Welcome Guide by Lycee Francais San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO

Edition 2017-2018

Welcome Guide

Welcome ! The Parent Association is wishing you the best for the next year in San Francisco.

Do you have any information to bring to the booklet? Questions ? Write us at lesamis@lelycee.org

Les Amis du LycĂŠe FranĂ§ais de San Francisco

3 Living in San Francisco ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

How to get a Social Security Number Search for housing Choosing your district, renting furnitures Driving in California Transports Internet, Phone & TV Banks

Kids & Education ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Daycares Francophones schools LFSF : Pronote, Intranet & Amazonsmile Prom’ night, graduation & prank day Lunch program,rPick-up & Drop-Off School buses The Parent Association After-school activities Le théâtre du Lycée Français Finding a Babysitter Summer camps

Health ● ● ● ● ● ●

The american heath system Directory of francophone physicians In case of emergency Hospitals & clinics Homeopathy Earthquakes

Shopping ● ● ● ● ●

Markets & supermarkets Furnitures, Gardening & home improvement French food shopping Arts & crafts shop Sports equipment

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

French products Bookshops Tourism Useful links Not to miss Places of worship Recommended by the community French classes for adults

CULTURE ● ● ●

Bookshops Museums Theater & cinema ○ TLF ( French Lycee Theater)

PLACES RECOMMENDED BY OUR COMMUNITY USEFULL LINKS ● ● ●

Adds Religious places French classes

PLACES TO VISIT ● ●

Great walks Not to be missed !

HOW TO GET A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER The Purpose of Having a Social Security Number. A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number that the U.S. government issues to all U.S. citizens and eligible U.S. residents who apply for one. Why Do You Need One?

You need a Social Security number to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and get some other government services. But you don't often need to show your Social Security card. Do not carry your card with you. Keep it in a safe place with your other important papers.

Useful links: : ● ●

Social Security Website Find the nearest office

WORK PERMIT You got the perfect place to live, your companion is back to work & kids are back to school … Well done ! Getting a work permit can take between 3 to 6 months so don’t lose your time and apply now.

SEARCH FOR HOUSING San Francisco is a very welcoming city in which you will probably not be left out. However, finding a home is not easy, given a number of factors, including the high standard of living, the lack of supply in relation to demand, and the ever-increasing rents. Discover the tips for moving to San Francisco. The apartments are generally in pretty good condition. Even when they are unfurnished (the most common), the refrigerator, the gas stove, the oven, the washing machine, the dryer will be part of the contract. To find a furnished (quite rare on the market), it is best to contact real estate agencies or relocation agencies. Before making your choice in the most beautiful bay in the world it is useful to know some criteria such as the existence of fog that unevenly covers the bay. In addition, the bay is unevenly served by public transportation. In addition, traffic is particularly dense in neighborhoods that include centers of interest such as schools or offices. The Mccormack's guide will be very useful for you by presenting each district in detail with the number of population, the schools, the incomes, ... The American system designates the apartments or the houses according to the number of rooms and the number of rooms. baths. Thus, a two-bedroom apartment and a bathroom will be designated 2X1.

Given the high rents, renting an apartment or a house remains the most appropriate formula, especially for a stay that can last for several years. To make your search easier, check out the real estate agencies like Trinity Management, Hill & Co, Zephir Real Estate, Citi Apartments. Craigslist is a popular site in the United States offering thousands of ads by accessing the San Francisco page directly. (Source: Expat.com) In general, it is forbidden to smoke in the apartments.

To start your researches: • • • • •

www.zillow.com www.trulia.com www.realtor.com www.homes.com www.craigslist.org

CHOOSING YOUR DISTRICT San Francisco has many neighborhoods and it is sometimes difficult to make a choice on arrival. To help you a little we advise you to consult this excellent article of LOST IN SF which will enlighten you surely, to read it click here. San Francisco compte de nombreux quartiers et il est parfois difficile de faire un choix en arrivant . Pour vous aider un peu nous vous conseillons de consulter cet excellent article de LOST IN SF qui vous éclairera surement, pour le lire cliquez ici.

NEED HELP ? Stéphanie & Maria will certainly be the perfect ones to help you to find the perfect place ! We heard so many good things about them that you should probably try ...To consult their website it’s here. English & French speaking

RENTING FURNITURES Still waiting for your moving boxes to ? Here is one solution among others ! CORT furniture rentals offers you its services! Praise what you are missing! Beds (with sheets), cooking set, bath towels, everything you need! Enter your postal code & the necessary duration & you will have a quote in the minute.

DRIVING IN CALIFORNIA If you have a valid French driver's license: it is only valid during the first three months of your stay and allows you to drive in the states of the consular district (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico) vehicles of the same category as those authorized by your French license. You have an international driving license: it is valid for one year in case you are just passing through. If, on the other hand, you are a resident and you hold a visa as such, it is only for the first three months of your stay. In case of theft or loss of the French license in the United States: after declaration to the consulate (and statement to the local police in case of theft), it will be appropriate when you return to France to contact the Prefecture who issued the license stolen or lost in order to obtain a duplicate. Source: French Consulate of Los Angeles.

