Carver Family Newsletter

We have been through quite a few peaks and valleys since our start date in August.

We had a beautiful grand opening and red carpet experience (peak!). But also, we opened our building in August, without all of our classroom vacancies filled (valley). Our drinking water supply was on back order for many weeks (valley), but within weeks, we had state of the art, filtered water systems installed in all of the pods for student and staff use (peak).

We said farewell to our colleague Mr. Dolan, who has departed Carver School to pursue his next step in his career journey, and we are also welcoming a dynamic team of newly onboarded Carver educators.

Finally, we had discussions about school closures and mergers. Carver had been selected to open it's doors and welcome students and families from a neighboring school. Within a week's time that plan went from full steam ahead to full stop. Carver School will not close or be merged for the 2025-2026 school year.

There was also a shift in leadership at the helm of our district. There were peaks and valleys associated with all of those changes and uncertainty, grief and loss over what once was, mixed with the excitement of expanding our village, extending our reach, and serving each and every child who comes through our doors.

You might notice that this newsletter is full of introductions for many new staff! This is a very exciting time for us in the village. We are honored that so many talented individuals seek to share their knowledge and experiences with us at our school. We are equally excited to embrace our new teammates to show and share The Carver Way. Our Way includes our mission of equitably serving each child who comes through our doors. We serve with positivity, warmth, professionalism, and a laser-like focus on teaching and learning.

Please read this newsletter in its entirety. Also, please share it with three families so that everyone is in the know.

Looking forward to seeing you around!

Warmly,

Principal Manning

Here is what you need to know:

-Students should wear school uniforms to school, and may bring costumes in a clearly marked bag. They will change at 1:30 pm in their classrooms.

-Families may meet us on the lower yard at 2:00 pm for the parade!

-We will unable to allow families to assist with changing students in classrooms, or adding makeup and hair in our bathrooms. This is a safety boundary and expectation. We thank you for your cooperation.

-Carver staff will be permitted to distribute only those snacks/items that meet our healthy food guideline and policy. This sheet contains ideas of snacks/items that meet the SFUSD guidance on nutrition and wellness.

-After the parade, the cafeteria will be open for face painting, games and prizes! The jumper will arrive at 3pm for an afternoon of more fun!

-Please help us keep this celebration positive and pleasant for everyone. You can help by respecting all guidelines set by Carver staff. Our policies are in place for everyone's safety and comfort. We thank you, in advance, for your cooperation and understanding.

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 School Site Council. This dynamic group of leaders will meet with Principal Manning to discuss our school performance plan, usage of certain funds, and to ensure all voices are uplifted and heard within our community.

I am pleased to introduce our 2024-2025 School Site Council.

Meeting schedule will be shared publicly shortly.

Joining the Carver Village to continue forward in the spirit of excellence, I would like to introduce Mr. Desmond Harris to our school.

Mr. Harris comes to us from the Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in business related-fields. He discovered a passion for working with young children, and is not pursuing an early childhood certificate from San Francisco State University.

2nd Grade Families: Please standby for separate invitation to a welcome event.

Ms. Jocelin will join the Carver Village as our RSP Educator, and will be working with our students who have IEPs. She will now be the case manager, and will be in communication with families over the next few weeks regarding IEPs and other special education items.

Ms. Jocelin has graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a bachelor's degree in sociology. She has also graduated from San Jose State University with a master's degree in Guidance and Counseling.

Ms Jocelin is looking forward to helping students achieve goals by creating a supporting and inviting environment for students and their families.

Ms. Elias comes to us from San Diego, CA where she was a guest teacher in elementary schools. Ms. Elias has supported at Carver over the past two months. She has gotten to know all of students well, and will be an excellent addition to our team.

In her role at Carver, Ms. Elias will be on site every day to support teaching and learning in all classrooms. In the event of a classroom teacher's absence, Ms. Elias will support as the guest teacher/substitute teacher for the day.