Kentfield School District

January 24th, 2022

KSD News

Dear KSD Community,

Today, Marin Public Health announced implementing some relaxed guidance and harm-reduction strategies in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This shift is a result of our local COVID-19 data, which demonstrates that the Marin school environment has been stable, allowing our schools and classrooms to remain open through the peak of the Omicron surge. The Marin County 32-Point Guide to Site-Based Classroom Instruction has been updated in alignment with CDC and CDPH which will go into effect Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Below is a summary of the key updates outlining how the KSD will adjust school operations based on this guidance.

Your partnership and commitment to our changing landscape has been invaluable, as our collective efforts of working together in minimizing transmission and adhering to public health guidance has proven effective and beneficial for the well-being of our school community.

With appreciation,

Superintendent Signature



Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org

Summary of Key Updates, Effective January 25

  • KSD will reinstate large gatherings indoors and outdoors such as school assemblies (Guideline #18)
  • All KSD staff and students will be required to wear face coverings indoors, unless there is a medical or behavioral contraindication or exemption. Outdoor masking for staff and students will be optional. Staff and students should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. (Guideline #24)
  • Spectators may attend youth related activities -- and if indoor on a school campus, spectators and participants shall be masked. Indoor Events with 500 or more attendees must show proof of vaccination verification. Outdoor Events with 5000 or more attendees must show proof of vaccination verification per CDPH (Guideline #31)

Marin County Updated Guidelines Include:

#18 Applicable: Large gatherings (i.e., school assemblies) are allowed indoors and outdoors. Participants and attendees must follow current CDPH Guidance for Face Coverings. For indoor mega-events with 500 or more people, schools and event operators using school facilities must follow CDPH requirements for mega-events. Attendees must verify fully vaccinated status or pre-entry negative test result is required of all attendees. Testing must be conducted within one day for an antigen test and within two days for a PCR test prior to entry into an event. Attendees cannot self-attest to verify vaccination status or a negative test result.

#24 Updated: All staff as well as all students are required to wear face coverings indoors, unless there is a medical or behavioral contraindication or exemption. Staff, students, and visitors should wear the most protective mask that fits well and will be worn consistently. Properly fitted respirators (e.g., KN95 or N95) provide the highest level of protection. Double masking with a cloth face covering worn over a surgical mask also offers enhanced protection. Students from grades TK - 2 should be supported and taught how to wear them properly. Staff and students should follow CDPH face covering guidance. They should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.

#31 Updated: Other School related youth activities (i.e., student transportation, sports, music, drama, after school care, etc.) will follow updated CDPH and Marin County Public Health guidance, including CDPH requirements for mega-events. Spectators will be able to attend all indoor events. Marin County Public Health encourages all spectators to get vaccinated or boosted (if eligible).


COVID-19 Tests: www.findacovidtest.org for up to date information on where antigen tests may be available.

If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please report it to our school nurse, Laurel Yrun at lyrun@kentfieldschools.org immediately.


KSD COVID Information – Dashboard

District Announcements

Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK)

Informational meetings will happen in-person with a Zoom option and translation will be available.

Attendees should plan to bring verification of vaccination to participate.

Reminder from the KSD Community Liaison

Dear KSD Families,

The February school lunch menu is now available! For questions and assistance with the orders and School Foodie APP, please contact me at: direct: (415) 482-9848, (415)-458-5130 Ext. 160, or ivillarreal@kentfieldschools.org.

Thank you,

Ivette Villarreal
KSD Community Family Liaison
ivillarreal@kentfieldschools.org

YouthTruth Survey

Make your voice heard! Help us reach our goal to engage, support, and challenge all of our students. YouthTruth is a national nonprofit organization that gathers student, staff, and parent/guardian feedback to help make schools stronger and increase student outcomes. YouthTruth’s surveys have been rigorously tested for validity and reliability and are grounded in research about what matters most for student success.

YouthTruth Survey Window starts next week! Watch out for the survey link coming Monday.

To learn more, you can visit youthtruthsurvey.org.

2021-2022 District Calendar & 2022-2023 District Calendar

KSD, KSPTA & Community Parent Education Opportunities Calendar

Monday, January 24, 2022

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Thursday, January 27, 2022

  • Universal Transitional Kindergarten meeting, 6-7 p.m., Bacich Library, in person and Zoom option available.

