Elementary (Grades K–8)
The Latest Updates
- As of December 18, 2020, this page is no longer being updated. Please refer to our calendar, Thursday Notes and Health and Safety Plan page for the latest information and updates.
- Grade 5–8 students should take face shields home nightly — Posted Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m.
- Daily COVID-19 Screening Form – posted Wednesday, October 21 at 3 p.m.
- New video showcasing ZoomX dismissal procedure — Posted Wednesday, October 21 at 1:30 p.m.
- New arrival location information for Grades 4–8 — Posted Wednesday, October 21 at 1 p.m.
- Sibling dismissal procedure — posted Friday, October 9 at 11 a.m.
Welcome to our K–8 SFCorConnect page! We have compiled a thorough guide to remote learning and back to school resources. Any updates will be noted at the top of this page.
Grades K–8 Campus Reopening Information
- Requirements for on-campus attendance
- Arrival and dismissal times and locations
- Arrival procedures
- Dismissal information
- Placards and before and after school care
- For students who continue learning remotely
- Lunch program
- What to bring
- Face shields and distancing requirements
- Video: Arrival and Dismissal Procedures and Campus Safety
Requirements for on-campus attendance
The following must be complete in order for students to return to campus:
- You have confirmed in-person learning with your divisional office (SHBoffice@sacredsf.org CESoffice@sacredsf.org).
- You have shared evidence of a negative COVID-19 test for your child - please send documentation to our School Nurse via an email katie.coleman@sacredsf.org
- You have downloaded and signed the acknowledgement of risk form and submitted to your school office SHBoffice@sacredsf.org CESoffice@sacredsf.org
- You have reviewed and signed the Community Pledge for and also submitted to your school office SHBoffice@sacredsf.org CESoffice@sacredsf.org.
- You bring each day a signed Daily COVID-19 screening form, confirming your child is symptom-free. This form must be checked and submitted daily.
Arrival and dismissal times and locations
We will be executing an efficient drop off and pick up system. Please pull up to the curb and have your symptom check form ready at the point of arrival. If you are walking to and from campus, please keep your distance from other families without congregating or socially gathering.
- Grades K–3: Broadway drop-off zone (except Richardson Grade 1)
- Convent Richardson Grade 1 only: arrival outside Herbst House on the other side of Broadway
- Grades 4–8: either the north side of Broadway drop-off zone or the south side in front of Herbst House
Arrival times for K–8 families:
- Grades K–2 - 8–8:15 a.m.
- Grades 3–4 - 8:15–8:30 a.m.
- Grades 5–6 - 8:30–8:45 a.m.
- Grades 7–8 - 8:45–9 a.m.
Dismissal times for K–8 families (Monday–Thursday):
- Grade K - 2:30–2:45 p.m.
- Grades 1–2 - 2:45–3 p.m.
- Grades 3–4 - 3–3:15 p.m.
- Grades 5–6 - 3:15–3:30 p.m.
- Grades 7–8 - 3:30–3:45 p.m.
Friday dismissal times:
- Grade K - 2–2:15 p.m.
- Grades 1–2 - 2:15–2:30 p.m.
- Grades 3–4 - 2:30–2:45 p.m.
- Grades 5–6 - 2:45–3 p.m.
- Grades 7–8 - 3–3:15 p.m.
We will need to keep arrival and dismissal moving as efficiently as possible for the safety of our students. Please adhere to all traffic and safety protocols and refrain from congregating in front of the school.
Arrival procedures
Arrival Overview
Please post your family placard on the dashboard of the car. We are asking families to drop off using their vehicles in order to eliminate congestion and/or congregating on the sidewalks. Please drop off during your child(ren)’s arrival window and pick up during the dismissal window.
Sibling Arrival
If you need to drop off an older child during a younger sibling’s arrival window, the older child may wait in Syufy Court until his or her morning classes begin. Students who go to morning care will be supervised and must abide by masking and distancing protocols.
Dismissal information
Dismissal Overview
Please arrive promptly during your child's dismissal window with your family placard displayed on the dashboard. We will utilize the ZoomX mobile app as our primary means of dismissal communication. Students will be expected to wear masks and maintain distance from one another as they proceed to their car. More information about ZoomX can be found on our traffic page. Please note that ZoomX is now required for all pick-ups. Please email Andrew Hoffer with questions regarding ZoomX.
Students in Grades 5–8 who walk home may leave their last period class at the beginning of the dismissal window for their grade level.
Sibling Dismissal
If you have children in multiple grades, please pick them up together during the oldest siblings pick up time. For example, if you have a fourth grader and a first grader, please pick up both of your students at the fourth grade dismissal time.