THE CALIFORNIAN DRIVING LICENCE As soon as you become a resident, the California permit is mandatory, especially since it is the most frequently requested piece of identification by California authorities or merchants. Here are the steps and tips to pass it.

After obtaining your social security card from the Social Security Administration, you will need to go to the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to get the free California Driver Handbook. You will also find an application that will help you familiarize yourself with the Californian roads that are said to be very good: DMV easy practice.

Go to the same DMV to pass the first stages of the driver's license - the highway code - with in your pocket: your passport with your visa, your social security card, about $ 33 for the registration fee.

During the exam, you will have to answer 36 multiple-choice questions (5 errors allowed) and you can even pass it in French in some centers. Once the code succeeds, drive the driving test for which it is not necessary to complete lesson hours and you can even pass the test in your own car, or that of a friend, in justifying insurance. Each attempt costs you about $ 6 and once the exam is successful you will leave with a provisional certificate, waiting to receive the famous Driver License..

ON THE ROAD... ❏

Attention, Americans do not drive like the French and the authorities can be more ... likely. Follow these tips to make sure you ride smoothly.

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If a police car is behind you with its lights flashing, move to the side. Do not get out of the car, keep your hands on the wheel and wait for the instructions of the agent. Do not bother to take your papers in the glove compartment.

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If you hear a priority vehicle siren (fire, police, ...) that is close to you, you must immediately tidy up and stop your vehicle to let pass. You may slow down quite often because the firefighters intervene very often (accidents, cats stuck in trees, sores of all kinds).

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Do not park near a red or yellow sidewalk or near a fire hydrant. They are reserved respectively for the police and the firemen, and the commercial vehicles for the deliveries.

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The traffic lights, unlike France, are not located at the edge of the intersection but on the other side of the road. Be careful not to stop in the middle of the intersection. American cars that are likely to hit you are often tanks made up as family. It can hurt a lot.

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Unless otherwise specified, it is allowed to turn right at low beam even when the signal is red - if so, it is written in the highway code. However, you must: (1) mark a pause at the pedestrian crossing (2) be very careful since obviously you will not be a priority.

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At four-stop crossings, which are common in residential neighborhoods, the rule is: First come, first start. However, the rule does not prevent caution.

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Americans are very rarely aggressive at the wheel. It's good news. The bad thing is that at the wheel, they phone, they drink (especially coffee), they send SMS, and even keep Bichon on their knees ... So keep an eye open in your retro. Source: French District

TRANSPORTS BUS & MUNIS A few things to know before you start ... The different means of public transport offered in San Francisco are: MUNI: aka the San Francisco Municipal Railway. It is the public transportation system for the city and county of SF. It includes buses (54 lines), trolleybuses (electric buses with '' antennas on the roof '' - 17 lines), light rails (sort of Mini Metro - lines J, K, L, M, N) , the cable cars (3 lines) and a Street Car line (the F-Market). It is connected to other local and regional service companies that provide most of the communication between SF and surrounding areas: BART, CALTRAIN, AC TRANSIT and SAMTRANS. THE BART Subways San Francisco: To understand how it serves the surrounding area of San Francisco: BART Network Unlike the MUNI, the fare is based on the distance traveled. In the end, it can be expensive for a RER not always very clean. Plus, the parking system and bike racks that help you take the BART and work for your environment. CALTRAIN This is another suburban train from the station '' 4th / King Street ''. The line is mainly used by people working or living in the South Bay to San Jose. The prices are proportional to the distance as for the BART. Caltrain.com Here is the map of the stations to better understand the area served. Map of Caltrain.

BUSES ●

Let’s go SOUTH… SAMTRANS (San Mateo County Transit District)

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Toward EAST BAY…AC TRANSIT (Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District)

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Going North & Marin County … Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. Blueandgoldfleet.com alcatrazcruises.com

FERRIES Check out 511.org to understand everything you can do by boat. Then, here are the links for the different ferry companies. Some companies are also useful for tourists: • • •

Goldengateferry.org Baylinkferry.comAngelislandferry.com Eastbayferry.com Source: LostinSF

INTERNET & TELEPHONY You can select separate TV, Internet and Telephone plans (and thus use the services of separate companies for each of these services) or, on the contrary, search for global formulas integrating them in whole or in part. It is difficult to arbitrate in this area, as the criteria (your tastes, your expectations, your geographical location ...) are taken into account. By going on the various sites below, you will see the plans available either in bundle (the various services united in the same plan), or each service taken separately, according to your address. •

COMCAST; Principal interlocuteur dans la ville pour la télé par câble.

•

ATT: One of the leaders of telephony in the US. Depending on the neighborhood, this operator may offer some plans linking Internet and home phone.

•

EARTHLINK: If you choose the satellite option for your TV service, different companies offer their services, including Dish network or Directv.

To find the best price according to your expectations, you can consult the 2 following sites: • All Connect TV, Internet, Telephone, Utilities ... All possible plans according to your address (suppliers and tariffs). The site is thus valid for all the services of the house (water, gas, electricity ...), but also in particular for the services of communication.

â&#x2014;? Cable Mover As its name indicates, the information given concerns cable providers. Which, in San Francisco, brings us back to Comcast very quickly.

If you want to enjoy the charms of national parks and go out of town Verizon will certainly be more suited to your needs because its network is more extensive.

