News
May is National Foster Care Month
Each May, National Foster Care Month provides an opportunity for people nationwide to focus attention on the year-round needs of youth in foster care and encourage more people to get involved in their lives. We invite you to recognize May as National Foster Care Month and to celebrate those who make a difference in the lives of children in the foster care system. For more information on how to get involved in National Foster Care Month activities, visit www.fostercaremonth.org and View WAD for more information.
Harvest of the Month for May is Strawberries
View full list of Health Awareness themes for this school year.
Student Intervention Team
Check out our amazing statistics from this year and projected statistics for next year, read a few of our intern success stories from the 2012-2013 School Year, and see where our interns have landed positions in our mental health community in our "Life after SIT" column. We thank you for supporting our program by taking the time to read our Newsletters this year! See Newsletter.
Tdap (Pertussis/Whooping Cough) Vaccine Requirement
All students entering 7th grade must have proof of a Tdap vaccine for school entry. Additionally, all 8th – 12th grade students transferring from outside of California who have not been vaccinated or existing students lacking evidence of Tdap must meet the requirement. Read WAD with Parent Notification Letters. For more information about the Tdap requirement, please go to www.shotsforschool.org.
Help Support our Foster Youth
Being a Foster Parent is a big part of supporting our Foster Youth in San Francisco, but it certainly isn't the only way. You could be a mentor, backup childcare provider, or educational surrogate. Or you could donate, start a permancy team or just help spread the word. Interested? Learn more | Let us know how you would like to help.
Guardian Scholars Summer Academy
The six-week long 2013 City College of San Francisco (CCSF) Guardian Scholars Summer Academy, June 10 - July 19, is designed to prepare foster youth students for a smooth transition from high school to college. The program provides college success and career development courses, college tours, free tuition, transportation passes, books and supplies. High school students will receive high school and college credit. View brochure. Attached reservation must be returned by April 19, 2013. Additional application materials will be sent to students after receiving the student reservation form.
Peer Resources has a New Website!
Peer Resources has a new website! Learn more about Peer Resources model for youth leadership and empowerment through partnerships with schools and long-term impact over 34 years of operation: Visit www.peerresources.org.
Responsible Ridership
On March 1, 2013 SFUSD students began participating in San Francisco’s Municipal Transit
Agency’s Free MUNI for Youth Program. Traveling to and from school safely and responsibly is important so download the flyer, lessons and ideas for other ways to prepare students for MUNI! Download the WAD packet (8mb) | View "On MUNI" video
Free Muni Passes for SF Youth Pilot Program
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is beginning a 16-month program to offer free Muni rides for low- and moderate-income students from ages 5-17. The pilot program begins in March 2013 and will last for a minimum of 16 months. You can apply online with SFMTA. Call 3-1-1 for more information.
Office of Pupil Services Relocation
The Office of Pupil Services has relocated to 727 Golden Gate Avenue. Pupil Services can be contacted by phone at (415) 241-3030 or by fax at (415) 241-6213. View all SFCSD locations.
Attend a Food & Fitness Advisory Committee Meeting
The vision of the Food and Fitness Advisory Committee (FFC) is that SFUSD students have healthy appetizing school food and regular physical activity; and know why these are important for their wellbeing, their ability to learn, and their environment. Attend a meeting and contribute to the revisions of the SFUSD Wellness Policy and more. Monthly meetings are from 3:30 to 5:00 PM and are open to the public. Find meeting dates, agendas and more info.
New Law Highlights Restorative Practices and Interventions
AB 1729 sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), requires in most cases that administrators use suspensions only after alternative disciplinary practices fail to correct student misbehavior. The new law expands those alternatives to include community service, restorative justice programs and positive behavior incentives. This law supports Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug Policies/ Intervention Protocols and Brief Intervention Trainings for alternative disciplinary activities as innovative ways to address student substance use:
2012-13 is a Tobacco Free School District Certification Year for SFUSD, including ensuring that “Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco Use Prohibited” signs are posted at all entrances to district property. If you do not have a sign, please contact Donna Blanchard, Program Administrator at blanchardd@sfusd.edu
Save the Dates for 2012-13 Professional Development and Meetings
Visit our Professional Development page to downoad our Save the Date documents for Elementary and Secondary Health Related Professional Development and Meetings for 2012-13. Dates and times subject to change.
