Dear SFUSD Staff,

I am writing to share the new administrative regulation that we have put in place to honor the rich cultural diversity of our students and our community. 

For many students in our schools, the observance of religious and cultural traditions is an important part of their personal, family, and community life. 

These traditions help the students understand and preserve their own value systems, cultures, customs and history. We encourage school staff not to schedule conflicting activities on these holidays to ensure that all students and families are not required to choose between celebrating culturally significant holidays (including religious holidays) and participating in school activities that impact grades, extracurricular and co-curricular activities and special events.

The SY 2023-2024 annual major holiday calendar has been approved by the Board of Education, which includes a list noting “Observances That May Impact Attendance”. You can find this calendar, along with other SFUSD calendars, on www.sfusd.edu/calendars. The following are listed as major religious holidays:

• Makar Sankranti/Pongal/Timoori
• Easter
• Eid al-Fitr
• Vesak
• Eid al-Adha
• Rosh Hashanah 
• Yom Kippur
• Diwali

During these observances, schools shall make reasonable effort to avoid scheduling exams, athletic events/contests and other special events, such as assemblies, field trips, and back-to-school nights on the days identified as “Observances That May Impact Attendance” in this calendar. Students who are absent from school on these days to observe a holiday will be marked “excused” in accordance with Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5113. 

I also want to acknowledge that many in the Muslim community will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr on April 21-22, 2023. While the new administrative regulation was put in place only earlier this month, I strongly encourage you to put into practice our new administrative regulation so that students who celebrate Eid-al-Fitr are supported in our schools. And I hope you will join me in wishing them Eid Mubarak!

Thank you for your partnership in creating a culture of belonging and inclusivity for all of our students at our schools.

Sincerely,
Dr. Matt Wayne, SFUSD Superintendent