BANKS When you arrive in the United States, one of the first things to do is to open a bank account for the coming year. This will facilitate your withdrawals of money, the payment of housing if it is a private home and this will allow you to receive your scholarship or scholarship if you have the chance to receive it.

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT To open a bank account in the United States, you will need two pieces of ID, some passport photos, and an invoice or other document with your address on the spot. To prove that you are legally in the country, you will have to bring your passport as well as your visa and money to deposit. The process takes an average of twenty minutes, if you do everything necessary to ensure that the interview takes place in the best conditions. Most banks will offer the same type of services, changes are made in terms of costs and costs. Some will ask you to keep a minimum of $ 100 or $ 200, below which they will charge you a bank fee. As the offer is constantly evolving, it is better to inquire on the spot to find out more.

SPECIFICITIES Banks are looking to keep customers with a banking history. As a foreigner, you are unlikely to track your accounts in the US, so you'll need to build a history and show you know how to manage your income. During the first few months, you will not be able to receive certain services, such as credit cards, but only debit cards that allow you to withdraw money. If you never exceed the limits imposed in the contract, in a few months the banks will trust you. Banks, on the other hand, do not cover overdrafts, if a payment is made while the account does not have the necessary funds, you will not have as in France a payment authorization. Only individuals with a good banking history can subscribe to this type of option.

CREDIT CARDS In the United States, you can pay with a credit card almost everywhere, whether you are in a restaurant or supermarket. As in many countries, the most common cards are MasterCard, Visa and American Express. If you have a secret code for your credit card, you can use it to withdraw money from the distributors, but be careful because the fees can be high.

Most credit card companies do not charge you an annual fee. When choosing, ask the various banks and department stores to find out which card is best for you. Remember that to have a credit card in the United States, you will need a Social Security number.

DEBIT CARDS (ATM) Very often, debit cards / ATM cards have a Visa or MasterCard logo, which means that you can use them as normal credit cards. The only difference is that the money will come directly from your checking account. That's why ATM cards are so popular. When you open your bank account, you will receive an ATM card with a secret code (normally four digits). This card allows you to make money in most US distributors. Withdrawals to your bank's ATMs and associated institutions are free, but other banks' distributors will charge you (often between $ 2 and $ 4). Ask your bank how much this type of transaction costs. With your ATM card, you can also print bank statements to your bank's ATMs. These statements show all transactions made. Money transferred to the account is credited (credit), and money taken from the account is debited (debit).

GOOD TO KNOW In many stores you can also withdraw cash by selecting "CASH OUT" at checkout, in general not more than $ 50 but this may save you a trip to the distributor and additional costs.

KIDS & EDUCATION DAYCARES Many "preschool" in the city but places are expensive literally as well as figuratively. Some of them offer this service in French, the site Lost in SF has listed them here. Recently the French School of San Francisco also welcomes children at "La Petite Ecole". This is a full immersion program, offered five half days a week on our Sausalito campus, from the age of 2 years. An integral part of Kindergarten, La Petite Ecole follows its own program which naturally and gently prepares children to start school. In this class, children play and learn, socialize and communicate in an entirely French linguistic universe. They explore language as well as other forms of communication: body language, role playing and artistic expression. They develop their motor skills. They learn to reason and organize their thoughts while exploring the world around them. Fun projects guide this process and establish a solid base of learning and skills in a welcoming French environment, animated by a teacher (school teacher) and his assistant. On our beautiful campus in Sausalito, La Petite Ă&#x2030;cole is a program organized on 5 mornings a week, from 8:30 to 12:30, just after lunch.

FRANCOPHONE SCHOOLS The French School of San Francisco is the only school whose teaching is approved by the French Ministry of National Education, whose programs it follows. Three campuses are scattered throughout the city. Those of Sausalito & Ashbury welcome your children from kindergarten to CM2, Ortega campus will take care of the sixth to the terminal. The bay also offers you other options that Lost in SF has listed for you here.

LE LYCEE FRANCAIS DE SAN FRANCISCO PRONOTE This is a tool that allows families (from college), teachers and teachers to communicate more effectively. Online diary, courses, absences, delays & observations, school calendar, are updated regularly and allow everyone an overview. Need help learning to use Pronote? To access tutorials that will definitely help you go here.

INTRANET With your password and identifiers also sent by the high school administration you will be able to access many information online including the directory of parents and students, the minutes of the board and the Parent Association, information about transport, extracurricular activities and much more !

AMAZON SMILE Do you have an Amazon account? Here is a simple way to make our schools benefit from your purchases. Using your Amazon credentials and passwords log on to Amazon Smile and choose just below your search bar the association or cause you would like to see your purchases: San Francisco French High School. In your next orders do not forget to use the Amazon Smile! And here it is! To know more about how it works it's here..

23 For the students of Terminale, the month of June is the baccalaureate, Parcoursup but also the Prom and Graduation, two American traditions celebrated within the LFSF.

