San Francisco Unified School District

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Family Distance Learning

Guide 2020

Fall 2020

Contents

1. Introduction 3
2. Community Feedback 4
3. Priorities and Definitions 5-6
4. Getting Started and Parent VUE 7 - 8
5. Schedules 9-12
6. Expectations 13
• Attendance
• Conduct
• Complaints
7. Home Learning Spaces 15
8. Wellness Supports 16-17
9. Support for Students (Focal Populations) 18
10. Digital Learning Resources 19
11. How to Stay Informed 20
12. Stay Connected 21

SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Introduction

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Our district’s mission calls on us to support EACH and EVERY student to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century, both in brick and mortar school and in distance learning. As we attempt to carry out this mission, we want to be in regular communication with you about how your child is experiencing teaching and learning, about how loved and cared for your child feels by their educators, and about anything else that might impact your family’s wellbeing.

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As we figure out how to do school in this new context, we are clear that we won’t get “everything right.” But SFUSD, in partnership with you, is committed to doing and making this the best we can for our students. Most of all, we hope that we partner with each other in this journey. Try your best. Give yourself a break. Reach out for help. We are in this together and together, we’ll get through.

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In Community,

Enikia (Nikki) Ford Morthel - Deputy Superintendent of Instruction

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..Working, parenting, and teaching are three different jobs that cannot be done at the same time. It's not hard because you're doing it wrong. It is hard because it's too much. Do the best you can. When you have to pick between things, because you will have to, choose connection. If you are stressed, lower your expectations where you can and virtually reach out for support. We are in this together to stay well and that means mentally well too. - Emily King, Ph.D

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Dear Families:

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We know that authentic partnership with you is essential to your child’s academic success, especially in this current context. As your child’s first teacher, you are the expert on your child’s strengths and opportunities for growth. And, during distance learning, you are the adult who knows the most about your child’s experiences and needs.

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Throughout the summer, we asked for your input in various ways and we listened to you. You called out a need for more consistency. Our students made it clear that they need more engaging interactions from their teachers and more opportunities to connect with their peers. This distance learning guide is one of many ways to communicate with you and to support you in supporting your child’s learning. We hope that you will see in this guide and in your experiences this fall, more consistency in schedules and approach, increased communication, and specific strategies and resources to support learning in this new format. This guide is a resource to compliment information from your school site(s). You can also find information on our website and you can call the Student and Family Resource Link at any time for any questions.

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Community Feedback

We know that the work of educating our young people is something that can only happen with the shared expertise of our entire community. As a child’s parent or guardian, you are your child’s first teacher! During the Summer, SFUSD hosted several opportunities to listen to students, families, educators and community partners, and it was so great to hear from so many of you!

Overarching Themes

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Town Halls

23,898

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Thoughts Contributed on Thought Exchange

7,998

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YouTube Live Viewers

16,030

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Thought Exchange Participants

Safety

Consistency

Choice

Equity

Social Interaction

Would you or another adult be able to provide learning support for your child during the school day?

56%

Yes

No

Don’t Know

25%

20%

Looking forward to Fall 2020, which of the following would you consider?

Distance Learning Priorities

When we listened to you during summer Town Hall meetings, we were able to find themes in what worked during our shift to distance learning, what needed to be improved, and the shared values and priorities to be considered as we redesigned our distance learning for Fall 2020.

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Advocating against racist policies, practices, and beliefs in all aspects of how we teach, partner, manage, and lead. Implementing approaches that are humanizing and responsive.

A concrete set of structures and routines aligned across SFUSD will build momentum towards our distance learning goals.

Anti-Racist Practices

SFUSD Graduate Profile

Consistent Structures

for Support

Approaching instruction, relationships with families, and school leadership through the lens of partnership.

Wellness and Authentic Partnership

Cultivating agency, honoring identity and building proficiency toward rigorous outcomes to achieve the Graduate Profile

“During social distancing I feel like school needs more kids interacting with kids not just teachers” - Student

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“Making distance learning more consistent, some teachers gave almost no work, and some loaded us with assignments” - Student

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Distance Learning Defined

SFUSD Definition of Distance Learning

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Students engage in learning and make academic progress when they are not physically present in schools. This is accomplished using a variety of resources and differentiated modes of interaction with teachers (and peers, when possible). How teachers engage students in distance learning is informed by the student’s access to technology, reliable wifi, language proficiency and specific learning needs.

