This page is your go-to resource for school logistics. Whether you’re new to Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy, a current parent, or simply curious about how our community runs, you’ll find the key details here.
Some information is hosted on our SFUSD school site, including:
- Before- & After-care – To contact the YMCA, email TAndrade@ymcasf.org or call 650-489-6039
- Bell Schedule
- Educators and Support Staff
- Library
- Transportation
Read on to learn more about drop-off and pick-up, attendance and absences, food and nutrition, and medical and illness information, and the school cell phone/tablet policy.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up
Drop-Off
- Before School Program – Students enrolled in beforecare may arrive as early as 7:30am and should be dropped off at the cafeteria at the 19th Street entrance.
- Regular Drop-Off – For students not in the before-care program, arrival is between 9:15–9:30am at the side entrance on Collingwood Street.
- After 9:30am: Please stop by the main office for a tardy pass.
Pick-Up
- After School Program – Students may be picked up between 3:45–6:30pm. Please enter through the school’s front double doors on 19th Street to check them out from the YMCA program.
- Regular Dismissal – 3:45pm on school days, in the school yard.
- Early Release Days – 2:30pm every Wednesday.
Visiting School
If you are visiting the school or volunteering on-site, please go to the main office, sign in on the clipboard by the door, and get a visitor pass.
Attendance & Absences
If your child will be staying home, a parent, guardian, or caregiver must notify the school.
Consistent attendance is key to your child’s success at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. When students are present and on time, they build stronger connections with classmates, stay on track with learning, and feel more confident at school.
How to Report an Absence
- Report absences through ParentVUE
- You may also call (415-241-6276) or email the school office (sch505@sfusd.edu) with your child’s name, teacher, reason for absence, and expected return date.
- Please see the Reporting Absences page on our SFUSD site for more information on how to report an absence.
Excused vs. Unexcused Absences
A student will be marked with an unexcused absence if the school does not receive communication about a valid reason. Families may submit a request to excuse an absence at any time during the school year.
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are encouraged to check their student’s attendance record regularly and notify the school of any discrepancies.
If a student has multiple unexcused absences, the school will reach out by sending letters, making phone calls, and requesting a meeting with the parent/guardian. Staff will connect families with any support services needed to help the student attend school regularly.
Tardies & Early Dismissals
If your child arrives after 9:30am, please check in at the main office for a tardy slip. For early dismissals, families must sign out their student at the office.
Food & Nutrition
Nut-Free Policy
Harvey Milk is a nut-free school. Please report any allergies your child may have to the principal and district.
In addition, seeds with shells, chips, cookies, sweets, and candy are not allowed. (Exceptions may be made by individual teachers for birthday celebrations and special occasions.)
School Meals
Free for all students: SFUSD provides breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of income. See the SFUSD monthly menu for details.
- Breakfast – Served in the cafeteria from 9:10–9:25am.
- Lunch – Served mid-day (check the Bell Schedule for specific times by grade).
- Students bringing lunch from home may still grab a free milk, fruit, and vegetable to round out their meal.
Allergies & Dietary-Restrictions
- A vegetarian option is available every day. Please see the SFUSD monthly menu for options.
- If your child has food allergies, please note them on the emergency card and notify teachers and staff.
Daily Snacks
- Students usually enjoy snack during morning recess.
- Teachers will reach out to classroom families to ask for simple classroom snacks like crackers or pretzels.
- The YMCA After School Program also provides a free snack around 3:45pm.
Lunch Containers
Please send food in containers or packaging your child can open independently, as only minimal help is available.
Medical & Illness
Medication at School
The school can administer your child’s medication after permission forms are signed. All medications are stored with Ms. Antonae, our school secretary, in the front office.
Please provide:
- Clear written instructions on timing and dosage
- A copy of your doctor’s prescription
If Your Child is Sick
Please refer to the Reporting Absences page on our SFUSD site for steps on reporting an absence. Families DO NOT need to submit doctor’s notes for illness to receive an excused absence.
Lice Policy
We ask families to check their children regularly at home. If lice or nits are found:
- Report immediately to Ms. Antonae (robertsona@sfusd.edu) and your child’s teacher.
- A notice will be shared school-wide indicating the grade(s) affected.
- Families will be contacted directly, and treatment should begin the same day.
- If live lice are present, parents may be asked to pick up their child from school.
We also encourage families to handle the topic with sensitivity so children do not feel self-conscious or singled out.
For more details, see the California Department of Public Health Lice Brochure.
Cell Phone & Tablet Policy
Students are allowed to carry cell phones and tablets to school. However, they must be turned off and stored out of sight (in the student’s backpack or with the classroom teacher) during the school day. Parent permission to carry a phone/tablet must be on file in the school office. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the school directly at (415) 241-6276.