KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
The social emotional well-being of our students is an essential priority for our school district. In our Strategic Plan, we speak to the importance of inspiration and connection, which aligns to our goal of supporting EVERY learner to increase their sense of belonging within our school community. At Bacich our staff start each day with a Morning Meeting where children are able to build relationships and community within their classroom setting. At Kent, advisory is designed to provide an opportunity to learn about oneself and others, as well as share in problem solving, build relationship skills, grow social awareness, and celebrate successes.
These intentional actions are honorable ways our team of educators are prioritizing the well-being of our students so they are able to fully engage in their school learning! We are quite lucky to have these supports embedded in our children’s daily learning.
Take Good Care,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
Celebrate Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration of Latinx and Hispanic Americans. We honor Hispanic and Latinx history and traditions, while celebrating their influence on and enrichment of American culture.
This book list features nonfiction and fiction by and about Latinx and Hispanic authors and characters from all over the world.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Thursday, September 23, 2021
- English Learner Family Resource Night, 6-7 p.m., in-person
Sunday, September 26, 2021
- KIK Family Fun Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
- LCAP/Strategic Plan Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
- Bacich Principal Chat, 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Thursday, September 30, 2021
- KSD Annual Calendar Meeting (2022-23), 3:45-4:45 p.m., Zoom
Friday, October 1, 2021
- Student Vaccine Verification Due
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m.
District Announcements
Save the Date: International Walk to School Day – Wednesday, October 6
Parents, please tell your students to “Get Their Move On!”
If they Walk, Bike, or Skate to School on Wednesday, October 6, they can enter a raffle for prizes — Tommy Breeze hats and Tuttimelon Gift cards! If you live too far, drive part way, PARK and let them WALK 10 minutes to campus. Walking and Biking is good for their health, it reduces pollution and traffic, and it’s FUN!
Event sponsored by Safe Routes to Schools
- View flyer in English and Spanish
- Safe Routes to School Printable Community Maps
Student Vaccination Verification – Deadline Approaching, October 1
In alignment with Public Health guideline #30, the KSD is requesting vaccination verification of all students who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Parents/Guardians may submit verification digitally HERE.
The KSD staff will be proactively confirming vaccination to publicly post KSD’s student COVID vaccine rate no later than October 1, 2021. Please note that no personal identifiable information will be shared.
COVID Communication Exposure & KSD COVID Dashboard:
The Kentfield School District is following protocols from the Marin County Office of Education and the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services for scenarios and actions related to COVID-19 exposures and cases.
The Marin Schools Public Health COVID-19 Exposure Protocols for various scenarios can be found HERE. We recognize the situation with COVID-19 continues to adjust, thus KSD will update processes and procedures accordingly. Please reference the Marin County Decision Tree for Vaccinated and Unvaccinated individuals for additional guidance. To reference exposure cases for the KSD visit our KSD Dashboard webpage.
All on-campus volunteers must be vaccinated. If you are volunteering on campus working with children in any capacity, please complete the KSD’s vaccination verification process before you come to campus.
Rewarding Job Opportunity
Are you interested in part time work in a school setting? Do you enjoy working with small groups of students?
If so there are two ways you can engage in this type of work. Apply for an open Classroom Paraprofessional position or sign up to be a substitute for the Kentfield School District. We need to build our pool of paraprofessionals and substitute teachers. If you are interested in either of these roles please reach out to rrose@kentfieldschools.org or follow the directions below.
Lunch Ordering
Information on how to order with School Foodies
Would you like to apply for our Free and Reduced Lunch program?
- More information is here.
- If you have any questions, please email Cyd Amaral or call 415-458-5130, extension 9.
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
September 14, 2021 School Board Meeting Video Recording
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 5-8 p.m., Zoom, agenda
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
District Committees
- Equity & Inclusion Committee: September 21, 2021, 4-5 p.m., agenda
- LCAP/Strategic Plan Committee meeting: September 28, 2021, 4-5 p.m.
- Annual Calendar Meeting (2022-23): September 30, 2021, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- Board Technology Committee meeting: October 13, 4-5 p.m.
- Board Finance Committee meeting: October 19, 4-5 p.m.
Marin Public Health Update
Watch the Marin Public Health Update for Schools from September 14, 2021 on the Rethinking Schools website.
Bacich Bears News
Happy Monday Bacich Bears!
Hope you are all doing well. Things here at Bacich have been exciting as ever. Today we officially opened the Gaga pit and the students were thrilled to finally get in there to play. The previous school I worked at did not have a Gaga pit, so I am learning the rules right along with the students, something I am greatly enjoying.