Prom Night It's a kind of end-of-year ball that marks the end of the high school years. The tradition is to be accompanied by a rider but it is of course possible to go there alone. When we want to be accompanied, we must make his "proposal" in an original or romantic way! The choice of the outfit is a real subject, the girls are very often in long dress, the boys in costume-cravate.La quest for the perfect outfit starts well 3 less before ...! The tradition is also that each "couple" wears matching flowers, the boy in the buttonhole and the girl on the wrist. This is called "bodice". It is often the rider who takes care of it. The evening of the Prom traditionally takes place in a chic place of the city. It is the students themselves who take care of everything. Parents are only invited to the photo session that precedes the evening.

Graduation Graduation is the High School Diploma award ceremony, which certifies at the end of the cycle the completion of a specifically American school curriculum (including courses taken in US history, a minimum of one year of art courses during the high school year). school and at least three years of "regular" English).

24 It is traditionally held on Saturday afternoon, mid June, in the high school. The LFSF organizes the reception by taking charge of the order of the togas and hats, of blue color, and the realization of the embroidered scarves in the name of each student. The colors of the edges of the scarf and the threads of the Tassle (hat pompom) change every year and are chosen by the parents. The ceremony is punctuated by speeches from the administration and some professors. Some students are also called to speak. Until now, the parents take care of the logistical organization of the ceremony: - the parents of the students of Terminale take care of the decoration of the rooms and the choice of a souvenir gift for each student. - PremiĂ¨re's parents organize the buffet through finger food dishes made by the parents of these two grades. The parents motivated by the organization of this ceremony make themselves known at a meeting organized in February by the School Life.

PRANK DAY The last day of classes of students of Terminale before the revisions of the baccalaureate is dedicated to the Prank Day. They arrive very early on the campus of Ortega to "redecorate" the school and prepare some surprises for other students.

LUNCH PROGRAM You can also opt for a meal delivery service to the school by catering professionals, one or more days a week. ●

Ashburry campus: School foodies

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Ortega campus : Delicious catering

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Sausalito Campus: Good Earth Organic

PICK-UP & DROP-OFF Parents (or authorized persons) must pick up their child at the bus stop or give specific instructions to children returning alone. Children of kindergarten and primary must be waited by a person entitled to the point of removal. If no one is waiting for your child, he will stay at the daycare at the destination campus. You will be required to pick it up at the LFSF before closing. The white areas in front of each campus are strictly reserved for buses or loading / unloading of children. Parents must find parking near the school and accompany their children to the bus stop on foot. Here you'll find tips from the state of California concerning traffic rules around schools.

SCHOOL BUSES Every day of the week school buses serve the three campuses. 9 bus lines that facilitate the daily movement of students in the morning and afternoon ●

2 lines between Marin County and Ortega Campus, morning and afternoon.

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1 line between Cupertino and the Ortega campus, morning and afternoon.

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1 line between the Ortega campus and the Sausalito campus in the morning

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1 line between Sausalito Campus and Ashbury Campus in the afternoon

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1 line between the Ortega campus and the Ashbury campus, in the morning, for the students of the large section of Kindergarten in CM2.

The registration of children is done online via the parent portal. IF YOUR CHILDREN DO NOT TAKE THE BUS EXCEPTIONALLY OR WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FRIEND, REMEMBER TO PREVENT THE SCHOOL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ! For any information concerning LFSF school transport, please contact our services at the following address: bus@lelycee.org

THE PARENT ASSOCIATION MEET US !

THE PARENT ASSOCIATION OUR AIMS Les Amis du Lycée is your association, each parent is a member of fact. The office consists of a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, a secretary, a treasurer, and a chairperson. per campus, all elected each year at a general meeting. Our mission is simple: ●

Encourage the sense of community

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Coordinate volunteering of parents & children on campus during activities & events.

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Celebrate and highlight the diversity and richness of our community.

NOS DEVISES ● ●

Dans la bonne humeur tu participeras ! Un plus pour toute la communauté tu seras !

We organize a lot of events throughout the year on the 3 campuses including back to school cafes that will surely allow you to meet people, especially for college / high school students since the parents do not enter the school and that contacts are therefore limited. Do you want to participate? Nothing's easier ! Write to us at the following address: lesamis@lelycee.org, meet us at the meeting of welcome of new families or go here to tell us about your interests.

LE THEATRE DU LYCEE FRANCAIS The Théâtre du Lycée Français is committed to provide professional shows for the francophone and francophile community of the San Francisco Bay Area. Barbara Schulz, Michel Onfray, Thierry Lhermitte, Patrick Timsit, Clementine Célarié, Francis Perrin, Pierre Richard and many companies have come on the TLF stage and have an excellent memory of it. All were really delighted with the welcome they received here, the hall, the TLF team, the spectators. They returned to France with a piece of San Francisco in their hearts and this welcome is no stranger. This type of event contributes greatly to the training of our students but also to the reputation of an institution with an excellent reputation such as the French School of San Francisco, a non-profit institution. The TLF is a place of residence with the presence of the company D-Boussole which celebrated its tenth anniversary next March and will offer you an exceptional birthday party. During its years of operation, the TLF has gained a good visibility with the community of San Francisco but also with beautiful French institutions such as the Academy of Molière which since 2017.

The organization of the season generates significant costs and we seek your support to make it sustainable like the Festival of French Cinema in San Francisco. In addition, being a TLF donor offers valuable benefits: discounts for most shows but also the ability to buy tickets before public sale. So you can help the TLF on this page by clicking here.

