Kentfield School District News
Dear Kentfield School District Community,
As we close out a month of giving thanks and appreciation, we enter a time filled with magic, wonder, and joyful traditions. Although, these traditions may look very different this year, as a school community let’s all stay focused on the steps we need to take to provide our students with a positive and impactful educational experience.
COVID-19 in Marin
Prior to the Thanksgiving break our local public health offered clear guidance to safely celebrate during a pandemic. Many engaged in local celebrations with their immediate families, while others may have traveled or gathered with loved ones from afar. However folks celebrated, we must continue to do our part in minimizing the spread of the virus through following the public health risk reduction order. On November 16th the Blueprint for a Safer Economy “emergency brake” was pulled which moved counties across the state from the orange tier to more restrictive tiers of red or purple. As of November 28th, Marin continues to stay in the red tier, while our local data demonstrates an orange tier threshold. As we look more closely at the Kentfield case characteristic data, provided by Marin County Health and Human Services, we see substantially low rates of COVID-19 in our community overtime. All of this information clearly demonstrates that following Public Health guidance individually and collectively truly mitigates the spread and increases offerings for our community, which includes school-based instruction for our students.
Negotiations
The common message KSD and KTA provided on November 20th, offered new tentative agreements in supporting in-person learning for our students. At our next negotiations session on December 1st, we will address the timeline transition between Phase 4 to Phase 5, adjustments to our current Hybrid Instruction model, and plans for full in-person instruction. A common message about our December 1st, negotiations session will be shared by the end of the week.
Entering the final month of 2020, we must recognize the challenges and opportunities facing our community. As our governor outlined today, December will be a month when we must dig deep and do our best for our community. The month also presents us the opportunity to celebrate in new, creative ways. It was heartening to hear stories of Kentfield families starting new Thanksgiving traditions of outdoor adventures or learning to cook a turkey for the first time. With positive news on the horizon, we have much to look forward to in 2021–a new and rejuvenating year that I hope will be filled with health, happiness, and renewal!
Sincerely,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
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
November 30-December 4, 2020: Distance learning for all learners
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. Sign-ups closed November 27th. COVID-19 Testing Paperwork
- If you missed the sign-up deadline, please see other local testing options outlined in this newsletter.
- KSPTA Parent Ed: Parent Education: Parenting in the Pandemic for Bacich Families, 7:30-8:30 p.m., online
- Click here for more information.
- Spanish Interpretation will be available.
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
Monday, December 14, 2020
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
- Parent Partners meeting, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity & Inclusion Committee meeting, 6-7 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.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
- Budget 101 meeting, 7-8 p.m.
Friday, December 18, 2020
- Bacich and Kent, noon release
Winter Break: December 22-Jan 1, 2020.
District Announcements
COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Districtwide COVID-19 Testing: Thursday, December 3, 2020, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
*Participants must be registered to be tested. Sign-ups closed Friday, November 27th.**
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. If you missed the deadline for on-campus testing, please see below for other local options.
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.
- COVID-19 Testing Paperwork - for registered participants.
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
- 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
Safety Committee Agenda and Notes, November 16, 2020
Equity Committee meeting, December 15, 6-7 p.m.
Safe Routes to School
Learn how to get to school safely with these tips for Hybrid Instruction. (English | Spanish)
Safe Routes to School Alert - Wolfe Grade area
Work continues at the Northeast corner of Wolfe Grade (corner bulb out and island removal, traffic signal and guardrail work) and should be avoided by school traffic until further notice.
Laurel Grove/SFD intersection and the South side of SFD between Laurel Grove and McAllister now open.
Path is now open between Manor Road and Wolfe Grade and overpass is accessible.
Bacich News
Kent News
Kent Hybrid Instruction Schedule:
November 30-December 4, 2020: Distance learning for all learners
- Schedule after December 4th to be released later in the week.
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.
WATCH: A Message to Our Community
E-BIKE DONOR CHALLENGE
Power up your Family Giving with the KIK E-Bike Donor Challenge!
- Every family that donates through December 31st will be entered into a drawing for a Stromer ST1 Sport e-bike generously sponsored by Amanda Mulholland Real Estate and Marin Service Course.
- The Stromer ST1 is the ultimate in commuting e-bikes. Made in Switzerland, this e-bike combines quality craftsmanship, cutting edge engineering and app-based software. Retail value is $4200.
- Drawing Eligibility: Donate “The Family Ask” ($1800 per child) through December 31, 2020. You’ll be entered into the e-bike drawing held on January 11th, 2021. Questions? Email familygiving@kikschools.org.
- All donors who have already contributed at the Family Giving Ask will be automatically entered. Already donated and want to “power up” to the Family Giving Ask? We welcome your additional donation by December 31, 2020 and you’ll be entered into drawing. Thank you!
WHY GIVE NOW IN 2020-21?
- There are short-term and, most importantly, long term effects of falling short of our Annual Commitment to our Bacich and Kent schools. See Why Give Now?
- Missing the mark on Family Giving goals means our children missing out on opportunities that well-funded schools provide and that KSD kids have benefitted from in the 41-year history of KIK.
- It’s been a challenging 2020—Family Giving donations are down -33%.
Let’s secure our children’s quality education now and for years to come. Help close the gap by donating today!
TUES 12/1 - 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.
- Dec. 1: Coq Au Vin with linguini pasta, green beans, and salad
- Dec. 8: BBQ Ribs, mac and cheese, green beans, brussel sprouts
Order online and select “KIK Family Meal.” The December menu is posted on our website. Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates on menus and reminders.
Questions? Email events@kikschools.org.
HOLIDAY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Make it a MacRostie Holiday at home—stock your cellar with Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from MacRostie Vineyards, and order a couple gift packs for your closest friends.
SHOP + GIVE — PROMO CODE: KIK2020
25% of all purchases go back to KIK. Visit: macrostiewinery.com
Folio is your one-stop-shop for delightful holiday gifts and cards. Located in Larkspur, you’ll find stylish stationery and gifts with a sense of humor that will brighten any season. Beautiful complimentary gift wrapping available. Visit: folioinvites.com
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 : $323,975 / $1M GOAL
THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!
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
Could you use some fresh ideas for surviving the new demands of parenting during a pandemic?
Is there more whining, crying, fighting or defiance in your home (yours or your child’s)?
The KSPTA is happy to offer a FREE on-line event with Julie King, the acclaimed author of How To Talk So Kids Will Listen. Please join us and Julie King http://julieking.org for a talk about Parenting in A Pandemic.
In this one-hour online presentation, Julie King shares useful guidance and tools for parents who are doing their best to cope with the effects of the pandemic on home life. Her presentation is interactive, and includes topics such as:
- Children under stress: understanding typical behavior, and how to support children with shelter-in-place
- How to engage children's cooperation
- How to reduce the fighting
- Strategies for dealing with all the screen time!
- Time at the end is reserved for Q&A.
- Spanish Interpretation will be available.
- Click here for more info!
Dates:
- 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.
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 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 Kent 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!
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.
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.