New Family C​hecklist

Here’s a list of things to do before school starts on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

Note: Information in the New Family Checklist and the FAQ below are subject to change due to the pandemic and pending SFUSD and DPH guidance.

Our school times for 2023–2024 will continue to be 9:30 am–3:45 pm, with an early release on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm.

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.

My name is Jason Yabut, and I was born and raised in San Francisco. For the past 10 years I have worked in Early Childhood Education as a teacher, curriculum educator and director. This is my first year at Sunnyside Elementary and I am excited to teach in the neighborhood that I have lived in for the past 5 years. I am a big San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers fan. I recently started getting into European soccer. One of my favorite parts of being a teacher is building strong relationships with students. ​

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Other questions answered.

What will my kindergartner need to bring to school each day?

Backpack, healthy snacks, water bottle, jacket with name written somewhere inside, and possibly an extra change of clothes. Even though breakfast and lunch are being provided free to all students this year (see the Student Life page for more details), you are welcome to bring your own lunch.

How do I pay for school lunch?

Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge. See the Student Life page for more details.

Is my child allowed to have a snack?

Yes. Kindergartners have a snack after morning recess. Your child’s teacher will explain their snack procedure in their 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 currently eat with the first graders but are never mixed with the other upper grades on the yard. All children will 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 and orange cones with signs will be placed in the area. Parents will not be able to accompany their children to their child’s classroom and will need to say goodbye to their kids before they enter the school.

Where and at what time do I drop off and pick up my child?

The schoolyard opens at 9:15am (families enrolled in the YMCA's before care program may enter through the front door prior to this time). Children assemble to go into their classrooms at 9:30 am. School ends at 3:45 pm (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) and at 2:30 pm on Wednesdays for early release. Children may be picked up in the schoolyard at those times (After School Program children will be taken to their program by staff).

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. Our school's on-site provider is the Mission YMCA.

Are nut products allowed at Sunnyside?

Each class will determine whether or not to allow nut products based on the students’ health requirements.

When will we get to meet our child's teacher?

Normally on tours, you can observe each of our kindergarten classrooms and teachers. Teacher assignments are not confirmed until August. In August, prior to the first day of school, we hold a kindergarten orientation during which children will meet their teacher. 

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. Each child is unique in how they adjust to new environments. You can help prepare a nervous child by visiting the Sunnyside schoolyard on weekends during SF Rec & Parks' Shared Schoolyard hours, but also know that we have some of the most caring and patient teachers and staff at our school.

​Thank you for choosing Sunnyside Elementary!