KSD News
Dear KSD Community!
The excitement of teaching and learning is palpable at our school sites. Students are engaged in learning new math concepts, enjoying lively literature and exploring history and science while also finding joy in creating art, making music, and much more.
In order to enhance our school operations and learning experience, our site teams are reinforcing the importance of peer relations and school expectations. Last week, Bacich school launched its TEAM time, Together Everyone Achieves More, to strengthen connections among students and staff. The goal of the program is to have fun and laugh while participating in teacher-led games and collaborative problem solving. At Kent, our fearless leaders Mr. Althouse and Ms. Holmes led Expectation Talk presentations with students at each grade level. These developmentally-based presentations and discussions help coalesce the rapport between students and our school administrators while also proactively informing students about expected behaviors as members of the school community.
Our focus for the year is to enrich community connection and cultivate a school environment where children have a sense of belonging. Implementing these types of schoolwide activities with intention truly fosters a learning environment that is joyous, inclusive, and welcoming.
In closing, I want to extend special appreciation to KIK for the fantastic Family Fun Day and Family Fun Run this past Sunday. Getting the community to come together and enjoy one another’s company is always a treat for our children and families!
With gratitude,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
KSD Family Resource Night
Thursday, September 29, 2022, 5:30-7 p.m., Bacich Community Center
Districtwide Community Event
Bring your family & friends and learn about various organizations & resources in our community! Many community and nonprofit agencies will be in attendance and will be available to answer questions for families. Download the flyer to see a list of participation organizations.
Purchase dinner from El Yucetaco Taco Truck!
Contact Ivette Villarreal (KSD Community Family Liaison) with questions: ivillarreal@kentfieldschools.org/ (415)-482-9848
Covid regulations will be followed during this event.
Download flyer (English & Spanish version)
Important E-Bike Safety Notice
KSD families,
We continue to receive messages from concerned citizens about student safety while riding bikes and e-bikes. Recently, a third grade student incurred injuries when struck by a student cyclist on a pathway in our community.
Though we support the independence that bikes provide, we urge you to consider the power you are placing in your child's hands, particularly with a heavier and faster e-bike, which is harder to maneuver and takes longer to stop. Here are a few questions for you to consider when making this decision:
- Does your child understand the rules of the road and multi-use pathways?
- Will your child watch out for the safety of other cyclists and pedestrians?
- Will your child follow laws, including wearing a buckled helmet?
This flyer provides more information to help you gauge your student's readiness for riding an e-bike responsibly on streets and pathways. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact our partners at Safe Routes to Schools: SafeRoutes@marinbike.org.
Parent Education Opportunity
Marin County SELPA Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is hosting several different workshops this fall specifically for parents.
All workshops are free, translation services are available, and registration is required.
Engaging in Challenging Conversations
The successful implementation of IDEA and the determination of FAPE requires adults with diverse experience, expertise, and perspective to collaborate in serve of children with special needs. This is complex work and requires conversations of shared learning. In this workshop, we will introduce key concepts, process, and skills in support of these conversations and that are applicable to all relationships. This is an 8-part online course with a focus of increasing individuals capacity for engaging in conflict. Attendees will participate in four (4) online courses coupled with four (4) coaching sessions.
Dates: Online courses – October 6, October 20, November 3, and November 17 ; Coaching sessions: October 10, October 24, November 7, and November 21.
Register here
Monday, September 26, 2022
- Rosh Hashanah - no homework
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
- Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Thursday, September 29, 2022
- KSD Family Resource Night, 5:30-7 p.m., download flyer (English & Spanish version), Bacich Community Center
Monday, October 3, 2022
- KSPTA meeting, 7-8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
- Governance Workshop, 8-10 a.m.
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30- 4:30 p.m.
- District English Learning Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting, 5-6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
- Yom Kippur - No School
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Here is a link to where you can find the agenda once posted. Access to the meeting will be via in person or audio.
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person or via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
KSD Board/District Committees
- District English Learning Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting, October 4, 2022, 5-6 p.m.
- Technology Committee meeting, October 12, 4-5 p.m.
If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
ALERT! Be in the Know... Rainbow Fentanyl
Fentanyl (an extremely potent and dangerous synthetic opioid) continues to be a major contributor to drug overdoses in California, including among youth. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) California Overdose Surveillance Dashboard:
- Emergency department visits related to non-fatal opioid overdoses in California’s youth ages 10-19 years more than tripled from 2018 (379 total) to 2020 (1,222 total).