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Digital Distance Approach

The use of both a device and connectivity to engage with learning on a digital platform (Google Classroom, Zoom or Seesaw).

Instructional Minutes

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California state law requires all students to have a minimum amount of instructional minutes per day. These minutes may include a combination of live instruction, and other in person interactions, independent work, homework assignments, and/or assessments.

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Grades TK - K 3 hours (180 minutes)

Grades 1 - 3 3 hours 50 minutes (230 minutes)

Grades 4 - 5 4 hours (240 minutes)

Grades 6 - 8 4 hours (240 minutes)

Grades 9 - 12 4 hours (240 minutes)

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Non-Digital (Print Based) Approach (Non Digital)

The use of textbooks, work packets, wellness checks and print resources to engage with learning. The teacher may communicate with students on the phone or at designated check points.

(LIVE) Synchronous Instruction/Learning*

A learning event in which students are engaging in learning with an educator at the same time, usually on the computer or telephone.

*Teachers will provide no less than hundred and twenty (120) minutes of synchronous instruction, daily, to students in TK-12.

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(INDEPENDENT) Asynchronous Instruction

Learning occurring when the teacher and the students interact in different places and during different times. This may be through a pre recorded video, web based lessons, or a series of self paced assignments.

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Getting Started

Distribution Process and Timeline

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Digital Technology, for students who need it, and Curriculum and Instructional Materials will be deployed directly from your school sites beginning August 10th and running through August 31st. Please connect with your school site for details on your school’s distribution schedule if you haven’t received this information already.

How to get started

1. Make sure you know and understand your student’s schedule. Schools will be sending this out the week before August 17.
2. Make sure you sign up for ParentVUE.
3. Make sure your primary phone number, email and mailing address are correct in ParentVUE.
4. Check your school’s distribution dates for instructional materials and technology (if needed)
5. If your student receives additional educational services on an Individualized Education Plan, the case manager will be in contact with you to discuss emergency learning plans.

Digital Technology and Instructional Materials Available

PK/TK

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All PK/TK students:

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• Let’s Learn Language Arts workbooks with parent tip card
• Site-based supplies: pencils, markers, crayons, etc.
• TK Only: Handwriting Without

Tears

• Additional resources available in Google Classroom

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SFUSD will loan Chromebooks and hotspots for internet connectivity to students who need it. Request technology at sfusd.edu/familytechnology.

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Family Portal (ParentVUE)

SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Assignments and Grades

View assignments, grades, and report cards.

Report cards are available in the Documents tab.

Attendance

See attendance and support your student’s

class participation.

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District and School Communications

Update your contact information to ensure you receive

school and districtwide notifications through text, email and calls.

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Student Login Information

View your student’s login to SFUSD digital learning platforms.

This is the primary and most efficient way to stay connected to your students’ education. Each parent/guardian who has Educational Rights to their student(s) can have a ParentVue account. ParentVUE offers secure, private access to your student’s information, including:

LOGIN

Getting to Know Your Child’s Schedule

Preschool SAMPLE

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We are working to ensure consistency in school schedules across all of our preschool sites. Below is an example of a preschool schedule. Please note: Each school will communicate their specific schedule directly to families before the first day of school.

SF Loves Learning

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SFUSD is partnering with KTVU to produce and air an hour long educational television program each weekday. The show aims to elevate the backgrounds and identities of our students and provides physical, academic, and social emotional content as enrichment to Preschool through second grade standards. Don’t forget to add this to your daily schedule beginning in mid-September.

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Getting to Know Your Child’s Schedule

K - 5th Grades SAMPLE

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We are working to ensure consistency in school schedules across all of our preschool sites. Below is an example of an elementary school schedule. Please note: Each school will communicate their specific schedule directly to families before the first day of school.

