AAPAC Updates
April 2021
Welcome back from Spring Break. We hope that you were able to find time to relax and rejuvenate.
We spent some time looking up words associated with Spring and with each one we were able to connect AAPAC's hopes, goals, and intentions for the remainder of the academic school year. We saw words like renewal, regrowth, resurrection, promise, life, and new beginnings. As we consider how to manifest these words into our organization, our school communities, and even in our own personal lives, we hope that you will do the same. We hope newness will bloom in your lives as well.
This Spring, SFUSD (and each of us as stakeholders) will reopen schools for students who can and would like to return, begin looking for a new Superintendent, partner to provide summer learning experiences for our youth, continue enacting the various equity resolutions, and so much more while also actively rejecting white supremacy culture that perpetuates anti-all people of color. Through collectivism, humility, basic human kindness, and true restorative justice we may be able to get back to our most important priority, the success of our children.
In the spirit of unity, AAPAC would like to reiterate our sincere support for our Asian and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters. The heinous acts of physical violence that have been committed against the Asian community is something that we wholeheartedly condemn. In reaching out we learned that solidarity looks like being a listening ear, speaking and standing up when we see wrong occurring, and taking direction from the communities most harmed. Let's continue to do that for one another.
Below you will find updates, reminders, and opportunities for you and your children. Please be sure to read through each one and click the links for more information. As always feel free to email us at aapac@sfusd.edu with any questions, comments, or resources you would like to share within our AAPAC community.
Until we see you again, be well.
The African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC)
AAPAC Specific Updates
Please join us Thursday, April 15th at 5:30pm for our monthly AAPAC meeting. The Zoom link will be shared closer to the date. To request the link, be sure to email us at aapac@sfusd.edu.
Previous AAPAC Meeting
On March 18th AAPAC hosted over 94 Zoom participants with 88 views via our Facebook Stream. With the help of Deputy Superintendent Enikia Ford-Morthel and Budget Executive Director, Anne Marie Gordon, we shared updates of SFUSD's budget and its impact on Black children and we were able to hear about the plans for safely reopening schools followed by some Q&A. If you missed it, please check out the recording here. If you did attend or once you watch the recording, please complete the meeting evaluation.
AAPAC Distance Learning Survey
Attention families of Black Children in SFUSD, if you have not done so already, please take the AAPAC Distance Learning Survey. It is super important that you let your voices be heard. All data will be shared with SFUSD's Board of Education and District Leadership Team on a continuous basis.
Lowell High School Admissions
In response to a recent lawsuit to overturn the SFUSD Board of Education vote to end merit-based admissions to Lowell High school, the AAPAC Leadership continues to stands in full support of resolution 212-2A1. We believe that all children should have the right to access quality education and equitable supports in each and every one of SFUSD schools without limitations. We stand with our Black and African American children who are being told that they do not belong, and we stand with our community who will continue to fight for what's fair and just. We are also advocating that SFUSD ensure that our students who choose Lowell to receive their secondary education will be safe and protected from race-based attacks, hate speech, and emotional harm. We stand by the Lowell Black Student Union and ask that their demands from 2016 and 2020 be met prior to the start of the upcoming school year.
SFUSD Updates
Message from Superintendent Matthews:
Dear SFUSD Families:
I hope you had a chance to rest over the past week while students were on spring break.
About a month ago I shared plans to retire from SFUSD on June 30, 2021. Since then the SF Board of Education commissioners have been discussing their plans for selecting a new superintendent. The Board wants to conduct a national search and wants to engage in an inclusive community process for selecting the next superintendent, which can often take a year from start to finish.
President Gabriela Lopez and I spoke over the past week about the concern that the superintendent search would be a distraction from reopening. Given current events including the large and complex task of returning some students to in-person learning starting April 12 and all of our students by fall 2021, the Board has asked me to delay my retirement for a year. I strive to maintain the humility and wisdom to change direction with new information and have agreed to remain with SFUSD for another year, until June 30, 2022.
I agree that SFUSD needs stability at this time. I am dedicated to supporting all of our SFUSD staff as we navigate the many challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in the coming year. I have the highest regard for the team assembled at SFUSD and am honored to continue to work together. We are united by a shared mission that every day we provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century.
I know this past year has been hard on everyone. I hope we can work together to make this the best possible year ahead for our SFUSD community, especially our students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Vincent Matthews
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is preparing to gradually return up to 22,000 students to in-person learning before the end of April and is sharing critical information with families and schools to ensure students who are returning to in-person learning and students who will remain in distance learning are supported.
