May 27, 2020 - Family Digest

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Dear SFUSD Families:

Our school year is winding to a close, and it’s an understatement to say the year is ending differently than we could have ever imagined. As we head into summer break, I want to assure you that 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, and 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! 

Plus, 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.

Summer Learning Opportunities

SFUSD 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 opened registration for current participants and scholarship eligible families May 26 and will open 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 2020-2021: Given 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. 

SFUSD Family Resource Link will be available throughout the summer!

The Family Resource Link can help families find information related to school closure in three ways:

• Go to familylink.sfusd.edu to complete an online request form
• Email request at familylink@sfusd.edu
• Call 415-340-1716. Hours of operation for the phone are Monday through Friday from 9 am - 1 pm. Callers can leave a voicemail at all hours.

Reminder - End of School Year Instruction

The SFUSD school year ends June 2nd for all SFUSD students. Teachers are continuing to engage students through the end of the school year. The focus, however, has shifted from teaching new material to more independent projects and review of previous lessons.

Reminder - Update Your Mailing Address by June 5

• SFUSD wants to reach you during Shelter in Place to help ensure you receive hard-copy communications, needed technology, and learning packets to the correct address. You can update your summer mailing address in ParentVUE until June 5.
• Learn How to Update your Student’s Information in ParentVUE or watch the steps in action: bit.ly/updateparentvue. Questions? Please contact familylink@sfusd.edu.
• The updated Mailing Address will only be used for the above-mentioned mailing purposes during this time frame. If you want to change your permanent Home Address, you must contact the Educational Placement Center (EPC) and provide verification. 

Reminder - Continuity of Learning Technology Resources

• Need Help? Visit sfusd.edu/familytechnology to get support with the technology resources that support your child’s learning, including:
  • Family Technology Tutorials playlist - Get started with Google Classroom, Seesaw, Zoom, Family Portal, and more.
  • Get your child’s SFUSD Google account - This account gives students access to several learning resources.
  • Virtual Meetings - Learn more about Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom (the district-approved conferencing tools).
  • Stay connected via Family Portal (ParentVUE)
    • If you need help with ParentVUE, please submit a request at bit.ly/familyportalhelp. 

Reminder - Extra Food Support - P-EBT Application Now Open! 

• Get help buying food. Families with children eligible for free or reduced-price school meals can receive a P-EBT card with up to $365 for each eligible child to purchase groceries.
• If children in your family receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or Foster Care benefits, a card should have been mailed automatically and you do not need to apply.
• For families that receive meal benefits, but who do not receive other forms of public assistance, please submit this short online application. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2020. 
• Email SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu with any questions.

Reminder - Food Resources

• Pickup times and locations for SFUSD meals: sfusd.edu/schoolfood
• City information on where to get food resources. You may also call 311.

The California Parent and Youth Helpline provides support and resource referrals to parents and youth during the current COVID-19 pandemic, 7-days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call or text 1-855-4APARENT (855-427-2736) for services in English, Spanish and other languages.

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