DECEMBER 2024
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE 
Dear SFUSD Families:
 
Dr. Maria Su, SFUSD Superintendent

 

With winter break fast approaching, this is a festive time when families gather, celebrate, and reflect on the past year. As we near the end of the fall semester, I want to thank you for your continued partnership in making our school communities thrive. 

 

On the topic of celebrations, the first week of December marks Inclusive Schools Week. The week provides a meaningful opportunity for schools to deepen our commitment to belonging for students served by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and all members of our community who are marginalized. This year’s theme, “Every Voice Matters,” serves as a reminder that every individual contributes a unique perspective to our school communities. Please learn more about Inclusive Schools Week activities and resources.

 

In other news, I am excited to share another way to keep you better informed. Beginning this month, I will publish a weekly column highlighting key district updates and programs at our schools. I hope that this column will provide you with more opportunities to learn about the wonderful work happening at our schools. You can read my first column about celebrating inclusivity in SFUSD schools.

 

Wishing you a joyous and restful holiday season! 


In community,

Dr. Su
SFUSD Budget Updates 
 
At the Dec. 10 Board of Education meeting, SFUSD will share its First Interim Report for the 2024-25 adopted budget which covers a review of the financials from July 1 through Oct. 31, 2024. SFUSD will also share at the Dec. 10 meeting its updated Fiscal Stabilization Plan, which details how the district will identify and implement solutions to resolve its ongoing deficit. In these presentations, the district will share how it plans to close the $113 million deficit for the 2025-26 school year. Please check sfusd.edu for the latest information on SFUSD’s efforts to balance the budget.

SFUSD Simplifies PreK Enrollment Process for Families

 

The enrollment process for SFUSD Preschool and Toddler programs became more accessible and family friendly as we rolled out our online application on Monday, Dec. 2!

 
If you are interested in applying to SFUSD’s Preschool or Toddler programs, you can submit your online application at sfusd.edu/onlineapp. For additional help in submitting an online application for your Toddler or PreK child, you can follow the step-by-step instructions on how to complete the Early Education online application.
Enrollment Application Reminder - School Year 2025-26
 
If your child is entering transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, middle school, or high school next year, they will need to apply to a new school. Learn the steps to apply today. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2025. 
Mission High School Urban Agriculture Students
 
Mission High School Urban Agriculture students visited Pie Ranch, an organic farm in Pescadero. In their program, they learn cover cropping, irrigration techniques, seeding, and maintenance. The best part? They learn how to use the crops in recipes!  Read about Career Technical Education (CTE) programs at SFUSD.
ExCEL After School Program Helps GPAs!
 
Data from school year 2023-24 showed that ExCEL After School Program participation was associated with positive behaviors and outcomes. ExCEL enrollment was associated with higher Grade Point Average (GPA) among students in grades 6-12. There was also increased school-day attendance and reduced chronic absenteeism across all focal populations and grade levels. Learn more about ExCEL programs and school sites.
Food Resources Available During Winter Break (Dec. 23 - Jan. 3)
 

Winter Break Notice: From Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, Student Nutrition Services will not be serving meals for any sites PK-13. 

 

Other Food Resources: 

  • Visit San Francisco Human Services Agency at sfhsa.org/services/food or call (415) 557-5000 for information on food services: CalFresh (food stamps), CalFresh for Immigrants, free food locations, groceries, and meals.
  • Visit SF Service Guide, an online directory of human services in San Francisco, at sfserviceguide.org/food-resources/form for information on food resources.
  • The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is operating temporary Pop-up Pantries. Use the Food Locator to find sites near you. The time and location of Pop-up Pantries may change.
  • Use Shop Simple with MyPlate for savings with CalFresh, budget-friendly recipes, and balanced eating tips. Visit myplate.gov/shopsimple.

Thank you for your partnership and enjoy your holiday! Learn more.
SFUSD Winter Literacy Fair
 
Join us for our PK-5 Winter Literacy Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7 at César Chávez Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Explore literacy resources and help improve your child's reading during the winter. All families are welcome to attend! This event is hosted by the SFUSD District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). Registration encouraged.  

Bond Program Updates

 

San Francisco voters passed Proposition A, a $790 million general obligation school bond measure. The 2024 bond will enhance safety, improve core building functions, and create conditions for modern learning for San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) students. The district has significant building improvement needs, and bonds are the only funding source for the school district to make necessary capital upgrades. Read the press release.
BRIGHT SPOTS
 
Advocates Worthy of Excellence (AWE) Award Nomination Season Coming in Early 2025! 
 
Meet Corazon Vital Pagsanjan, Paraeducator at A.P. Giannini Middle School. Corazon "Cora" won an AWE award in 2024. Cora was one of the first leaders to help establish Support For Families Parent Groups. Thank you for all that you do for our students, Cora!
 
Learn more about the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, the group that coordinates the AWE awards.
Independence High School Partners With San Francisco SPCA for Mental Health Awareness
 
Independence High School's Bring Change to Mind Club hosted an animal-assisted therapy group session with the SF SPCA in November. Read more about animal assisted therapy and check out the incredible team of helper dogs.
December Dates:
 

Dec. 20 - Last day of instruction

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 - Winter Recess (schools sites and EED closed)

Dec. 25 - SFUSD offices closed

 

Religious and Community Holidays:

Dec. 8 - Bodhi Day 

Dec. 25 - Christmas Day 

Dec. 25 - Jan. 2 - Hanukkah 

Dec. 26 - Jan. 1 - Kwanzaa
WHO TO CONTACT
Department
Student and Family Services Division
Can help with...
Expulsions/Suspensions
Student Attendance Review Board
Records Requests 
Location and Contact
Phone: 415-340-1716 
Email: sflink@sfusd.edu
Transcript & Work Permit Office
Student transcripts
Work Permits
20 Cook Street, Room 11
Phone: 415-750-4500
Email: transcripts@sfusd.edu
Student Nutrition Services
Breakfast + Lunch program
Free meals for all students
MFIF results
Phone: 415-749-3604
Transportation Services
Transportation for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
General Education busing  
Transportation bus service for paid, athletic, and art program trips
Phone: 415-695-5505
Enrollment Center 
Student enrollment
Language assessments
Address change
555 Franklin Street
1520 Oakdale Avenue
Phone: 415-241-6085
Email: enrollinschool@sfusd.edu

Don’t see what you’re looking for and need assistance? Contact Student Family School Resource Link

 

Call 415-340-1716 * or email sflink@sfusd.edu or see the Contact Us page

 

*Hours of operation for the phone are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Closed from 12 p.m - 1 p.m every day). Phones will also be closed on school holidays. Callers can leave a voicemail at all hours.
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555 Franklin Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102

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