SFCSD Video Collection (New)
We've collected a lot of great videos from throughout our website and placed them (or links to them) in one handy place under our resources section. Each month we will feature one of our videos on the homepage (right column). Visit our video page.
Updated Contact Information for Department
View an updated list of all department contacts including program, contact person, phone number and email address. View Contact Sheet 21012-13.
Summer is “Dental Sealant” Time
Make use of “no school” summer time to schedule an appointment for your children’s six month dental examination and ask for sealants for your child! View Flyer and FAQs.
Re-Think Your Drink
How much sugar does the average American consume in a year? More than 100 pounds … which is about quarter of a pound of sugar a day! Download resources to help you Re-Think Your Drink.
Restorative Practices Newsletter
Read a summary of this year's outcome and reflections on the principle-based restorative practice that emphasizes the importance of positive relationships as central to building school community. View Newsletter.
Know Families that Need Extra Support?
Dial 2-1-1 to access hundreds of community services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all in multiple languages. Visit theDial 211 website for more information..
Contact Information for Department
View an updated list of all department contacts including program, contact person, phone number and email address. View Contact Sheet.
Healthy Food and Beverage Guidelines
Promote health and wellness for students, staff and families by making healthier choices. This policy, developed by School Health Programs, makes healthy recommendations for food and beverages offered at school activities and events. Questions? Contact Mark Elkin at (415) 242-2615 ext. 3217 or elkinm@sfusd.edu. View Guidelines.
Fingerprinting Clearance Agencies
View locations of San Francisco County Department of Justice Fingerprinting Clearance agencies. View Agencies.
Family Health Event Resource Binder
Planning for a family health event is easier than ever now that we've put all the information in one place. The new Family Health Event Resource Binder has resourcs for creating nutrition education and physical activity stations. Plus, it's available in English, Spanish and Chinese. Visit: Plan a Family Health Event.
Health Survey Results
View the latest SFUSD survey results on the health of students attending San Francisco’s public middle and high schools.
YRBS/CHKS Health Survey Results:
View more information about YRBS/CHKS
Resources for Free Student Vision Care
Discover some free or low-cost vision care resources for students who qualify. View WAD.
Student Wins Peacemaker Award
Congratulations to Fatima Albowyha for facilitating mediations with dozens of students and leading her peers in developing a safer, more understanding school culture. As a member of Abraham Lincoln High School's Peer Resources program, Fatima prides herself on helping other youth by listening to their concerns and helping them develop solutions to their conflicts. One of her teachers writes, "I feel safer and more comfortable on campus knowing that Fatima is walking the halls." For this work, Fatima is being honored by Community Boards as this year’s recipient of the Gail Sadalla Rising Peacemaker Award. For more information contact Pui Ling Tam ptam@sfedfund.org (415) 749-3700 x3002.
Students at Francisco Middle School Combat Homophobia
Francisco Middle School Peer Resources have been fighting homophobia by leading peer education workshops in classes and by starting a lunchtime ally group, Allied Allegiance. The group received a $700 grant to bring together allies in learning about what LGBTQ youth face and what everyone can do to support LGBTQ youth in their schools and communities. Read The Bay Reporter blog. Visit Peer Resources or their Facebook page.
Our Department Has A New Name
The Student Support Services Department (SSSD) will now be called the Student, Family, & Community Support Department (SFCSD). The simple explanation is that our department is not just for “student” support. Everything we do to support students must intentionally consider and involve their families and the communities where they live. Moreover, we are extremely fortunate in San Francisco to have the support of the hundreds of Community Based Organizations (CBOs) with specialized skills and unique services that our department assists in establishing and promoting partnerships with our school communities. This essential connectedness also supports the transition of the district’s Community Schools initiative to SFCSD. Learn more...
Website Redesign Online Now
Looking for important department information has just gotten a little easier thanks to some tweaks we've made to our website. We now feature all the major offices to help share the spotlight. Plus, we have a new logo. Take a look around and let us know if we missed anything. Remember, this website is built for you. Enjoy.
We can all breathe a little easier knowing that our school district won the 2011 Achievements in Respiratory or "AIR" Health Award from California Breathing for implementing strategies making our school environments healthier for students and staff with asthma. To be eligible for the award, schools districts must have instituted air quality improvement efforts that address asthma-causing cleaning supplies, pesticide use, classroom pets, and maintenance problems. Additionally, the districts must have demonstrated enforcement of state regulations reducing bus idling near schools, and banning smoking on school property. Each school district will receive a monetary prize of $5000, a trophy and acknowledgement in the press. The funds are provided through a federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. View 2011 Air Health Award winners at Californa Breathing website.
updated 4/12/12
Immunization Website Now Online
Visit Shots for School and find tools and resources for parents, schools, and providers about AB 354, and other school immunizations.
posted 1/14/11
Need extra support during difficult times?
Dial 2-1-1 For Community Services and find advice on food stamps (SNAP), food banks, or housing resources for families in need? Dial 2-1-1 to access hundreds of community services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week all in multiple languages. Visit the Dial 211 website for more information..
updated 1/4/11
ARCHIVED NEWS 2012-13 More Archives: 2011-2012 | 2010-2011
Good Behavior Game Overview Session
Please join us to learn more about PAX Good Behavior Game from the author Dr. Dennis D. Embry on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 4:00-6:00pm at School Health Programs 1515 Quintara Street. Please complete the registration form by May 10, 2013. Read WAD | Flyer/Registration Form
2013 Foster Care Month Youth Leadership Awards
May is National Foster Care Month! Please join us at the 2013 Foster Care Month Youth Leadership Awards, Thursday, May 2, to recognize and celebrate youth who have demonstrated leadership in their community. We will also be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of California Youth Connection’s (CYC) San Francisco Chapter.
March is Nutrition Awareness Month
This month’s Student, Family & Community Support Department campaign focuses on promoting the SFUSD Wellness Policy and providing nutrition education lessons in the prevention of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Schools can encourage healthier eating by sponsoring activities that promote a diet which includes colorful fruits & vegetables, nutrient-rich foods and water, while limiting foods that are high in fat, salt and added sugars, such as soda, chips and candy. Read WAD for more information, Curriculum, and activity ideas: Elementary | Secondary. Visit our Nutrition Education Program website for more ideas!
Harvest of the Month for March is Peas
Student Intervention Team
Please read about the current happenings at the Student Intervention Team, including news about intern recruitment and an update on current and future trainings. Information and resources about Restorative Practices are also highlighted in this issue Read SIT's March Newsletter.
The Bully Project and Fair Education Act Presentation
Join Gay-Straight Alliance Network Thursday, March 21, 2013, for groundbreaking new research about implementing LGBTQ-inclusive lessons in classroom instruction. Participants will receive the film Bully and Bully Curriculum guide along with ideas of how to use the film effectively. Read WAD for more information.
Nutrition and Learning Workshop Series Continues
Elementary & Secondary Teachers, Grades K – 12, plan now for the 3rd installment of three Nutrition and Learning Workshops, "Nutrition Links to Family and Community", Wednesday, March 20. Schools with ≥50% participation as free/reduced in the School Lunch Program may receive workshop participant stipends and be elegible for FREE Harvest of the Month tastings! Read WAD/registration information. Attend all three workshops!
Summer Resource Fair
The annual Summer Resource Fair, Saturday, March 9, is a showcase of summer activities for children, youth, and families. At the fair you can get information about camps, classes and teen programs. Download the flyer.
2nd Annual
LGBTQ Families Dinner Night
Join us for the 2012-13 LGBTQ Families Dinner Night on Thursday, March 7, 2013. Learn More!
School Planning Summit - March 2
On Saturday, March 2, members of SFUSD school communities are invited to attend the annual School Planning Summit, which provides useful information and resources to members of School Site Councils, advisory committees, and general school communities. More infomation.
Vision Van - Free Eye Exam and Glasses For SFUSD Students
Following the success of the previous Vision Van, Lenscrafters is once again offering two days of free vision exams and eyeglasses for SFUSD students on February 28 or March 1, 2013. Schools are asked to identify high need students and submit their Vision Van student list by January 28. Read WAD for more information and submittal form
February is Physical Activities Awareness Month
San Francisco Unified School District celebrates Physical Activity Awareness Month throughout February. Schools are encouraged to hold events and teach lessons which promote physical activity. Attend a Nutrition and Physical Activity Workshop February 6th for Elementary School Heath Advocates or a school representative. Read WAD for more information, curriculum, and activity ideas.
Harvest of the Month for February is Dry Beans/Soybeans | Read WAD
Student Intervention Team
Please read about the Student Intervention Team's (SIT) events and trainings taking place during the month of February. Information and resources around working with students who have experienced complex trauma are also included in this issue. Read SIT's February Newsletter.
View full list of Health Awareness themes for this school year.
Dental Events and Resources
Download the Dental WAD for information on the following events and resources. Updated: 2-6-13
- FREE DENTAL CARE IN FEBRUARY
- University of the Pacific
In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month, free dental screenings are offered for children throughout February.
- FREE DENTAL CARE
Community dental providers will be offering free dental exams and some treatments during the first week of February to celebrate National “Give Kids a Smile Day”.
- DENTAL RESOURCE DIRECTORY
The updated 2013 Department of Public Health Dental Referral Directory is available in English, Spanish and Chinese to assist families in need of dental resources.
- DENTAL POSTER CONTEST
The San Francisco Dental Society will sponsor its 37th Annual Dental Poster Contest. The theme this year will be “Get Your Gold Medal San Francisco Smile On!” Posters are due by Friday, March 8th, 2013.
- DENTAL CAMP
Arthur A. Dugoni Pacific School of Dentistry will sponsor a Dental Camp for middle and high school students to learn about careers in dentistry and oral health on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Applications are due by January 25, 2013.
Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day Party Ideas
This Valentine’s Day, leave the candy and sugary snacks out of the classroom
and teach students andparents/caregivers about the importance ofhaving heart healthy snacks and being physically active. WAD | More healthy party resources.
Bike to School Week 2013 - Poster Contest
This Year's Theme is “We Like to Bike!” This poster contest
is open to all students currently enrolled in preschool, elementary, middle or high school in San Francisco and will promote Bike to School Week, from April 22 to 26, 2013. The grand prize winner will receive a bicycle!
All entries must be received by Friday, February 8, 2013. Read WAD for more information.
Get Real! Theater Presentation for 4th and 5th grade Students
A free YouthAware Educational Theatre play, Get Real!,
will be performed Tuesday, January 29th to Thursday, February 7th at the New Conservency Theater for fourth and fifth grade students. The play educates & promotes awareness about HIV & AIDS infection, prevention, and issues such as peer pressure, self-esteem, and individual responsibility. Read
WAD for more information.
January is Build Friendships and Healthy Relationships Month
San Francisco Unified School District celebrates Build Friendships and Healthy Relationships Month throughout January. Schools are encouraged to hold events and teach lessons about friendships and healthy relationships. To tie in with Internet Safety Day (January 18, see separate news item), consider expanding the Friendship and Healthy Relationship discussion by using one of these lessons about friendliness and respect found on the Common Sense Media website.
Read WAD for more information, curriculum, friendship recipes and ideas.
Harvest of the Month for January is Oranges/Citrus | Read WAD
Student Intervention Team (SIT)
Please read an introduction of who we are, what we do, a list of past and current trainings, as well as mental health resources related to January's monthly theme 'Build Friendships and Healthy Relationships Month'. Read SIT Newsletter.
Nutrition and Learning Workshop Series Begins January 2013
Elementary & Secondary Teachers, Grades K – 12, join us for the first in a series of three Nutrition and Learning Workshops, “Setting Up A Healthy Learning Environment”, Wednesday, January 23, 2013 (register by January 16). Schools with ≥50% participation as free/reduced in the School Lunch Program may receive workshop participant stipends and be elegible for FREE Harvest of the Month tastings! Read WAD/registration information. Attend all three workshops!
E-Rate Internet Safety Instruction Day: January 18, 2013
In order to continue District funding for internet access provided under the federal program E-rate, each student must receive one lesson of internet safety instruction. SFUSD has identified January 18, 2013 as the day to complete this instruction. Read WAD/Flyer for instructions, procedures and more information.
"Shoo the Flu" - Free Flu Vaccines Through December
Through the generosity of the Page Family Foundation, every child in the Bay Area, from ages 4-18 can receive a free flu shot at participating Target Pharmacy ® locations through the Shoo the Flu program. The Shoo the Flu program will end on December 31, 2012. Read WAD
LGBTQ Family Diversity Workshop (Elementary) PD
Please join us Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Family Diversity: Talking about Gay and Lesbian Topics in Elementary School focusing on gender stereotypes and supporting LGBTQ Students and Families. Register by Monday, December 3, 2012. Learn more.
December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
Be Aware, Be Safe, Be Responsible Since 1991, as part of the world-wide effort to call attention to the AIDS pandemic and to promote understanding, compassion, and prevention strategies directed at HIV infection, SFUSD has named the month of December HIV/AIDS Prevention Month. This occurs in conjunction with World AIDS Day, December 1.
To start things off, 25 Names Project Quilt squares were distributed to schools throughout San Francisco and an HIV/AIDS workshop was held on November 27 for grade K-5 teachers where more resources were made available to schools. There were 12 participants and everyone gained awareness of curriculum and teaching strategies!
Support HIV/AIDS Prevention Month at your school site:
Read WAD What you can do: Elementary | Secondary
Harvest of the Month is Beets!
November is Violence Prevention Month
Stand Up for Peace and Safety San Francisco Unified School District commemorates Violence Prevention Month throughout November. Schools are encouraged to hold events and teach lessons related to violence prevention to assist with enhancing a positive school climate. SFUSD Respect Week is November 26th – 30th. During respect week students can celebrate Peace Makers by highlighting the work they have done to make a more just and safer world. Students can read about or research, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and/or Harvey Milk. Consider school peace makers who contribute to the safety of the school community.
Take the Ally Pledge!: Go to www.healthiersf.org/LGBTQ and click on Take Action for more information. Display the new posters to “Take a Stand Against Bullying: Be a Hero!”
Peer Resources’ 29th Annual Youth Are Resources (YAR) Conference
Join 600 youth leaders at Peer Resources’ 29th Annual Youth Are Resources (YAR) Conference! 600 student leaders from 14 SFUSD middle and high schools will come together to inspire and educate each other through youth-led workshops on the topics that are most pressing to youth today, among them bullying, suicide, and LGBTQ issues. The YAR Conference will be held on November 16th, 9:30am-3:00pm, at Fort Mason Center. Please RSVP by November 6th, and remember that we welcome youth and adult volunteers
The day’s agenda includes:
Learn more about our Peer Leaders. Contact Pui Ling Tam for more information
Register for the Sexuality & LGBTQ Health PD
Middle School and High School Certificated Staff who teach health education and are interested in fostering safe learning environments for all SFUSD youth including LGBTQ youth please register for the Sexuality & LGBTQ Health PD scheduled for Tuesday, November 6. Learn More.
October is “Be Drug Free” month: Celebrate Red Ribbon Week: “Life is Made Up of Choices, Choose Wisely, Stay Drug Free!” Monday, October 29 – Friday, November 2, 2012. Order red ribbons from School Health by Oct. 24. Read WAD.
Learn the "ins & outs” of taking your class on a fieldtrip to a Farmers’ Market
Register for "Take Your Class on a Farmers’ Market Fieldtrip" Workshop. Wednesday, October 10. Open to teachers who have not attended previous Farmers’ Market workshops. Stipend provided.
Registration Deadline: October 3, 2012.
More info and registration form.
Register Now for Health Disparities: Nutrition & Physical Activity PD
September 24, 2012.
Teams of 3 participants are encouraged to apply: (Administrators, Teachers & School Staff} for Addressing Health Disparities in SFUSD Students Nutrition & Physical Activity Concerns PD,
Registration Deadline: September 17.
More info and registration form.
Good Behavior Game Professional Development
Attend the Good Behavior Game Professional Development on Monday, September 17, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m (bring a lunch).
- The purpose is to prevent aggressive and disruptive behavior, promote positive behavioral health and academic success among young children in the short term, and prevent antisocial behavior and the use of illicit drugs in the longer term.
- To register, please complete the Registration Form by September 7, 2012.
Become an Elementary School Health Advocate - Apply Today
Elementary Ceritficated Staff are invited to apply to be a liaison between the school site
and School Health Programs for the 2012-13 school year. Please apply even if you have been the Health Advocate in previous years. Application is due September 18. Meetings begin Wednesday, September 19. View WAD and Application.
Dental Poster Contest Winners
Congratulations to all the winners of the 37th Annual SF Dental Society's Dental Poster Contest and our appreciation to all the excellent student artist and their teachers who participated in this year's contest. Jamie Liu and his 5th Grade teacher, Mr. Mac at Spring Valley Science School won 2nd Place and Jamie Shimamoto and his 1st grade teacher, Ms. Sun at Sutro Elementary School won 3rd Place. For more winners View Award Event Program.
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