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Getting to Know Your Child’s Schedule

6th - 8th Grades SAMPLE

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Our middle school students will have 3 periods of instruction every day except Wednesdays, when they will have assigned work and/or extra help from teachers, as needed. All students will have advisory or homeroom periods daily to help with organization, team-building, and connection. Just like in a regular classroom, the periods will contain whole group instruction, small group instruction, and independent work. Students will also be assigned homework. Each school will communicate their specific schedule directly to families before the first day of school.

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Schedules and block times will vary by site. Student programming beginning at 9:00am and and by 2:35pm. After-School Programming available until 4:00pm.

As of the date of this publication, all middle schools have schedule structures including start & end times of instruction. School sites will communicate specific course details and schedules to students & families. Teachers will be available synchronously daily for a minimum of 120 minutes and classes will consist of a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. The structure of Morning check-ins and Wednesday learning will vary by site.

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Getting to Know Your Child’s Schedule

9th - 12th Grades SAMPLE

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As a district, we are working to ensure consistency across sites and are coordinating supports around this sample of an high school block schedule. Each school will communicate their specific schedule directly to families before the first day of school.

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Expectations

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SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Bullying

Students are prohibited from bullying or harassing students or staff during any and all distance learning activities. For more information, visit this website.

Williams Compliant

A Williams Complaint allows a student, family, teacher or any member of the public to file grievances regarding K-12 schools for: insufficent textbooks and instructional materials, teacher vacancy or misalignment, and facility conditions. See more information here.

Norms for Learning Online

• Be respectful, responsible and safe - The rules from your school apply to your online environments as well. Keep your language respectful, compliment others for positive contributions, and be safe with your information.
• Consider your Digital Footprint- Anything recorded or posted online is out there for anyone to find and use, positively or negatively. Make sure what you put out there shows you in a positive light.
• Don’t share your personal or private information- Keep personal information off the internet that others can use like your full name, birthdate, address and phone number. Never share your username or password.
• Write and read postings carefully to avoid unnecessary confusion- Remember that your peers cannot see your body language or hear your tone of voice, so you need to keep your language direct and respectful.
• Ask for help if you get lost- If you are having a hard time following what’s being talked about or don't understand a part of the conversation, please let others know so they can help you get back on track.

Attendance

Teachers take and submit official attendance daily! Attendance data is viewable in ParentVue.

Students are expected to actively participate in instruction , daily, as informed by their teachers. participation will take many forms and may include

• Attending a zoom class, with or without camera on.
• Joining a google hangout, with or without speaking.
• Participating in a group chat(s)
• Direct email, call, or text with their teacher.
• Evidence of completion and submission of assignments
• Assignments may be submitted via district-designated platforms, or via emails, photos, phone conferences, or other forms of documentation (as appropriate).

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Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP)

The District’s UCP is a formal complaint procedure in which families can file concerns related to discrimination, harassment, bullying, violations of various district policy and state and federlal law.

Even in a distance context, we hold ourselves to high expectations. An important right of families is the ability to ensure that SFUSD meets its obligations.

The Student and Family Handbook is a resource for all SFUSD stakeholders to understand the rights that you have in the district and expectations for participation.Find the updated version here

Creating Home Learning Spaces

Wellness & Partnership

Digital Learning Resources

Communication

Support for Special Populations

How to Stay Informed

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PUT THE LEARNER IN CHARGE

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Creating Home Learning Spaces

We will be sharing more strategies to support learning from home throughout the Fall

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Adapted from 6 Tips for Managing your Child at Home

BUILD AWARENESS AND METACOGNITION

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Help your child figure out where they work best for different tasks and how to change when it’s not working.

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START WITH CLEAR GOALS

FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO CHANGE POSTURE

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Discuss the kinds of activities your child will be doing to help them choose a good space. For example, a good reading spot and laptop spot may be different.

Students need to move. Find places where they can do their schoolwork in different positions: kitchen table, counter, sofa, etc. This will allow choice and movement when needed.

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You don’t need to buy new things. Use shoeboxes, jars, bowls to organize supplies. Use other home materials to decorate learning space. Practice taking out the supplies that are needed and cleaning up afterwards. Include pencils, erasers, crayons, scissors, paper, laptop charger.

Ask your child during or after working in a particular space: “What worked? What didn’t work? What would you change?”