Placards and before and after school care
Please post your family placard on the dashboard of the car. If you need before and/or after care, please contact Andrew Hoffer at andrew.hoffer@sacredsf.org.
For students who continue learning remotely
For those who choose to remain at a distance, we look forward to an enhanced experience with the Meeting Owl and other tools available in this hybrid format. Please note the time changes and revised schedule for distance learners based on the new arrival and dismissal times as we transition to on-campus learning.
Lunch program
Lunch will be provided by SAGE. Lunch locations are typically outdoors. However, our constant flow ventilation provides for the ability to eat indoors at any time which we anticipate during inclement weather or when outdoor space is not available.
For more information from SAGE about food safety, please visit our food program page. A daily menu is always available here.
What to bring
- All completed forms (see above)
- Students should be in regular uniform
- Students should bring workbooks and other learning materials that were distributed at the beginning of the year.
- Fully charged iPad
- Headset (click here for the letter from our Tech and Innovation Team)
- Water bottle with name clearly labeled
- Snack
- Face mask (Please make sure your masks tie at the ears and are comfortable enough to wear all day and sturdy enough to stay in place when running.)
Face shields and distancing requirements
Per the San Francisco Department of Public Health, student desks are placed at least four feet apart and students will wear face shields throughout the day when within six feet of one another and indoors. Convent & Stuart Hall will issue a face shield to each student upon their return and Grade K–4 shields will remain at school with cleaning and sanitizing taking place each evening.
Grade 5–8 students will take face shields home nightly and bring them back to school the next day. Please remind your child to pack their face shield in the morning as they acclimate to this new routine.
For more health and safety information, including an FAQ from President Krejcarek, please visit this page.
Video: Arrival and Dismissal Procedures and Campus Safety
Overview of Remote Learning
- Beginning Remotely
- Remote Learning Goals
- Gr. K–4 Learning Overview
- Gr. 5–8 Learning Overview
- Gr. K–4 Digital Platforms
- Gr. 5–8 Digital Platforms
- Attendance
- Setting Up for the First Time
- 7 Tips for Remote Learning Success
- Tech Support
Beginning Remotely
This time brings challenges and opportunities for learning in new ways. While we believe that in-person learning is best, remote learning is an opportunity for us to model our values of flexibility, resilience, inclusivity and reflection. As with most things, our attitudes shape our outcomes. Students are not experts in remote learning yet, and it requires some trial-and-error to successfully navigate. Some students will thrive while others will find it challenging. Our priorities, in order of importance, are: student well-being and engagement, skill-building, content learning, and assessment. We are determined to approach our work guided by our mission to serve the development of the whole child — mind, Heart and body.
Remote Learning Goals
- Provide structure and predictability, both because these are comforting in uncertain times, and because it will help students focus and learn
- Create as much connection as possible by using live classroom video sessions each day so students can see their teachers and one another and learn together in small groups
- Provide students (and families) with a full spectrum of student support, including regular one-on-one learning, content and learning specialist teachers, and counseling
- Embrace the Convent & Stuart Hall spirit as we continue to learn together with grace
Gr. K–4 Learning Overview
- School will be held Monday through Friday from 8:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
- Kindergarten classes will end at 11:30 a.m. on the first day of school.
- Morning break occurs from 10–10:30 a.m.
- Lunch occurs from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- The regular school calendar with holidays and vacations still applies.
- Teachers will post weekly previews on Monday and daily schedules by 8:30 a.m.
- Classroom teachers will cover our core curriculum, including reading, writing, word study, mathematics, science and social studies.
- Students will engage in several specialist classes per week in Modern & Classical Languages, Art, Music, PE, Religion, SEL (social emotional learning) and Library or Theater. Unlike in-person learning, specialist teachers will be on a weekly rotation.
Gr. 5–8 Learning Overview
- School will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Early dismissal: School will be held on Fridays from 8:45 a.m.–2:45 p.m.
- Lunch occurs from 11:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- The regular school calendar with holidays and vacations still applies.
- While uniforms are not required during remote learning, please ensure your child is appropriately dressed and groomed.
- The school year is divided into two semesters, fall and spring. The fall semester will consist of three sessions with two class blocks per session. Students will have the same two academic classes every day (English, Social Studies, Science, Math, Modern & Classical Languages, PE/Art/Music/Religion) for six-weeks, when the new session begins.
- In addition to these classes every day, students will have 45 minutes in the morning (for advisory, curricular continuation, a rotational course and/or our assembly/chapel time) and 45 minutes in the afternoon for open office hours.
- Watch the video in the right column (below on mobile devices) to learn more about the Grades 5–8 schedule.
Fall Academic Calendar
The school year is divided into two semesters, fall and spring. The fall semester will consist of three sessions.
