KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
We weathered quite a storm this past weekend and the next few days look to bring us clear skies and chilly days to close out the month of October. This week our students will celebrate fall through participating in some traditional Halloween parades on October 29 and celebrating the fall season with wonderful classroom activities. These fall-themed Acrostic Poems by our Bacich third graders reminded me of what to expect as we continue to celebrate the fall and winter months ahead!
Take good care,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Project Homekey — Save the Tentative Date
The KSD is working with the County of Marin to coordinate a Kentfield School District Community Forum addressing the proposed Project Homekey at 1251 S. Eliseo Dr.
We are tentatively planning an event for the evening of Tuesday, November 2. The date will be confirmed shortly.
Please see the Community Events section for more information on Project Homekey.
Security Camera Installation
This past summer and fall we continued to put the final touches on various district bond projects including the installation of security cameras at both of our school sites. The purpose of these cameras is to offer surveillance on our school sites and to deter any unwanted activities.
Per the KSD Board Policy 3515 prior to the operation of the surveillance system signage must be posted and the community shall be made aware of surveillance occurring. The cameras have been installed outside our campus and directed towards outside activity and not pointing into buildings. Please be aware that the recordings captured by these cameras may be used in disciplinary proceedings, and referred to local law enforcement, as appropriate. The cameras will not be fully activated until all signage is appropriately posted and visible to the public.
Bikes & Crosswalk Safety
Please remember that while crossing any street on bike, scooter, or skateboard students must walk their bikes across the crosswalk.
We thank our parents for reminding their children and reinforcing this important safety measure.
Please reference these tips from Safe Routes to School about bike safety.
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
- 7th Volleyball v. Del Mar, 4-5 p.m.
- Family Partners Meeting, 4-5 p.m., District Office, 750 College Avenue, Kentfield, CA 94904
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
- 8th Volleyball v. Mark Day, 4-5 p.m.
Thursday, October 28, 2021
- Kent Flag Football v. Davidson, 4-5 p.m.
Friday, October 29, 2021
- Cross Country Championship at IVC, 4:15 p.m.
- Bacich Halloween Parade, students begin gathering at 8:45 a.m., parade route map
Monday, November 1, 2021
- No School – Professional Development Day
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
- Kent Site Council, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- 7th Volleyball @ Miller Creek, 4-5 p.m.
- District English Learners Advisory Committee (DELAC), 5-6:15 p.m.
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., agenda
- 8th Volleyball @ Davidson, 4-5 p.m.
Thursday, November 4, 2021
- Kent ELAC meeting, Kent Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m., agenda
Friday, November 5, 2021
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m.
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 Trees for additional guidance. To reference exposure cases for the KSD visit our KSD Dashboard webpage.
Marin County Decision Trees - September 22, 2021
- Decision Tree for Exposures to COVID-19 in Child Care and Households/Community - 9.22.21
- Decision Tree for Exposure to a Positive Person in TK-12 Schools & Programs/Activities Serving TK-12 School aged Children - 9.22.21
- Decision Tree for Symptoms (in all settings) - 9.22.21
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, November 9, 2021, 5-8 p.m., in-person in Kent MP Room and Zoom audio, agenda
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person or via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
District Committees
- District English language Advisory Committee meeting (DELAC): November 2, 5-6:15 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
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
Dear Bacich Community,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome last week as I returned to Bacich on a modified schedule. I am increasing my time on campus each day this week and will be back full days beginning November 1st.
As we got our first raining days last week, Mr. Bessonette was ready in the IDEA Studio to provide ‘grab and go’ maker activities for students during inside recess. It was great to see students enjoying themselves in their classrooms while creating and collaborating with their classmates during this indoor time.
Special thanks to Ms. A, our school counselor, and our teachers for putting together a "All Are Welcome" poster challenge. This activity allowed our students to think about the diverse people in our world and then open their school and hearts to welcoming any and all diversity. Here are just a few of the posters displayed around campus.
As I walked around campus I admired the public reading goals posted by Mrs. Livengood’s class. These goals demonstrated the students’ growth mindset around reading and will remind our Bacich Bears of the goals they have set for themselves.
It was fantastic to be back on site and witness all the great activities happening in and among our classrooms. The children have been so sweet and supportive of me, and I have felt like a rock star returning to campus. I am feeling strong, and am pleased and proud to serve again as the principal of Bacich Elementary School.
Mary Ann Spitzer
Bacich Principal
mspitzer@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Announcements
Students will wear their costumes to school and are welcome to bring their street clothes in a bag or wear them under their costume to change into after the parade. Students who do not celebrate Halloween will get to go to the library with Ms. A and play games during the parade. After the parade, all students will return to their classes for some fall activities and celebrations. The parade begins with students gathering on the blacktop at 8:45 a.m. and then being dismissed by grade to begin walking down McAllister by our Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Schafer. Please come watch the parade and cheer on the students. Here is the parade route: the students walk down McAllister from the kindergarten gate and then they turn right onto Lilac, then turn right again on Acacia and then back onto McAllister and into the kindergarten parking lot.
A quick reminder about costumes:
- Please no scary masks
- Please no costume-like weapons
- Please no costumes that might negatively represent any race, religion or gender
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
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.
Friday, October 29: Bacich Halloween Parade, students begin gathering at 8:45 a.m., parade route map
Wednesday, November 3: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., agenda
Monday, November 15: Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Bacich Library
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.
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Community,
Halloween Celebration at Kent — This Friday, October 29, we will hold a Halloween Parade at Kent, for students and staff who participate in this fall tradition. Our parade this year will be outside on the Back 50 blacktop during an extended Friday recess, and students are invited to participate by parading with their grade level. For children who do not dress up, we have a large spectator section for our parade, and for students who do not celebrate Halloween, the Library will be open for games, reading, and movies. If your child is planning to come to school in costume, please make sure your student understands the following expectations for Halloween costumes at school.
- Costumes must not interfere with school participation, including PE and typical classroom activities
- Costumes may not feature any type of weapon (gun, sword, spear, etc.), silly string, or references to drugs/alcohol
- Costumes shall be culturally sensitive and not negatively represent any race, religion, or gender
We are looking forward to a joyful and fun celebration together this Friday! On Sunday, October 31, many students and families will choose to celebrate Halloween in the neighborhoods around our school. Please remind your child to navigate our community with safety and respect. We expect our Kent Falcons to positively represent our school as role models for younger students out celebrating in our neighborhoods, and we also ask that students stay off of the Kent campus on Halloween.
Thank you for your attention to these expectations.
Rainy Day Updates — Now that we have experienced a few rainy days at Kent, I want to share what you and your child can expect with regards to how we have structured rainy days, while still following relevant Covid mitigation protocols.
- Driveway — When dropping off your child on any day at Kent, and especially on rainy days, please be sure to drive all the way down the Kent driveway to the drop off location in front of the Gym and locker rooms. There is no student drop off permitted in front of the office due to safety concerns and traffic congestion.
- Rainy Day Recess — During a rainy day recess, students may eat their snacks and socialize with their peers under the many overhangs in front of their classrooms. Due to Covid protocols at our school, students may not eat their recess snacks inside classrooms during recess. The Library is open for students to use during rainy recesses.
- Rainy Day Lunch — For lunch on rainy days, students remain in the class they just had before the start of the lunch period. Students may remove their face covering while eating their lunch, but they must remain in their assigned seat for that class. When not eating, students may play games, socialize with peers, and/or watch content on our Kent media server. For students who prefer not to eat inside, they may also eat and socialize under the overhangs outside of classrooms.
We look forward to rounding out the month of October with a productive week of learning and fun at Kent!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Announcements
Kent Athletics Sweatshirts Now on Sale!
Are you looking to purchase a great new piece of Kent spirit gear and support Kent athletics?
We are ordering Kent Athletics sweatshirts this year to do just that!
Please fill out the order form and write a check to Ryan Palmer (Kent Athletic Director) in the amount of $21. Bring in your order to the Kent office or room 30 at Kent. Our next order is being made very soon! Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity.
GO FALCONS!
Kent Halloween Costume Drive
Transformers, witches, princesses, and pizza slices are just a few of the over 94 costumes that magically appeared at Kent Middle School donated by so many of our thoughtful Kent community members during our Halloween Costume Drive last week.
