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July | August 2025 | Issue #32 |
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Talofa*Aloha*Alii*Bula*Fakaalofa lahi atu*Hafa adai*Iokwe*Ia orana*Kia orana*Kia Ora*Ko na Mauri*Malo e lelei*Mogethin*Hello!
(These are various greetings in different Pacific Islander languages)
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2025 | Fa'aSamoa Initiative Announcements
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Each & Every Summer Bookclub is here!
We are inviting you and your family to our last bookclub of the summer!
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025
4:30p-6:00p
Dinner Provided
Leola Havard Auditorium
1520 Oakdale Ave
(Corner of Oakdale & Lane)
Every family will receive free books and hands-on learning
materials focused on reading, math, and critical thinking.
Questions? Contact
AAPAC@SFUSD.EDU |
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We are now accepting applications for our 25-26 School Year cohort!
Vasega Amata
(PreK Samoan Dual Language Program at SFUSD Education Department)
This PreKindergarten class is taught by Ms.Epenesa Taylor, 20+ years of experience! If interested, scan the qr-code on the flyer OR email UrsulaAnn Siataga at siatagau@sfusd.edu.
Just in case you'd like to apply directly, here is the online application.
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Bay Area/San Francisco took a hard hit with the passing of John Ena back in June. Dr.Su shared her deep sadness of her friend during her remarks and updates at SFUSD Board of Education meeting. John Ena aka Queen Iesha aka Aunty John was more than a leader-she was family. She uplifted our young people, stood firm in her faith, and carried the values of love, respect and service in everything she did. The Fa'aSamoa Initiative team extends our deepest condolences to her family, and all the students and families who were touched by her life. May her legacy continue through the lives she inspired. Thank you Aunty John for always being there supporting, showing up at FASI | MAC presentations, monthly lunch sessions, editing Samoan speeches, being thought partner in Samoan Dual Language Pathway, tag teaming on every event and always going the extra extra miles in service of all communities especially in supporting the students through their academic journey! Ia Manuia lau malaga, Aunty John.
For her funeral services, you can find online to replay on EPV Films social media page.
With love and respect,
SFUSD Fa'aSamoa Initiative Team |
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2025 | SFUSD Announcements
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Monday, August 18th, 2025 is the First day of school (first day of fall semester instruction) for 25-26 School Year!
Feel free to print out the calendar for all things acknowledged and celebrated!
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Summer 2025 | Just in case you missed it... |
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Congratulations to TAUTUA Summer Interns! They completed their 6 week internship with Herbert Coach Wylie Ilalio, NH&PI Coordinator in Access & Equity Division! One of their projects for the summer was to learn how to play the ukulele and learn how to sing the songs they learned on ukulele. One of their final projects was to play in public! The interns were invited by Pacific Islander Cultural District to jump on stage on an event on July 12 in Downtown SF Union Square, and with their ukulele instructor Glenn Castro (student advisor at Harvey Milk Academy) and played and sung their island favorites including 1993 song, Over the Rainbow by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, then they turned to audience and gave basic ukulele lessons out to those interested. TAUTUA shared the stage with SF Tongans Rise Up, SALT and Mixed Persuasion - as they showcased cultural dance and gave away 100 ribbon leis mady by Ms.Faye Ia to the public! Everyone had a blast! Great job interns and alumni! Big Shout out to Coach Wylie Ilalio and Coach Glenn Castro! We might have a band forming in the near future, stay TUNED! More pictures below! |
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On July 24th, 2025, KQED teamed up with Pacific Islands Together to spotlight the vibrant influence of Pacific Islanders in the Bay Area! See many familiar faces - of our SFUSD Parents/Guardians and Students representing their culture and agencies on the big screen! Shout out to Asipesionau Finau (picture above), Matua Advisory Council's former Chair for always representing.
Line up included...
Siufofoga o le Moana – The Samoan Wellness Initiative Choir
Chris Niu & Tongans Rise Up
Hui Tarava
Keolalaulani Hālau ‘Ōlapa O Laka (KHOOL)
Pacific Islander Youth Alliance (PIYA) from the Samoan Community Development Center
Click link below to watch the entire show on youtube on replay! GREAT JOB! |
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Summer | Fall 2025 | In Community... |
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Samoan Community Development Center presents...
PIYA 29th Summer Celebration
Date: Wednesday, July 30th, 2025
Location: Palace of Fine Arts, SF CA
Doors open at 1pm
Show Time: 2pm
Seating is first come first serve, once they reach capacity - doors will be closed; however, EPV Films will also be live streaming the celebration on their social media page. Join in and Tune in! |
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Hack the Town is having their Community Hackathon in partnership with Google Play.
Hack the Hood and Oakland Technology focused on tech, creativity, and impact. If you're passionate about technology and making a difference, come build innovative apps and get the chance to launch your creaton on Google Play!
We encourage participation from youth agens 15-25 who identify as Black, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander or Indigenous!
Aug 1st-2nd; 10am-2pm
Lao Family Community Development.
2325 East 12th Street
Oakland, Ca 94601 |
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All My Usos Family Day will be celebrating their 10 years!
Saturday, Aug 16th
FREE: 11am-5pm
Gilman Park
903 Gilman Ave
San Francisco, Ca 94124
Included: Resources | Entertainment | Jumpers | Food | Face Painting | Haircuts | STEM Activities | School Supplies | And so much more...
For more information:
info@allmyusos.org
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AMU Community Health Workers are committed and ready to assist in all areas listed below and on flyer.
Rental Assistance
PGE Utilities & Home Essentials
Food Security (D10 Market)
Health Screenings
CAL Fresh Applications/Renewals
Legal and Services
Emergency Assistance
Health Education
Scan QR-Code to connect with a CHW!
For more information, contact: 415.718.1992
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Essence of Mana
This FREE 13-week course is tailored to support adult family members enhance their communication skills with today's youth and learn tools to foster a more nuturing home environment and healthier family dynamic.
Topics covered include:
Supporting Change & Improving Relationships
Developing Healthy Boundaries
Effective Communication skills
creating structure
understanding our children
Finding Support & More
Pre-Register TODAY!
Contact with questions:
Nani Wilson
nwilson@aars.org
Lueni Masina
lmasina@aars.org |
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The Pasefika Communities world-wide and many fans are also heartbroken and mourning the loss of George Veikoso aka Fiji - singer and song writer who passed July 23, 2025. A pioneer, Godfather of Island reggae, he help raise many of our generations through his musical gift, talents while uplifting and mentoring emerging many young artists across the globe. Feel free to click on black button below to listen to many of his songs that has moved and guided our communities in healing, empowerment, love, celebration and gratitude! |
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These monthly newsletters are to support and share information about Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Events, Collective work in Education and Community, SFUSD resources and more!
Thank you for reading!
To check out previous Monthly Newsletters or to subscribe to this newsletter - please visit www.sfusd.edu/fasi.
If you are interested in sharing content on this monthly newsletter, please contact: UrsulaAnn Siataga, siatagau@sfusd.edu.
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