KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
I was reminded last week of the importance of “celebrating” our students, our staff, and our community. From receiving Falcon Feathers to Bacich Bear Cards children are constantly being recognized for making good decisions, showing extra effort, and/or being an upstander. Site staff are appreciated through personal notes, special treats, and/or public acknowledgements of their support and dedication to our students, their colleagues, and our school community. I want to celebrate the KSD parent/guardian community for their active engagement in their child’s education and support of our schools. As we collectively navigate our celebrations and our challenges with a common goal of doing what is best for kids I am confident we will overcome obstacles and strengthen our school community partnership!
I wish you a fantastic final day of October and a peaceful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Halloween Safety Tips
Today as many children across neighborhoods venture out for fun let’s remember the importance of safety. Below are some Halloween Safety Tips from the Marin Prevention Network and Marin Healthy Youth Partnership. Enjoy this final day of October 2022.
CDC Halloween Safety Tips (Spanish) | Social Host Ordinance | "Our Kids Are Watching Us" an opinion piece in the Bark, Redwood High School student newspaper.
Meeting Tomorrow!
Family Partners, Tuesday, November 1, 4-5 p.m. at the Kentfield District Office
Family Partners will welcome Sarah Doherty, MEd, behaviorist and executive director of COMPASS-Community of Mindfulness Psychology and Social Services. The topic of her talk will be Teaching Kids Replacement Behaviors.
Project Homekey Update
As many may be aware, Project Homekey at 1251 South Eliseo Blvd. is moving forward. Recent information about the project can be found at their website 1251seliseo.com. To offer the KSD community a current update, Supervisor Katie Rice will be joining the KSD Board Meeting on Tuesday, November 8. Access to the meeting will be available in person at 750 College Avenue or via Zoom audio. If you are interested in speaking at this meeting you will need to attend in person to share comments.
Eyes Up, Marin: Let’s Make our Streets Safer for Everyone!
Through the end of November, you’ll see bright and colorful banners and lawn signs popping up all over Marin asking people to keep their “Eyes Up” and be alert. These signs will be asking drivers to slow down, watch when turning and look for pedestrians in the crosswalk; bicyclists to yield to pedestrians and to follow the rules of the road; And those walking to pay attention when crossing the street.
These messages will also show up in your social media feeds, and you can find them at www.streetsmartsmarin.org. Please share with your friends, family and co-workers!
The Eyes Up, Marin Campaign is part of the Street Smarts Program and Safe Routes to Schools, locally funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin.
Calling all Legos!
Bacich is launching a lunchtime Lego and Game Room during lunch recess. We will start this week with third and fourth grade on Fridays and add first and second in the coming weeks.
We are in need of Lego donations to boost our supply.
If you have Legos at home that are no longer being used, please consider donating them to Bacich. You may bring them to the Bacich main office. Thank you!
Immunization Update | Information
The federal Centers for Disease Control Prevention’s (CDC) independent vaccine advisory committee, ACIP, voted last week to add COVID-19 vaccines to the routine childhood vaccine schedule. This has no impact on vaccine requirements in California. The main impact of the CDC recommendation is that health insurance companies will be required to cover the cost of the immunization and that the federal government can continue to provide it for free to low-income families. This does not mean COVID-19 vaccines are now required for school entry.
COVID-19 vaccines continue to be safe and effective, and they remain the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness due to COVID-19. Widespread vaccination is a major reason California is in a position to wind down emergency processes. California continues to support K-12 students and staff in accessing the COVID-19 vaccine. Turnkey mobile vaccination services remain available for any K-12 school within the state.
It is important for parents to stay up to date on their children’s vaccinations, including the flu and getting boosted for COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of respiratory virus transmission, especially as the holiday season approaches with increasing indoor gatherings and travel.
Important Calendar Reminder
Reminder November 10 is a Non-Student Day for Teacher-Staff Inservice (Professional Development) and November 11 is a School Holiday to observer Veterans Day.
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
- Family Partners Meeting, 4-5 p.m., Kentfield District Office
- 6th Grade Volleyball Game at Mark Day, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Mark Day, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- DELAC meeting, 5-6 p.m., Bacich Library
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
- Walk and Roll to School Day
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 3, 2022
- Flag Football vs Marin Horizon, 4-5 p.m.
- 8th Grade Volleyball at Davidson, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Monday, November 7, 2022
- KSPTA general membership meeting 8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
- Flag Football at Mark Day, 4-5 p.m.
