Kentfield School District News
Please be sure to read the Site Administration Letter and Complete the Second Trimester Learning Survey.
Dear Kentfield School District Community,
As we begin this holiday week the Kentfield School District (KSD) would like to extend a safe and peaceful holiday to each and every member of our KSD community. We recognize the last number of weeks and months have been a challenge, yet as obstacles have come before us we have found ways to band together and overcome the hurdles on behalf of our students, staff and families.
We are grateful for the collective commitment to our school district and the guidance of our local public health during this holiday season. We know working together to minimize the spread of the virus and taking all the precautions necessary will allow us to continue to offer our students a rich educational experience where they can thrive and be well.
Wishing You all a Wonderful Holiday Break!
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
Important Message from School Administration - Trimester 2 Planning
Please read this entire message for important information regarding student attendance intentions for the second trimester of the 2020-21 school year (November 20, 2020-March 12, 2021).
Following the Thanksgiving holiday, the district will continue offering two distinct learning options Hybrid Learning and Distance Learning only. The below description outlines what can be expected in each learning format.
Hybrid Learning:
- Students spend some of their time learning in-person at school, and some of their time learning from a distance.
- Students are assigned to one of two cohorts - Cohort A or Cohort B. Every effort will be made to keep siblings in KSD in the same cohort group.
- Students follow the same schedule they have been following since the start of the school year, regardless of in-person or from a distance.*
- Students who sign up for Hybrid Learning are expected to attend in person school each day their cohort is assigned, with exceptions only for excused absences.
- Cohort A will attend in-person for one week while Cohort B learns from a distance, the next week Cohort B will attend in-person for one week while Cohort A learns from a distance. The alternating week schedule will persist through the full second trimester.
- Currently, there is a maximum cohort size of eight (8). If the number of students seeking hybrid instruction exceeds this maximum, cohorts will need to be divided into sub-cohorts A1/A2 and B1/B2, with 2 or 3 days on campus for each sub cohort for their in-person week. When the cohort size is increased to twelve (12), cohorts will not be required to divide into sub-cohorts. The reason for this parameter was shared in last week’s KSD-KTA common message.
Distance Learning:
- Students follow the same schedule they have been following since the start of the school year.*
- Students will remain in Distance Learning only for the full duration of the trimester, with the option of transitioning to Hybrid Learning only as space allows.
*The Hybrid and/or Distance Learning schedule may be adjusted to accommodate changes to KSD’s instructional approach, families will be notified of these changes prior to any implementation of a new schedule.
In order to plan accordingly, please complete a Second Trimester Learning Survey by Monday, November 30th at 3 p.m. Your choice is a commitment for the full second trimester, unless KSD alters its instructional model and schedule, at which point you would again be surveyed regarding which learning option is best for your child/family.
Please do not hesitate to contact your school principal with any questions you may have about the learning options for the second trimester.
KSD Second Trimester Intent Form:
Upcoming Events
*For security, Zoom links and passwords for events are not posted on the District website, and are sent through ParentSquare.
Daily: Virtual Crossing Guard with Ms. Stephens, 7:55-8:30 a.m., Zoom
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
- Trimester 1 ends
November 25-27, 2020: Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday, November 27, 2020
- KSD COVID-19 Testing deadline - see announcement below for details
November 30-December 4, 2020: Distance learning for all learners
Monday, November 30, 2020
- Trimester 2 begins
- Second Trimester Intent Survey due by 3 p.m.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Zoom
- District English Language Learners Committee (DELAC) meeting, 6-7 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
- Last day to support Bacich community service project by donating a copy of Michael Tyler’s picture book: The Skin You Live In.
Thursday, December 3, 2020
- Districtwide COVID-19 testing
- Participants must be registered in advance.