Families who have been offered an in-person placement for Spring 2021 will receive placement packets at least 10 days before their start date. As of March 30, SFUSD has mailed 16,700 placement packets to families whose students will be returning to in-person learning on April 12 and April 19. Families at schools reopening on April 26 will be receiving packets at a later date.
To find out what schools, view the timeline. For families who have elected out of the return to school option, distance learning will continue. SFUSD will have a hybrid model. For more information about how that will work, read the following March 31st press release that offers links that will detail the timeline, the plan for busing, health and safety, and more.
Summer Programming
- SFUSD is also working with the City’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families to expand free summer programs. Families may sign up on the Summer Together website to receive notifications as more programs become available. Your contact information will only be used to provide alerts and updates about enrollment in Summer Together.
- Most SFUSD summer programs are for specific eligible student populations, for example, students with IEPs, newcomer students, and high school students who need more credits to graduate. Eligible students will be invited to participate in programs. More information will be shared by mid-April.
Free Grab and Go Meals
Student Nutrition Services will resume free meals on April 6th although there is a Change in Grab & Go locations. Starting Tuesday April 13, the Grab & Go meal service will no longer be open at Elementary Schools to accommodate SFUSD’s in-person learning plans.
The 10 existing Middle and High school sites will continue to serve free Grab & Go meals. Open Tuesdays & Thursdays. See a full list of sites and schedules at sfusd.edu/schoolfood.
Questions regarding Grab & Go meals for SFUSD students returning to in-person learning
Will your student be attending in-person learning?
- Yes, in-person 5 days a week → Pick up free meals on Thursdays
- Yes, in-person 2 days a week → Pick up free meals on Tuesdays
- Will your student continue in distance learning?
- Pick up free meals Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.
- Can I pick up meals for siblings not enrolled in SFUSD?
- Yes, free meals are available for siblings of SFUSD students on Tuesday and/or Thursday. Please show the student’s barcode and:
View the April Grab & Go Calendar.
Food Access Texting Hotline
No Kid Hungry has launched a texting hotline to provide information about emergency food distribution sites in communities where schools have been impacted due to COVID19. Parents and caregivers can text the word “FOOD” to 877-877 find food distribution sites close to their address. SFUSD’s Grab & Go meal sites are included in the No Kid Hungry national database.
Countering Racism
Looking for resources to offer inspiration, skills, and support for students to counter racism? Explore these videos in SF Loves Learning’s United Against Racism Return to School Deck.
Become a Black Educator in SFUSD
Are you a Black educator and have an interest in teaching in the San Francisco Unified School District? Join SFUSD and the Black Teacher Project for a virtual Information Session for individuals interested in certificated career opportunities. On April 14th at 5pm, learn more about SFUSD's mission & vision, unique offerings, and review the application and hiring process. They will also leave time to answer your questions about working in SFUSD. RSVP Link: https://tinyurl.com/yfvq9vkg
Board of Education Meetings
Unless otherwise noticed, meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 3pm and are open to the public. To tune in, visit the BOE Webpage the day of and follow login instructions. Agendas are posted the Friday prior to each meeting. The next regular meeting will be on April 6th.
SFUSD/SF Updates on Covid-19 Vaccines
SFUSD has put together a Facts, Questions and Answers (FAQ) sheet regarding the Covid-19 Vaccine. Check it out for more information on making informed choices for your family, the latest options available to SFUSD teachers, and more.
The City of San Francisco also has a website where you can find more information about eligibility and access.
General Family Support
The SFUSD Student and Family Resource Link is a cross-departmental project to support students and families in navigating all of the SFUSD resources available to them.
Students and families can access the Student and Family Resource Link in three ways:
- Go to familylink.sfusd.edu to complete an online request form
- Email request at familylink@sfusd.edu
- Call 415-340-1716 *
Staying Up to Date:
SFUSD sends out bi-weekly updates to families via the Family Digest. If you are not receiving these communications, you may need to update your contact information in Family Portal (ParentVUE) to communicate with families. Learn how to check your contact information in Family Portal and update it if it is incorrect. If you don't have a Family Portal account, learn how to activate your account.
REGISTER NOW: 2021 Virtual Information and Resource Conference (IRC)
On Saturday, April 10th from 9:00am - 2:30pm, join a FREE conference for families of children with disabilities, the professionals who work with them, and members of the community. The annual Support for Families of Children with Disabilities (SFCD) Information and Resource Conference (IRC) is an opportunity to gather in community, learn from experts in the disabilities field and find resources that can support their children on the path to academic and life success.
ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOLERS:
Summer Employment and Internship Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults:
Apply for paid summer internships through the Mayors Youth Employment Educational Program (MYEEP), Opportunities for All (OFA), and San Francisco Youth Works using this Common application.
For more information check out each org:
MYEEP Deadline April 9, 2021
SF YouthWorks Deadline April 23, 2021
Opportunities for All (OFA) Deadline June 4, 2021
Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors:
- United Educators of San Francisco - Deadline 4/15
https://www.sfbaynphc.org/scholarships - Various deadlines
http://www.fosteryouthrising.org - Ongoing
Community Partner Updates
AAPAC encourages you to stay connected to community resources as well. Please visit the websites listed below for more information on activities and opportunities throughout San Francisco. The link to each organization is in the title.
COVID-19 Resources for the Black Community
Looking for local resources in your community by Black-led Organizations? Browse Covid-19 Black's directory of San Francisco Bay Area Agencies.
CA COVID-19 Rent Relief will help income-eligible households pay rent and utilities, both for past due and future payments. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides funding to support the program and tenant (renter) protection laws. For additional information, to find a Local Partner Network organization near you, or for eligibility and application help, call CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Call Center at 833-430-2122. The application can be found by click the link in the tile.
For families looking for respite care (childcare breaks), Emergency childcare, or Online Respite, reach out to Family Support Services. Click on the flyers for contact information.
Rafiki's goal is to improve people’s lives by reversing the history of health inequalities that affect the Black community and other under-served groups in San Francisco. We provide a safe, supportive environment where people can find a path to wellness by understanding their health issues, becoming more physically active, and eating a healthy diet.
Check out all of the offerings and events provided by the SF Public Library.
The SFPL Main Library located at 100 Larkin Street, has a an African American Center. The Center on the third floor of the Main Library welcomes students, researchers and anyone interested in learning more about the historical, political and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and beyond. Check it out!
MegaBlack SF is a collective of Black-led organizations and Black individuals fighting for visibility, sovereignty, dignity, and justice for Black San Franciscans. For more information on MegaBlack SF or to be added to their newsletter check out their site.
Check out Mayor Breed's Press Release on the Dream Keeper Initiative (the reinvestment of $120 million in San Francisco’s African-American community over the next two years)
SF Reparations Advisory Task Force
The SF Reparations Advisory Task Force is taking applications. Interested persons may obtain an application from the Board of Supervisors website at http://www.sfbos.org/vacancy_application or from the Rules Committee Clerk, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco, CA 94102-4689.
Completed applications should be submitted to the Clerk of the Board at
BOS-Appointments@sfgov.org. All applicants must be residents of San Francisco unless otherwise stated.
Board of Education Parent Advisory Council
The BOE Parent Advisory Council (PAC) was created by the San Francisco Board of Education as a formal way for family perspectives to be included in the district’s decision-making process. PAC members actively reach out to engage families in district policy discussions and to represent family concerns to district leaders. The PAC also supports parents to be leaders, advocates, and partners in their children's education. For more information or to submit an application, click the link above.
Our neighboring YMCAs offer a variety of resources and opportunities that are free or low-cost to the community. The YMCA offers wellness groups, fitness classes, academic support, and more for the entire family.
Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC)
The purpose of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education is to advocate for effective Special Education programs and services, and advise the Board of Education on priorities in the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). CAC meets every 4th Thursday of the month. Visit their linked site for more information.
Mo’ MAGIC is a collaborative, San Francisco neighborhood-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the community and youth through the MAGIC of collaboration.
BMAGIC is a network of San Francisco neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations whose mission is to facilitate, coordinate and develop community resources and opportunities that support service providers and community members in Bayview Hunters Point (BVHP).
Coleman currently focuses on building more effective, equitable, and supportive public schools in San Francisco and beyond. Their primary focus is fighting to advance rights, safety, and full inclusion of low-income people of color. Be sure to check out the Equity Framework for Reopening Schools on their webpage.
Grounded in the community schools model/framework, Beacon Centers are committed to a cohesive, comprehensive, and collaborative approach that creates pathways to lifelong learning and transformative experiences for youth and the adults who support them through advocacy, leadership, networking, and program support.
Are you a CalWorks and/or CalFresh recipient? You can get two cases of free diapers per month. Visit the link above for more information.
Were you in foster care sometime between the ages of 13 and 25? Are you interested in attending college, or already attending college? Consider applying for a scholarship from Foster Youth Rising. Please visit the website for more details.
Check out the link for testing locations and resources in throughout the city.
The African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC), SFUSD
Email: aapac@sfusd.edu
Website: sfusd.edu/aapac
Location: 1551 Newcomb Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aapacsf