May 27, 2020 - Staff Digest

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Dear SFUSD Staff:

We have almost made it to the end of the school year, and I want you to know how much I appreciate all that you have done to help us get here. It has not been an easy road to say the least, but we have come this far by working together with equity at the forefront of our actions and discussions.

Fall semester learning begins in some form on August 17, and we know you have a lot of questions about what this will look like. As we head into summer break, SFUSD will stay in touch every Wednesday through this weekly email and through regular website updates on sfusd.edu. We know emails can be missed, so please know that when something is essential, we will text and call you too. 

Help us Celebrate the Class of 2020!

Graduating from high school is a big accomplishment and this year’s class of 2020 has persisted through an unusually challenging time. What would it sound like if all of San Francisco was cheering for our grads at the same time? Join a minute of cheer on June 2, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.  #SFGradCheer! 

Share photos and memories of the Class of 2020 on social media using the hashtag #SFUSDGrads2020. Tag @SFUnified on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Let’s all join in honoring the achievements of our newest graduates.

Digital District Day is Going Virtual!

The Department of Technology is excited to announce our 5th annual Digital District Day, hosted virtually on Monday, August 10, 2020 from 8:30am-4:00pm (LWEA/Prop G hours eligible)! This event will launch opportunities for continuous learning, resource sharing, and support around learning design with technology, deeper learning, and more!

Sign up to attend and present at sfusd.edu/ddd. Questions? Contact our DoT Digital Learning colleagues Lindsey Blass (blassl@sfusd.edu), Allison Rothman (rothmana1@sfusd.edu), or Jessica Pederson (pedersonj@sfusd.edu) 

Lend a Hand! Volunteer at SFUSD Meal Sites

Did you know you can volunteer at our meal distribution sites on Mondays and Wednesdays 10-1? Help set up signage, facilitate physical distancing, and say hi to families from a distance! The meal program will continue through the summer, and your support is needed now more than ever. Learn more and sign up.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of our lives, from loss of time with colleagues to illness to social isolation. In the face of current circumstances, it is normal to feel added stress and anxiety. Now more than ever, focusing on your well-being is critical; the healthy coping strategies you develop now can help you persevere through this crisis and support those who depend on you to do the same.

To support you in this process, the City has expanded around-the-clock, free individual counseling services to City workers through the Employee Assistance Program. 24/7 telephone services are available at (628) 652-4600 or (800) 795-2351.

Additional self-care resources for employees are also available, as are financial well-being materials to help workers navigate the present economic challenges. These resources are here for you as we all work through these unprecedented times together.

Each year, six SFUSD graduating seniors receive a scholarship as part of the Superintendent’s 21st Century Award for exemplifying the characteristics of the Graduate Profile: creativity; content knowledge; global, local and digital identity; sense of purpose, sense of self; career & life skills; and leadership, empathy and collaboration

I am honored to introduce this year’s outstanding award winners: Hannah Dedji (Lowell), Lenin Hernandez (Galileo), Jake Leon (Lincoln), Meilina Limitau (Independence), Elena Rodriguez (Mission) and Geraldine Marie Urgel (John O’Connell). Meet the 2020 Superintendent’s 21st Century Award winners! 

Warm regards,
Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews

P.S. Here is key information being shared with families this week: 

SFUSD Summer Programs

SFUSD will be hosting limited summer programs this year: ESY and High School Credit Recovery. Those students who are eligible have been notified. As City and community organization summer programs open to families, we will share opportunities through this weekly email and in other ways. 

Rec & Park Summer Programs Registration

The Recreation and Park Department will open registration for current participants and scholarship eligible families today (May 26) and to all families on June 6 at http://sfrecpark.org/register.   

Get summer program updates from the Department of Children, Youth and their Families

Families who are interested in enrolling their children in summer camps and programs, or who have questions about their eligibility, can sign up to receive updates. Some programs are preparing to open and will be required to certify their compliance with Health Order guidelines.  https://www.dcyf.org/summer-stay-informed

Free Meals Will Continue This Summer

Our grab & go meal sites will continue throughout the summer! Free meals will be available to all children. For locations and updates, visit sfusd.edu/schoolfood.

PreK-2 Learning Resources

PreK-2 Technology Access for 2020-21Given the importance of connection during these unprecedented times, and as we plan for learning in the fall, SFUSD is preparing to distribute devices to PK-2 students for the 2020-2021 school year if the district launches the new school year with distance learning as part of the plan for PK-2 students.

We will use the summer to prepare, including developing a support plan and resources for PK-2 educators, students, and families. Distribution would not begin until close to August 17. 

Family Technology Resources from SFUSD - Summer Use

Do I need to return the SFUSD Chromebook and/or hotspot I borrowed? Families should keep borrowed technology over the summer - except for graduating seniors and students leaving SFUSD - and can use the technology for summer connection and learning. 

I have an SFUSD hotspot. Will I still have wifi service over the summer? Yes! Internet service will remain active on SFUSD-issued hotspots over the summer to support connection and learning. Visit sfusd.edu/internet for hotspot support. 

Graduating or Moving On from SFUSD? Need to Return SFUSD Property

Graduating seniors and students who are leaving SFUSD and not enrolling in an SFUSD school in August 2020 must return SFUSD property before the end of summer, including borrowed technology, textbooks, and musical instruments.

Schools may be organizing drop-off opportunities for students. Additionally, collection days will be scheduled during the summer at select locations. Stay tuned for dates, times, and locations.

Does your child need to retrieve something from their school site?  

School sites should be communicating plans for students to safely retrieve property if necessary. Each school will have different dates and times. All access activities must be completed on or before June 9, 2020 during the same timeframe for staff site access days. Priority is given to students who are seniors, 8th graders, 5th graders, and any student that is leaving SFUSD. If you are unclear on your school’s process, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher or principal.