Friday, January 28, 2022

  • Universal Transitional Kindergarten meeting, at 8:30 a.m., Bacich Library, in person and Zoom option available.

Monday, January 31, 2022

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

Thursday, February 3, 2022

School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts

District Committees

Bacich Bears News

Mary Ann Spitzer


Dear Bacich Community,

Classroom Visits

Today Bacich was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed Marcus Moore from Nia Palmares and his colleague Krischanna Roberson to campus. They are here to work with staff on the topics of equity and culturally responsive education. Following the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., our staff is reflecting on our practices to make learning accessible for all our children. Small groups of Bacich staff members visited classrooms and identified the values they noticed based on the physical space of the classroom and the interactions among students and teachers. At the end of the day, we had a collective dialogue about what we learned. The opportunity to visit each other’s classrooms and talk about what we noticed related to culturally responsive pedagogy was invaluable. We are grateful to the School Board, all staff, substitutes, and students whose flexibility made it possible for this process to take place! This Wednesday after school, we will join a cohort of staff from Kent for continued professional development around culturally responsive teaching. I feel so fortunate to work in a district that prioritizes equity and inclusion.

Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) Presentations

Please join Kentfield staff this Thursday, January 27 at 6 p.m. or Friday, January 28 at 8:30 a.m. in the Bacich Library to learn more about the KSD’s Universal TK program that is planned to begin at Bacich School in the Fall of 2022. You may also join on Zoom using this link) and translation will be available.

Bacich Talent Show

Sign ups are still open for the Bacich Talent Show in April. If you have a student in third or fourth grade and they are interested in participating, please go to the Bacich Talent Show website to sign up before January 28. Need some help with thinking of a talent? See Ms. Spitzer for ideas!

Enjoy your week!

Mary Ann Spitzer
Bacich Principal
mspitzer@kentfieldschools.org

Bacich Announcements

Kent Tutors Marin: Free virtual tutoring to K–6th graders in all subjects during school, after school, and on weekends. Spanish-speaking tutors are available. Sessions are 30-45 minutes via Zoom.

Bacich Talent Show

Attention Third & Fourth Grade Families!

Sign up by January 28 for the 2022 Bacich Talent Show!

Visit www.bacichtalentshow.com for more information.

Bacich Library

New Blog Post! Bacich Library Book Buzz: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com

Check out Ms. Warnick's blog for the latest blog post for the book recommendations on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, and read how classes are learning in the library during class visits.

Library Closed

The Bacich Library is closed temporarily to students before school, at snack recess, lunch recess, and after school for safety reasons due to difficulty contact tracing. I will let parents know as soon as I am told I can reopen. I'm sorry for any inconvenience.

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.

Kent Falcons News

Kent Principal Grant Althouse

Greetings Kent Community,

School and Classroom Visits — On Tuesday of this week we welcome staff developer Marcus Moore of Nia Palmares, and his colleague Krischanna Roberson, to experience a school day at Kent. Since the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, Mr. Moore has worked with our faculty around equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive teaching practices. This week, he joins us on our school grounds to experience Kent first-hand, to learn from our students, and to provide live-time feedback to our staff around effective and inclusive instructional strategies. We introduced Mr. Moore and Ms. Roberson to our student body through a welcome video on the broadcast this morning, so that our students know to welcome our visitors on Tuesday, and so that they understand the purpose of their visit. Our staff is deeply committed to making learning accessible for all students, and we appreciate this hands-on professional development opportunity at our school.

Redwood Open House — Redwood High School holds their annual Open House event this Thursday, January 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. This Open House presentation and discussion will be a great way for our current eighth graders, or any other prospective Redwood student, to learn about the ninth grade experience at Redwood, and begin to understand the elective and course offerings at our neighborhood high school. Additionally, this year Redwood staff has created a new session specifically for rising ninth graders from 5:30 to 6 p.m., where Redwood school counselors will introduce prospective students to Redwood High School, and start to describe the important role of the school counselor in the High School experience. We will share Zoom links with our community when they become available.

Middle School Basketball —We are thrilled to have six basketball teams at Kent, two each for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, ready to launch their seasons with games this week! Following the recent update of the 32-Point COVID-19 Mitigation Plan, starting January 25 spectators are permitted to attend all indoor basketball games, and must remain masked while inside. We are pleased to welcome family, friends, teachers and staff into the gym to cheer on our Falcon athletes! Go Falcons!