- Opioid-related overdose deaths in California’s youth ages 10-19 years increased from 2018 (54 total) to 2020 (274 total), marking a 407 percent increase over two years, largely driven by fentanyl.
- Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in California’s youth ages 10-19 years increased from 2018 (36 total) to 2020 (261 total), a 625 percent increase.
In addition to these concerning trends, brightly-colored fentanyl (referred to as rainbow fentanyl) has been identified as a new trend according to the United States (U.S.) Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Rainbow fentanyl can be found in many forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that can resemble sidewalk chalk or candy. Any pill (regardless of its color, shape, or size) that does not come from a health care provider or pharmacist can contain fentanyl and can be deadly.
The Marin County Public Health continues to enforce the Marin County SMARTER Schools Plan for the 2022-2023 school year, this is the same plan that was implemented at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year.
Marin County Public Health is urging COVID testing for symptomatic individuals, exposure and/or high risk activity. Here is guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) specifying situations in which to test. Families are urged to have test kits in the home, which can be obtained from the school offices during regular school hours or at local pharmacies.
If you test positive please report to Laurel Yrun at lyrun@kentfieldschools.org, no need to report negative test results. The KSD will continue to reference Marin County’s Public Health’s Isolation, Quarantine, and Travel Guidance for TK-12 Schools to address COVID exposure.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Community,
Thank you KIK for a fantastic Family Fun Day! Estelle Dick and Allison Zweig did an amazing job co-chairing the event. Thank you to all of the volunteers who also worked hard to make the day special for our families.
Bacich TEAM Time
This past week marked the official start of our new TEAM time curriculum for first through fourth graders. TEAM stands for “Together Everyone Achieves More.” On Tuesdays and Thursdays we have two 15 minute sessions of TEAM. First and second graders have TEAM together, while third and fourth graders do their TEAM time together. TK and kindergarten classes will explore these games within their own classrooms.
Our first TEAM unit consists of nine different group games. During TEAM, each class visits one of nine teacher-led stations. After nine sessions of TEAM time, each class will have had the opportunity to participate in each station and to spend time with all of the teachers at two grade levels. Our enrichment teachers are also on hand to participate in the games and to support TEAM time.
The games are designed to build community and connection among students and staff. It is intended to be a joyous time when teachers and students get to have fun together. Each game was chosen to teach a specific skill. For example, “The Name Game” focuses on inclusion and working together. The game “Rock, Paper, Scissors Cheerleader” teaches students how to take their outs and provides them with the opportunity to cheer for others. Through these games, students are learning how to interact with their peers in respectful ways. Building positive relationships and developing strong connections sets students up for success both inside and outside of the classroom.
I want to thank teachers Andrea Livengood, Marty Ross, Janeen Swan, and Cass Walsh as well as our school counselor, Andrea Cashman, who worked together to develop and implement this curriculum for our students and staff. We are so fortunate to have a staff that is willing to try new things, to work together and to think outside the box.
Warmly,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Library
September 15 through October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out Bacich Library Book Buzz blog for book recommendations and discover what is happening in our library to celebrate!
bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Lear more about the library and search for books: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
Susan Warnick
Bacich Librarian
swarnick@kentfieldschools.org
Zero Waste School Program
Bacich is once again this year in the Zero Waste Schools Program to reduce and recycle solid waste produced at our school. Last year, we received a Zero Waste Certification, which acknowledged the extraordinary efforts of Bacich staff, teachers, and students who worked toward a culture of Zero Waste on our campus.
Parents can help our efforts by packing zero waste snacks and lunches. Use this link for more information from Zero Waste Marin on packing a zero waste lunch. Zero Waste Marin will be visiting Bacich classrooms in the next month or so to educate our students about waste reduction and recycling.
Upcoming Bacich Events
2022-2023 Bacich Bell Schedule
Morning yard supervision begins at 7:45 a.m. at Bacich. Students arriving on campus prior to 7:45 a.m., must be supervised by a parent or responsible adult.
Bacich playgrounds, fields and play structures are closed until 2:53 p.m. If you are picking up your kindergartner and wish to wait on campus for an older student, you may supervise your child on the kindergarten playground while you wait.