Music Spotlight
Students are working on folk songs, games, and activities in music. In our modified chorus they get to experience what it’s like to be in an ensemble. Some remember from their previous years before the pandemic and for some this will be their first time.
Please enjoy this video of first grade doing a doing a routine with rhythm sticks in their music class.
Library Spotlight
The library will be showcasing books for Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15th and runs through October 15th
Looking for a good book series for your student? The Library Homepage has a selection of series book selections by grade for interested parents. Visit sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library/ for more information.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is up and running! It can be found outside the main gate, feel free to stop by before or after school. Huge shout-out to Jessica Babb for helping us get this organized!
Walk & Roll to School
Each week Car line looks better and better, thanks to the patience and support of both those using car line and the volunteers working it. As the school year continues to proceed, we are seeing more and more students who are walking and biking to school. October 6th is International Walk and Roll to school day, which we are incredibly excited to participate in! We also highly encourage anyone who is able to walk or bike to school on a daily basis to do so, especially since it is great for the environment and keeps you out of the carline wait.
Want to park and walk? These community maps are a great resource for showing the best routes to school from our many neighborhoods, along with places to park and walk.
Wishing you all a great week!
Kristine Duran
Bacich Vice Principal
kduran@kentfieldschools.org
Staff Introductions
This week we are highlighting Ms. Andrea Cashman, Bacich School Counselor. Ms. Cashman joins us with close to 30 years of experience working with youth. Prior to coming to Kentfield she served as support staff at Glenwood Elementary school in San Rafael and previously worked with youth in community based organizations and as a school counselor and special education teacher.
Read on to learn more about her approach to supporting students’ well-being and sense of belonging in our school community.
Dear Bacich Community,
It is truly my pleasure to serve as your school counselor. My main duty is to help our students with anything that gets in the way of their learning. I accomplish this by role modeling on the playground during recess, teaching monthly guidance lessons, seeing individual and small groups of students, and consulting and collaborating with staff. If a student is in need of more intensive support, I would refer him/her out to a community resource.
“Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention, and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career, and social/emotional development, which serves as the foundation for future success.” (American School Counselor Association)
Currently, we are working on remembering and practicing being kind and a good friend. Some of us are a little rusty after being home for part of the year last year. Recess can be a challenging time as it is unstructured and everyone is very excited to be together finally. It is my hope that families can talk about positive actions and behaviors on the playground.
The Golden Rule underlies all of our lessons. Last month for the guidance lesson, we focused on the role of the counselor and the requirements of feeling safe, respected, and welcome in order for learning to happen. Ask your child about our poster contest called “All are Welcome.” As we refine and improve our counseling program, I will share our goals and objectives in the Counselor’s Corner in the newsletter.
If you have a concern or question, please feel free to call (415-925-9220 x 255) or email (acashman@kentfieldschools.org ) any time.
Sincerely,
Andrea Cashman (aka Ms A)
Bacich School Counselor
Reminder — Electronic Devices/Cell Phones, etc.
Per our Bacich Handbook cell phones and other electronic devices brought to school are to be turned off and stored in student backpacks. This includes wearable technology such as FitBits, Apple Watches, and Gizmos.
Calling or texting during the school day to and from any person, including parents, is prohibited.
Wednesday, September 29: Bacich Principal Chat, 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Monday, October 4: KIK 3rd & 4th Grade Family Social, 1-3 p.m., Hal Brown Creekside Park
Wednesday, October 6: Bacich English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC), 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Monday, October 10: KIK Kindergarten Family Social, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Hal Brown Creekside Park
Monday, October 18: Bacich Site Council Meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Bacich Library
The Bacich Library is open every morning, snack recess, lunch recess, and after school.
How to Check Out Books
- Visit: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
- Click on the Alexandria Library Catalog (to look up books). Your message might say, "Your connection is not fully secure." Click the box on the left that says "advanced" NOT "back to safety."
- Scroll down and click on "proceed to bacich.goalexandria.com (unsafe)." It is safe.
- This will bring you to the search page. You can search by author, title, series, subject or all words.
- If you don't know what to read, find ideas by continuing down to the second line to "Explore" to discover Most Popular – what your friends are reading, What's New and Award Winners.
- Watch this how to video if you are having problems.
Bacich Library Book Buzz: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Check out Ms. Warnick's blog for valuable information about the library, volunteering, and what classes have been working on in the library.
Don't miss Ms. Warnick's recommendations for Hispanic Heritage Month, now through October 15.
