June 3, 2020 - Staff Digest

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Dear SFUSD Staff:

Each day, our mission is to put our students at the center of our work. During the past several months, I have been deeply moved by how hard all of you have worked to support students: you have served 1.3 million free meals, you have provided learning opportunities in a whole new way, you have distributed laptops and hotspots to those who need them, you have reached out to students and families to connect them with resources, and so much more.

History is now calling on us to support our students yet again. As our community mobilizes in response to senseless police violence and systemic racism in our institution and others, it is our responsibility to listen to their needs and to create safe and socially just learning environments for each and every one of them. We are lucky to have the opportunity to guide children on their journey while creating a better world, and I am grateful to do this work alongside all of you. 
 

Department of Technology (DoT) Availability the Week of June 8-12 - Remote Support Only

There will be no public-facing, onsite technology support the week of June 8-12. DoT will be prioritizing support related to end-of-year needs and summer school launch during this time. 

For staff, the DoT Help Desk will shift into remote hours for the week with team members available by phone from 7:30am - 1pm, Monday - Friday. The remainder of the afternoons will be remote via online tickets. 

For families, DoT will continue to have remote family support on the Family Resource Link. Please do not send staff or families to DoT locations for support.

Updates from Student Nutrition Services

SNS staff have distributed over 1.3 million meals since schools closed in March. Here are the highlights from week 11. Our grab & go meal sites will continue to provide free meals to all children throughout the summer. For locations and updates, visit sfusd.edu/schoolfood.

Volunteer this Summer! Help Students Access Free Meals

Student Nutrition Services has multiple volunteer opportunities for SFUSD staff!

• Help with setup and line control at grab & go meal sites
• Preorder and pick up meals for students you know need help accessing food
• Volunteer as a delivery driver for students with disabilities and special dietary needs

Questions? Email SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu.

Take Action - Emergency Funding for School Nutrition Programs

Please make your voice heard and urge the U.S. Senate to pass emergency funding for school nutrition programs.

On May 12, 2020, U.S. Representative Alma Adams (D-NC) proposed the Funding Emergency Eating Distribution for the Children (FEED the Children) Act. The language of the bill was included in The Heroes Act and passed by the House on May15, 2020. The Heroes Act provides $3 billion in emergency funding to help child nutrition programs cover costs associated with COVID-19 school closures. It also designates school nutrition workers as "essential."

As SNS continues to advocate for financial relief, PPE and other program assistance, we are asking that you reinforce the message by writing to the Senate and asking for their support of these provisions:

• Click TakeAction
• Add your contact information and submit

Reminder - Sign up to attend Digital District Day

The 5th annual Digital District Day will be hosted virtually on Monday, August 10, 2020 from 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (LWEA/Prop G hours eligible). Sign up to attend and present at sfusd.edu/ddd

The School Health Programs Resource Guide provides a list of resources available from our city and community based organization partners around academics, health, employment, childcare and more.

SFUSD graduating seniors Julian Jordan and Kyle Trefny of Ruth Asawa School of the Arts have produced an animated commencement address in honor of the class of 2020. The stop-motion short film, titled “Dear Class of 2020” speaks to the challenges the Class of 2020 has faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and issues a call to action to create a safer, kinder and more sustainable future. “Dear Class of 2020” can be viewed on YouTube, Instagram TV and Vimeo. 

Warm regards,
Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews