KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Please join us tomorrow evening, Tuesday, October 12 at 5 p.m. for our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. We will host the meeting in-person at the Kent Middle School Mulit-Purpose Room. We welcome the public to join us, and will also offer a Zoom Webinar audio option for those who would like to listen in. We are excited to have our student showcase highlight our Bacich Second Grade team, as well as hear from Ken Shapiro, County of Marin, regarding a brief update about the Proposed Project Homekey partnership.
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.
District Announcements
COVID Vaccination and Mask Update
The start of October continues to bring new updates and shifts related to the COVID-19 mitigation strategies. On October 1, Governor Newsom announced that once full approval is granted by the FDA, the COVID-19 vaccine will be a required school immunization for students. Once students are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine so will all school staff. Currently staff must be fully vaccinated or test on a weekly basis and submit a negative COVID test. Click HERE for KSD vaccination data.
Additionally, Marin County Public Health plans to update the 32-Point Plan for School Operations based on the shift in the Marin Mitigation Strategy Continuum from “C” to “B”. The most significant updates to the 32-Point Plan include:
Face Coverings:
All staff as well as all students are required to wear face coverings indoors, unless there is a medical or behavioral contraindication or exemption. Students from grades TK - 2 should be supported and taught how to wear masks properly. Masks are optional outdoors and, in general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors (e.g. participating in outdoor play, recess, and physical education activities). Staff and students should follow CDPH and CDC face covering guidance.
Based on this guidance the KSD will no longer require outdoor masking effective today, Monday, October 11. Students, staff and volunteers are still required to mask indoors at all times. Masking outdoors will be optional.
Emergency Contact information
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.
Monday, October 11, 2021
- KIK Boo Grams on Sale
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
- Kent 7th grade volleyball vs. West Marin, 4 p.m.
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
- 8th volleyball at Miller Creek, 4 p.m.
- Board Technology Committee, 4 p.m.
- KIK Board meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
- Kent Picture Makeup Day
- Cross Country at Kent, 4-5 p.m.
- Flag football at Hall, 4-5 p.m.
Sunday, October 17, 2021
- KIK Family Social 1st & 2nd, 1-3 p.m, Hal Brown Creekside Park
Monday, October 18, 2021
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
- Bacich Picture Makeup Day
- Board Finance Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m., agenda
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
- 8th Grade Volleyball v. White Hill, 4-5 p.m.
Monday, October 25, 2021
- KSPTA Equity & Inclusion Committee Kick-Off Meeting, 6-8 p.m., District Office (750 College Ave, Kentfield CA 94904) and Zoom option
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 Updated Marin County Decision Tree (9/30/2021) 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.
Reporting Self Testing
Marin Public Health Communicable Disease team created a link for parents and adult family members to report the results of their home tests, so that our teams can follow up with resources and information.
coronavirus.marinhhs.org/SelfTestReporting
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 5-8 p.m., In-Person in Kent MP Room and Zoom audio, agenda
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
District Committees
- 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
Marin County Quarantine Guidance, Updated Oct. 4, 2021
Marin County Decision Tree, Updated Sept. 30, 2021
Marin County Guidelines for School Operations, Updated Sept. 7, 2021
COVD 19 Vaccine Information, MHHS
Marin County Exposure Protocols
Public Health Forums
- Questions can be submitted ahead of time to rapidresponse@marinschools.org.
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 1 p.m. (view flyer and view flyer in Spanish)
Public Health Update for the School Community
- This Webinar will be recorded and posted on the Rethinking Schools Website for those who are unable to join us.
- Live Spanish translation will be available.
- Join the Zoom webinar: us02web.zoom.us/j/85372909551?pwd=Tk1IWlB6TmVNc3E1eEUzRGNCN2RlQT09
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!
Last week we participated in International Walk and Roll to school day here at Bacich and we had the most students this year choose to bike, scooter, and walk to school. It was such a popular event that we even ran out of prizes! Be on the lookout for future Walk and Roll days in the coming months.
IDEA Studio Spotlight
Please enjoy this video of Ms. Snyder’s 3rd grade students in the IDEA Studio. Their challenge was to make a cardboard table or stool that could hold at least 5 pounds, and they definitely stepped up to the challenge!!
PE Spotlight
This month in PE the students have begun their much anticipated tumbling unit. Students from across campus have enjoyed getting to experience the joys of gymnastics and tumbling as they practice their balance and coordination. Here are few of Ms. Mansour’s students in their tumbling class last week.
Message from Ms. Poon
Does your child(ren) love to sing? Check out Marin Girls Chorus and San Francisco Boys Chorus. Both groups have rehearsals in Marin and are a great way for young singers to experience singing and performing in a high level ensemble.
Wishing you all a great week!
Kristine Duran
Bacich Vice Principal
kduran@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Announcements
Friendly Parking Reminder
All parking spots on campus are reserved for staff. Please refrain from parking on campus during pick-up/drop-off, volunteer opportunities (such as carline), or events during school hours. Handicap spaces are only available for vehicles with placards, per California law.
Bacich Staff Updates
Please see below information related to current staffing at Bacich School, as additional updates are received we will update the community accordingly.
Classified Staff:
Andrew Allanson and Diane Springfield joined the KSD team as new general education paraprofessionals in our primary grade classrooms. Welcome Mr. Allanson and Ms. Springfield!
Sunday, October 17: KIK Family Social 1st & 2nd, 1-3 p.m, Hal Brown Creekside Park
Monday, October 18: Bacich Site Council Meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 19: Bacich Picture Retake Day
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,
Last Thursday, October 7th marked the end of the first hexamester of the year, which means that we are halfway through our first trimester grading period at Kent.
In Advisory last week, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders acknowledged the turn of the hexamester by completing an Academic Check-In with their Advisory teacher. During this Academic Check-In, each student logged in to Aeries to review points assigned and grades earned for a variety of assignments thus far in the grading period. Advisory teachers communicated the importance of regularly monitoring Aeries to stay up-to-date with academic progress, and to be able to maintain communication with teachers regarding completed elements of each class.
Advisory teachers also asked students to consider the following questions, as an opportunity for each student to reflect about their academic experience up to this point in the year:
- What are your areas of academic strength and what are you most proud of this hexamester?
- What areas are challenging for you?
- How is it going with balancing your school work and outside activities?
- What, if anything, are you hoping to change or work to improve for the remainder of the trimester?
- What support might you need in order to feel good/better about your progress?
- What are your academic goals for the year? How do you feel you are meeting, not meeting, or making progress toward your goals?
Advisory teachers will be completing Academic Check-Ins every six weeks this year to support students in monitoring their work completion, to encourage communication between students and teachers about progress during the grading period, and to instil a sense of ownership in our students around their performance in classes. During last week’s Advisory, 5th graders had a reunion with their 8th grade WEB leaders, but not to worry, 5th Grade Nest teachers do periodic Academic Check-ins with our youngest learners as well.
I will conclude today’s message with an update on relaxed Covid-19 mitigation strategies in our schools. Per County Health recommendations, as of today we have shifted to masks being optional for students and staff while outside at Kent. Face coverings are still required while inside any building at our school, and students should always have a mask with them to be ready to enter any indoor space they need to, like classrooms, the restroom, the gym, or the office. Thanks to all for your commitment to follow our current safety protocols.
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Library
All School Read
Our first week of our All School Read of Julissa Arce's book Someone Like Me was a great success! Students have been reading the book with their 1st period classes — either listening to the author read on the audio edition or listening to their teacher reading. We have had some incredible discussions about what it means to be an American, and exploring the notion of the American Dream and what people sacrifice to make that dream come true.
This week we continue to read the book and discuss the many issues Julissa faced as she realized her documentation status and the lengths she went to to get the education and opportunities she wanted and deserved. We are so excited for her upcoming virtual visit on October 21! Thanks to the KSPTA for the generous grant to make this happen!
Can you help Davidson's Library?
We need your help! Clean out those bookshelves and bring your gently used books to the Kent Library to benefit Davidson's school library! Our neighboring middle school has a library that has been shuttered since the beginning of the pandemic. They just hired a librarian for the first time in several years and are finally open for students and classes, but they are sorely in need of new books to fill their shelves. You can help even further by posting this request on Nextdoor or your neighborhood email group. If you have questions, please email our school librarian Rebecca Jelen for more information. Drop off your books anytime in the Kent library or Kent office. Thank you!
