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Save Yick Wo Elementary

e stand united in opposition to the closure of Yick Wo Elementary School. If this happens, it would devastate the school community and District 3, which is disproportionately affected by. Instead, we should grow Yick Wo as an integral neighborhood school.

Don't Close Yick Wo!

Source: <a href="https://zipatlas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Zip Atlas</a>, SFUSD.&nbsp;The histogram labels represent the number of elementary schools on the closure list by zip code, with 94133 being the only zip code with two schools facing closure. Notably, three of the elementary schools on the list are located in District 3, two of which are in San Francisco’s four densest zip codes.

Figure 2: Density of SF zip codes with elementary school closures

Left: <a href="https://zipatlas.com/us/ca/san-francisco/zip-code-comparison/highest-population-density.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Data source: ZIPatlas</a> Right:<a href="https://zipatlas.com/us/ca/san-francisco/zip-code-comparison/highest-population-density.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Data source: ZIPatlas</a>

Demographics and income by zip code

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Your donation helps fund the effort to keep Yick Wo Elementary open.Every dollar counts in our fight to save Yick Wo Elementary. Your contribution will directly support campaign efforts like creating banners, organizing community events, distributing flyers, and building awareness across San Francisco. By donating, you’re helping us protect a vital part of our community and ensure that Yick Wo remains a place where children thrive.Any funds that do not get used for this campaign will be used to fund school programs. <a href="https://www.yickwo.com/supportus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn More Here. </a>Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make a difference.

Yick Wo is a walkable community school that ties families to the neighborhood. This is a critical feature of Yick Wo, fostering independence and stronger ties to the community.Yick Wo is located in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with well-maintained sidewalks and crosswalks, making it safer for children to walk. Transferring students to schools outside of District 3 might force families to rely on cars or buses, exposing children to higher traffic risks in less walkable areas​Studies show that children who walk to school experience greater autonomy and responsibility, which supports their cognitive and emotional development.

Learn how you can help keep Yick Wo open and our neighborhood thriving.

<h3>Contribute now to support our campaign!</h3>

Source: <a href="https://zipatlas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Zip Atlas</a>, verified using data from <a href="https://simplemaps.com/data/us-cities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SimpleMaps</a>

Table 1: Density by zip code, San Francisco (2024)

We are rallying support from businesses, organizations, and foundations to help save Yick Wo Elementary. Your support will strengthen our efforts to keep this vital community resource open.&nbsp;Please fill out the form below to join us in this cause.

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<h3>Why Yick Wo Elementary Must Stay Open</h3>Yick Wo Elementary is the heart of District 3, supporting families, local businesses, and community services in one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The proposed closure would displace children from their walkable school and disrupt the vital services that so many rely on.As one of the few truly walkable schools, Yick Wo connects students to local organizations like TelHi, Salesians, and the YMCA Chinatown, fostering independence and strong community ties.

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Kids Belong in District 3 (D3)

A Walkable Community School

Diverse and Inclusive Community

Beacon for Students with Special Needs

Highlighted in red are the most challenging routes, with no options under 10 minutes (unless driving). Wait times and round trips with young children further increase the burden, especially for Yick Wo and Spring Valley students after closures.Source: Google Maps

Increased Commute Times

Media InquiriesIf you need additional information, interviews, or resources, please reach out to our communication team.

<h2>Yick Wo Advocacy Toolkit</h2>Our toolkit offers talking points, data, and scripts to help you contact local leaders and support the effort to save our school.

If this happens, it would devastate the school community and District 3, which is disproportionately affected by the closures. Instead, we should grow Yick Wo as an integral neighborhood school.

Table 4: Increased Commute Times

<h4>From attending meetings to signing petitions and sharing your story, there are many ways you can get involved.</h4>Whether you have time to attend events, help with outreach, or assist behind the scenes, every contribution makes a difference.We’ll reach out with updates and keep you posted on what the community needs help with. Together, we can make sure that Yick Wo Elementary stays open and continues to serve our children and our neighborhood. Your involvement is key to our success—thank you for standing with us!

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Campaign Videos

Thank you <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatcharlieboy/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Charlie Ertola, Yick</a> Wo alum for showing Panda pride!

Join us at upcoming events to show support and make our voices heard in the fight to save Yick Wo Elementary.

Join us at upcoming events to show support

Join us at the Chinatown Night Market to show your support for Yick Wo Elementary! We'll be marching with our Panda Gear. Stop us to learn more about our campaign, share your story, and find out how you can help keep our school open. Together, we can make a difference!

Chinatown Night Market

Join us at the Chinatown Night Market to show your support for Yick Wo Elementary! We'll be marching with our Panda Gear. Stop us to learn more about our campaign, share your story, and find out how you can help keep our school open.

Join us for a fun and refreshing way to support Yick Wo Elementary! Stop by our lemonade stand, grab a drink, and help raise awareness for the fight to keep our school open. Every cup makes a difference!

Saturday Lemonade Stand

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Sunday Lemonade Stand

Come cheer the kids on as we march in the parade to raise awareness and support for Yick Wo Elementary. Look for our signs and join us in the fight to keep our school open!

Italian Heritage Parade

Come cheer the kids on at the Panda Chase! Our annual FUNdraising event raises money for Yick Wo’s physical education program. Participants will chase a panda, our school mascot. At Yick Wo, we pride ourselves on raising a significant portion of our own funds to support extracurricular programs, from PE to arts, gardening and music, ensuring that our students have access to a well-rounded education. Your participation helps us keep these enriching activities alive and thriving for all our kids!<a href="https://www.yickwo.com/pandachase" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">More information</a>

Panda Chase Fundraiser

Come cheer the kids on at the Panda Chase! Our annual FUNdraising event raises money for Yick Wo’s physical education program. Participants will chase a panda, our school mascot.

This is a critical moment to make our voices heard! The upcoming Board of Education meeting is open for public comment, and your presence can make a difference. Wear your Yick Wo t-shirts and bring your posters—representation matters!Important Details:Public Comment: If you want to speak, be sure to fill out a comment card when you arrive. Prepare a one-minute speech (you may get up to two minutes, but it’s best to prepare for one). Speakers who represent the diversity of Yick Wo—such as members of ELAC, SDC, business owners, and neighborhood representatives—are encouraged to share their stories.Show Your Support: If you aren’t speaking, your presence is just as powerful. Wear clothing that clearly identifies you with Yick Wo, even if you don’t plan to comment.Signs and Posters: Large posters will need to be held in the back of the room, but you can bring smaller signs (about notebook size). However, wearing Yick Wo gear is even more important than carrying signs!Let’s make sure Yick Wo’s voice is strong and visible. Your support and participation are key to keeping our school open. See you there!<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r4spHyfrmFimKQoe_wMVcoe_S9Cl5FymNgtLdf2BHgM/edit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">More Info</a>

Board of Education Meeting

Attend the Board of Education meeting to support Yick Wo Elementary and oppose its potential closure. Wear Yick Wo gear, bring signs, and fill out a comment card to speak. Your presence matters, even if you don’t speak—let’s show our strong community support.

Upcoming public Town Hall to discuss the future of Yick Wo and other schools selected for closure. It's a chance for our community to voice concerns and push back against the school closure decision.Time and location to be announced soon.

Budget Town Hall #2

Upcoming public Town Hall to dsicuss the future of Yick Wo and other schools selected for closure. It's a chance for our community to voice concerns and push back against the school closure decision.Time and location to be announced soon.

Budget Town Hall #3

The upcoming Board of Education meeting is a critical moment in our fight to keep Yick Wo Elementary open. This is our opportunity to stand together as a community and show our support. Your voice matters—join us and help make a difference!Time and location to be announced soon.

Board of Education Meeting - ATTENDANCE CRITICAL

The final Board of Education meeting will announce the decision on Yick Wo Elementary’s future. This is the moment we’ve been working toward—let’s show up in full force and demonstrate the strength of our community. Your presence can make a difference.Time and location to be announced soon.

Board of Education Meeting - Final Decision

SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne will be holding a family meeting to discuss the potential closure of Yick Wo Elementary School, citing significant budget cuts across the district. This meeting will provide an opportunity for the Yick Wo community to hear SFUSD’s reasoning for considering the closure and to offer feedback regarding the future of the school.For more information, visit <a href="http://sfusd.edu/yickwoupdate" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">sfusd.edu/yickwoupdate</a>.Who is Invited? Every current parent and child.Why Attend? This meeting is important for families to:Learn about SFUSD’s process for evaluating schools for closure and how this impacts Yick Wo.Hear SFUSD’s perspective on why consolidation is being proposed.Share your concerns and feedback as part of the ongoing discussion before any final decisions are made.On-Site Services We are working to secure childcare, translation services for attending families.

SFUSD x Yick Wo Family Meeting

SFUSD is holding a meeting on campus with current Yick Wo parents to discuss the potential closure of Yick Wo Elementary due to budget cuts. Families are encouraged to attend, hear SFUSD’s reasoning, and share feedback. Your voice matters in this process.

<h2>Yick Wo Closure Halted—Thanks to Our Community's Unwavering Support</h2>We are excited to announce that the proposed closure of Yick Wo Elementary has been paused through 2026, thanks to the incredible support from our community. Alumni, volunteers, parents, local businesses, and fellow schools all rallied together to make this victory possible. While this is a significant milestone, our work continues as we push for a permanent solution, working with local leaders to ensure Yick Wo remains a vital part of our community. Sign up for the newsletter to stay tuned for updates on how you can continue to help secure Yick Wo's future for generations to come..

<h2>Share your Stories, Photos and Video</h2>We’re looking for your contributions to showcase the spirit of Yick Wo Elementary and our community’s efforts to keep the school open.Please share your photos, words and videos of:Written Testimonials: Share your story or your child’s experience at Yick Wo and why the school matters to you. A photo of you or your family along with the testimonial.Video Testimonials: Video of you or your child, community members and the impact Yick Wo has on them.School Life: General photos capturing everyday moments at the school—classroom activities, events, and more.Campaigning: Photos and videos of our community’s efforts to save Yick Wo, including rallies, signs, and events. Your submissions will help us create a stronger, more personal narrative around the camp

Yick Wo has an equity rating of 9/10, significantly higher than Sherman and Redding, which both have a rating of 5/10. This highlights that low-income and underserved students perform much better at Yick Wo compared to the schools proposed to absorb its students (source: <a href="http://GreatSchools.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">GreatSchools.com</a>, accessed 10-16-24).

Equity and Proficiency Levels: Yick Wo vs. Sherman and Redding

<h2>Share your Stories, Photos and Video</h2>We’re looking for your contributions to showcase the spirit of Yick Wo Elementary and our community’s efforts to keep the school open.Please share your photos, words and videos of: Written Testimonials: Share your story or your child’s experience at Yick Wo and why the school matters to you. A photo of you or your family along with the testimonial.Video Testimonials: Video of you or your child, community members and the impact Yick Wo has on them.School Life: General photos capturing everyday moments at the school—classroom activities, events, and more.Campaigning: Photos and videos of our community’s efforts to save Yick Wo, including rallies, signs, and events. Your submissions will help us create a stronger, more personal narrative around the camp

Source: preliminary evidence from survey conducted among students on 10/15. Students were asked if they walked to school on that specific day.

Table 3: % of students walking to school at Yick Wo

Yick Wo serves 20% special education students, with a strong focus on Extensive Support Needs (ESN) and Autism. The school has 2 fully enrolled Special Day Classes and is 1 of only 6 schools in SF with an ESN-Autism program, the only one in NE SF. Yick Wo’s small size and neighborhood integration provide a safe, supportive environment for students.

Critical Commutes: Yick Wo's Special Education Students Face Displacement to Distant Schools

Yick Wo is an inclusive, multicultural community that reflects the rich diversity of San Francisco, bridging neighborhoods like North Beach, Chinatown, and Russian Hill. In our classrooms, students learn in a diverse environment that broadens their perspectives and fosters meaningful connections across cultures. With 1 in 3 students being English Language Learners, Yick Wo is a place where families from all backgrounds come together, drawn to the school's welcoming and inclusive culture.

<h2>Special Needs Education at Yick Wo</h2>Yick Wo’s strong Special Day Class (SDC) program provides critical support for students with Extensive Support Needs (ESN), particularly those with autism. Closing the school would severely disrupt these students’ progress and well-being.Key Data Points:<ul><li>20% of Yick Wo students are in special education, with a focus on ESN.</li><li>The school's unique location and programs (like the public pool integration) are integral to the SPED curriculum.</li></ul>Visuals:<ul><li>SFUSD Elementary Schools that offer special day classes (Extensive Support and focus on Autism)</li></ul>

District 3 is home to the densest areas of San Francisco, with most census tracts exceeding 90K people, making it one of the city's most concentrated neighborhoods.Source: <a href="https://data.census.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">US Census Bureau</a>

<h2>Population Density in D3: Impact on School Closures</h2>District 3 encompasses some of the densest neighborhoods in San Francisco, with over 90,000 residents in specific census tracts. Maintaining elementary schools in this area is essential for the community, especially considering the impact of closures on densely populated zip codes like 94133.Key Data Points:<ul><li>Four densest zip codes largely fall within D3.</li><li>D3 hosts three of the schools targeted for closure.</li></ul>Visuals:<ul><li>Figure 1: Density by Census Tract</li><li>Table 1: Zip code density data for San Francisco</li><li>Figure 2: Density of SF zip codes with elementary school closures</li></ul>

<h2>Yick Wo is more than just a school—it's the heart of North Beach, Chinatown, and Russian Hill.</h2>Generations of children have thrived in its diverse, close-knit environment, while walking to school and learning side by side. Closing Yick Wo will force families into cars and buses due to the increased distance to proposed welcoming schools. The walkability of Yick Wo is one of its many benefits. It’s a rare place where kids can safely walk to school, after school activities, playgrounds and community organizations such as Tel Hi, Salesians and the North Beach recreation center and the library. This walkability fosters independence and a deep connection to the neighborhood. Losing Yick Wo would place undue stress on families and potentially force them out of the city altogether. Yick Wo plays a unique role in D3 which cannot be replaced. Yick Wo is the choice for Chinatown families who want a diverse neighborhood school that combines culture, community, and academic excellence. Yick Wo is also renowned for their SDC classes which support children with moderate and severe autism. As students, alumni, and community members, we love Yick Wo because it embodies the values of San Francisco—diversity, inclusion, and excellence. Please join us in fighting to keep Yick Wo open for future generations.

Reference: <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-15-difficult-decisions-brighter-future-sfusd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SFUSD Closure/Merger Annoucement</a>

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"My name is Ms. Sandra, a former special education teacher at YW Elementary. I spent 2 1/2 years teaching the K-2 autism focused class and had a wonderful experience. As a whole, this school did an amazing job creating an accessible learning environment for autistic children. The staff was sup

Yick Wo is a leader in special education, particularly for students with moderate to severe autism. With 1 in 5 students at Yick Wo having special needs, the school plays a crucial role in supporting these learners. It is one of only six schools in SFUSD with moderate to severe special education programs, and the only one serving Northeast San Francisco. Yick Wo’s integrated programming connects students with local, walkable resources such as the North Beach pool, playground, and library, ensuring they are supported both academically and within the community.

<h2>Support Our Fight: Donate Now</h2>Your donation helps fund the effort to keep Yick Wo Elementary open.your contribution will directly support campaign efforts like creating banners, organizing community events, distributing flyers, and building awareness across San Francisco. By donating, you’re helping us protect a vital part of our community and ensure that Yick Wo remains a place where children thrive. Any funds that do not get used for this campaign will be used to fund school programs. <a href="https://www.yickwo.com/supportus" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Learn More Here. </a>Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make a difference.

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Testimonials Here

Kevin Zhou, alumni class of 2008

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, want to volunteer, or need more information about how to support our efforts to keep Yick Wo open, please reach out.

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Check out our committees, caucuses, and County organizations here!

Counties & Caucuses

'Devastating': Staff, parents 'blindsided' by unexpected SF school closure news

SF Gate

Data on every S.F. school: Key factors in SFUSD closures.

SF Chronicle

San Francisco School Closures Will Hurt Chinese, Immigrant Communities, City Leaders Say

KQED

13 SF public schools targeted for closure or mergers

The San Francisco Standard

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Our School

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Zip code 94133, home to Yick Wo and Jean Parker, is the most affected by school closures, with two schools slated to close. In San Francisco, 30% of residents own no cars, but car ownership is significantly lower in these two impacted zip codes. Source:<a href="https://www.census.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> Census Bureau, 2022 American Community Survey</a>

Figure 3: Car ownership comparison for zip codes affected by school closures.

<h2>Demographic and Economic Diversity</h2>District 3 is a hub of cultural diversity and socio-economic variance. Protecting schools in this area ensures that students from all backgrounds have equitable access to education, and it supports neighborhood cohesion.Key Data Points:<ul><li>Charts: Demographics and income by zip code.</li><li>Yick Wo outperforms nearby schools (Redding and Sherman) in equity, with a rating of 9/10 compared to 5/10, indicating better outcomes for underserved populations.</li></ul>Visuals:<ul><li>Equity and proficiency levels comparison for Yick Wo, Redding, and Sherman.</li></ul>

We stand united in opposition to the closure of Yick Wo Elementary School. If this happens, it would devastate the school community and District 3, which is disproportionately affected by the closures. Instead, we should grow Yick Wo as an integral neighborhood school.

Left: <a href="https://zipatlas.com/us/ca/san-francisco/zip-code-comparison/highest-population-density.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Data source: ZIPatlas</a> Right:<a href="https://zipatlas.com/us/ca/san-francisco/zip-code-comparison/highest-population-density.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Data source: ZIPatlas</a>

<h3>New SFUSD superintendent faces tough questions from 5th graders over school district turmoil</h3>Yick Wo Visit October 25, 2024

<h3>Parents upset over potential SF school closures</h3>Oct 10, 2024

<h3>San Francisco teachers, students and parents protest proposed school closures</h3>Oct 9, 2024

<h3>Students march as SF Unified threatens to close schools; superintendent explains next steps</h3>Oct 9, 2024

<h2>Overview of Closures</h2><h3>The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) announced on 10/8/24 a list of schools, including Yick Wo, facing closures or mergers as part of a response to a significant budget deficit, which is said to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.</h3>In total, 13 schools are impacted by this decision: three will officially close, eight will merge with other schools, and two will serve as “welcoming schools” for the students of the closed schools. The selection criteria for elementary schools included having fewer than 260 students and falling within the lowest 50% of composite scores. High schools with fewer than 400 students were also considered for consolidation.This decision is driven by a combination of declining enrollment—over 4,000 students have left since the 2017-2018 school year, with an additional drop of 4,600 projected by 2032—and a need to address the district’s financial challenges. SFUSD Superintendent Matt Wayne emphasized the difficulty of the situation, stating that there are no easy solutions and that significant staff reductions across the district will be necessary. While San Francisco Mayor London Breed has no direct influence over the school closures, she has stepped in to provide the district with a stabilization team to assist in navigating the crisis.The list of affected schools still requires approval from the SFUSD board, with an initial vote set for November 12 and a final vote scheduled for December 10. Until then, community members, parents, and educators are mobilizing to voice their concerns and advocate for the preservation of their local schools.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2024-10-09-difficult-decisions-brighter-future-sfusd" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">SFUSD Announcement</a>

Help spread the word by downloading our posters and displaying them in your community. Every bit of visibility counts in our fight to save Yick Wo.

Yick Wo Elementary provides a rare and essential space for children to grow and thrive in a district dominated by adult and senior populations. As a neighborhood school, Yick Wo serves as a vital hub in District 3, offering a sense of community and belonging.With District 3 home to more impacted schools than any other in San Francisco, keeping Yick Wo open helps preserve the next generation of residents and ensures the district remains family-friendly, rather than forcing families to relocate for educational needs.

Make Your Voice Heard: Sign the Petition

Show your support by attending town halls, rallies, and Board of Education meetings. Check the calendar for dates and location

Testimonials

Sandra v., former special education teacher at yick wo

Zip code 94133, the hardest hit by school closures, is one of San Francisco's most walkable areas. This table shows the EPA's walkability index for the four schools in 94133. Schools in red are proposed for closure.Source: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/smart-location-mapping" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">EPA</a>

<h2>Walkability and Transportation Access</h2>Yick Wo Elementary is located in one of the most walkable neighborhoods of San Francisco. With the highest walkability index, Yick Wo serves many students who walk to school daily, which is crucial for a community where car ownership is low.Key Data Points:<ul><li>Table 2: Walkability Index of 94133 schools.</li><li>Car ownership in zip codes 94133 and 94109 is significantly below the city average of 30%.</li><li>80% of Yick Wo students walk to school, based on a recent survey.</li></ul>Visuals:<ul><li>Table 3: Percentage of students walking to school by teacher.</li><li>Figure 3: Car ownership comparison for zip codes affected by school closures.</li></ul>

This page presents essential data to inform the decision about Yick Wo Elementary’s future. From population density and walkability to commute times and student demographics, the data here highlights critical factors that impact the community. Special attention is given to the school's role in supporting underserved and special needs students, backed by clear statistics and research. Explore the visuals and data insights to understand why these numbers matter in the discussion about school closures.

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