Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Community,
The end of the first trimester in less than two weeks is a natural time for us all to reflect about the progress our students have made so far this school year.
One tool that we are using this year in Kentfield School District to understand more about our students' learning is the MAP Growth assessment. MAP Growth is a computer adaptive assessment in Reading and Mathematics, designed to provide teachers with information about what each student is ready to learn. Information gathered from the assessment helps teachers to identify areas of focus for the class as a whole, as well as insights into instruction that each student can benefit from next.
In 5th grade, the MAP Growth assessment will be administered in nest classrooms on Monday and Tuesday of this week, November 15th and 16th. In 6th, 7th, and 8th grades the assessment will be administered in students’ English classes across the week of November 29th. The assessment takes approximately two 60 minute sessions to complete, which teachers will administer in place of lesson blocks during the test administration window for each grade level. The assessment is designed to help us with next steps for instruction, and in no way contributes to a student's grade or formal school performance measure.
While the MAP Growth provides information for teachers, please know that first trimester grades and comments will be provided to families shortly after the close of the first trimester, which should provide important insights into current areas of strength and challenge for your child. The last day of the first trimester is Tuesday, November 23rd, so now is an opportune time for students to be monitoring work completion through Google Classroom and Aeries, in preparation to turn in any missed assignments prior to the conclusion of the trimester.
We are so proud of our Kent Falcons for all they have achieved so far this year, and look forward to a lot of continued learning and progress in the months to come!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Announcements
Prevent, Delay, & Reduce the Risks of Youth Alcohol & Drug Use
For the past several years, we have shared with Kent parents the resources of Be the Influence (BTI), a Marin County-based parent education program to prevent, delay and reduce the risks of youth alcohol and other drug use. Be the Influence’s website has a wealth of information on the substances that our Marin youth face and what parents can do to keep their children healthy and safe. Please consider joining Be the Influence by making their Parent Agreement or signing up to receive their informative bi-monthly newsletters.
Please take a moment to read BTI’s latest newsletter, here about several important parent education opportunities, including an upcoming “Let’s Talk” community discussion on December 1 at 7 p.m. on Parenting Tools and how parents can take advantage of BTI’s resources. It’s never too early – or too late – for parents to get educated and start talking with your child about this important topic!
Kent Tutors Marin!
"Apologies for the broken YouTube link for Kent Tutors Marin last week. These amazing leaders have fixed the problem! Please check out their stellar mission for helping the community in this video!"
Sincerely,
Melissa Stephens
Kent Activity Director
My name is Christopher Salz, and Ashley Vela and I have taken over Kent Tutors Marin started by Zach Redlin last year. We are 7th and 8th graders at Kent offering FREE virtual tutoring to K - 6th graders! Support will be offered, free of charge, in all subjects during school, after school, and on weekends. Spanish-speaking tutors are available too. The website used last year (Kent Tutors Marin) provides a choice of 6 tutors with varying availability, and over the next few weeks, more tutors and time slots will be offered. Sessions will be 30-45 minutes via Zoom. Whether it be getting a jump on homework, having a new reading buddy to work on reading fluency or finding time to practice math skills with a cool teenager, Kent Tutors are here to help! Here's a short video to show you what we're all about!
Limited appointment availability exists for the month of November but please fill out your waiver and be ready to sign up for the month of December when we upload the new calendar. If you sign a waiver, you will automatically receive an email announcing when the upload has completed and will get a better chance of schedule times you want.
Lunchtime Clubs
Please review our Kent Lunchtime Club offerings with your child and encourage them to join one of these dynamic groups. All are welcome! Simply show up at the meeting location on the correct day to join in the fun!
If your child would like to create a club of their own, please have your child contact our Assistant Principal, Wendy Holmes (wholmes@kentfieldschools.org) to start the process.
Kent Basketball Tryouts & Coaches Needed!
Basketball Coaches Needed for 6th & 7th Grade Girls Teams!
6th girls and 7th girls coaches are still needed. No coach= no team. Thank you for stepping up or letting me know if you know someone! Please spread the word! Please contact Ryan Palmer, the Kent Athletic Director at rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org.
Go Falcons!
Yearbook Opportunities
Calling all future Leonardo da Vincis! If you would like your art to be in this year’s yearbook please send a digital photo of it to Ms.Stephens. You may submit a photo of an original sketch, painting, or drawing to mstephens@kentfieldschools.org. Please make sure your piece is non-offensive and culturally appropriate. We want to capture your artistic talents in this traditional keepsake. Deadline for submission is December 7.
Baby face...who's got the cutest little baby face? It’s you, 8th grade Falcons! If you want your baby pic in this year’s yearbook, please send a digital copy to Ms. Stephens at mstephens@kentfieldschools.org with your full name included no later than Tuesday, December 14!
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!
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.
Kent Homework Club: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., Kent Library
- Designed for students who need a quiet and supported environment in which to complete assignments. Any student who is ready to focus and work is welcome to attend with us!
Friday, December 3: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m.