The Parents' Association offers dinner plates for sale at each performance ! The profits are donated to the theater.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES SPORTS CLASSES You will find here some tracks for to allow your children to exercise their favorite sports. The city of San Francisco offers activities to its residents via the Recreation Center. Tennis, dance, theater, combat sports and much more! To see what's on offer near you it's here. !

MARTIAL ARTS ● One Martial Arts: Located on Taraval street this place will not disappoint you! Qualified teachers, pleasant local and perfectly adapted to children. Karate & kickboxing classes, holiday camps, and birthday parties. ● Paresh Martial Arts: A school acclaimed by families. karate classes, judo and tang soo do. 1329 7th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122 / (415) 665-5511 ● Soko Joshi Judo Club: Judo classes for women & girls only. 1622 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114 / (415) 754-0412

CLASSIC & MODERN DANCE •

Tutu School: Classical dance lessons of 18 months to 8 years old (West Portal)

•

ODC School: Hip-Hop classes, ballet, salsa, reggaeton, etc ...

EQUITATION Pour les passionnés de chevaux, voici les adresses des centres équestres les plus proches. Pas de site internet malheureusement: ●

Five Star Equestrian: Cours, balades, camps d’ete, stages.

12350 Cull Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94552. (650) 440-2450 ●

Palo-Mar Stables: Cours, balades, camps d’ete, stages.

2116 Skyline Blvd, Daly City, CA 94015. (650) 755-8042

ESCRIME Le lycée a la chance de compter parmi ses parents un maitre d’ arme reconnu & apprécié des élèves comme des parents. Pour en savoir plus rapprochez - vous de l’AES. En dehors du lycée: ●

San Francisco Youth Fencing: Situe sur South Van Ness Avenue ce club est un des plus réputés de la ville.

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Golden Gate School of Arm: Noe Valley, cours groupes & individuels, adultes & enfants.

SOCCER Children generally play in the team of their neighborhoods, have their own associations and websites. The teams are usually mixed. Among the many existing football clubs these have junior / senior teams:

â&#x2014;?

SF Vikings Soccer Club Outer Sunset

â&#x2014;?

SF Youth Soccer Very complete website allowing you to contact the right team according to the age of your children & your neighborhood.

GYMNASTIC CLUBS American Gymnastic Club Recreational & competitive gymnastics. Two gyms, one located in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, the other in Sunset. Acrosport (Toddlers & youth) Gymnastics, courses, circus arts ... From kindergarten, Inner Sunset neighborhood Head Over Heels Gymnastics SF Recreational gymnastics, competition & circus arts. Provides classes in many out-of-school schools, also open to non-school children in these schools.

SWIMMING If you are looking for courses for you or your children, do not hesitate to inquire directly on site, the welcome is there in general very nice. For the main pools see here.

HOCKEY & ICE SKATING â&#x2014;? Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center: Figure skating classes, ice hockey, free skating & competitions. 750 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94107 SoMa, Financial District â&#x2014;? Oakland Ice Center: Free & figure skating lessons, ice hockey, birthday parties. 519 18th street, Oakland, CA 94612 For more addresses here is an article of Lost in Sf, again very complete, here.

RUGBY Still very little practice in San Francisco rugby nevertheless has a very good U8 club senior. A training on Wednesday afternoon not far from Sunset, another Sunday morning in Treasure Island. To learn more about the club, click here.

TAEKWONDO A special mention for the Navarrete's Black Belt Academy located on Church & 24th street. From 3 years ...

TENNIS Through the AES the Lycée Français offers tennis lessons to students at Golden Gate Park. But also many outdoor clubs which these recommended by moms: ●

Tenacious Tennis Academy: Tennis lessons for adults & children, holiday camps. 1600 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132

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Higgins Tennis: Adults & children, in groups or individually, holidays courses. 66 Park St, San Francisco, CA 94110

MUSIC CLASSES ● Sunset Academy of Music: Singing lessons, guitar, piano, violin, percussion, flute and much more ... 1415 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 / (415) 661-1814 ● Inspire Music Center: Flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin & double bass lessons. 1241 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116 / (415) 504-7921

ART CLASSES ●

ArtWorks fine art in studio : Very good children's drawing classes acclaimed by parents.

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Young Art lessons : Drawing & painting classes by appointment or not, birthday parties.

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Colour me mine : Ceramic painting workshop for children & adults. Very wide choice of supports, very friendly staff.

BABY-SITTING To find the rare pearl several options: ❖

The list established by the school (Dean of students).

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The list of San Francisco Home (after registration).

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Facebook group "Froggy in Foggy Land" & "Francophones of San Francisco" on which students regularly offer their services.

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The Nextdoor site which after free registration will allow you to know everything that is going on in your neighborhood, to get recommendations and to place classified ads.

SUMMER CAMPS Many options to keep the kids busy during the holidays, here are some tips: •

To see the camps proposed by your city it is here.

•

Summer camps (and during the holidays of October, winter, February & April) organized by the Lycée Français. Registration via the parent portal of the website. The program is here. For more information do not hesitate to contact the team of the AES: asobol@lelycee.org

•

Galileo Camps : Innovation Camps from 3 years old all over the bay.

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JCCSF : From 2 years old, art, science, sport! Summer from June 7 to August 17, 2018.

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ID Tech : Technological Summer Camp (Coding, video games, robotics & kids & teens design)

THE AMERICAN HEALTH SYSTEM The organization of the health system in the United States is very different from what is known in Europe. There is no social security in the United States as we know it across the Atlantic. Everyone is solely responsible for their own health coverage and of their family. You will not find here the principle of solidarity and mutualisation in the European with social security for all + complementary health insurance (mutual type). All coverage is included in private health insurance contracts. When you plan to go to the United States to stay for a period of a few months, it is imperative to provide for each member of your family a health insurance! Your European complementary health insurance policies do not cover you in the United States. And if you have any problem and do not have insurance for the United States, you risk not being treated before having managed to give a financial guarantee. Indeed, when you enter consultation, even before your name, you are asked for the name of your insurance! Hospital care, consultations, drugs are very very expensive in the United States, you do not want to have to sell your house to pay for your hospitalization. To give you an idea, a simple consultation with the doctor costs between 150 and 500 dollars, a broken arm plastered about 2000 dollars, an appendicitis about 40 000 dollars ... That's it, you are convinced !!

So no need to take this risk, you need a specific health insurance for this American project ! Source: Sante Francophone

DIRECTORY OF FRANCOPHONE PHYSICIANS If you do not feel comfortable enough to consult in English no worries! Francophone Health will help you find the rare pearl near you. A dictionary of health professionals very well done can also be very useful: SantĂŠ Francophone will help you find the rare pearl near you.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY In case of medical emergency or safety, call 911 immediately. Emergency services and hospital services have translation services. Remember to take the emergency number to your children and explain what to do in case of earthquake.

Some first aid products: ● ● ● ●

painkiller: Tylenol, Advil for the cough: Robitussin, Mucinex, Vicks in case of indigestion : Maalox, Tumms to disinfect: First Aid Cream, Peroxide

Aspirin is widely used, but doctors do not recommend it to children under 15 years of age. Medicines are sold at free prices, usually in drugstore chains covering a specific region. Some pharmacies deliver free of charge prescriptions ordered by your doctor. There is no night service but usually open 7 days.

HOSPITALS & CLINICS Here is the list of San Francisco's largest hospitals with emergency service open to the public. The neighborhoods in which they are located are noted after the address. Locate the one closest to you. California Pacific Medical Center. 415 600 6000. Trois campus à SF : California campus, 3700 California street, Presidio Heights / Laurel Heights Davies campus, Castro street @ Duboce street, Castro / Lower Heights Pacific campus, 2333 Buchanan street, Pacific Heights / Japantown Service d’urgence sur les 3 campus. Parking payant. UCSF Medical Center. 505 Parnassus Avenue, Inner Sunset. (415) 476-1000. Ranked among the best hospitals. Their emergency service is very good. Also has a consultation service without appointments from 18 years, Drop-In - Screening and Acute Care Clinic. 400 Parnassus Avenue. Tél : 415 353 2602. Open from 8AM to 8PM Monday to Friday, and from 8AM to 4PM on Saturdays. Close on Sunday. For children, same address, but different times, non-emergency medical service with appointments. Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. 2425 Geary Blvd, Pacific Heights / Western addition. (415) 833-3300.

SF General Hospital. 1001 Potrero Avenue, Potrero Hill. (415) 206-8000. Chinese Hospital. 845 Jackson street, Nob Hill. (415) 982-2400. Petit hôpital de quartier. San Francisco VA Medical Center. 4150 Clement street, Outer Richmond. (415)221-4810. St Francis Memorial. 900 Hyde street, Nob Hill. (415) 353-6000. St Luke’s. 3555 Cesar Chavez street, Bernal Heights. (415) 647-8600. St Mary’s Medical Center. 450 Stanyan street, Haight Ashbury. (415) 668-1000

WHERE TO FIND HOMEOPATHY

The supermarket Whole Foods has a very wide choice of products in the field, you will also find some products at Trader Joes depending on the seasons such as oscillococcinum. Pharmacies <Pharmacie Integrative pharmacie> and homeopathic parapharmacies, one in Sonoma, the other in Berkeley .. You will find the brands Boiron, Mustela, Avalon, Dr. Hauschka .... Here are some names of homeopaths that moms of our community recommend:

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Bernal Homeopathy, Bernal Heights Divine Monkey Homeopathy, Mission

SOME ADDRESSES OF NATUROPATHS ● ● ●

Dr Tim Dymond, Noe Valley. San Francisco Natural Medicine, cabinet in Potrero Hill. Dr Laura Figoski, Hayes Valley.

Someone to recommend ? Write to us at: lesamis@lelycee.org

IN CASE OF EARTHQUAKES BEFORE •

remember to secure furniture or heavy objects that could hurt you by falling or causing serious damage. (ex: shelves, mirrors, lamps, screens & water heater).

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arrange beds & sofas away from windows.

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provide the minimum equipment (portable radio with batteries, flashlight, drinking water, personal papers, urgent medicines, blankets, change of clothes, containment equipment.

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organize the group for which we are responsible, discuss with family measures to be taken if a disaster occurs (protection, evacuation, rally points).

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locate the cutoff points of gas, water, electricity.

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prepare a family reunification plan.

DURING THE EARTHQUAKE •

• •

Do not pick up children at school & wait for instructions.

46 •

Stay where we are: ▫ on the inside: stand near a wall, a load-bearing column or under solid furniture, away from the windows; ▫ on the outside: do not stay under electric wires or under what can collapse (bridges, cornices, roofs ...); ▫ by car: stop and do not go down until the end of the shaking.

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Protect your head with your arms.

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Do not light a flame.

AFTER When the shaking stops, look around you. If the building is damaged and there is a safe path to safety, leave the building and go to an open space away from the damaged areas. If trapped, do not move or shake off dust. If you have a mobile phone with you, use it to call or send an SMS for help. Tap on a pipe or wall or use a whistle, if you have one, so that rescuers can locate you

Once secure, watch local news via radio, TV, social media and cell phone text alerts for emergency information and instructions. Check for injuries and provide help if you have training. Help with rescues if you can do it safely. If you are near the coast, find out about tsunamis in your area. If you are in an area where there are tsunamis, when the tremors stop, walk immediately inland and towards the heights.

Watch for official reports for more information on tsunami evacuation plans in the region. Be extremely careful when cleaning buildings and debris after the disaster. Do not try to remove large debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy shoes with thick soles while cleaning.

Source: www.ready.gov

SHOPPING GROCERIES Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main groceries shops of the bay carried out by Lost in SF and updated by us. • Whole Foods Market A symbol in the United States that tourists visit with wonder. The brand offers products of excellent quality, natural and mostly organic. The meat and fish aisles are well stocked and offer a great variety of choices. Also noteworthy are the wine and cheese departments where French products are found (but not only, naturally and thankfully), and the bakery and pastry department. Very fresh salad bars with lots of choice and self-service takeaways for gourmet lunch breaks or ready-to-eat dinners ! 15 stores throughout the Bay. Open 7 days from 8 am to 10pm.

• Trader Joe’s American chain of medium surfaces of another type, unclassifiable! Generally friendly cashiers all wear Hawaiian shirts, and all labels and signboards are handwritten. Products imported from Europe and France (cheese, wine, frozen), wide range of organic products and kosher products. Frozen radius very well stocked and reminiscent of a Picard. Excellent and cheap wine. Only downside the bread bakery: little choice of fresh bread and bread under plastic is poor, with the exception of Pascal bread (same manufacturer as La Boulange). 4 stores in San Francisco.

49 • Andronico’s Wide variety of food and non-food products at prices often higher than other supermarkets, good quality fresh produce and good selection of wines from around the world in an organized and clean environment (the fruit and vegetable department is a feast for the eyes!). Also note the catering service and small radius of well presented kitchenware. 1200 Irving Street, Inner Sunset. Free parking. • Mollie Stone’s Medium-sized surfaces with all the basic products of major brands and organic products of good quality (including bread, meat and fish). 8 stores in the Bay Area, including 2 at SF: Pacific Heights and Twin Peaks. Different opening times for the 2 stores: One in Pacific Heights, the other in Castro Valley. • Costco Huge warehouses for professionals accessible to individuals (after the purchase of a membership card often profitable) where the products are sold in large quantities and at low prices. Very convenient if you arrive from France only with your luggage or your move has not arrived yet. There are all the accessories of good quality for the home at competitive prices: cutlery, glasses, plates, small household appliances, TV, DVD players ... and cheap food products, some imported from Europe. The price of gas is also very interesting. Open 7 days, from 10h to 22h30 on weekdays and until 6pm the WE.

â&#x20AC;˘ Rainbow Grocery Mecca of organic and local products at affordable prices. The store alone is worth a look. Bulk for spices, teas and dried fruits. 1745 Folsom Street, SoMa-Mission. Open from 9 am to 9pm daily.

â&#x20AC;˘ Safeway American supermarket chain very present in San Francisco. Convenient, open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, free parking. Food and non-food products of the major American brands, organic products under its brand "O Organics" and shelf organic fruits and vegetables cheap. Fresh products (meat, fish) of average quality. Ask for the free Safeway Club card to take advantage of current promotions, which are often very interesting.

Source: Lost in SF

FARMERS MARKETS San Francisco is one of the most "European" cities in France, you will probably find a market on which to do your shopping not far from you. Here the friendliest ones on which you will probably meet some girlfriends!

FURNITURES The site "Lost in Sf" offers a list of contemporary furniture & design shops adapted to European tastes, you can consult it here. And also: ●

9th Street Designer Clearance: Very nice furniture at attractive prices, SoMa.

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Super Simple: Very nice store, friendly staff. 15th St, San Francisco

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Pottery barn: In an american country cottage style. This shop also has very nice furniture & decorative items.

Online you will also find beautiful things at attractive prices, here are some examples: ● Wayfair ● Dot and Bo ● Joss and Main ● CB2 ● West Elm ● Houzz

GARDENING & HOME IMPROVEMENT • Lowe’s : The supermarket DIY store. • Home depot: The biggest local DIY brand. • Orchard Supply Hardware: Another DIY brand, smaller in size and often more expensive.

ARTS & CRAFTS These shops offer all kinds of materials to realize your projects: •

Michael’s : creative leisure supermarket, decorative items, party items, but also materials to make models, remote controlled toys, etc ...

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Blick Art Materials : All the material needed to draw, paint, carve & frame.

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Flax Art & Design: Painting, drawing, sculpture, painting, engraving, creative hobby kits and much more.

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Artist & Craftsman Supply: Sculpture, painting, sewing, knitting, creative hobby kits for children, etc ...

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Britex Fabrics: Fabrics, buttons, ribbons, lace, patterns etc ... A must see for the creative!

SPORTS EQUIPMENT Here are the main stores in San Francisco: ●

Decathlon : the famous French company has just opened a first shop on Market st.

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Sports Basement : large area of local sport, rental of ski equipment in winter.

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REI: Hiking, camping, cycling & climbing are their specialties. Outstanding consultants and very good quality articles.

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Big Five Sporting Goods: Smaller but well-stocked shop .. You will also find all the basic equipment as well as fishing and camping gear. Good selection of hiking shoes for the whole family.

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Dicks Sporting Goods: The other big sports area, the nearest store is in Daly City.

FRENCH PRODUCTS Here are some shops distributing among others french products: •

Costco : according to the arrivals & duck seasons, selection of cheeses. Compulsory membership.

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Safeway: selection of cheeses, Lu biscuits, condiments & pickles Maille, french wines.

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Trader Joe's: Raclette cheese in winter, orangina, French wines.

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World Market: French wines and beers, nougats, sweets, condiments, selection of biscuits, etc ... you will also find Easter and Christmas chocolates but no fresh products.

BOOK SHOPS Here are some bookstores that you will not regret visiting: •

Green Apple Books : Two shops, the largest on Clement St, the other more modest at Sunset. A very nice selection of books.

•

Black Bird Bookstore : Very friendly staff, very nice children's department and original selection. Open every day from 10h to 19h. Outer Sunset.

TOURISM Feel free to visit the San Francisco Tourism Office, brochures in French are available and you will find many tips & information on current events: 900, Market Street. California is a great place to discover nature! Walking, fishing, cycling and in winter snow sports definitely occupy your winter.

USEFUL LINKS -

Visit California

SF Travel

SF Bay Area visit

Trips To Discover

NOT TO MISS ●

Attend a Sunday Mass at the Glide Memorial Church for the pleasure of the ears, the gospel songs are fantastic. An experiment ! Every Sunday 9h & 11h. A short walk to the Powell Street BART station. Arrive 30 minutes early if you want seating. 330 Ellis Street at Taylor, San Francisco.

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Visit the famous island & prison of Alcatraz. During the school holidays the visits are taken by storm, take care to book well in advance to avoid disappointments.

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Lombard street: Known for its endless zigzags this street is totally atypical, if you are accompanied by young children or old people the best is to arrive from the top to enjoy the view without suffering.

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Fisherman’s Wharf: The perfect place to spend a sunny day, eat a clam chowder at Boudin Bakery, buy souvenirs & admire seals & sea lions.

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The Painted Ladies : These colorful Victorian houses typical of San Francisco attract thousands of visitors every year.

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Celebrate Halloween at Belvedere: On October 31st from 5pm, you will be able to admire the decorations and the magnificent costumes in this pedestrian street, which each year redoubles with imagination to impress visitors.

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Attend a roller Disco night in a church: Each week the Church of eight wheels in San Francisco organize Disco nights with roller. Two different times on fridays, from 5 to 7pm: all ages / Fridays from 8pm to 12am. Saturday: Family session from 3 to 5pm, adult session only from 7pm to 11pm.

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Dia de los Muertos : Since 30 years San Francisco celebrates the dead with an annual procession strongly inspired by Mexican traditions. The departure takes place at the corner of 24th & Bryant, San Francisco Mission District to reach Garfield Park at 8:30 pm at the corner of 26th & Harrison.

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Gay pride : Known around the world parade of San Francisco. From Market Street, Embarcadero to Civic Center. San Francisco Pride is one of the oldest and most impressive in the world. More than 100,000 spectators every year and no less than 30 troops are expected each year. To find out more it's here.

PLACES OF WORSHIP To learn more about the churches and religious services of San Francisco in French, check out this site very well done and updated regularly here. To consult the list of synagogues of different currents, check on www.mavensearch.com) For information on Mosques & Prayers: www.islamsf.org

RECOMMENDED BY THE COMMUNITY Here are some contacts that may be useful to you, all advised by parents of the LycĂŠe FranĂ§ais.

CITY GUIDE Praised by the French community Gilles offers many tours of the city. In group or on a personal visit Gilles will make the visit pleasant for all the family ! To contact him: (415) 509-4850 or use this link.

FRENCH CLASSES Need of french classes ? Laurence Delahaye will be the one ! All levels, group or individual classes, on Skype or in person. Contact: la.delahaye@gmail.com

EVENTS INFOS Do not miss the cultural events that punctuate the year San Franciscaine subscribe to the newsletter, you will not regret it ! Nathalie does all the work for you, a mine of info just here.

This guide was produced on a voluntary basis by the Parents Association of the French School. We hope that it will be useful to you and that you will find answers to your questions. If you want to add a good address, advice or ask a question do not hesitate to contact us: lesamis@lelycee.org Kindly yours, Les Amis