Decorate your space with your own drawings or favorite colors, and eliminate potential distractions like toys.

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CHOOSE TWO SPACES FOR EACH TASK

Make a list of the different tasks (reading, writing, laptop, etc. ) then help your child pick two good places for each. Find a space that is well-lit and quiet and take turns with family members as necessary.

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CREATE RITUALS

Help your child establish healthy rituals, like a dance break after a class meeting, a snack break mid-day with a family members, going outside after lunch or ending the day with mindfulness.

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Wellness & Partnership

Student Nutrition Services is committed to ensuring no child goes hungry.

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SFUSD students can access 5 days' worth of meals (including breakfast, lunch, supper, fresh fruits and vegetables, & milk) every Wednesday, 10:30-12, at 18 school sites and Treasure Island.

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Submit the Multipurpose Family Income Form to apply for free school meals! sfusd.edu/MFIF

Adults can continue to pick up meals for children. Each student’s barcode will be mailed to households by August 18. Alternatively, you can present the barcode on your smartphone by downloading the SchoolCafe app and logging into your account. You can reprint the barcode at any time by logging into SchoolCafe.com. To pick up meals for multiple students, please present each student’s barcode.

Meals are free for students who qualify. If your student is not eligible for free or reduced-price meals, $22.50 per bag will be charged to their SchoolCafe account. Each bag contains 5 days' worth of meals (including breakfast, lunch, supper, fresh fruits and vegetables, and milk). Learn how to Create a SchoolCafe Account and Apply for Free Meals

Questions? Email: SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu Phone: 415-749-3604

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Wellness & Partnership

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FAMILY PARTNERSHIP DEFINITION

The collaboration between school staff, families, and the greater community in support of student achievement based on authentic relationships, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities. The partnership begins in the classroom with consistent two way communication between educators and families.

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COORDINATED CARE TEAM

Your school site will have a team of staff ready to support you. They will be meeting regularly to ensure

equitable supports for all students in a coordinated

way across the school community and across the

district.

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SFUSD WELLNESS CHECKS

We will be calling you to hear how you and your family are doing. Your classroom teacher or school site staff will be completing district wide wellness checks four times a year, in August, November, February, and April. We will also be interested to hear about what additional support needs you may have.

African American Student Supports

Foster Youth

Support for Students (Focal Populations)

Migrant Education Students

For American Indian and Alaskan Native Student

Families Experiencing Homelessness

For Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders/Samoan

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SFUSD is committed to Serving Each and Every Child and recognizes that we have certain populations of learners. All classrooms include learners with special needs, including those with IEPs, 504 Plans, and emerging English.

Click on any of the below icons for hyperlinks to specific websites.

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Digital Learning Resources

Technology Resources for Families

sfusd.edu/familytechnology

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How to Stay Informed

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PK-2 Text Program

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Families of PK-2 students will automatically be enrolled in READY4K text messaging. Each week, families will receive 3 texts with fun facts and age appropriate tips to help children learn and grow. Research and sample texts.

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Family Digest

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SFUSD sends an email to all families who have email addresses in our system every Wednesday evening with important updates and resources. The digest is also posted online.

Student & Family Handbook

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The Student and Family Handbook is a resource for all SFUSD stakeholders to understand the rights that you have in the district and expectations for participation.Find the updated version here

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Board of Education Meetings

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The Board of Education meets in regular meetings two times each month and hears public comment in each forum. Meetings are broadcast on SFGov TV and KALW radio station. The schedule is posted here .

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Family Partnership Webpage

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Find tips, tools and resources for supporting family partnership. SFUSD is dedicated to making family partnership come to life. Please visit SFUSD Family Partnership webpage

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See our growing list of SFUSD FAQ’s to help you navigate teaching and learning during COVID-19. Fill out this form if you cannot find the answer to your question and we’ll get back to you shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Start with your school site. Teachers and site leaders have the most personalized information for your student and family. In addition, SFUSD shares information for all community members. Updates can be found on the SFUSD website

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Connect With Us

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Access the Student & Family Resource Link

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Complete an online request form

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Email request at

familylink@sfusd.edu

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Call 415-340-1716

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Can’t find information?

Need help with something?

SAN FRANCISCO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT