KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Oh what a weekend, the colors of Fall are upon us and the KIK Family Fun Day was a fabulous success – from our Kent Falcons singing performance to climbers on the rock wall. Watching the various toss competitions and the exciting cake spin, community enthusiasm was palpable. Special thanks to our KIK Family Fun Day coordinators Allison Zweig and Noah Wheeler as well as the KIK Board and all the behind the scene volunteers – students and adults alike! Having this community event back in full swing with COVID style adaptations was an example of the strength and vibrancy of our KSD community. Check out some of these fun pictures highlighting the joy of the day!
With appreciation!
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.
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.
Monday, October 4, 2021
- Kent All School Read begins
- KIK 3rd & 4th Grade Family Social, 1-3 p.m., Hal Brown Creekside Park
- KSPTA General meeting, 7-8 p.m
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
- Kent Site Council Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- District English Learners Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting, 5-6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
- KIK Kent Student Social, 1:15-3 p.m., Kent blacktop
- Bacich English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC), 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Friday, October 8, 2021
- KSPTA Parent Information Session, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Monday, October 10, 2021
- KIK Kindergarten Family Social, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Hal Brown Creekside Park
District Announcements
Due This Friday – October 1 – Student Vaccination Verification
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.
International Walk to School Day – Wednesday, October 6
Get ready for International Walk to School Day!
Students who walk, bike, or skate to school on Wednesday, October 6 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
- Prepare for IWalk with a Bicycle Safety and Injury Prevention Webinar by Marin Health Medical Center on Thursday, September 30, 2021, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
For 21 years, IWalk has been a tradition for Safe Routes. It celebrates families' efforts to reduce traffic, create safer streets, improve air quality, make their kids fitter and more awake in the morning. Learn more about Safe Routes to School in their fall newsletter.
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.
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
- Annual Calendar meeting (2022-23): September 30, 2021, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- District English Learners Advisory Committee meeting (DELAC) meeting: October 5, 5-6:15 p.m.
- Bacich English Learners Advisory Committee meeting (ELAC), October 6, 2021, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Board Technology Committee meeting: October 13, 4-5 p.m.
- Board Finance Committee meeting: October 19, 4-5 p.m.
Marin Public Health & MCOE Updates
Wednesday, October 13, 2021, 6 p.m. (view flyer)
Public Health and Pediatrician Speaker Panel for Parents and Guardians
- Focus: Vaccinations for 5-11 year-olds and at-home testing
- Presented in English and translated in Spanish
- Join Zoom Meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/88514572235?pwd=R0tuczJ0UHZLMGEzZkFlVW8xR3pFQT09
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 6 p.m. (view flyer)
Public Health and Pediatrician Speaker Panel for Parents and Guardians
- Focus on Vaccinations for 5-11 year-olds and at-home testing
- Presented in Spanish and translated in English
- Join Zoom Meeting: us02web.zoom.us/j/85111856745?pwd=b2JPcXNiNzdka2hxRnVpTENVcXpBdz09
Tentative Vaccination Clinics for 5-11 year olds — Save the Dates!
Students and family members from across Marin will be welcome to attend any of these vaccination clinics and will include pre-registration and walk-in appointment options. These dates are based on a current projected timeline for approval.
- Marin County School Vaccination Clinics for Ages 5-11 - Flyer with dates and locations.
Bacich Bears News
Happy Monday Bacich Bears!
I have been so excited to get to spend time in some of our classrooms here at Bacich, and to see some of the spectacular learning happening. Kindergarten readers are learning about how we can read the world around us, from reading the signs for the boys and girls bathrooms, to reading the sign for the library. Students across the grades are engaging in Writer’s Workshop, with first grade students learning to tell stories across their fingers and fourth graders learning about story arcs. In second grade, math class students learned about how math is everywhere out in the world, while third graders practiced multiplication and division using arrays. In every classroom, regardless of what they were learning, students were engaged and excited to learn!
PE Spotlight
In PE students are talking about and learning a variety of Latin dances in honor of Latin/Hispanic Heritage month. Please enjoy this video of second grade doing the Merengue in their PE Class.
Devices on Campus
The teachers and I have been noticing many students with smart watches and FitBits. 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. If you need to get a message to your student during the school day, please contact the school office and we will ensure the message gets to them. Please help to remind your students that smart watches and FitBits must remain in their backpacks.
Lost and Found
As a reminder, 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.
Principal Coffee — Please join me for this month’s Principal Coffee presentation and discussion on Wednesday, September 29 at 8:30 a.m. at Bacich School in the lunch courtyard. The topic for Wednesday’s meeting will be an overview of the start of our school year and how we are meeting the needs of our Bacich Bears. We look forward to coming together to highlight all that is happening on site over a warm cup of coffee.
Wishing you all a great week!
Kristine Duran
Bacich Vice Principal
kduran@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Counselor Connection
This month we are focusing on ourCharacter Counts pillar of RESPECT and will recognize this at our first Bacich Bear Assembly this Friday. Here is the “Family Guide to Teaching Good Character” from the site. We believe in the importance of partnering with parents on our programming.
Our staff are always looking for students who exhibit good character and citizenship and acknowledge this with Bacich Bear Cards. Every Friday cards are drawn by grade level and those students are acknowledged on our Bacich Bear Broadcast and receive a bear magnet.
I am so impressed that so many of our students show exemplary respect to all on a daily basis!
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)
Emergency Contacts
In the event of an emergency where we need to dismiss students from the school campus, all families need to identify someone who would be able to pick up your child if you are unable to get to the school. This can be a neighbor, friend, or anyone else local. Please update Aeries at your earliest convenience and ensure that you have a local contact listed as an emergency contact.
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.
Friday, October 8: KPSTA-Bacich Parent Coffee, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Behind the Bacich Community Center by the baseball field.
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
Enjoy these pictures showcasing Hispanic Heritage Month in the Bacich Library. We invite parents to stop by and browse or check out some books for your young readers.
The Bacich Library is open every morning, snack recess, lunch recess, and after school.
To Check Out Books: Visit: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
- Watch this how to video to learn how to check out Bacich Library books.
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,
All School Read — The Kent All School Read is an important annual experience for our school, where all students and staff read the same book together in anticipation of an upcoming author’s visit. This shared reading experience provides a great opportunity for connection and discussion across our campus, and highlights our school’s emphasis on literacy.
Next week we begin our All School Read of Someone Like Me by Juilssa Arce, a memoir which tells the author’s story of growing up in Mexico, moving to the United States, navigating childhood as an undocumented immigrant, and eventually earning scholarships, graduating college with honors, and pursuing a successful career including the vice presidency of Goldman Sachs. The story is one of hope, courage, and hard work, with a clear connection to each one of our Kent grade level throughlines of Independence, Impact, Perseverance, and Legacy. We conclude this year’s All school Read with author Julissa Arce, at a virtual author’s visit with all of Kent on Thursday, October 21st!
Students will be reading the book with their first period classes following a special schedule for the weeks of October 4th and October 11th. Some copies of the book are available for students to pick up in the library, but we encourage those families who can to purchase a copy for your child. Someone Like Me is available at all local bookstores and libraries, and if you purchase at the Book Passage please mention Kent!
Principal Coffee — Please join me for this month’s Principal Coffee presentation and discussion this Friday, October 1st @ 8:45 a.m. in the Kent Library. The topic for this Friday’s meeting will be an overview of the first six weeks of school, and the ways we are serving our students’ social, academic, and creative interests at Kent. Assistant Principal Wendy Holmes and I will provide an overview of the essential elements of our school, including institutionalized favorites that have returned with our full reopening of school (i.e. academics, athletics, music, clubs, enrichments), as well as additional improvements (i.e. bell schedule, additional intervention, assessment) that we have identified for this year. Please join us for a cup of coffee and an informative hour together, this Friday morning at 8:45 a.m. in the Library.
Site Council - The Kent School Site Council is an advisory and decision-making body for our school, made up of school staff, parents, and students who meet each month to discuss happenings at Kent, as well as to plan and set goals for the future. We are working as a Site Council to be sure to provide the school and district feedback around timely-topics surfacing at school and our community. If you have a topic that you would like for the Site Council to discuss or to bring to the group’s attention, please contact our Site Council Chairs, Ina Gotlieb (inagotlieb@comcast.net) and Joelle Williams (jwillikeller@gmail.com), who plan agendas for our monthly meetings.
I hope to see you this Friday for our first Principal Coffee of the year!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Friday, October 1: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10:00 a.m.
Monday, October 4: Kent All School Read begins
Tuesday, October 5: Kent Site Council Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 6: & KIK Kent Family Social, 1:15-3 p.m.
Kent Cross-Country Meets
at San Geronimo……………………………………………………Thurs. 9/30 (4 p.m.)
at Miller Creek………………………………………….……….…. Tues. 10/5 (4 p.m.)
at Kent…………………………………………………………….……… Thurs. 10/14 (4 p.m.)
at College of Marin Indian Valley Campus……….….Fri. 10/29 (4:15 p.m.)
Kent Flag Football Games
vs. Hall………………………………………….....Mon. 9/20 (4 p.m.)
vs. San Domenico………………………….Mon. 9/27 (4 p.m.)
vs. Mark Day……………………………………Mon. 10/4 (4 p.m.)
vs. Davidson…………………………………….Mon. 10/11 (4 p.m.)
vs. Davidson………………………………......Thurs. 10/28 (4 p.m.)
vs. Lagunitas…………………………………..Thurs. 11/4 (3:45 p.m.)
Kent Volleyball Games
7th grade team at Hall……………………………………….Tues. 10/5 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team at Lagunitas……………………………Wed. 10/6 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team at Kent (vs. West Marin)………Tues. 10/12 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team at Miller Creek…………………….…Wed. 10/13 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team at Kent (vs. White Hill)……….…Wed. 10/20 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team at Kent (vs. Del Mar)………………Tues. 10/26 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team at Kent (vs. Mark Day)……………Wed. 10/27 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team at Miller Creek………………………….Tues. 11/2 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team at Davidson……………………………….Wed. 11/3 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team at Davidson……………………………….Tues. 11/9 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team at Kent (vs. San Domenico)……Wed. 11/10 (4 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.
KIK News
SEE YOU AT THE 3RD + 4TH GRADE FAMILY SOCIAL!
Join fellow 3rd and 4th grade families at Hal Brown Park for some Schafer games, donuts, and bagels! Meet new friends and hang with your 3rd and 4th grade community. What a great way to begin the school year!
When: October 3rd | 10am - 12pm
Where: Hal Brown Park @ Creekside - 250 Bon Air Rd., Kentfield
Go to KIK Events + Community for more details.
DINE & DONATE: TUES 9/28
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:
- 9/28 BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, salad verte, spinach sautéed with garlic
ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”
BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Marin Country Mart features a collection of organic and delicious eateries, fitness and wellness, various services, independent boutiques, and family-friendly events like a year-round, weekly Farmers’ Market. Find renowned brands such as Sugar Paper, Hero Shop, James Perse and locally sourced eateries like Rustic Bakery, Hog Island Oyster Co., and Farmshop.
Step into the peaceful sanctuary of International Orange, perched above the Marin Country Mart lawn, where expertly trained staff guide guests through therapeutic treatments and customized facials. Enjoy a range of daily wellness with organic, wild grown io Essentials products to pamper your skin and body.
——————————
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!
OCT. 3 - Family Social, 3rd & 4th grade
Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
OCT. 6 - Student Social, 5th - 8th grade
Kent Middle School, 1:15 p.m.
OCT. 10 - Family Social, Kindergarten
Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
OCT. 11 - BooGrams go on Sale!
OCT. 17 - Family Social, 1st & 2nd grade
Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 1-3 p.m.
CONNECT WITH KIK
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — September Update
Only a month into the school year and we’ve already raised 20% of our fundraising goal 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 : $214,330 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 63 Family Giving Donors who are committed to our students and have kik’ed off the 2021-22 giving!
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
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 Opportunities Still Available
We still have many open volunteer opportunities at lunch time at Bacich and Kent.
Sign up here: kspta.org/volunteer
Bacich Bear Parents, Save the Date! October 8th at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, October 8, 2021, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Behind the Bacich Community Center by the baseball field.
Come have a cup of coffee and chat! Meet other Bacich parents, learn more about what the KSPTA does for our schools and community, and how you can contribute and be a part of making Bacich even better!
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.
Stay up to date with KSPTA!
Follow kentfieldschoolspta on both Facebook and Instagram
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.
Bicycle Safety and Injury Prevention Webinar
Thursday, September 30, 2021, 5:30-6:30 p.m
With bicycle use becoming more popular, and with schools back in session, bicycle safety has never been more important. Bicycle crashes are among the top causes of injury seen in the Emergency and Trauma Department at Marin Health Medical Center and other hospitals. Bicyclists and motorists both play a role in preventing crashes and injuries.
Featured speakers are Gwen Froh, Program Director of Safe Routes to Schools and Education Director, Marin County Bicycle Coalition along with Edward Alfrey, MD, Medical Director, Trauma, MarinHealth Medical Center and Chair, Department of Surgery, and Director, Marin Health Care District.
For more information: mymarinhealth.zoom.us/j/97974901082
This webinar is dedicated to the memories of Deb Hubsmith and Cindy Winter.
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