New Family C​hecklist

Here’s a list of things to do before school starts on Aug. 17, 2020.

Welcome letter from the principal

A letter from Dr. Renée Marcy will be posted soon.

Kindergarten Teachers

Check out photos and bios on our three amazing K teachers.
I was born and raised in San Jose, where my older sister and parents still reside. My passion for teaching began when I was 7 years old and I’ve loved it ever since! I have lived in San Francisco for nearly a decade and I am convinced it is one of the best cities in the world. I love to travel, draw, and play soccer. When I’m not teaching you can find me exploring the city, taking photographs, or trying out new restaurants. Sunnyside Elementary is a caring and inviting community of parents, staff, and students where we work together to make every person feel welcomed and appreciated.
Midwest-born and raised, I grew up loving school so much that I would teach my stuffed animals every day. I have taught primary grades for the past five years in Washington, D.C., and am delighted to move to San Francisco to expand my teaching career. I hope to spark creativity and excitement at Sunnyside Elementary. When I am not teaching, I practice yoga, run, bake bread, and travel around the world. Kindergarten is a time for discovering, building, and growing. I am looking forward to building a supportive community with our new families.
Born and raised in San Francisco and of Chinese descent, I am the youngest of three sisters. My passion has always been teaching. Sunnyside is the place where families, staff, and members of the community come together and work collaboratively towards a common goal—whether it is a fundraising activity, creating new programs for the school, or helping a teacher in need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Other questions answered.
What will my kindergartner need to bring to school each day?
Backpack, lunch or lunch money, jacket, and possibly an extra change of clothes.
How do I pay for school lunch?
We use SchoolCafé to prepay for meals. See the Student Life page for more on lunch.
Is my child allowed to have a snack?
Yes. Kindergartners have a snack after morning recess. Your child’s teacher will explain her snack procedure in her welcome packet.
Do the kindergartners have a separate lunch time or playground time?
K’s have 3 recesses per day: morning, lunch and afternoon. Our lunch hours are split, so the K’s are never mixed with the upper grades on the yard. All children eat lunch in the cafeteria at a table with their class.
Where do I take my child on the first day of school?
We meet in the schoolyard and kids will line up behind their teachers. Room numbers are painted on the blacktop. Parents will be able to accompany their children to the door of their child’s classroom on the first day, but will say goodbye to their kids in the schoolyard from that point on.
Where and at what time do I drop off and pick up my child?
The schoolyard opens at 8:20 a.m. (families enrolled in the YMCA before-care program may enter through the front door prior to this time). Children assemble to go into their classrooms at 8:40 a.m. School ends at 2:40 p.m. and children may be picked up from their classroom at that time (aftercare children will be taken to their program or their after-school enrichment).
What after-school enrichment programs are offered for kindergartners, and when do they start?
After-school enrichment programs differ each semester and are available for sign-up during the first month of the school year.
Are nut products allowed at Sunnyside?
Each class will determine whether or not to allow nut products based on the students’ requirements.
When will we get to meet our child's teacher?
During our school tours, you will observe each of our Kindergarten classrooms and teachers. In August, prior to the first day of school, we hold a Kindergarten orientation during which parents and children will meet their teacher and visit their new classroom. We also hold a meet-and-greet in which children are able to meet all of the Kindergarten teachers.
What is the restroom policy in kindergarten?
All three of the kindergarten classrooms have their own bathrooms, and the two Special Day classrooms share a bathroom that’s accessible from each side. Students are encouraged to use the restroom before school and at recesses so that they do not miss valuable classroom learning time.
Any special advice?
Please send your child in shoes that they can take off and on independently. Please do not send them in shoes with shoelaces unless they are able to tie them on their own.