Kent Announcements
Thursday, October 14: Kent Picture Retake Day, please see announcement below
Thursday, October 21: Kent All School Read Author Visit
Tuesday, November, 2: Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Kent Lunchtime Clubs
Discover a lunchtime club opportunity!
Lunchtime clubs provide falcons with an opportunity to develop friendships and participate in activities and projects with their peers.
Kent School Photos
You have the ability to order pictures online by visiting dorianstudio.com and searching for your school’s name. Your online order can be placed before and up to four (4) days after picture day.
Los padres pueden ordenar fotos en línea en dorianstudio.com buscando el nombre de su escuela. Su pedido en línea se puede realizar antes y hasta cuatro (4) días después del día de la foto.
After the 4-day grace period expires, a personalized access key will be sent home with picture delivery. A $7 shipping and handling fee will be added to all orders made with a personalized
access key and orders will ship directly to your home.
DESPUÉS DE QUE EXPIRE EL PERÍODO DE GRACIA DE 4 DÍAS: Un código de acceso personalizado le será enviado a su hogar con sus pedidos. Estas órdenes incluyen una tarifa de $7 de envío.
Questions?
Contact our Customer Advocate Team at support@dorianstudio.com or call (800) 826-3535.
Kent Cross-Country Meets
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
at Hall…………………………………………….Thurs., 10/14 (4 p.m.)
at Mark Day…………………………………….. Mon., 10/25 (3:45 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 vs. West Marin………Tues. 10/12 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team at Miller Creek…………………….…Wed. 10/13 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team vs. White Hill……….…Wed. 10/20 (4 p.m.)
7th grade team vs. Del Mar………………Tues. 10/26 (4 p.m.)
8th grade team 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 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
KIK BOO-GRAMS ON SALE TODAY!
Surprise your friends with Halloween candy and treats!
- KIK BOO-Grams are $5
- Filled with nut-free candy and other treats
- Deadline to order: Friday, October 22, unless we sell out first
- Delivered the week of October 25
- Please include the address of the recipient - KSD district addresses only
- All proceeds benefit Bacich and Kent kids
- For questions, email: foundation@kentfieldschools.org
Thank you for purchasing and helping to support Bacich and Kent schools!
Thank you to KIK Boo-Gram Sponsors:
Homa Rassouli - Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage | DEB STEVENS - Marin Living Homes | Eric Bleth — Guaranteed Rate Affinity | Argavan Nilforoush, RDN, Baby Steps Nutrition | Kathryn Najafi-Tagol MD & Eye Institute of Marin | DJ Hanna
DINE & DONATE: TUES 10/12
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:
- 10/12: Fried chicken, caesar salad, mac and cheese, green beans
- 10/19: 4 chicken & 4 steak tacos with salad & homemade tortilla chips with fresh pico de gallo
ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”
BUSINESS PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Bon Air Center is Greenbrae’s gathering place for wonderful food, coffee, and an array of services and options. Choose from 50 specialty merchants, family-friendly restaurants and essential services conveniently located in the heart of Marin—including Mollie Stones, Gott’s Roadside, Peet’s, Subway, Jamba Juice, CVS Pharmacy, Woodlands Pet Food & Treats, FrameCrafters, Stretch Lab, Bear Flag Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness, Fingers and Toes.
For 65-years and counting, Bon Air’s welcoming outdoor spaces and spectacular Mt. Tam views have provided a sense of place for special events and the community. Local roots. Local spirit.
At Mathnasium Learning Centers, math makes sense! Their instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math. Mathnasium delivers a customized learning plan designed for each student's needs.
Alex’s Dry Cleaning perfectly blends quality dry-cleaning and excellent customer service. Alex's has spent decades handling premium garments and their delivery service makes it easy and convenient!
——————————
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. 11 - Boo-Grams go on Sale!
OCT. 12 - Dine & Donate with Left Bank KIK Family Meals
OCT. 17 - Family Social, 1st & 2nd grade, Hal Brown Park @ Creekside, 1:00p - 3:00p
OCT. 18 - Family Giving Launch
OCT. 19 - Dine & Donate with Left Bank KIK Family Meals
OCT. 25 - Boo-Gram delivery begins!