Have a wonderful week!

Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org

Kent Announcements

Kent Tutors Marin: Free virtual tutoring to K–6th graders in all subjects during school, after school, and on weekends. Spanish-speaking tutors are available. Sessions are 30-45 minutes via Zoom.


Kent Basketball




Updated Basketball Schedules


6th Grade Teams: Schedules, please note all games are on hold until 1/24

  • 6th Boys Practice: Friday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
  • 6th Girls Practice: Monday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

7th Grade Teams: Schedules, please note all games are on hold until 1/24

  • 7th Girls Practice: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
  • 7th Boy Practices: Tuesday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.

8th Grade Teams: Schedules, please note all games are on hold until 1/24

  • 8th Girls Practice: Friday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
  • 8th Boys Practice: Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Kent Library

Rebecca Jelen Kent Librarian

Mock Newbery Club: meets Mondays at lunch outside the library. The club reading list can be found here.

Newspaper Club: meets on Tuesday during study session.

Need Book Recommendations?

Email me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org and follow us on Instagram @kentmiddleschoollibrary.

Kent Homework Club: Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 3:30-4:45 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!

Kent Lunchtime Clubs: All are welcome! Simply show up at the meeting location on the correct day to join in the fun!

KIK News

KIK SUPER BOWL OFFICIAL KICKOFF

Grade Level Participation Kickoff (K-8), 1/24-2/9

HUDDLE UP—EACH GRADE IS A TEAM!

KIK Super Bowl is the fun “playoff” challenge to encourage every family to participate in donating to our student programs:

  • Every donation to Family Giving scores points for your children’s Grade Level Team, K-8.
  • Each donation can score a Touchdown or Field Goal. And, the grade level with the highest participation percentage will get an MVP-nod and 10 Touchdown points! Power into the End Zone
  • The Grade Level Team that scores the most points by February 9, 2022 wins the KIK Super Bowl and a Tailgate Treat Party to celebrate their win! See Game Rules.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
Thank you to all current Family Giving Donors for their donation— you’re a fan favorite! Your 2021-22 donation will automatically count toward the participation percentage score. Learn more about how your donation counts.

GAME SCHEDULE

  • FEB 09: Give to KIK Family Giving by February 9 to score participation points toward each child's grade level.
  • FEB 11: Grade Level Team Champion announced!

SPECIAL THANKS to KIK Super Bowl Sponsor: Allison Fortini Crawford.

#KIKSUPERBOWL - Stay connected, get updates on KIK Super Bowl score leaders.

Facebook | Instagram ​​

KIK PRESENTS THE ROARING TWENTY 20’S!

Please Donate Now, no later than March 1!

KIK is thrilled to announce that plans are underway for our annual Spring Event, which includes an online auction, the largest event fundraiser of the year! Current plans also include a celebration party and live auction at Bimbo’s 365 in San Francisco on Saturday, April 30. Stay tuned for party details in coming months.

First, in order to raise as much funds as possible to service our children, we need help from our KSD community to secure and donate unique, bid-worthy items for the online and live auctions:

  • These items make the most money for our school; can you help by donating or connecting us with someone you know who can?
    • Vacation homes and getaways
    • Unique experiences (members-only golf clubs, spa packages, exclusive sports tickets, bike adventures, writing classes, tours of private companies or backstage passes to shows)
    • Jewelry, art, autographed sports and music memorabilia
    • Gift cards to local restaurants, grocery and retail stores
    • National retailer gift cards
  • Host a sign-up party (cooking class, hike and brunch, golf outing, outdoor movie night, bubbles and oysters, sports-themed party – the sky is the limit!) for adults or kids.
  • No donation is too small and can be bundled with other similar items to create a themed auction package (beauty/spa, kids activities, teen entertainment, home decor/organization, fitness, tech).
  • Family and friends can also contribute by purchasing items off the Amazon auction wish list. It’s an easy way to be part of the auction and help KIK reach the $1M goal for our Bacich and Kent students and schools.

All donations must be submitted by March 1. Please contact Holly Myers if you have ideas or items to donate. THANK YOU!

KIK EVENTS + DINE & DONATE

JAN 24 - “Scheduled KIKoff Time” - Let’s Get Ready to Rrrrrrumble!
KIK Super Bowl Challenge - Grade Level Participation Contest begins

JAN 25 - $50 Dine & Donate - Left Bank KIK Family Meals
Gives 20% to KIK, Opt in for weekly order reminder.

  • Coq Au Vin, Linguine, Brussels Sprouts, & Mixed Green Salad

FEB 09 - “Game Day” - KIK Super Bowl Challenge ends! Go Big, Go Long!

MAR 01 & 03 - Bacich Wildcare Program funded by KIK GRANTS for KSD KIDS

APRIL 30 - Save the Date - THE ROARING TWENTY 20’S
KIK Spring Auction Event, Party at Bimbo’s 365 Club featuring Mustache Harbor.
Call for Auction Items

CONNECT WITH KIK

KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — Update

We’re closing in on 75% of our fundraising goal for our Bacich and Kent schools — outstanding! Thank you to our Family Giving Donors and Business Partners for their support of our students and the programs they love.

KIK is committed to raising $1 million for our Bacich and Kent students for the 2021-22 school year.
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KIK Mission

KSPTA News


Next KSPTA Meeting: Monday, March 7, 7-8 p.m., Agenda

See below for information on the meeting's guest speaker.


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.

Complete list of parent education opportunities and archive of available recordings for 2021-2022

Parent Education Opportunity: Let's Talk Series: Mental Health & Underage Substance Use

February 2, 2021, 7-8 p.m. PST

In the fourth of six conversations in the Let's Talk Community Discussion series for 2021-22, we will talk about Mental Health and Underage Substance Use. The relationship between mental health and substance use goes in both directions. Teens who struggle with mental health challenges are more likely to use substances. In turn, teens who use substances may be more likely to experience mental health challenges in the future. Our speakers will talk about how this is impacting local youth and what parents and caregivers can do to help.

Valerie Fowler, MFT, IMH, is a Marin-based clinician whose specialization includes post traumatic stress.

Meghan Greenwood is a school counselor at San Rafael City Schools. Prior to that, she was a high school teacher, theater director, and debate coach.

Riya Aghi is a sophomore at Marin Academy. She joined with the Youth Advisory Council to help educate and create solutions for substance use issues young people face.

The discussion will be moderated by Jaclynn Davis who authored the Let's Talk booklets. She received her Masters in Public Health and Social Work. Jackie focuses on adolescent health and youth development through her work with local school districts and teaching at Dominican University.

There will be simultaneous live Spanish interpretation on Zoom.

Sponsored by Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships

Jamba Juice Session 2 Ordering Now Open!

KSPTA online store is now open for the next Jamba Juice snack session.

  • Session 2 for Jamba is February 7-June 3, 2022.

It is highly recommended to create an account at kspta.org before placing your order, and then confirming the order is complete in your account.

Learn more and order at kspta.org/store.

New Year, New Lunch Volunteer Sign Ups

There are new volunteer sign ups for 2022. Our lunch program is 100% run by volunteers organized by the PTA. Volunteering is a short shift, and it's a fun way to get on campus and see your kiddos in action. We have a lot of spots to fill. Please sign up and consider taking a regular shift whether that is weekly, monthly, or whatever works for you!

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.

Dedication to Special Ed's annual raffle is here.

This is the 17th year and 17th car Toyota of Marin has donated. DSE is the Marin County PTA for all Marin County Special Education students. All proceeds fund go directly to the classrooms. 1 ticket for a $25 donation.

Community Forums: Project Homekey

On Thursday, November 18, the County of Marin, Episcopal Community Services, and Opening Doors Marin co-hosted a webinar forum geared towards providing parents/guardians and staff of the Kentfield School District detailed information about the Project Homekey initiative planned for 1251 S. Eliseo Blvd.

www.1251seliseo.com includes information on upcoming meetings, recordings of past meetings, and a comprehensive FAQ.

Our community continues to work together to provide information that helps educate families about gun safety. Below, please find a letter that Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools co-signed along with District Attorney Lori Frugoli and Marin County Sheriff Robert Doyle sharing the latest information for gun safety resources.

Crisis Text Support Line

Marin County is offering our youth another means of mental health support through a crisis text line.

Text MARIN to 741741 for Support that Cares

If you are ever in need of support, Crisis Text Line is always available to offer help. Connect with a trained Crisis Counselor and share your feelings in a safe space. Text MARIN to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential support that cares. Available in Spanish 2022.

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!

www.marinclinic.org/health-hubs

View flyer

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