October 2026 | Issue #42
 
Talofa*Aloha*Hafa Adai*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)
 

Fa'aSamoa Initiative Announcements

Bigger, Spookier & More Fun - 

Pasifika Reads & Counts is BACK!

🎃📚 3rd Annual Pasifika Reads & Counts Event! 📚🎃

 

The SFUSD Fa’aSamoa Initiative (FASI), Mātua Advisory Council, Visitacion Valley Schools and in partnership with the SALT Association Pacific Islander Cultural District, Real Options for City Kids (R.O.C.K), Clecha and MORE to host our 3rd Annual Pasifika Reads & Counts Event!

 

Over the past two years, families have enjoyed FREE books, Local Celebrities, SF Authors/Artists, STEM kit raffles, pumpkins, sensory play, literacy, math and science activities, delicious food, and more! This year, we’re bringing back the fun and adding even more activities for the whole family!

 

👻 NEW this year:
• Haunted House
• Lowrider Trunk-or-Treat
• SFUSD vs. Community-Based Organizations Kickball Game 🏆
• Plus literacy, STEM, family activities, treats, food, and more!

 

Our kickball teams will compete for a trophy and, of course, bragging rights! We’re still looking for a few more SFUSD staff members to join the kickball roster—and cheerleaders are welcome too! (Contact UrsulaAnn Siataga, siatagau@sfusd.edu OR 415.379.7622)

 

🎃 Family-friendly Halloween costumes are encouraged, but not required.

This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, so bring your students, families, friends, and community!

 

We’re looking forward to amazing weather, positive vibes, lots of learning, and plenty of treats for our students and families.

🌺 Come read, count, play, celebrate, and have fun with us!

Also Coming Up: NH&PI Matua Advisory Council October Meeting!
 
When:
Wednesday, October 21st
5:30pm
 
Where:
55 Schwerin Street
San Francisco, Ca 94134
 
Why:
Inviting all SFUSD Parents/Guardians and Service Providers to join us for an imporant meeting where we will elect new memebers to the MAC Board and share updates on student programs and school initiatives. 
 
Contact: matua@sfusd.edu
Looking ahead, here is the MAC General Meetings Schedule for 2026-27 School Year. You can also find this schedule on the School District Calendar & www.sfusd.edu/mac. Location of meetings will vary, some will be in person and some virtual. We will keep website up to date on location.  

Recent Highlights... 

CA Legislative Updates: Pacific Islanders for Progress Coalition shares...
 
September 2026
 
 
In this brief, an analysis of Enrollment, Opportunity, Achievement, and College-Going.
 
This brief as shares bright spots with SFUSD, Oakland Unified and San Bernadino Unified taking a different path to supporting Pacific Islander students, families and staff.  
 
On September 29, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2374, historic legislation that creates a pathway for California higher education institutions to be designated as Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander–Serving Institutions. The bill follows the passage of the Black-Serving Institutions designation (SB 1348) a couple of years ago, and comes just one day before the signing of SB 1255 on Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
 
 
Mātua Advisory Council's First General Meeting of 26-27 School Year
On September 23, the Mātua Advisory Council (MAC) held its general meeting at Visitacion Valley Elementary School! Attendees discussed upcoming MAC Board elections and nominations of parents and guardians for the 2026–27 school year, and families and staff shared feedback on how to imagine and reimagine supports for our students this school year. The next meeting is scheduled for October 21.
Congratulations to the SFUSD Student Advisory Council!

On October 5, 2026, the SFUSD Student Advisory Council (SAC) held its elections and officially selected its Cabinet for the 2026–27 school year, with Commissioner Supriya Ray joining as their guest speaker. Congratulations to all the newly elected members! Visit the SAC website to meet the new Cabinet and stay up to date on their work.

CTEAC Kicks Off the 2026–27 School Year

On October 6, 2026, the Career Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC) held its first meeting of the 2026–27 school year at Civic Center Secondary School. More than 45 attendees joined, including industry advisors, representatives, educators, district department staff, council and initiative representatives, and even a parent representative. The session was facilitated by Erin R. Deis, Executive Director of College & Career Readiness, and Nadia Talbot, CCR Head Counselor.

 

CTEAC members help keep SFUSD’s CTE programs relevant by sharing feedback, connecting the district with new industry partners, and supporting students through work-based learning. SFUSD currently offers 44 CTE programs across 12 industry sectors, serving about 3,300 students. Last school year alone, students took part in 654 work-based learning events, from guest speakers and mock interviews to internships and apprenticeships.

 

Attendees heard about this year’s pathway updates, including new Fashion pathways at Ruth Asawa SOTA and June Jordan, a new Computer Science pathway at Thurgood Marshall, and a new Biotech pathway at Wallenberg. Check out the CTE Website for an updated list of CTE pathways and contact information!

SFUSD Updates & Resources

Considering SFUSD?

The SFUSD Enrollment Fair is the start of the annual enrollment cycle. 

 

Families who will apply for PK, elementary school, middle school, or high school for the 2027-28 school year can come to the fair to learn:

 

1. The application process

2. Meet school principals 

3. Access the resources provided by other city agencies and community organizations.

 

Saturday, October 24, 2026 
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM 
Moscone Center
747 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
 
More information on Enrollment Fair Website

Just for fun...

🐾 Meet the VIPs Behind Our Team: Very Important Pets! 🐾

Introducing the Local, State & Federal Program Department Staff’s Best Friends and Furry (and Not-So-Furry!) Family Members!

 

Get ready for a serious dose of cuteness! 🐱🐰🐴🐢🐠 Behind our hardworking team is an adorable crew of loyal companions, lovable personalities, and cherished family members who bring joy, laughter, comfort, and a little extra excitement to our everyday lives! From playful cats, dogs and cuddly bunnies to majestic horses, terrific turtles, and fabulous fish, these special companions hold a big place in our hearts. We're thrilled to introduce you to the beloved animals who make our lives brighter, one paw, hoof, fin, and shell at a time!

 

Missing a few; however, Scroll down to meet the stars of the show! ❤️🐾

Additional Information/Resources:
Fa'aSamoa Initiative has moved departments in SFUSD! Fa'aSamoa Initiative moved from the Office of Superintendent to Curriculum & Instructions Department - Local, State and Federal Programs - Access & Equity Division. Herbert Coach Wylie Ilalio and UrsulaAnn Siataga are now housed under the same department with 18 others from Indian Education, Migrant Education, LCAP, Multilingual Learner Pathways, Matua Advisory Council, LatinX and Asian PAC, DELAC, State & Federal Programs. We are excited for the levels of collaborations and partnerships this year, and look forward to continue aligning our work with HAPI Resolution, MAC Recommendations and District goals - to address the academic needs of our students and families. 
This image above shows many types of offerings throughout the years that has shown positive impacts with educators, students and families. Each of these events/programs were implemented in the last five years in partnership with educators, students, community-based organizations and Mātua Advisory Council as examples of strategies useful for improving the ways in which the district serves equitably our Pacific Islander/Samoan students. The programs/events cover students programming, parent/family and community engagement and professional/curriculum development. Check out our websites for more information.
Mātua Advisory Council website - www.sfusd.edu/mac
Fa'aSamoa Initiative website - www.sfusd.edu/fasi
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.

siatagau@sfusd.edu