- Session 1: August 25–October 5
- Session 2: October 6–November 17
- Session 3: November 18–January 15
Please note: Each session course is equivalent to a semester course.
Gr. K–4 Digital Platforms
The two main platforms for learning are Seesaw (K–4 only) and Zoom. Seesaw is the organizing platform where your student will land every day. Once in Seesaw, you and your student will be able to see the day’s schedule, preview activities and see a record of digital work. Most communications from teachers will occur via Seesaw. Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool that enables students and teachers to video conference with one another, either 1:1 or as a whole class. Links for classes held on Zoom will be in your child’s daily Seesaw schedule. It is very important that your student’s first and last name appears when they enter a Zoom classroom.
Download Zoom and Seesaw from Self Service
You will receive information directly from teachers about how to access their content and classrooms using these two apps. The directions are simple — no additional login information will be needed right now.
Seesaw is also the way that parents will be able to communicate with teachers. There is a Seesaw family app that you will be able to download onto your own device. Instructions for joining your child’s class will also come from the teacher.
Gr. 5–8 Digital Platforms
The two main platforms for learning are Blackbaud and Zoom. Blackbaud is the learning platform that holds your student’s schedule, an agenda of activities and where class work is submitted. Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool that enables students and teachers to video conference with one another in small groups, 1:1, or as a whole class. Links for classes held on Zoom will be in your child’s Blackbaud page. It is very important that your student’s first and last name appears when they enter a Zoom classroom.
Attendance
Regular and timely attendance underscores the value of learning. Every classroom and specialist teacher will take attendance, and tardiness will be marked if students are more than five minutes late. If your family has extenuating circumstances, please reach out to your classroom teacher.
If your student will be absent, please inform their teacher and your division office:
- Stuart Hall: shboffice@sacredsf.org
- Convent: cesoffice@sacredsf.org
Setting Up for the First Time
Once you have your iPad at home, please connect to your local WiFi. Here are directions from Apple if you need help.
All apps that students will use are pushed through the Self Service app. When your student opens Self Service, they will be able to find and download apps to their device. Students should only download apps when prompted by a teacher; it’s unlikely they will need all of the apps that are supplied.
Make sure the Seesaw and Zoom apps are already installed and if not, you should download them from Self Service. If you run into any problems, please email support@sacredsf.org.
7 Tips for Remote Learning Success
1. Remote learning is real school. Classroom and behavior expectations are still the same. This means showing up to class on time, being ready with your materials, staying on task, being dressed appropriately and not eating or chewing gum during class. Attendance is taken every day for every subject. (For younger students this may take an adjustment period and require support and modifications.) Please work with your student’s teacher for guidance in helping them get the most of their learning in developmentally appropriate ways.
2. Set up a consistent school space for your child. Remote learning needs consistency and structure to be effective. Please arrange a regular workspace for your child that includes a comfortable hard back chair and a table. If you are traveling or have circumstances in which your child cannot fully participate in learning, please call in an absence. Please keep toys, games and additional devices out of reach.
3. Set daily routines. Begin each day with connection and a healthy breakfast before classes begin. When remote learning finishes for the day, find activities that are screen-free. Close each day with a predictable nighttime routine and strive for a consistent bedtime. Try to find outdoor time every day for overall well-being.
4. Ready, steady, go! At 8:45 a.m., your student should be ready to focus their attention fully on learning. This means no immediate bathroom or water breaks, a search for supplies or finishing breakfast. While uniforms are not required for remote learning, children should be dressed in appropriate casual clothing and be ready to move for PE.
5. Supplies at the ready. You will be picking up an iPad and materials from school. Please keep these items in a basket near your child’s work space. Also, please have a large notebook for writing, pencils, coloring tools, scissors (child-safe scissors for younger students) and glue. Make sure your child’s iPad is fully charged and the charger is nearby. A spill-proof water bottle is also handy.
6. Promote independence. While your student will need support to begin remote learning, encourage and empower their independence. Once students can navigate learning platforms successfully, parents should not hover. Remember, mistakes are a necessary part of a learning journey that stretches your student in a meaningful way.
7. Proactively communicate. We strive to be there for our students, but it is more difficult when we can’t see them in person. The face time that provides such an important gauge of a student's mood, mindset and levels of stress are not there in the same way. We rely on you to let us know if your child is having difficulties with remote learning. Whether it is technological, academic or social-emotional, we can provide support.
Tech Support
If you run into any problems with technology or digital platforms, please email support@sacredsf.org to reach our tech team. You may also contact your divisional office (Convent: 415-292-3136, Stuart Hall: 415-292-3144) if needed. Please do not contact the teacher when she/he is teaching.
Grade-Specific Welcome Letters
Headphone-Microphone Requirement
Back to School Information
- Who's New at Stuart Hall for Boys
- Who's New at Convent Elementary
- Stuart Hall for Boys Faculty and Staff List
- Convent Elementary Faculty and Staff List
- Materials Pick-Up Schedule: Friday, August 21 and Monday, August 24
- After School Program
- Immunizations
- Share Your First Day of School Photos
Who's New at Stuart Hall for Boys
Tess Holland '14 — Associate Teacher (Grade 1 with Mary Welday) Tess will join the Grade 1 team as she returns to Convent & Stuart Hall as an alumna of Convent High School. She is a San Francisco native and studied art history and French at Wesleyan. Beyond her interest in working with children, Tess loves staying active and artistic. She ran track throughout high school and college and hopes to run her first half marathon sometime soon (although previously a sprinter, she has graduated to long runs!). Her creative side entails antiquing with her mom, photographing colorful spaces and writing short stories.
Daniel Horan — English Teacher, Middle and Upper Forms Dan joins the Convent & Stuart Hall faculty having worked most recently at St. Mary’s College of California where he taught English for seven years. He has also worked with middle school students for the past five summers at St. Ignatius College Preparatory’s summer program. Dan and his wife, Vanessa, and their four-year-old daughter, Valentina, live in San Francisco. He is passionate about teaching and reads and writes as often as he can. Dan loves to cook and loves to eat. He’s working hard to improve his Spanish and is a huge music fan. He also plays the guitar. Growing up, Dan was a huge skier, though it's been a few years since he’s made it up to the mountain.
Lucius Johnson '16'12 — Associate Teacher (Grade K with Natalie Ohanessian) We are excited to welcome back Lucius, an alumnus of Stuart Hall for Boys and Stuart Hall High School. As a graduate of the school, he is excited to be immersed in the Sacred Heart community again. The love for learning that his Stuart Hall for Boys teachers fostered in him has been invaluable. Lucius studied theatre at the University of Puget Sound and has been active in the theater community at both Syufy Theatre and Norton Clapp Theatre. He also worked as a kindergarten teaching assistant in the Convent & Stuart Hall Summer Program.
Karin McCarthy — Teacher (Grade 2 with Associate Jamie Lawrence) After joining the Convent & Stuart Hall community for the second semester of the 2019–20 academic year as Natalie Ohanessian’s maternity sub, Karin will join the Grade 2 team this year. She came to Convent & Stuart Hall with over a decade of teaching experience in both K–8 and university settings (University of California - Berkeley). When Karin is not in the classroom at Stuart Hall or Cal, she loves hiking with her family and friends, traveling the world, cooking, having and attending dinner parties, reading (non-fiction is her favorite), finding the latest exercise craze, and being a mom to her two boys, Noah and Flynn.
Krystal Mendez — Maternity Sub for Sarah Baum/Associate Teacher (Grade 4) Krystal comes to us having most recently served at Convent Elementary as the Grade 4 Associate Teacher for two years. We are delighted to welcome her to Stuart Hall for Boys as both a Lead Teacher in the fall semester and an Associate Teacher for the spring semester (both in Stuart Hall Grade 4). Krystal has always loved learning languages and is trilingual. She has traveled to various countries (including studying abroad), but some of her most memorable adventures have been in Central America. Krystal’s entire family is originally from El Salvador, and she is fortunate that they are her guides when she visits. Krystal enjoys hiking, kayaking, white water rafting and visiting the many pueblos in El Salvador.
Karyn Wynn — Assistant Division Head for the Lower Form We are thrilled to welcome Karyn to the Convent & Stuart Hall community as she begins her tenure in the role formerly known as Lower Form Dean. Karyn will work with our Grade K–3 students, parents and faculty in the role that Alexa Johnson most recently held. She is a Bay Area native who has been an educator and leader for nearly two decades. Karyn began her administrative career at Marymount International School in Rome and then held the role of Lower School Principal at the International School of Helsinki in Finland. She made her homecoming with her young family in 2015 and served Woodland School in Portola Valley as the Assistant Head of School. Karyn and her husband have two young children and love to explore the city's park and beaches.
Who's New at Convent Elementary
Brianna Bajar — Associate Teacher (Grade 1 with Belle Akers) Brianna Bajar is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, where she received her B.A. in Architecture with a minor in Sustainable Environments. Brianna’s previous education experience has ranged from a summer internship at Galileo to working at Cal Poly as an Instructional Student Assistant to, most recently, teaching art to elementary students. Brianna has also explored her interest in art and architecture through architectural internships and design work with various companies in the Bay Area.
Marybeth Forteza — Associate Teacher (Grade K with Kellie Irish) Marybeth Forteza is a familiar face within the Convent & Stuart Hall community. Prior to teaching Grades 1 and 3 at Stuart Hall, Marybeth already had considerable experience working with children. She has served as a YMCA camp counselor, an after school enrichment teacher in Oakland, and has entertained countless children with sing-alongs and magic shows at parties as a fairytale character!
Josiah Paye — Associate Teacher (Grade 4 shared with Corinne Corrigan and Scott Tay) Josiah graduated from Stanford with a B.A. in History. He has recently worked as a substitute teacher in Nevada County schools, acquiring experience in various classroom settings at the high school level. Additionally, Josiah has coached high school basketball on the Peninsula and in Grass Valley.
Reagan Penwell — Associate Teacher (Grade 2 with Diane Holland) Reagan Penwell joins us with experience as a lead art teacher at the local studio, Artifact. Additionally, she has been an executive assistant at Restoration Hardware and Netflix. Reagan received her B.A. in Studio Art and English Literature from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She describes being inspired to teach while watching the profound impact that teachers have had on her own children.
Anne Warda — Associate Teacher (Grade 3 with Zoe Scott) While Anne Warda is joining the Convent Elementary team this year, she is not new to Convent & Stuart Hall. She spent the last two years teaching second graders at Stuart Hall before moving to third grade at Convent to round out her experience in the associate program. Anne originally came to us from the world of counseling and spent eight years interning at several schools and medical centers throughout the Bay Area. She has her B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco.
Karyn Wynn — Assistant Division Head for the Lower Form We are thrilled to welcome Karyn to the Convent & Stuart Hall community as she begins her tenure in the role formerly known as Lower Form Dean. Karyn will work with our Grade K–3 students, parents and faculty in the role that Alexa Johnson most recently held, now titled Assistant Division Head for the Lower Form. She is a Bay Area native who has been an educator and leader for nearly two decades. Karyn began her administrative career at Marymount International School in Rome and then held the role of Lower School Principal at the International School of Helsinki in Finland. She made her homecoming with her young family in 2015 and served Woodland School in Portola Valley as the Assistant Head of School. Karyn and her husband have two young children and love to explore the city's park and beaches.
Stuart Hall for Boys Faculty and Staff List
Leadership Team
- Kevin Brenner, Head, Stuart Hall for Boys
- Karyn Wynn, Assistant Division Head for the Lower Form (Gr. K–3)
- Natalie Ohanessian and Leah Richardson, Associate Lower Form Deans
- Talbot Moore, Assistant Division Head for the Middle Form (Gr. 4–6)
- Eric Gordon and Nikki Hogan, Associate Middle Form Deans
- Kevin Brenner (Head) and Alexa Johnson (Head), Upper Form Deans (Gr. 7–8)
- Dennis Estrada and Kate Baker, Associate Upper Form Deans
- Bill Jennings, Dean of Studies
- Myra Alcaide and Vittoria Salmoiraghi, Administrative Assistants
Lower Form (Grades K–3)
Kindergarten
- Nicole Artiga-Purcell and Lisa Schneider, Associate
- Natalie Ohanessian and Lucius Johnson, Associate
Grade 1
- Mary Welday and Tess Holland, Associate
- Glenna Wiley and Bianca Walian, Associate
Grade 2
- Karin McCarthy and Jamie Lawrence, Associate
- Nicole Theriault and Alexis Cuellar, Associate
Grade 3
- Fiona Johnson and Ben Gleason, Associate
- Christina Sangiacomo and Susana Barajas, Associate
Middle Form (Grades 4–6)
Grade 4
- Sarah Baum
- Stefanie Marquette
- Krystal Mendez, Associate
Grades 5 and 6
- Annie Adams, Science Grade 5
- Kendyl Eriksen, Science Grade 6
- Dennis Estrada, English Grade 5
- Dan Horan, English Grade 6
- Marcia Weiss, Social Studies Grade 5
- Eric Gordon, Social Studies Grades 5–6
- Kendall Ritchie, Mathematics
- Christine Yuen, Mathematics
Upper Form (Grades 7 and 8)
- Daniel Fishman, English Grade 7
- Dan Horan, English Grade 8
- Chad Gardner, History
- Paul Harvey, Health
- Denny Gillingham, Mathematics
- Nina Romero, Mathematics
- Masha Sheinina, Science Grade 7
- Arnaz Raj, Science Grade 8
Grade K–8 Specialists
- Ghilly DeYoung, Art, Grades K–2
- Suzanne Miazga, Art, Grades 3–5
- Will Jaggers, Art, Grades 6–8
- Lina del Roble, French, Grades 2–3
- Jo Anne Whitman, French, Grades 4–8
- Mary Blum, Latin, Grades 5–8
- Ashley Johnston, Mandarin, Grades K–2
- Lina del Roble, Spanish, Grades K–3
- Jose Larusso Valcarce, Spanish, Grade 3
- Linda Gutierrez, Spanish, Grades 4–8
- Charlene Murphy, P.E., Grades K–4
- Tilo Artiga-Purcell, P.E., Grades 5–8
- Anita Harmon, Music, Grades K–2
- Chauncey Aceret, Music, Grades 3–8
- Bonnie Fraenza, Patrick Galvin, Leandro Joaquim and Matt Renzi, Instrumental Music, Grades 5–8
- Melissa Spear, Religion, Grades K–4
- Carlo Fiatarone, Religion, Grades 5–8
- Andrew Hoffer, Extended Program Director
- Robert Hang, Extended Program Assistant Director
- Dana Kuwahara, Head of Athletics and Physical Education
- Paul Harvey, Grades 5–8 Athletic Director
- Kristin Monfredini, Spiritual L.I.F.E. Director
- Amanda Walker and Kathleen Esling, Library Faculty
- Liam Carey and Krista Inchausti, Technology Faculty
- Margaret Hee, Theater Programs Director
Educational Resource Team
- Megan David, School Counselor
- Jennifer Mills, Enrichment Specialist
- Cathy Cannon-Corea and Mary Beth Cecchini, Learning Specialists
Convent Elementary Faculty and Staff List
Leadership Team
- Alexa Johnson, Head, Convent Elementary
- Karyn Wynn, Assistant Division Head for the Lower Form (Gr. K–3)
- Natalie Ohanessian and Leah Richardson, Associate Lower Form Deans
- Talbot Moore, Assistant Division Head for the Middle Form (Gr. 4–6)
- Eric Gordon and Nikki Hogan, Associate Middle Form Deans
- Alexa Johnson (Head) and Kevin Brenner (Head), Upper Form Deans (Gr. 7–8)
- Dennis Estrada and Kate Baker, Associate Upper Form Deans
- Bill Jennings, Dean of Studies
- Karen Glaub and Cody Lee Fusco, Administrative Assistants
Lower Form (Grades K–3)
Kindergarten
- Kellie Irish and Marybeth Forteza, Associate
- Andrea DeVille and Sydney Brunner, Associate
Grade 1
- Belle Akers and Brianna Bajar, Associate
- Leah Richardson and Kelly Alonso, Associate
Grade 2
- Betsy Tamayo and Mariah Kelly, Associate
- Diane Holland and Reagan Penwell, Associate
Grade 3
- Katy Hill and Maria Magtanong, Associate
- Zoe Scott and Anne Warda, Associate
Middle Form (Grades 4–6)
Grade 4
- Corinne Corrigan, Literature, Language Arts and Social Studies
- Scott Tay, Math and Science
- Josiah Paye, Shared Associate
Grades 5 and 6
- Jeanne Whatmore, Grade 5 English
- Marcia Weiss, Grade 6 English
- Brenda Davis, Math
- Nicole Hogan, Math
- Annie Adams, Grade 5 Science
- Kendyl Eriksen, Grade 6 Science
- Casey Vogel, History
Upper Form (Grades 7 and 8)
Grades 7 and 8
- Daniel Fishman, Grade 7 English
- Kate Baker, Grade 8 English
- Charity Baranowski, Pre-Algebra and Geometry
- Jack Sheehy, Algebra
- Masha Sheinina, Grade 7 Science
- Arnaz Raj, Grade 8 Science
- Michael St. Marie, History
Grade K –8 Specialists
- Ghilly DeYoung, Art, Grades K–2
- Suzanne Miazga, Art, Grades 3–5
- Will Jaggers, Art, Grades 6–8
- JoAnne Whitman, French, Grades 4, 6–8
- Lina del Roble, French, Grades 2–4 and Spanish, Grades K–2
- Jose Larusso Valcarce, Spanish, Grades 3, 6–8
- Linda Gutierrez , Spanish, Grade 4
- Michelle Pasicatan, Latin, Grades 5–8
- Bill Jennings, Latin, Grade 5
- Yuan Zhou “Ashley” Johnston, Mandarin, Grades K–2
- Katie Mulder, P.E., Grades K–4
- Kristen Manson, P.E., Grades 5–8
- Anita Harmon, Music, Grades K–2
- Grace Renaud, Music, Grades 3–8
- Bonnie Fraenza, Patrick Galvin, Leandro Joaquim and Matt Renzi, Instrumental Music, Grades 5–8
- Kelly Monfredini, Religion, Grades K–4
- Valerie Zander, Religion, Grades 5–8
- Andrew Hoffer, Extended Programs Director
- Robert Hang, Extended Program Assistant Director
- Dana Kuwahara, Head of Athletics and Physical Education
- Paul Harvey, Grades 5–8 Athletic Director
- Cody Lee Fusco, Athletic Program Associate
- Kristin Monfredini, Spiritual L.I.F.E. Director
- Amanda Walker and Kathleen Esling, Library Faculty
- Krista Inchausti and Liam Carey, Technology Faculty
- Margaret Hee, Theater Programs Director
Educational Resource Team
- Heather Rael, School Counselor
- TBD, Educational Therapists
- Kelly Monfredini, Lower Form Enrichment
Materials Pick-Up Schedule: Friday, August 21 and Monday, August 24
We are eagerly preparing for students to start their first day of school on Tuesday, August 25. To support learning, the school is providing iPads for all K–4 students. Teachers have also prepared learning materials to help support academic instruction.
