SFUSD Insider - September 2023
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear SFUSD Colleagues:

This month, we’re joining the nation in celebrating Latinx Heritage Month to highlight the diversity, brilliance and beauty of the Latinx community. From offering robust language programs to creating humanizing learning experiences where educational content develops student capacity for knowledge (​and love) of self, SFUSD proudly strives to ensure that all students are seen and heard in their coursework, and that each student’s culture is celebrated. 

 

Thank you for all you are doing in service of students and families.

Dr. Matt Wayne headshot

 

In Community,

Dr. Wayne

FIND WHAT YOU NEED
Featured in this month's SFUSD Insider:
BRIGHT SPOTS
CA Blue Ribbon Schools
Three SFUSD Schools Named National Blue Ribbon Schools 
 

Congratulations to John Yehall Chin ESJose Ortega ES, and Ulloa ES for being recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as part of 33 schools in California to be named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023! All three SFUSD schools were recognized as Exemplary High Performing Schools for overall academic performance.

Case Study
Superintendent’s Innovation Fellowship
 

The Superintendent’s Innovation Fellowship has focused on supporting 21st-century teaching, including project-based learning and personalized learning by engaging students and teachers in a design process to realize their ideal classroom environments. Over the course of four years, seven schools and 27 classrooms were redesigned. In addition, 16 classrooms received redesign microgrants and in 2022-23, five special education classrooms received microgrants. Visit the SIF website to view videos, a photo gallery, and classroom redesign resources.

Attendance Awareness Month
Attendance Awareness Month
 

SFUSD has joined a nationwide effort to celebrate the Attendance Awareness Campaign in September, pledging to focus on reducing chronic absenteeism. Research shows that measurements of academic success–reading and math attainment, test scores, college enrollment rates–go up when students are in school on a regular basis. Learn how schools can support students in coming to school.

Abraham Lincoln HS Green Academy
SFUSD's Climate Solutions Recognized by U.S. Department of Education
 

A.P. Giannini MS and Sunset ES were showcased at the 2023 Green Strides Tour, highlighting Northern and Central California Green Ribbon Schools' innovative sustainability practices. SFUSD was named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon (ED-GRS) District Sustainability Awardee in 2016, earning prestigious federal recognition for school programs demonstrating progress towards reducing environmental impacts and costs; improving health and wellness; and teaching environmental sustainability education.

Seilala Su'a-Sumbado
SFUSD Recruiter Inducted into Collegiate Hall of Fame
 

Congratulations to Seilala Su'a-Zumbado, Senior Recruiter, for her induction to the Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame for track & field and cross country. One of the most successful athletes in NCAA track and field history, Su'a-Zumbado was a seven-time NCAA champion and 14-time All-American in multiple events, and competed in the 2000 Olympics.

Citywide Youth Arts Festival
Independence HS Teacher Named Invention Education Fellow by PBS NewsHour Classroom

 

E. Michael Chelsky of Independence HS has been named an Invention Education Fellow by PBS NewsHour Classroom this 2023-2024 school year. Mr. Chelsky will meet virtually once a month with teaching fellows from across the U.S. alongside inventors, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the field of invention education. Through the 7-steps of the invention process, Mr. Chelsky will teach students to solve problems they learn about in the news and through looking close to home by drawing and building their own prototypes and learning to share their ideas with the public and other stakeholders.

#WeAreSFUSD
 
“We’re trying to get kids out of their comfort zone and have some fun while staying safe.”
 
- Andre Higginbotham and Nicole Warner, Teacher and Program Liaison for the Beginning Riders and Aspiring Professionals Program, June Jordan School for Equity

 

Read more #WeAreSFUSD stories or submit your own #WeAreSFUSD story for a chance to be featured on SFUSD’s website and social media pages.

June Jordan teachers
UPDATES, EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Resource Alignment

Resource Alignment Discussion

 

On Aug. 29, district staff and the Board of Education held a discussion about the current state of our schools and what steps we need to take to make them a better place for our students. No decisions were made at the meeting. Please visit the Resource Alignment webpage for updates and opportunities to provide input.

High School Task Force Preparing Recommendations

 

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the High School Task Force met for a 6-hour session to synthesize their learnings from the extensive year-long process of engaging the community and examining SFUSD’s high school programs. During this session, the Task Force began to provide input on and develop recommendations for Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne. The Task Force will finalize their recommendations at their last meeting on Sept. 28. 
Light bulb
Bond

Bond Measure for March 2024 Ballot

 

SFUSD is preparing to introduce a general obligation bond to the SF Board of Education for consideration and placement on the March 5, 2024 ballot. Staff presented an outline of the proposed general obligation bond measure at the Sept. 12 Board of Education meeting. Look for opportunities to share input from your school communities and departments. 

Enrollment Fair

Prepare for the Enrollment Fair!

 

The annual Enrollment Fair is on Saturday, Oct. 21 at John O’Connell High School. Each school is required to host an information table at the fair and help showcase SFUSD for prospective families applying for the 24-25 school year. Please share the enrollment flier!

Paraeducator PD

September Paraeducator PD: Understanding and Supporting Student Behaviors

 

The Professional Learning & Leadership Team is hosting a monthly professional development series for paraeducators. For September the focus will be “Understanding and Supporting Student Behaviors.”  Learn more and save the date: Wednesday, Sept. 27, 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.

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