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Community,
Expectation Talks — Over the first weeks of school, Assistant Principal Wendy Holmes and I led Expectation Talk presentations with students at each grade level. These classroom discussions have two primary objectives: First, to build connection and rapport between our students and our school administrators, and second, to remind students of expected behaviors as members of our school community. During Expectation Talks we highlight some key areas from our Kent Middle School Student and Parent Handbook, to explain the rationale and importance behind our most essential school rules, and to ensure that all students know their responsibilities, and the responsibilities of the schools staff around them. I have highlighted some of the most essential points from our Expectation Talks below for your reference.
- School Climate — We all contribute to the positive school climate at Kent. The ways we interact with one another, the language we choose to use, and the mindset we employ while on campus all contribute to the way it feels to be present in our school community.
- Academic Expectations — In learning environments, students engage with their teachers and their peers, participate often, and contribute to a climate of learning and growth in each one of our classrooms.
- Student Belongings — Students keep all belongings in their lockers (6th, 7th, 8th) and on their backpack hooks (5th). Students plan ahead for upcoming classes on their schedule and arrive on time to each class with the materials they need to be successful.
- Electronic Devices — All personal electronic devices are safely stored away in lockers/backpack hooks from 8:15 a.m. to the end of each school day, without exception.
- Campus Care — We all pick up after ourselves, and we recycle, compost, or throw away our own garbage. We keep the spaces around our desks and lockers clean of miscellaneous debris, and we even pick up trash that may have been left behind by others.
Ms. Holmes and I thoroughly enjoyed the classroom time spent with our students discussing the ways we all contribute to a school climate we can enjoy, each and every day. Thank you for your partnership at home to reinforce the positive contributions your child can make to our school climate!.
Volunteer Opportunities — We love our parent volunteers, and are pleased to share two helpful volunteer opportunities currently accepting sign ups at Kent! Please see the announcement below for more details.
Thank you for the many ways you contribute to our school!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Friday, October 1: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, October 5: Kent Site Council Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6: Kent All School Read begins & KIK Kent Family Social, 1:15-3 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities at Kent
Would you like to contribute to emergency preparedness at Kent?
- Please consider signing up to join a team of volunteers who will help to organize the materials for our student release process, in the event that we ever need to release students during the school day due to an emergency. Sign up for this team through this link!
Are you available in the mornings or afternoons to help keep our driveway safe?
- Please email the KSPTA Vice President of Kent, Katharine O’Brien (katobrien22@gmail.com) to sign up for a morning or afternoon slot to direct traffic during drop off/pick-up.
Announcing Kent's All School Read for 2021!
Someone Like Me by Julissa Arce
A remarkable true YA memoir from social justice advocate and national bestselling author Julissa Arce about her journey to belong in America while growing up undocumented in Texas.
- Kent's popular annual tradition of an All School Read will happen the weeks of October 6 and 13.
- Author Julissa Arce will visit Kent virtually on October 21.
- Pick up the book at Book Passage (mention you are from Kent) or at the library. Or just listen as your teacher reads it, although we encourage all students to get a copy of the inspiring book.
Check out some of our Kent stars in their matching stripes!
Principal Grant Althouse, Assistant to the Principal Lisa Sandberg, and Vice Principal Wendy Holmes
KIK News
SAVE THE DATE — CAKE, LIVE MUSIC, AND GAMES, OH MY!
Sunday, September 26 | 10am - 2pm
Enjoy a day of FUN at Bacich with the entire family!
- Community CAKE SPIN contest - Enter your favorite sweet treat!
Sign up to bring a sweet creation. - LIVE MUSIC w/ the Jojo Diamond Band & Tie Die Blues Band
- FUN for Everyone: Bouncies, Climbing Wall, Carnival Games, Field Games, and Photo Booth, *NEW* Schafer Games!
- FOOD for purchase: grab a burger or grilled chicken, Sno-cone, and popcorn
- Entry is $10/person or $30/family — Pre-purchase Tickets Now
- Can you help with the FUN? Sign up to VOLUNTEER to help support our schools—the smiles make it worth it!
- Thank you to our sponsors and organizers
*THIS IS A MASK-REQUIRED EVENT (indoors and outdoors)
DINE & DONATE: TUES 9/21
LEFT BANK GIVES 20% WITH EVERY KIK FAMILY MEAL
Every Tuesday Left Bank creates a KIK family dinner for $50 and donates 20% back to our schools.
Opt in to get a weekly email reminder to order and follow us on Facebook & Instagram for menu updates.
UPCOMING MENU:
- 9/21 Chicken or vegetarian paella with caesar salad, steamed broccoli, mac and cheese
- 9/28 BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, salad verte, spinach sautéed with garlic
ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”
BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
As a prominent member of Sotheby’s Top Agent Network, Allison provides her clients with access to premier properties often before they reach the open market or MLS. Her clients appreciate that she listens closely to all concerns and needs.