September 29: Bilingual Family Resource Night, 5:30-7 p.m., download flyer (English & Spanish version), Bacich Community Center
October 12: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
October 17:
- Bacich Principal Chat, 8:30-9:30 a.m., IDEA Studio
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Middle School Families,
Kent students love to play! It is one of the elements of our school that I treasure most. Students play during recess and lunch at our school, from 5th graders playing wall ball, to 8th graders playing four square, to 7th graders volleying a volleyball, to 6th graders playing kickball, or any student playing checkers or chess, our school is an active place during unstructured time. This activity is healthy and fun, and keeps our students’ minds awake and aware for maximum learning in our classrooms.
At lunchtime, in addition to the variety of physical play activities available for students, we have many indoor play activities sure to pique the interest of a wide range of students. We are so fortunate to host many student run clubs open for students of all grade levels to play, create, and explore with peers and classmates that share common interests. Below is a comprehensive list of club offerings at Kent this year!
If your child might be interested in one of these clubs, please encourage them to jump into the fun! There is no need to sign up, just show up! If your child has an idea for a club that we are not yet offering, new clubs can be created at any time, simply have your child contact Assistant Principal Ms. Holmes (wholmes@kentfieldschools.org) to share their idea.
I appreciate our students for creating and running clubs for their peers to enjoy! Club schedules are regularly updated on a rolling white board by the office for easy reference each day.
Have a great week ahead!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Save the Date: International Walk to School Day – Wednesday, Oct. 12
Parents, please tell your students to “Get Their Move On!” If they Walk, Bike, or Skate to School on October 12 they can enter a raffle for prizes. Students who Park and Walk (walk 10 minutes) are also getting the benefits of active travel to school, and will be included. Walking and Biking is good for their health, it reduces pollution and traffic, and it’s Good Times! Event sponsored by Safe Routes to Schools
Fall Athletics Schedules
Cross Country: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
Flag Football: Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.; games until 5 p.m. (download schedule)
6th Volleyball: practice on Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m. (download schedule)
7th Volleyball: practice Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. (download schedule)
8th Volleyball: practice on Wednesdays from 4-5 p.m. (download schedule)
Kent Library
Kent Middle School All School Read for 2022-2023: Judy Heumann's Rolling Warrior
Judy shares her journey of battling for equal access in an unequal world — from fighting to attend grade school after being described as a “fire hazard” because of her wheelchair, to suing the New York City school system for denying her a teacher’s license because of her disability. Judy went on to lead 150 disabled people in the longest sit-in protest in U.S. history at the San Francisco Federal Building. Cut off from the outside world, the group slept on office floors, faced down bomb threats, and risked their lives to win the world’s attention and the first civil rights legislation for disabled people.
We hope that all Kent students can bring a copy of the book to school by Monday, October 10 (available at Book Passage – be sure to mention Kent when checking out!), on Amazon or wherever you like to buy or borrow books.
- All School Read begins on Monday, October 17
- Author visit with Judy Heumann on Friday, October 28
The Kent Middle School Library Presents…
A community film showing of the Netflix documentary “Crip Camp”*
Friday, October 14, 2022, 5-7 p.m.
Kent Multipurpose Room
Pizza, drinks, candy, and popcorn will be sold at the event
All proceeds and donations will go to our author visit with Judy Heumann for our All School Read Rolling Warrior
*This film is rated R for language and some references to drug use. You may want to preview this film ahead of time to decide what is right for your family, but the themes are suitable for most students.
Happy Reading!
Rebecca Jelen
Kent Librarian
rjelen@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Volunteer Opportunity
During the screening of Crip Camp, volunteers will be selling concessions to raise money for the author visit.
Please reach out to rjelen@kentfieldschools.org with any questions or sign up to volunteer here.
Kent Yearbook: Orders Now Open!
Kent yearbooks are now on sale for $42.
www.yearbookordercenter.com or call 1-866-287-3096
Kent's order number is 7587.
Upcoming Dates
September 29:
- Cross Country Meet @ Kent, 4-5 p.m.
- 6th Grade Volleyball Game vs. Hall, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- 8th Grade Volleyball @ Mill Valley, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- Bilingual Family Resource Night, 5:30-7 p.m., download flyer (English & Spanish version), Bacich Community Center
October 3: 6th Grade Volleyball Game vs. Del Mar, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
October 4: Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
October 6:
- Flag Football vs Davidson, 4-5 p.m.
- 8th Grade Volleyball vs. Good Shepherd, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
October 7: End of Hex 1
October 14: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
October 20: Kent ELAC meeting, 8:30- 10 a.m.
KIK News
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT FAMILY FUN DAY!
We had a blast — and hope you and your family did, too!
Our favorite moments …
- Fun Run on a beautiful fall morning!
- Winning Cakes and yummy treats!
- Games galore + awesome music!
- Kids running around everywhere having the best day!
- Time spent with our community …
What a way to KIK off fall in our beautiful neighborhood.
Extra special appreciation to the Family Fun Day Team and Co-Chairs, Allison Zweig and Estelle Dick, Business Sponsors and our amazing Kent and Parent Volunteers!
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — UPDATE
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $212,877(net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 81 Family Giving Donors to date who are committed to our students and the programs they love! Can we add your name to this list?
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
FAMILY GIVING: 2022-23 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
Did you know that the annual KIK $1M contribution to Bacich and Kent directly funds enrichment programs - Art, Music, PE, Library, Maker, Woodshop, Broadcasting and more. Help support Enrichments and Donate Today!
- Approximately 88% of the $1 million-plus KIK raises comes from our school families via the Family Giving Campaign.
- The Family Giving Ask is $2,000 per child — any amount large or small will help us reach our goal and directly support your child’s education.
- Your participation counts! Please consider donating today — THANK YOU!
Learn more about Family Giving.
THANK YOU, FAMILY FUN DAY BUSINESS SPONSORS
Marin Ace / Standard 5 &10, a Family Fun Day and Business Sponsor for many years, has great hardware, gifts, and knowledgeable, helpful staff. Whether in Marin near the Civic Center or San Francisco’s Laurel Village, gear up for Fall projects or everyday needs in one stop!
Cast Jewelry in Corte Madera is a fine jewelry brand with an emphasis on craft and deep storytelling - a place to discover pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Cast’s exclusive collections are chic, unexpected and timeless.
KIK EVENTS | DINE & DONATE
EVERY TUESDAY - $50 Dine & Donate
Left Bank KIK Family Meals — 20% of proceeds go to KIK. Opt in for a weekly order reminder.
- SEP 27 - Fried Chicken, French Fries, Mac & Cheese, & Green Beans
KIK + KSPTA SPONSORED GRADE LEVEL PARTIES
OCT 08 - 1st Grade Family Social
- @ Bacich Blacktop - 1-3PM
OCT 09 - TK/Kindergarten Family Social
- @ Hal Brown Park, Creekside - 10AM-12PM
OCT 14 - 4th Grade Family Social
- @ Bacich Black Top - 5-7PM
OCT 23 - 2nd Grade Family Social
- @ Bacich Black Top - 3-5PM
OCT 29 - 3rd Grade Family Social
@ Hal Brown Park, Creekside - 11AM-1PM
CONNECT WITH KIK
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Bacich Grade-Level Family Socials
There are many different opportunities to volunteer during school hours and for before and after-school community events. Please see the links below to discover KSPTA volunteer opportunities. Please complete the form for the opportunities that interest you, and a KSPTA committee representative will be in touch, thank you!
Bacich School Wide Volunteer Opportunities
Bacich Lead Room Parents/Art for Bears Coordinators/ Carline Coordinators
How to Help Kids Develop Their Emotional Vocabulary
September 29, 5:30-6:30pm PST
Join Deborah Farmer Kris – educator, child development expert, and author of the new children’s book “You Have Feelings All the Time” – to learn more about the science of emotion and how everyone benefits when we learn how to name, normalize, and navigate our feelings.
Parents/caregivers, students, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
Sponsored by Parent Venture.
How to Support your Upset Child
September 30, 2022, 12-1 p.m. PST
- Parenting for Humans
- Learn more & register here. - Sponsored by Parent Venture.
Join us for an all-new Parent Forum (English) with Eran Magen, PhD, founder of Parenting for Humans. Learn how you can support your upset child, especially during moments of emotional intensity (e.g., anger, fear, anxiety, frustration). In this discussion group, you will have the opportunity to interact with other parents like yourself, as well as hear from parent-child communication expert Eran Magen.
Eran Magen holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Stanford University. He is the founder and CEO of Parenting for Humans, an organization that supports relationship-first, trauma-informed parenting.
Parents/caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission.
Sponsored by Parent Venture.
Upcoming KSPTA Meeting
Monday, October 3, 2022, 7-8 p.m. on Zoom
All are welcome to attend.
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.
D.C. Trip
8th grade families! The registration deadline for the Washington, D.C. Trip is Wednesday, November 30. You can use the following link to sign up!
Toolkit for Parents & Teens
Marin County teens, like others throughout the country, are facing unprecedented challenges today. COVID conditions come and go but never really leave us and the impact this has had is broad.
To support our students and expand our conversations with and for our teens, we want to share with you Let’s Talk, a toolkit for navigating teen substance use in Marin County. This printed booklet and digital resource was created through a joint effort by Marin County Office of Education, Marin Health and Human Services, Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships, Rx Safe Marin and a network of community partners.
The Let’s Talk booklet includes local data, tips for parents, drug facts and resources to support families in navigating teen substance use. A printed booklet was mailed to all incoming Marin County public school freshmen families in August, and to expand the reach to all families we created an online version. We hope you find it helpful in beginning and continuing conversations with your teens about navigating substance use and other topics. There are two versions - one for middle school ages and one for high schoolers.
On October 5 at 7 p.m., we will host Just Say Know – current drug trends, how it impacts our youth and what you can do. The first in a series of four online community discussions. Please visit the Let's Talk Discussion Series webpage for more information, a calendar of events, and registration link.
We welcome your feedback and input to make this resource better. Please complete a brief survey to give us your thoughts. SURVEY
If you have any questions, email us at info@mhyp.org.
What's happening at the Corte Madera Library this fall?
Corte Madera Community StoryWalk®!
Read a story together as you enjoy a walk through town. A StoryWalk® is a fun, family-friendly, outdoor activity, where pages of a book are placed along a walking route. Each stop along the way displays one page of the book.
Pick up a route guide from the branch or visit us online at marinlibrary.org/storywalk
A bookmark contest for ages 5-12 is running until September 30. Winners from different age groups will be printed and distributed this winter in the branch! Grab a form at the branch or visit our online calendar (marinlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events) for a printable version.
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club on Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
We hope to see you soon!
Homework Helpers
The Homework Helpers program, created and run by high school interns and the Marin County Free library, is offering a free “homework help” program for English Learners and underserved students at the Corte Madera library.
Here’s the link to sign up (English and Spanish)
The program begins on September 17 and will continue throughout the school year, every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Students are encouraged to sign up for specific time slots and communicate what they need help with. This is an excellent opportunity for students and families to get extra help, outside of school, from local high school students!
Strength & Wellness for Teen Girls Class
What is The Anchor Method?
The Anchor Method is different from any other fitness studio available today. In the first 40 minutes, I guide you through a full body strength program that focuses on correct form and mind to muscle connection. You and a partner take turns rotating through a variety of exercises.
Then we transition from the gym floor to the yoga mats to conclude the session. This is a calm and peaceful space to cool down, stretch and discuss the reflection of the day. The reflections consist of different topics centered around mental health, physical health and well-being. In a busy world, this time is essential to practice stillness and build community. You then leave the studio feeling stronger, healthier and more confident than when you first walked in.
For more information visit anchormethodmarin.com
Contact us at anchormethodmarin@gmail.com
Safe Routes to School Contest
Buddy UP is a new contest to get students to walk (park and walk), bike, carpool or ride the bus together. Now through October 31, sign up your group of two or more students from neighboring families to travel to or from school. Tell us your success story!
Habits are more likely to stick when families support each other. There’s safety in numbers and groups are more easily seen by drivers. Best of all, friendships and fun memories are formed! There will be a $50 award for 5 winning groups. Notifications will be sent out in early November.
Learn more at: www.saferoutestoschools.org
Questions? Contact Saferoutes@marinbike.org
Crisis Text Support Line
Marin County is offering our youth another means of confidential mental health support through a crisis text line that is available 24/7.
Text MARIN to 741741 for Support that Cares.
Marin Health Hubs
Health hubs, provides free and bilingual services such as food distribution, nutrition education, health screenings, and information about community organizations. 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