CONNECT WITH KIK
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — October Update
We’re officially at 25% 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.
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $252,681 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 78 Family Giving Donors who are committed to our students and schools! Can we add your name to this list?
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Next KSPTA Meeting: Monday, November 8, 7-8 p.m., information
KSPTA Equity & Inclusion Committee Kick-Off Meeting
Monday, October 25, 2021, 6-8 p.m., District Office (750 College Ave, Kentfield 94904)
Please join the KSPTA Equity & Inclusion Committee Kick-Off Meeting on Monday, October 25 at the District Office. Learn about committee programs, share what you would like to see and find out how to get involved in this work. All are welcome! Zoom option is offered if you would like to listen to the meeting.
Únase a la reunión inicial del Comité de Equidad e Inclusión de KSPTA el lunes 25 de octubre en la oficina del distrito. Conozca los programas actuales de los comités, comparta lo que le gustaría ver y descubra cómo participar en este trabajo. ¡Todos son bienvenidos! Se ofrece la opción de zoom si desea escuchar la reunión.
Please complete this quick survey to share the topics that you would like to learn more about and the days of the week that are the best for you to attend parent education opportunities.
October is PTA Membership Month!
With your PTA membership, all things are possible! Thank you to those who have already become members! Reminder that if you become a member last year after October 3, your membership will automatically renew on the anniversary of your membership subscription. To view and manage your membership, click here and log into your account.
Don’t take our word for it, teachers know best!
Mr. Martinez wanted to tell you what he values in the PTA himself, and that is music to our ears! Here is a look into the music program at Kent, funded by yours truly.
The KSPTA is working on bringing some great parenting education events to Kentfield this school year. There are also lots of great resources, often free, in our community. Regularly, we'll be sharing information about community events with you.
Raising Thrivers: Parenting Tips & Tools to Help Kids Thrive in An Uncertain World
Dr. Michele Borba, educational psychologist and author
Thursday, October 21, 7-8:30 p.m.
Our kids are the smartest on record, but also the loneliest, most stressed, risk averse, and depressed. It’s why we must rethink our parenting so they can thrive in an anxious, uncertain world. The good news is that thrivers are made, not born. In this thought provoking session, you’ll learn seven traits that science says matter most in happiness and success (even more than IQ and grades) and help kids thrive both now and later. You’ll learn how to help your child cope with everyday frustrations as well as bigger challenges, solve problems and develop resourcefulness, bounce-back from failure, develop an optimistic spirit, and recognize their unique passion to increase authentic confidence. This session offers hands-on tools to raise successful, self-reliant, and less pressured kids who thrive in school and life.
Join Zoom Meeting: mcds.zoom.us/j/7824797371
Meeting ID: 782 479 7371
One tap mobile
+17207072699,,7824797371# US (Denver)
+12532158782,,7824797371# US (Tacoma)
This event is open to the public. Co-sponsored by MCDS and MP&MS
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.
Corte Madera Library Reopening!
Hello Kentfield School District community! We wanted to be sure you knew that the Corte Madera Library's construction is complete, and we are ready to welcome our patrons back inside!
Starting Monday, October 11, we will be fully open to the public. During our closure, we got a new roof, new windows, a fire suppression system, and some accessibility updates were done in the children's room.
Our hours will remain what they have been for our curbside services: Sunday 12-5 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday 12-7 p.m.
Please come by and see us at 707 Meadowsweet Dr., we've missed you!
RACE COUNTS MARIN: A Report Update from the Advancement Project
Wednesday, November 10, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In 2017, the "Race Counts" report found Marin to be number one for racial disparities among all California counties. Join us in November 10th to hear the new data from the Advancement Project.
The "Race Counts" report looks at:
- Economic Opportunity
- Housing
- Education
- Criminal Justice
- Healthcare, Democracy and more.
Public Comments!
Following the presentations, there will be time for public comments. Plan to respond to the Race Counts report or share your experience. We want to hear from you!
For more information about SURJ Marin (Showing Up for Racial Justice), visit www.SURJMarin.org.
If you have any questions, give me a call or email Michelle@First5Marin.org.
This is a FREE online event hosted by the Marin Communications Forum and co-hosted by SURJ Marin and sponsored by First 5 Marin.
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