Bitsa is extremely knowledgeable about Marin County as a life-long resident and has endless resources and contacts to help you during your buying or selling process. She loves working with people and her upbeat attitude and support is crucial, making your entire real estate experience a delight.
Now celebrating almost 3 decades in real estate, Andrew works to develop meaningful and trusted long-term relationships with his clients. Andrew expertly guides every aspect of the property sale.
Jenn and Elliott work, live, and play in the same communities we all call home. They ask the right questions to find your dream home and their longstanding relationships in the community are integral to your home purchase or sale.
——————————
Interested in becoming a KIK Business Partner in Education? All of our partners support our Bacich and Kent schools through various levels of sponsorship. Contact Laurie today at (415) 458-5140.
UPCOMING KIK COMMUNITY EVENTS - Save the dates!
SEPT. 26 - KIK FAMILY FUN DAY
featuring Community CAKE SPIN contest & game
OCT. 3 - Family Social, 3rd & 4th grade
Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 1:00p - 3:00p
OCT. 6 - Student Social, 5th - 8th grade
Kent Middle School, 1:15p - 3:00p
OCT. 10 - Family Social, Kindergarten
Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 10:00a - 12:00p
OCT. 17 - Family Social, 1st & 2nd grade
Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 1:00p - 3:00p
CONNECT WITH KIK
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — September Update
Only 3 weeks into the school year and already an incredible fundraising start for our Bacich and Kent schools! Thank you to our Family Giving Donors and Business Partners for their support of our students and the programs they love. Can we add your name to this list?
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $186,080 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
Thank you to the 51 Family Giving Donors who are committed to our students and have kik’ed off the 2021-22 giving!
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Next KSPTA Meeting: Monday, October 4, 7-8 p.m.
Volunteers needed at Kent and Bacich
Calling all KSD family members - we need your help with lunch ! We have many open volunteer spots at Bacich and Kent every day. Serving lunch is an all volunteer run program. The more volunteers we have, the better we can serve lunch quickly and efficiently to our students so they can eat and get on to what they really want to do — play!
Please consider a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly schedule. It's a great way to meet other parents and get a glimpse of your child during lunchtime. The Bacich kids especially love seeing their parent/guardian there and often come give them a hug!
Please sign up below:
Bacich Kindergarten
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fa8aa2ca6f85-bacich3
Bacich 1st-4th grades
www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fa8aa2ca6f85-bacich2
Become a KSPTA Member!
Being a member of the Kentfield Schools PTA is the most effective way to support programs in our schools like teacher stipends, art and PE supplies, community education events, and more.
Membership does not require volunteer hours or any other obligations. Membership dues are $25 for an individual and $100 for a family.
Connect with KSPTA!
Community News
Information, events, and news provided in our newsletter's "Community News" is offered as service to our community, and are not sponsored by the Kentfield School District. Placement does not represent an endorsement.
St. Anselm CYO Basketball (4th-8th Grade)
After last season’s hiatus, we are excited to re-start the program for the upcoming 2021-2022 season of CYO basketball. Registration is now open at stanselmcyo.com and evaluations will be held in mid-October.
Given limited space in the program, please register now to ensure a spot on the team.
Practices will begin in November and the season kicks off with the first games scheduled for the weekend of January 8-9, 2022.
As always, we are looking for parent volunteers to coach. We are also looking for a parent volunteer to organize the third grade program (instructional league). Contact St. Anselm CYO if interested or with any questions: stanselmcyo@gmail.com.
Crossing Guards are Needed for This School Year!
Join the team of crossing guards in Marin County and protect the safety of our children as they bike and walk to and from school. The Transportation Authority of Marin is working with the Crossing Guard management firm, All City Management Services, to hire dedicated individuals to take part in this critical public safety role. They are seeking crossing guards throughout Marin with an emphasis on positions in Southern Marin and Novato. Must be 18 years or older. Seniors are welcome!
- Contact Regional Manager Alan Stone 415-844-0223.
- View flyer to learn more.
- Visit acmssafety.com/careers for more information or to apply.
TAM’s crossing guard program was first implemented in 2006 with 54 crossing guards and has grown to 100 locally funded crossing guards. Funding is provided by Marin’s local ½-cent transportation sales tax and the local $10 vehicle registration fee.
Marin Health Hubs
Health hubs, we provide free and bilingual services such as food distribution, nutrition education, health screenings, and information about community organizations.
Food pantry items are provided by the SF-Marin Food Bank and by the ExtraFood.org Program, and the health screenings are provided by our wonderful nurses!
Everyone is welcome to attend the health hubs food pantry and to help us run it!
Parent & Youth.Helpline
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