- Kent Sign Up, Bacich Sign Up, and COVID-19 Testing Paperwork
- KSPTA Parent Ed: Parent Education: Parenting in the Pandemic for Bacich Families, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom
Monday, December 7, 2020
- Hybrid Instruction resumes
- KSPTA meeting, 7-8 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
- School Board meeting, 5 p.m., public access via Zoom
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
- KIK Board meeting, 7:30-9 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020
- Equity & Inclusion Committee, 6 p.m.
- KSPTA Parent Ed: Parent Education: Parenting in the Pandemic for Kent Families, 8:15-9:15 p.m., online
- Click here for more information.
- Spanish Interpretation will be available.
District Announcements
COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Districtwide COVID-19 Testing: Thursday, December 3, 2020, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Kentfield School Districts is hosting COVID-19 Testing at Kent and Bacich on Thursday, December 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This opportunity is open and optional to the Kentfield-Greenbrae community. Per Public Health families are encouraged to have their child(ren) tested on this day or prior to returning for school based learning.
Please note, individuals uninsured are covered for this testing by the CARES Act, and insured individuals are covered without co-pay, cost sharing or deductible by Family First Coronavirus Relief Act.
If the insurance carrier were to deny a claim the lab will not bill the participant or school/district. While under a federal state of emergency insurance carriers cannot deny an individuals qualified COVID testing claim.
- Kent Sign Up
- Bacich Sign Up
- COVID-19 Testing Paperwork
- Sign-ups close Friday, November 27th.
Marin County COVID-19 Testing
Whether your family is insured or not there are free and easy testing options in our county.
Marin County Office of Education is working with Curative to offer a Pilot Community Testing program for students, family, and community members.
- Location: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection parking lot at 1100 Las Gallinas Avenue
- Monday, November 30, 2020, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, December 1, 2020 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Pre-registration and appointment is required at the following link: cur.tv/Marin
- View flyer in English and Spanish
Discover local case rates, trends, demographics, and resources to stay up to date with the status of COVID-19 in Marin at the Marin Recovers and Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Surveillance Update websites.
Book Donation to support Virtual Author’s Visit
Would you like to help spread the message of acceptance? Bacich students will have the opportunity to attend a school wide webinar on Dec. 3, 2020 with the author Michael Tyler. Students will create bookmarks to be delivered along with the donated books to underfunded schools in our community and the Bay Area. Please consider donating a copy of Michael Tyler’s picture book: The Skin You Live In.
- Drop off your book donation at the Bacich office by Dec. 2, 2020.
- Learn more about the project.
Thank you for your help and support!
The Bacich Social Justice Team
Save the Date!
Kentfield School District Budget 101
- December 16, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom Webinar–link will be forthcoming.
School Board & District Committees
- Board Meeting Highlights: November 10, 2020
- Board Meeting Video Archive
- Board Statements and Community Letters
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 5 p.m., Zoom
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
- Next Meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, 6 p.m.
Safe Routes to School
Bacich News
Kent News
Kent Hybrid Instruction Schedule:
November 30-December 4, 2020: Distance learning for all learners
Kent Second Trimester Learning Survey
- Please read the important message at the top of this newsletter for more information.
- Due Monday, November 30th by 3 p.m.
Kent Counselors Wellness Hub: Easily access resources to help navigate this challenging time. The Counselors at Kent Middle School are here for you!
Kent Library News
Got Books?!
If you have recently added some new book fair books to your shelf, it's likely you have some books to give away! If so, bring them to Kent for our book bags! We will be accepting new and gently used books for students in grades 5-8 to add to our grab bags of books. Thanks to all who have donated already. I estimate that we have given away over 500 books already! Wow!
Curbside Pick Up!!
If your child would like to check out a book from the Kent library, they may do so by emailing me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. I will pull the book, if it's available, and it will be on the cart by the gate with your child's name on it for one week. Returns can go on the same cart. Thanks!
All School Read Ahead!
In January, right after winter break, we will begin reading our all school read book for 2021, This Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equity. You may purchase this title through the Book Passage or the store of your choosing or check it out of the Kent library or your local public library. Students will be reading the book with their homeroom classes and are not required to have a book in hand, as we will be providing opportunities for listening to the book and in-class discussion. I do recommend you purchase a copy, as it's an incredible true story for the whole family. You can find more information here. On January 25th, we will welcome the authors Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy for a virtual visit!
Author Visit Ahead for Grades 6-8
On December 3rd, we will welcome authors Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs, authors of the Darkdeep series, for a virtual visit for grades 6-8. Thank you to Books Inc. and our KSD book fair team for organizing this special event!
Book of the Day Welcomes Submissions for Squawk Talk
Does your child have a book they just read that they can't wait to tell others about? Have them create their own Book of the Day segment for our daily Kent podcast, Squawk Talk! They can use this script to create their content and then record using a phone or an online tool like Vocaroo. Segments should be around one minute and can be emailed to me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. What are you reading?
Kent Yearbook Information
www.yearbookordercenter.com - code 7587
- For ordering help, call The Yearbook Order Center toll free at 866-287-3096 or email us at yearbookordercenter@herffjones.com. The Yearbook Order Center is open Monday through Friday, 8-a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST).
- Llama al 866-287-3096 si necesitas un operador en español.
KIK News
FAMILY GIVING FUNDRAISING — LET’S KIK THIS TOGETHER!
Family Giving donations contribute the largest portion—about 88%—of the $1M Annual Commitment to our schools. These funds are direct donations from our school families that help support educational opportunities and programs benefiting all Bacich and Kent students.
Learn How KIK is Committed to Kids
WATCH: A Message to Our Community
THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!
HEY KIDS! SUBMIT TO GRATITUDE JOURNAL - BY TUES, 11/24
KIK is hosting its first ever, online Kids’ Gratitude Journal as we’d love to hear what our students are thankful for!
- Every student of Bacich and Kent is welcome to complete an entry form.
- Want to send a drawing instead? Email drawings to events@kikschools.org.
- Submit entries no later than Tuesday, November 24 by 5 p.m.
AS EASY AS PUMPKIN PIE...
- Each submission will get an entry into a drawing to win one of six delicious Pumpkin Pies from SusieCakes.
- Pies will be delivered to winners’ front door Wednesday, November 25 — just in time for Thanksgiving. Can’t get any sweeter than that!
SAT. 11/28 – SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
Small Business Saturday is just around the corner and where better to shop for the holiday season than at your local retailer, grocery, and specialty store.
Please shop, dine and plan fun activities with the local businesses who partner with KIK to support our schools. Their partnership and donations are meaningful to our schools and we are grateful.
Be Festive, Shop Local! View KIK Business Partners Directory.
TUES 11/24 - KIK FAMILY MEALS WITH LEFT BANK, 20% TO KIK
Every Tuesday Left Bank will create a special family dinner for $50 and donate 20% back to KIK. Order now for pickup on Tuesday.
- Nov. 24: 4 chicken & 4 shrimp kabobs with hummus, flat bread, rice pilaf, and greek salad
- Dec. 1: Coq Au Vin with linguini pasta, green beans, and salad
Order online and select “KIK Family Meal.” The upcoming menus are posted on our website. Thank you!
Check out Left Bank’s Thanksgiving menu, both for take out and dine in with their 4-course Prix Fixe meal.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates on menus and reminders.
For any questions, please email events@kikschools.org.
MOLLIE STONE’S – TASTE THE SEASON!
Let Mollie Stone’s talented chefs create your perfect Thanksgiving dinner available for order through 11/23. Or, build your own masterpiece with their mouth watering turkeys, stuffing, cranberries and all the fixins’ for that special homemade touch.
Order from Mollie Stone’s by today
Whet your appetite with selections from their cheese and charcuterie sections and make sure to include seasonal fruits, flowers and decor for an ideal holiday presentation. And, don't miss their first class wine department.
Find more KIK business partners in the KIK Business Partners Directory.
Thank you for supporting local businesses that support our kids!
SCHOOLSRULE MARIN + KIK PARTNER TO HELP FUND AIR PURIFIERS
SchoolsRule-Marin is a coalition that raises funds for all public school students in Marin, and our Bacich and Kent kids are beneficiaries.
Through the SchoolsRule Marin partnership, KIK has been able to help fund Covid-19 safety-related equipment and support above and beyond what has already been provided by the state, county and district.
With SchoolsRule, KIK is helping to fund HEPA Air Purifiers for every classroom at Bacich and Kent. Thank you, SchoolsRule Marin!
ANNUAL COMMITMENT REPORT
KIK raises dollars toward the $1M Annual Commitment to help fund our Bacich and Kent schools. Various fundraising initiatives combine to fill this commitment to our students and schools including Family Giving, Spring Auction Event, and Partners for Education.
Get details on the $1M Annual Commitment.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT Fundraising Status : $288,755 / $1M GOAL
KSPTA News
Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, December 7, 2020, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Kentfield families and members will receive the Zoom link and password. If you do not receive the link, please contact info@kspta.org.
Parent Education: Parenting in the Pandemic
Best selling author of How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, Julie King,
- For parents of Bacich aged kids: December 3, 2020, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
- For parents of Kent aged kids: December 15, 2020, 8:15-9:15 p.m.
- Spanish Interpretation will be available.
- Zoom link to come via ParentSquare.
- Click here for more info!
Good news — existing Good Eggs customers can now help us meet our fundraising goals!
For the month of November, every order placed by a customer with the code bacichelemtday will earn us $5. (That's on top of the $25 we'll earn when new customers use the code bachichelem at check out).
- Note: there is no $ off for existing customers, but we still appreciate you using our code to give us money back!
So if you already love Good Eggs and their absurdly fresh groceries, now's the perfect time to snag your holiday groceries. Their Thanksgiving pre-order starts November 4th and their culinary team is cooking up all sorts of seasonal surprises, kits, and prepared foods to enjoy with your family (or your bubble). You can use the code bacichelemtday on every order you place during the month; just remember to add it on the check-out page.
Fine print: The code will expire at the end of November – so get your orders in this month! Good Eggs is also unable to retroactively add the code to your orders. Promo codes cannot be combined.
Thank You New PTA Members!
Thank you to those of you who joined during our Membership Month! There’s still time to join and support our schools.
KSPTA is proud to support Be The Influence!
To get up to speed and be in-the-know about adolescent substance use in Marin, consider joining Be the Influence (BTI), a parent education and support program on adolescent substance use in Marin. It started at Redwood High School and now has spread to all public and independent middle and high schools in Marin.
Check out their website and consider joining other Kentfield parents to be in-the-know and get effective parenting tips. You can make an optional BTI Parent Agreement or simply sign up to receive their bi-monthly newsletters Here is their October newsletter with the latest information on vaping and a November virtual parent education event. You may also follow BTI on Facebook. It’s never too early to get educated and start talking with your child about this important topic!
New School Lunch Program with School Foodies
Order online, pick up at Kent for the week. Choose which weeks you order, and order for the whole family!
- Sign up at schoolfoodies.com, registration code “bacich” or “kent”
- Find out more
- School Foodies pick up time: Mondays, 12-1:30 p.m. at Kent, except for when Monday is a holiday.
Distance Learning Resources at KSPTA
We are committed to supporting the Bacich and Kent communities with programs like the expanded Buddy System and more.
Visit the distance learning resources page to learn more. Suggestions and ideas are welcome at info@kspta.org.
Connect with KSPTA!
Website: kspta.org
Twitter: @KentfieldPTA
Instagram: kentfieldschoolspta
Facebook: Kentfield Schools PTA
Community News
2021 Season Registration Now Open
Ross/Kentfield/Greenbrae division of Marin Girls Softball for players aged 5-15.
- More information: view flyer or visit www.KentfieldGirlsSoftball.org
Parent Education: Parenting to Support Our Teens
Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 7 p.m.
In the third of six virtual community discussions that follow the chapters of Let's Talk: A toolkit for navigating teen substance use in Marin County, we will look closely at “Parenting to Support our Teen.”
The event moderator, Jaclynn Davis, authored the Let's Talk booklet. She received her Masters in Public Health and Social Work, and now focuses on adolescent health and youth development through her work with Huckleberry Youth Programs, local school districts, and teaching at Dominican University.
Guest expert, Jennifer Taylor, is the Founder of JET ED Consulting, a therapeutic academic consultation and consulting service. She is the Board Chair of the Therapeutic Consulting Association, a Board Member of Sky’s The Limit Fund and Founder of the Marin Chapter of Willows in the Wind. She volunteers with Horse Buddies, Bread & Roses and does pro bono work for Saving Teens. Ms. Taylor is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of San Francisco School of Law.
We will also hear from Laurie Dubin, the founder of Be the Influence - A parenting program which seeks to delay adolescent substance use and reduce rates of binge drinking, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other drug use in our communities. An attorney who retired from the practice of law to raise her three children (who all attended Redwood High School), Laurie graduated from The University of Michigan with a B.A. in Political Science and received a J.D. from Tulane Law School.
Sophie Taubman will share the youth perspective on this topic. Sophie is a Senior at HS 1327 and is a member of the Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships Youth Advisory Council. She is interested in studying Public Health, and specifically appreciates opportunities to involve herself in her local community. Sophie was instrumental in organizing the two documentary screenings for our community this year, The First Day Filmand Alcohol: The Magic Potion.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share ideas. We hope you can join us.
To get up to speed about adolescent substance use in Marin, consider joining Be the Influence (BTI). Be the Influence (BTI) is a parent education and support program on adolescent substance use in Marin. It started at Redwood High School and now has spread to all public and independent middle and high schools in Marin.
Check out their website and consider joining other MVMS parents to be in-the-know and get effective parenting tips.
You can make an optional BTI Parent Agreement or simply sign up to receive their bi-monthly newsletters
Here is their November newsletter that discusses Alcohol, Covid and the Holidays as well as a December 2nd virtual parent education event titled “Let’s Talk: Parenting to Support Your Teen (to register, click here).
You may also follow BTI on Facebook. It’s never too early to get educated and start talking with your child about this important topic!
College of Marin and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Construction Project Updates
- When using the crosswalk on College Avenue, please remember to activate the flashing signals. It is the only way the large construction vehicles exiting the driveway know that there are pedestrians in the crosswalk.
While the Corte Madera Library building is currently closed, you may request and return items, and find details about Curbside Service at marinlibrary.org.
Curbside Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursday 3-7 p.m.
Call our “Talk with a Librarian” number: 415-473-2272 Monday-Friday, 9-6 p.m. English and Spanish with any questions and information.
Book Bundles for Emerging Readers
We know many families are missing the ability to browse library shelves, so we’ve created a way to get some "surprise" books to you based on your child’s interests.
Each Book Bundle includes 10 books and you can choose the reading level that is right for your child. Get up to 3 bundles per family!
How to Request Book Bundles
- To request Book Bundles, please fill out this form , or call 415-473-2272, Monday-Friday, 9-6 p.m.
- Please allow 3-4 days for your request to be filled. You will be contacted by the branch when your order is ready for curbside pickup.
- Find out more: marinlibrary.org/book-bundles-for-kids
Audio Books
In case you have families or students asking about downloadable audio books, here is a short video tutorial that demonstrates how to use the Libby app to browse our online catalog and download titles. youtu.be/E0E_FPMl4m8
This free helpline provides free trauma-informed, evidenced-based emotional support to parents, children and youth in any language via calls, text, live chat, and email.
- Available 7 days a week from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Parents can join a Weekly Online Support Group through the website: caparentyouthhelpline.org.
- Helpline #: 855-427-2736
When shopping in-person or online at Book Passage, please remember to mention your school – a portion of every purchase goes directly to our schools!
- For online shopping, enter your school name in the comments field.