Compass Family Services in San Francisco expressed tremendous gratitude to all of you who have helped their community of homeless families find happiness during this holiday season.
THANK YOU and have a safe and Happy Halloween!
A huge thank you to eighth grader, Christopher Salz who advertised, organized, and managed the entire drive! What an incredible example of selfless service!
5th - 7th grade parents who are applying to private schools please contact Lisa Sandberg, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, at lsandberg@kentfieldschools.org or privateschoolrequests@kentfieldschools.org.
Tuesday, November, 2: Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, November 5: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10:00 a.m.
Thursday, November 4: Kent ELAC Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Kent Library
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 Cross-Country Meets
at College of Marin Indian Valley Campus……….….Fri. 10/29 (4:15 p.m.)
Kent Flag Football Games
vs. Davidson…………………………………….Thurs., 10/28 (4 p.m.)
vs. Lagunitas…………………………………... Thurs., 11/4 (3:45 p.m.)
Kent Volleyball Games
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.)
KIK News
KIK GIVING DAY—DONATE BY NOVEMBER 18!
KIK Fundraising Goal: This school year, KIK plans to raise $1 million and to do that we kindly ask each family to contribute $1800 per child in the district. We appreciate donations of all sizes and if you feel so inclined to donate more — please do!
Please consider giving by GIVING DAY: Thursday, November 18th — just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday — fitting as we are grateful for your giving!
How to Donate:
- DONATE HERE
- Print out and mail the donation form attached: for payment by check, credit card installments, or corporate match contributions
- Stock transfers
You will receive a tax receipt and a car decal to show your support, and be featured on the Family Giving Donor Wall.
Every Child, Every Grade, Every Day. We are thankful for the enrichment programs that provide valuable experiences for all kids at our Bacich and Kent schools every day. Your contributions directly support enrichment programs like Art, PE, Music, STEM, Library, Social Emotional programs, Spanish, Film, Broadcasting, and Woodshop to name a few.
Learn more about the impact of your contribution.
Thank you for your support of our Bacich and Kent kids
DINE & DONATE: TUES 10/26
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:
- 10/26: ribs, mac & cheese, green beans, & Caesar salad
ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”
UPCOMING KIK COMMUNITY EVENTS - Save the dates!
OCT. 25 - Family Giving Launch
OCT. 25 - Boo-Gram delivery begins!
OCT. 26 - Dine & Donate with Left Bank KIK Family Meals
NOV. 12 - KIK Crab Feed
NOV. 18 - KIK GIVING DAY
CONNECT WITH KIK
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — October Update
We’ve raised just over 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 : $287,822 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 91 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
Thank you to our new members who joined this month!
We are getting closer to achieving our goal of 250 memberships this year.
Please join today and help us reach our goal of 250 memberships by October 31. Click here to join!
** Become a member in the month of October and have a shot at dinner at Guesthouse **
All individuals, families, and teachers who become a member of KSPTA in the month of October will be entered in the raffle for a $100 gift card to Guest House.
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.
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.
Community Drug Education and Discussion
The Kids are Not Alright. The Drug Dealer is in your Child's pocket.
Join the discussion about substance use in our community, and how easy access is impacting teens. This event is co-sponsored by Heart of the Village, RxSafe Marin and Mill Valley Police Department. Learn about how fentanyl and other substainces are taking the lives of young people. Learn the signs and symptoms of use and measures to counteract abuse and overdose. There will be opportunities to ask questions and have discussions with those who have personal experience with substance use.
Tuesday, October 26, 6-8:30 p.m., Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941
- Doors open 6 p.m. for information booths.
- Presentation 6:30-7:30 p.m. followed by Q&A 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Teenagers, Parents and Caregivers are welcome.
Vaccination is required and please wear a mask.
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.
Marin County Inclusion Inspiration Series
The Marin County Inclusion Inspiration Series provides a unique opportunity to engage, inspire, educate and empower all members of Marin County schools throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
Each workshop will be presented via Zoom and will be available with Spanish translations and closed captions. Workshops will be facilitated by Sam Drazin, Executive Director of Changing Perspectives.
- View flyers and learn more at www.specialed.org/dse-school-community-workshops
DSE is also offering classroom grants, and applications are due Friday, 29 October. Learn more at www.specialed.org/grants-program-overview
Día de Los Muertos & Halloween Guidance
Halloween (October 31) and Día de Los Muertos (November 1 & 2) are just around the corner. COVID-19 is still present in our community, and many of the activities associated with these two occasions carry risk for spreading COVID-19.
As you plan Halloween and Día de los Muertos activities this year, we strongly recommend that everyone takes the following measures to protect against COVID-19:
- Celebrate in small gatherings: Avoid events with larger crowds to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
- Get fully vaccinated: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine remains our strongest asset in keeping ourselves and those around us protected.
- Stay home if you think you are infected: It might feel disappointing to miss out on a costume party, but it will feel worse if we are responsible for spreading the virus to other partygoers.
- Wear a face mask: Even if it is more fun to wear, a costume mask is not a substitute for a proper face covering that covers your nose and mouth.
- Gather outdoors: Open-air events are a safer option especially when it is unknown if everyone attending is fully vaccinated.
- Take extra steps while trick-or-treating: Try to maintain social distancing, practice appropriate hand hygiene (use of hand sanitizer) while collecting/giving out candy, pass treats out from outside your home, or place them on an outdoor table.
- Practice post-holiday care: Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days after participating in any Halloween or Día de Los Muertos festivities.
Read the full News Release or review the full guidance to learn more.
Community Forums: Project Homekey
On September 21, the County of Marin and the City of Larkspur, in partnership with Episcopal Community Services (ECS), announced that they had identified a potential Project Homekey 2.0 opportunity at the former skilled nursing facility located at 1251 S. Eliseo Drive in Larkspur. The property would be operated by ECS as a 43 to 50-unit Permanent Supportive Housing facility for single adults experiencing homelessness. On Tuesday, the County of Marin’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in support of authorizing staff to submit an application to the State for Homekey funding. The discussion, which you can view here (items #7 & #8 on the agenda), included details about the countywide homelessness strategy, the Homekey funding opportunity, and a detailed description of the development and service plan.
To continue to provide a transparent and open process, the County of Marin, the City of Larkspur, and ECS will co-host two upcoming community forums. Both of these forums will follow the same format: a 30-minute presentation from partner organizations followed by an up to 90-minute Q&A with the community.
- Thursday, November 4, 6-8 p.m. Zoom, us02web.zoom.us/j/87002884931
Marin Pirates Swimming
The Marin Pirates Foundation is a Non-Profit (501-c3) organization with the mission statement of providing free learn-to-swim lessons to underserved children in the Marin County area.
Register now for fall and winter swim clinics and lessons. Financial assistance is available for students.
Find out more at marinpirates.org and view flyer.
Marin County Storm Season Preparations & Emergency Notifications
Residents are encouraged to take action on their own property prior to the rainy season to help mitigate flooding, including the clearing of dead leaves from driveway pipes, rooftop gutters, and storm drains. Dead foliage should be disposed of in compost bins, not left in street gutters to clog drainage systems. Those living in flood-prone areas should test their sump pumps and stock up on sandbags (available at most hardware stores) and learning how to properly use them prior to storms. Additionally, ReadyMarin.org provides many detailed resources, including emergency grab-and-go packing checklists, that can be helpful for residents to prepare for the unexpected.
Emergency Alerts
It is important for residents to sign up for the Alert Marin notification system to be aware of emergency situations that could carry life safety implications, such as floods. The service, provided by the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, provides the public with time-sensitive alerts targeted toward specific addresses or neighborhoods. Residents who have registered should review their contact information to ensure it is up to date. Alert Marin is different from the Nixle service, which provides general public safety and/or post-disaster information.
Flood Insurance
Marin County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, which makes federally backed insurance available for all structures, and provides a range of resources to help property owners make the best decisions. Residents who seek such coverage are encouraged to contact their insurance agency but should be aware that it takes approximately 30 days to process.
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.
Corte Madera Library Reopening!
The Corte Madera Library's construction is now complete, and the library is fully open to the public.
Hours: 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!
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