At your designated time, please join us in person at the front of the Flood building to pick up both your iPad and materials. We ask that you wear a mask during the pick up and adhere to personal distancing. Furthermore, please do not congregate in front of the building, so our exchange can be efficient.
Kindergarten: Monday August 24
- A-G from 9–9:30 a.m.
- H-P from 9:30–10 a.m.
- Q-Z from 10–10:30 a.m.
Grade 1: Friday August 21
- A-G from 10–10:15 a.m.
- H-P from 10:20–10:35 a.m.
- Q-Z from 10:40–11 a.m.
Grade 2: Friday August 21
- A-G from 1–1:15 p.m.
- H-P from 1:20–1:35 p.m.
- Q-Z from 1:40-2 p.m.
Grade 3: Monday August 24
- A-G from 1–1:15 p.m.
- H-P from 1:20–1:35 p.m.
- Q-Z from 1:40–2 p.m.
Grade 4: Monday August 24
- A-G from 3–3:15 p.m.
- H-P from 3:20–3:35 p.m.
- Q-Z from 3:40–4 p.m.
If you have multiple children, please defer to the oldest child’s time slot. If you are not able to pick up materials at the designated times, or have other circumstances, please contact the appropriate division office for pick up:
- Stuart Hall: shboffice@sacredsf.org
- Convent: cesoffice@sacredsf.org
After School Program
Starting on Tuesday, August 25, ASP Specialty Classes will be offered online for the first four weeks of the fall semester. Please see class schedules and descriptions on our ASP page, and register by selecting the green button and logging in to our ASP portal. The registration deadline has been extended until Monday, August 24 at 12 p.m.
Immunizations
To prepare for an eventual return to campus, please note:
All kindergarten and transfer students (Grades 1–8) must send a copy of their immunization record to the school office before their first day on campus. California immunization requirements must be met before then.
Also, all rising Grade 7 students must show proof of the Pertussis (Tdap) immunization before returning to campus. If you have not done so, please send a copy of your child's immunization record to your division office.
- Stuart Hall: shboffice@sacredsf.org
- Convent: cesoffice@sacredsf.org
Share Your First Day of School Photos
While the beginning of the year will look different, we still want to see the excitement from your first day of school. Share your photos with us by uploading them here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zoom (K–8)
- What is Zoom?
- Do students need to sign in to Zoom to attend classes?
- How can students access Zoom?
- What equipment do students need to use Zoom?
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a web-based video conferencing tool that enables students and teachers to video conference with one another, either 1:1 or as a whole class. It provides the ability to see, hear and interact through shared screens and a whiteboard function. Anything that can be shown live on a screen in a classroom can be livestreamed to one or many students with Zoom.
Do students need to sign in to Zoom to attend classes?
- To start the year, students in Grades K–4 do not need to sign in to access class sessions. They will be prompted to join class meetings hosted by their teachers, who have access to a school-owned account. Eventually, teachers will provide information about how to authenticate student identity with Gmail credentials. Don't worry — teachers will guide students through the process step by step.
- In order to increase security and provide more Zoom features, students in Grades 5–8 are now required to authenticate their identity by logging in to Zoom with their school Gmail credentials to access class sessions. Students will need to "sign in" when opening Zoom for the first time this year using the school's customized URL — sacredsf.zoom.us. Make sure to always use the Google login option instead of simply entering your email address when prompted.
How can students access Zoom?
-
The Zoom app is pre-installed on all school iPads for students in Grades K–8. If it does not appear, use the Self Service app to find and install. If you need to use an alternative device, you can download the free app at sacredsf.zoom.us.
-
All students will be invited to join Zoom meetings with a link provided by their teacher, either sent via email or posted in Seesaw (Gr. K–4) or in the Blackbaud LMS (Gr. 5–8).
