the reopening at 250 valencia

the reopening

though friends opened in distance learning mode this fall, faculty, staff, and administrators had been planning our return to campus throughout the spring and summer months.

After closing our campus in March—and then finding ourselves in distance learning mode throughout the spring—San Francisco Friends School’s COVID Response Team and administration continued to plan for what school might look like once faculty, staff, and students were allowed to return to 250 Valencia Street.

From the logistics required of a new schedule that could accomodate both students @Valencia and students @Home; to the enormous technological upgrades and training required to teach across classrooms and living rooms; to the hiring of literally dozens of new staff members to facilitate these new learning practices and health guidelines; to the expanding of our facilities to include hundreds of new hand-sanitizing stations, outdoor sinks, larger learning spaces (all installed and prepared by our incomparable Facilities Team); and more, the undertaking was sizeable to say the least.

Clockwise from top: 5th Grade faculty and Learning Commons coordinator Jason Stone leads students in a newly distanced Middle School classroom; Head of School Mike Hanas greets a new Kindergartner on the first day of school at Valencia; and Academic Dean Tracie Mastronicola greets students as they make their way into the building after washing their hands on the first day of in-person learning in October 2020. Previous page: A 1st Grade Friend tests out our new outdoor sink stations on the first day of in-person learning back in October.

As we’ve evolved through the numerous phases of our reopening process this fall, the changes and adaptations have continued on, much of it with parent input—via channels including online surveys and FriendsConnect Zoom discussions—in mind.

After welcoming back our Lower School students in a staggered start and on a hybrid schedule in late October and early November, SFFS was thrilled to bring our 5th and 6th Grade Friends back to campus in early December, leading to more schedule shifts, the opening of new modified learning spaces (like the former Extended Day Room and Movement Room!), and new teaching aides who have joined our ranks to make it all possible.

We are so looking forward to welcoming our 7th and 8th Grade students back to Valencia in January, when all of our students, K–8, will be back on campus for the first time in 10 long months, a period of time that simultaneously feels like it’s gone by in an instant and an eternity.

It’s been a winding journey, Friends, and it isn’t yet over—but the resilience of our community has shown through because of your unwavering dedication to this school. Friends has benefitted greatly from family partnership, feedback, and support. Thank you. •