook and access district resources. 
  • This means they need to have their SFUSD email password for the Chromebook to work. 
  • If they need a password reset, call the DoT Help Desk at 415-241-6476.

Additional Notes:

• Chromebooks require the Internet to function. Visit sfusd.edu/internet for information on how to get free/affordableInternet at home.
• Paras will have access to training, resources, and ongoing support after receiving their district Chromebooks, particularly next week (August 10-14).
  • See SFUSD professional development offerings including Digital District Day and the Paraeducator Institute, both next week!

Questions? Educators and site leaders with questions related to the paraeducator device deployment, email Nora Houseman (HousemanN@sfusd.edu).

Bright Spot

SFUSD's Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Enikia Ford Morthel joined a panel of experts on ABC7 News to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on elementary schools, distance learning and what's being done to make it work during the pandemic. Watch it here.

Warm regards,

Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews