Kentfield School District News
Dear Kentfield School District Community,
On the heels of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the impact he has had on our community – we prepare for a transition at our nation's capital in welcoming a new president and our first female vice-president. This is truly a historical time that has presented us with unexpected challenges and celebrations. As I reflect on all that has transpired in the last twelve (12) months, I am excited and looking forward to the possibilities on the horizon for our KSD students, staff, and families. Please see district updates below!
Be Well,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
KSD and KTA Common Message
At last week’s KSD board meeting, KTA announced the ratification of a tentative agreement with KSD. The agreement focuses on working collaboratively to optimize our educational program while maintaining the safety and well-being of all. This week KTA and KSD are launching a joint workgroup with representatives from all grade levels, including enrichment teachers, specialists and our classified staff. Together we will develop plans for adjustments to our current hybrid model and prepare for a future transition to full in person instruction.
KSD and KTA agreed that no changes to the instructional model or cohort size will occur without mutual agreement from both parties. No further changes can occur until Marin County is in the Red Tier for two consecutive weeks. Our focus is to plan while we are in the Purple Tier for what may be possible in the Red Tier.
Hybrid Adjustments
Much has been learned over the last few weeks as we have implemented Hybrid Instruction. We are using our learning to inform adjustments to the current Hybrid program in an effort to enhance teaching and learning. A summary of adjustments are below:
- Cohorts that are not currently full, i.e. less than 12, have begun inviting additional students as an intervention strategy to accelerate student learning. This means that a student may be in Cohort A and B. Students invited to partake in both cohorts shall count this as two of the three permissible cohorts per public health.
- Physical Education is being re-worked to be offered in-person instruction with multiple cohorts that are clearly separated and not mixed.
- Staff schedules are being re-examined to optimize student supervision and guidance. We hope to increase support for students that may be learning remotely while their peers attending in-person are able to get more focused support from their classroom teacher.
Vaccination Update
Due to a special collaboration between Kaiser Permanente, Marin County Office of Education and the Marin County Public Health a special vaccination clinic was held this weekend. Approximately 1,300 educators received the vaccination in Marin County, and of those close to 50 were KSD staff. As the vaccination distribution continues we can anticipate more opportunities for our educators in the coming weeks.
Updated Resources & Reminders:
Updated State Guidelines on School Reopening
Site Specific Safety Protection Plan - Bacich & Kent (Updated Dec. 2020)
KSD Student & Family Handbook (Tier I - Stay-at-Home Version) - English - Spanish
Marin County Decision Tree Guidance - Tier I - Stay-at-Home Version
State Regional Stay at Home Order and Marin Stay at Home Order
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.
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
January 19-22, 2021: Resume Hybrid Learning – Cohort B in-person
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
- KIK New Bacich Families Zoom Event, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Monday, January 25, 2021
- KSPTA Meeting via Zoom, 7-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
- Citizens Oversight Committee meeting, 5-6 p.m.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
- Kent Site Council Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- DELAC meeting, 6-7 p.m.
District Announcements
COVID-19 Decision Tree Guidance - English & Spanish Version
Know when to stay home and what to do when you or your family don't feel well or have engaged in what is categorized as a high-risk activity (e.g., any mixing of households, non-essential travel).
Please keep this decision tree in a handy place or refrigerator for reference.
Homeless and Foster Youth Information
- Our website has been recently updated with information and resources for homeless and foster youth according to the McKinney-Vento Act, which defines homeless children and youths as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Marin County COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Public Health Testing – Curative: Marin County Public Health offers five-day a week communitywide Curative COVID Testing opportunities. Appointments will be opened 4 days prior to testing day. For more information click here.
Whether your family is insured or not there are free and easy testing options in our county.
School Board & District Committees
- Board Meeting Highlights: January 11, 2021
- Board Meeting Video Archive
- Board Statements and Community Letters
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, February 9, 2020, 5 p.m., Zoom
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
Budget 101 Presentation – Part 1 Recording, December 16, 2020
Safety Committee January 11, 2020 Agenda and Notes
- Next meeting: March 15, 2021, 10-11 a.m.
District English Language Learners Advisory Committee meeting: February 2, 2021, 6-7 p.m.
Safe Routes to School
Family Biking Live!
Want to share the joy and confidence of cycling with your kids?
Students, parents and guardians are invited to learn bike riding skills together at an INTERACTIVE, live webinar on Thursday, January 28, 6-7 p.m.
This free zoom workshop will help prepare students ages 7 through 11 for road riding, giving parents tips for how to ride with their youth. Families will learn bike and helmet fit, navigating the road legally and responsibly, and how to build confident, safe cyclists based on age appropriate development.
Sign up here.. Once you sign up, we’ll send you the zoom link. We look forward to seeing you. Questions? Please contact Matt@marinbike.org.
Learn how to get to school safely with these tips for Hybrid Instruction. (English | Spanish)
Bacich News
Kent News
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!
This month we are 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!
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
Calling all NEW Bacich Families
Special Event: New Bacich Family KIK Off
January 19, 2021 — 6:30pm — Register Today
- If you’re a new Kindergarten family or new to Bacich and have a child grades 1-4, please bring your family to this virtual event and join KIK board families to learn more about our amazing Bacich Enrichment programs.
- Learn from "veteran" students about a day in the life at Bacich with a Q and A session; get a mini-Zoom tour; and ask your questions about KIK.
- Join us for surprise guests and a drawing for fun prizes.
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.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT Status : $570,618 (net)
Get details on the $1M Annual Commitment.
FAMILY GIVING REPORT
- Reality Check 1: Based on historic trends at this point in the school year, we are currently behind by over $200k in donations.
- Reality Check 2: With a lower contribution from KIK, programs will likely get cut. Less programs means less opportunities for our kids.
- How do we prevent these cuts?
DONATE NOW
Give our kids a chance to return to the exceptional learning they deserve.
Help close the gap by donating today!
THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!
FRI 1/29: OREN’S HUMMUS DINE & DONATE
KIK is partnering with Oren's Hummus — SF2BAY's Weekly Pop Up for our newest Dine & Donate. 10% of sales will be donated to our schools.
Oren's Hummus, San Francisco and the Peninsula's best Meditteranean restaurant offers a full menu of family meals, kebabs, schnitzel, falafel, hummus, salads, and more.
TUES 1/19: 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.
- Jan 19: Chicken paella with salad verte, steamed broccoli, mac & cheese (call restaurant to order a vegetarian paella)
- Jan 26: Coq Au Vin with mashed potatoes, green beans, salad verte
ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”
*Check out this NEW Left Bank promotion that also gives back to KIK!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for menu updates / reminders.
Opt in today to get a weekly email reminder to order.
Questions? Email events@kikschools.org
KIK PARTNERS FLIPBOOK DIRECTORY
We’re excited to share the new KIK Business Partners Flipbook—an e-directory showcasing the local businesses that support our Bacich and Kent schools through KIK.
Check out the KIK Business Directory when looking for a market or restaurant, real estate, service, or retail business. Simply click on a business recognition ad to get directly to its website. Please support local businesses that support our kids!
KSPTA News
Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, January 25, 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.
January 21st Deadline to Volunteer for KSPTA Nominating Committe
KSPTA is an all-volunteer organization, and we’re always looking for new voices and leaders in our community. Our Nominating Committee works to identify and recruit leaders for roles ranging from the Executive Board to Bacich Halloween Parade coordinator. “Nom Com” meets (virtually this year) in February or March at least once, usually twice.
If you are interested in serving on this committee or becoming a leader in your KSPTA, please email president@kspta.org by January 21, 2021.
Clothing Donation/Collection Dates/Times:
All at Bacich Community Center
- Tuesday, January 19-Friday, January 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 20, 3-5 p.m.
Shop: Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Bacich Courtyard
Here's the full update for the KSPTA Kids Closet in our section:
Introducing the KSD Kids Closet. This new “shop” will allow our underserved students the opportunity to discreetly choose clothing they need and will be excited to wear. By meeting these basic needs of our students, we hope to boost their self-esteem and allow them to focus on their education. We will be accepting new and like-new clothing donations in January, which will then be provided free of charge in a shop on January 30.
Clothing Donation/Collection Dates/Times:
- All at Bacich Community Center
- Tuesday, January 19-Friday, January 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 20, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Shop: Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Bacich Courtyard
Donations:
- Please limit donations to 3 grocery or shopping bags per household.
- Label bags with sizing and gender when possible.
- Have questions about your donation? Please email Laura Harrison (laura@lessmessmorelife.com).
What we accept
- New/gently used clothing in excellent condition: jeans, sweatpants, shorts, t-shirts, tanks, long sleeve tops, hoodies/sweatshirts, coats and outerwearYouth Boys + Girls: Sizes 4T-20, Teen Boys: Tops size S - 2X, Bottoms size 28 - 40, Teen Girls: Tops size XS - 2X, bottoms size 0 - 20, Shoes in excellent condition
What we do not accept:
- Underwear, socks, swimwear, pajamas
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.
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, 12:15-1:30 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
Mindfulness Seminar Series
The Marin County SELPA Special Education Advisory Committee is hosting a four-part Mindfulness Seminar Series starting next week, January 21, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The seminar is free for Marin County parents and Spanish translation services are available, upon request with registration. Please see details below and the flyers attached (English and Spanish) for more details.
This introductory mindfulness webinar series will consist of four (4), one-hour virtual sessions across a 12-week period. Each webinar will combine didactic and experiential learning about specific aspects of mindfulness so that participants may learn mindfulness tools to help reduce stress.
Presenter: Blair McElroy, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Date(s): Four-part series - January 21st, February 11th, March 4th, and March 25th
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Parent Education: Teen Substance Use
Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships created Let's Talk: A Toolkit for Navigating Teen Substance Use in Marin County this past summer and sent it out to nearly 3000 local public high school freshman parents, pediatricians and therapists. In addition, we created a discussion series that focuses on each chapter in the book featuring experts in the field of parenting, development of the teen brain and information on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, prescription pills, mushrooms, experimentation and finding support.
Below are recordings of the first three discussions that have already taken place, along with registration for the next three discussions beginning in February 2021.
Our online community discussions follow the chapters of the Let's Talk booklet. If you missed the previous events, they are available to view at the links below. And you can register for the upcoming events now.
- What’s happening to your teen? (View Recording)
- What’s the big deal? (View Recording)
- Parenting to support our teens (View Recording)
- Uppers, downers and all-arounders - February 3, 2021 (Register)
- Legal and school consequences - March 3, 2021 (Register)
- Getting support and help - April 7, 2021 (Register)
Community Education: Confronting Antisemitism Virtual Workshops
Join us for this timely series of virtual workshops for parents, students, educators, administrators, and community members. Led by the JFCS Holocaust Center in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Beyond Differences, Echoes & Reflections, Facing History & Ourselves, JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth, and the Marin County Office of Education.
Series II: Taking a Stand: Rescue and Resistance During the Holocaust
This series will explore heroic individuals who stood up to Nazi discrimination during the Holocaust. These “upstanders” serve as an inspiration for our community. Holocaust survivors will join the workshops for families and teachers and school administrators via Zoom as guest faculty to inspire the participants with their first hand experiences.
- Thursday, January 21, 2021 Register here >
Teacher Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center with the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation - Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Student Workshop 10 – 11:15 a.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center - Thursday, February 3, 2021 Register here >
Family Workshop 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center - Thursday, February 25, 2021 Register here >
Teacher and School Administrator Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center
Online Author Event
New York Times bestselling Grace Lin author/illustrator of Year of the Rat and Year of the Dog
Saturday, January 23, 2021, 11-11:45 am
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
Annual Car Raffle to Benefit Special Education in Marin
The parent volunteers of Dedication to Special Education announce the 16th Annual Benefit Car Raffle! This year Toyota Marin has fully donated a 2021 Hybrid RAV4!
This raffle raises money for teacher grants, giving teachers the tools they need to improve access and learning opportunities for students receiving special education services.
Please go to www.specialed.org/raffle to reserve your tickets! The winning ticket will be pulled on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 3 p.m. All transactions must be completed by the drawing date and time: Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 3pm.
Each ticket is $25 (suggested donation) and every dollar helps Marin County’s special educators and their students. Thank you for your support! (415) 491-6636
¡Los padres voluntarios de Dedication to Special Education anuncian el 16o Sorteo Anual de Auto a Beneficio de los estudiantes de educación especial! ¡Toyota Marin ha donado por completo un RAV4 híbrido 2021!
Esta rifa recauda dinero para becas para maestros, brindándoles a los maestros las herramientas que necesitan para mejorar el acceso y las oportunidades de aprendizaje para los estudiantes que reciben servicios de educación especial.
¡Visite a www.specialed.org/raffle para reservar sus boletos! El sorteo será el sábado 6 de febrero de 2021 a las 15:00 horas.
Cada boleto cuesta $ 25 (donación sugerida) y cada dólar ayuda a los educadores especiales del condado de Marin y a sus estudiantes. ¡Gracias por tu apoyo! (415) 491-6636
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Project Update – Work Winding down in the Bacich area!
Starting January 18 through the end of the month, new traffic signal poles will be installed at Laurel Grove and Wolfe Grade and once done, the old traffic signals will be removed. The pork chop island at Wolfe Grade will be removed and some medians on SFD will undergo curb improvements once the old signal poles are out. Once completed (by end of January/early February), the majority of the construction work will be moving out of the Bacich area for an indeterminate (but long) time. The water main line work will continue, moving east from College, but should not affect pedestrians/sidewalk access. Please continue to take care, allow for extra time, and pay attention to any detours.
To receive updates throughout the construction process and for more information on Upgrade the Drake, please visit the project website atwww.upgradethedrake.com.
- 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.
Learning Resource Center Town Hall
We would like to invite you to join our community Town Hall on February 2 at 6 p.m. During the meeting the Design Team will share a brief summary of the Round 1 Design Values input, present Emerging Design Concepts and Interior Design Values, and close with Q&A.
Meeting details:
February 2, 2021
6-7 pm
https://g4arch.zoom.us/j/96956113432?pwd=REpyblduS1dBOEZxYlpnVU5HVnd4Zz09
Meeting ID: 969 5611 3432
Passcode: COMth
One tap mobile +16699009128,,96956113432# US (San Jose)
Please join the discussion and let us know what you think! If you have any questions please reach out to Isidro Farias at ifarias@marin.edu.
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