What equipment do students need to use Zoom?
Seesaw (K–4)
- What is Seesaw?
- Do students need to create a Seesaw account?
- How can students and parents access Seesaw?
- What can students and parents expect to find in Seesaw on a daily basis?
- What are parent expectations for assisting students with Seesaw?
What is Seesaw?
Seesaw is a platform that provides a simple way for K–4 teachers and students to record and share what's happening in the classroom. Each morning, teachers will post daily schedules, Zoom links, activities and assignments for students — and parents — to see. Seesaw gives students a place to document their learning, be creative and submit assignments. It also provides a way for parents to see their child’s work and track the learning they are doing at school.
Do students need to create a Seesaw account?
How can students and parents access Seesaw?
Student Access
Either through the student app or through the Seesaw web browser.
Parent Access
Either through the family app or through the Seesaw web browser.
What can students and parents expect to find in Seesaw on a daily basis?
What are parent expectations for assisting students with Seesaw?
Tech Tips
- What are some home network troubleshooting tips?
- What can I do to improve my Zoom experience?
- What internet speed do I need for video conferencing?
- What if I don’t have home internet or the speed is too slow to support video conferencing?
What are some home network troubleshooting tips?
The following suggestions for those with slow or intermittent connectivity have been adapted with permission from Rico Tan at Children's Day School of San Francisco.
1. Run a speed test
- On a laptop or desktop, visit www.speedtest.net.
- On iOS, you can download the Speedtest app.
2. Move closer to your router
- Locating closer to your modem or router can improve your connection speed.
- Proximity to the router/modem as well as objects blocking its path (walls, doors, etc.) can both have an adverse affect on Wi-Fi performance.
- Use the speedtest tool to pay attention to your connection speed while moving throughout your home.
3. Restart your device(s)
- If just one device is showing poor speed but other devices are fine, restart that device.
- If necessary, have that device forget the wireless network and reconnect.
- Restart your devices every few days.
4. Restart your network equipment
- Modem: this brings internet to your home
- A modem is a small box that connects your devices to the internet using cables — there is typically a coaxial cable or phone line connecting the modem to your internet service provider (ISP).
- Router: brings internet to your devices
- A router is a small box that sometimes has large antennas that send a wireless signal throughout your house.
- Some ISPs provide a combined modem and router box.
- Restart both of these devices. Follow the manual for directions to restart or remove the power cord, then wait 10 seconds before reconnecting to a power source.
- Wait about five minutes after reconnecting for your devices to locate/load your network.
5. Note the number of users
- Minimize unnecessary users or reduce unnecessary high-bandwidth activities.
- 1-2 users? 25Mbps should be adequate
- 3-4 users? 50-100Mbps should be adequate
- 5 and up? Consider upgrading to 150-200Mbps
6. Still having trouble?
-
Contact our Tech Support team at support@sacredsf.org.
What can I do to improve my Zoom experience?
If your laptop, desktop or tablet seems to be running slow at home, here are some strategies to "speed" things up:
- Reboot your device before every session. Often this clears the cache, allowing the machine to run smoother.
- Quit out of all unnecessary applications (note: sometimes this means more than just closing the window).
- Move closer to the Wi-Fi router for a better signal.
- Arrange with others in your household to prioritize Wi-Fi and internet bandwidth. Depending on your home set-up, this could include TV watching.
- Try joining Zoom class sessions using the audio from a phone instead of computer audio. Click the upward arrow next to the mute button and choose "Switch to Phone Audio."
- Contact your internet service provider to see if they can upgrade your service plan to increase speed without extra costs. Also, most providers will let you increase your bandwidth month-by-month.
Note: Comcast is offering free Wi-Fi hotspots to anyone who needs one – including non-Xfinity internet subscribers. Learn more here.
What internet speed do I need for video conferencing?
Nearly all home internet connections are sufficient for Zoom, which recommends internet bandwidth at or above 5 Mbps. Most home plans range from 25-300 Mbps. You should be able to find this information in your home broadband plan details. However, a simple test is if you are able to stream video and movies with consistent results at home, then you are likely well prepared to support media-rich virtual collaboration. In fact, most mobile smartphones, when used as mobile hotspots, will deliver sufficient bandwidth to support Zoom-based video conferences.
What if I don’t have home internet or the speed is too slow to support video conferencing?
If you do not have home internet or are unable to support this level of connectivity, please contact Howard Levin, Director of Educational Innovation, and explain your situation. Howard will work with you to come up with alternative solutions.
Zoom Backgrounds
Choose from this collection of photos for your Zoom virtual background. Click on any image below to enlarge and save it by dragging it to your desktop.