- 6th Grade Volleyball Game at Davidson, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
- Earthquake Drill
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11, agenda
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Davidson
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
- Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- KIK Board meeting, 7-9 p.m.
Thursday, November 10, 2022
- Professional Development Day - No School
Friday, November 11, 2022
- Veterans Day - No School
- KSPTA Book Fair starts and runs through : November 17, 2022
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, November 8, 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
As many may be aware, our next regular election is on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The KSD will not have a contested election for the open Board of Trustee seats, instead we will welcome Trustee-elects: Cari Irwin, Benny Joseph, and Silver McDonald. Our Trustee-elects are actively engaging in the full scope of their anticipated role in order to fully accept their new position at the December Board Reorganization meeting. Highlights regarding our Trustee-elects will be forthcoming.
KSD Board/District Committees
- DELAC meeting, November 1, 5-6 p.m.
- Governance Workshop - New/Tenured Trustee Orientation, November 15, 5-7 p.m.
- Communication Committee meeting, November 16, 4-5 p.m.
- LCAP Strategic Plan advisory meeting, November 28, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, November 29, 4-5 p.m.
If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Community,
I have always believed that school should be a place where students develop a love of learning in an environment where learning and growth is celebrated.
This past week at the end of our Wednesday morning In-Motion assembly, we celebrated our kindergarten students who completed their first reading unit called “We are Readers!” The kindergartners were wearing crowns that they had made in class. They were also carrying a favorite picture book. Teachers and first through fourth grade students made a large circle on the blacktop and the kindergartners paraded inside the circle. We clapped and cheered as a school community to celebrate their accomplishment and discovery that they are readers! This incredible celebration was the most joyous start to a school day that I can remember. The positive energy was palpable. As one kindergarten student said later to his teacher, “that was epic!”
I hope you will remember to celebrate your students as they learn and grow throughout the school year. Take time to look through their completed work in the Friday Folders and celebrate their academic growth and achievements.
With gratitude,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Walk & Roll Wednesday - November 2!
Walk & Roll to School Day happens next Wednesday! Please join us Wednesday morning on November 2. Our theme is to remember all the things we can be grateful for: our parents, our teachers, friends, our great natural spaces, etc. Walking, biking, skating, scooting, parking and walking or taking the bus are all excellent ways to participate! Make sure you stop by our welcome table in front of school for a fun prize. See you there!
Bacich Library
Check out Bacich Library Book Buzz November blog to learn about how the Bacich Library honors Native American Heritage Month and Ms. Warnick's recommended children's books about Native American culture and history.
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
Upcoming Bacich Events
2022-2023 Bacich Bell Schedule
Wednesday, November 2: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
November 7: Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Monday, November 28: Bacich Principal Chat, 8:30-9:30 a.m., IDEA Studio
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Middle School Families,
Friday was an incredible day at Kent, as we concluded the 2022 All School Read of Rolling Warrior with an in-person visit from author and activist, Judy Heumann. Judy engaged students, staff, and parents with her powerful commentary, her gentle yet fierce disposition, and her complete and total commitment to be present for our children and their questions.
Judy Heumann spoke to our students about justice, about perseverance, about strength, and about humanity. She recounted her life’s work of fighting for disability rights, starting when she was first denied access to school as a child, and when she was later denied a teaching license. She explained in detail the protest events she led that eventually resulted in the passage of section 504 in 1973, her work to bring the Americans with Disabilities Act into law in 1990, and most recently a lawsuit she initiated regarding access for wheelchairs in her own neighborhood. She shared that while her work improved many elements of our society, there is still not justice for all, and that discrimination remains a reality for people with disabilities and many other groups in our country and in our world. She encouraged our students to identify a cause they care deeply about, and to have a clearly articulated goal they intend to achieve through research and action related to that cause. What a powerful experience for our students to hear this first person, primary source account from a true American hero, right on our Kent Middle School campus.
Reading Rolling Warrior and meeting Judy Heumann had a powerful impact on many of our students, as captured in the below excerpts from a few student letters written to Judy.
- "Before I read this book, I didn’t know what section 504 meant, but after reading the book I can see how some of my friends at school that have disabilities, can attend our school and get the help they need because of you." – From a 5th grade student
- "Your book taught me that no matter what other people say, if you have a goal you should do everything you can to achieve that goal." – From a 6th grade student
- "For me, your book is a cry of empowerment to make myself heard and seen, and not just a part of the backdrop." – From a 7th grade student
Linked here is a Marin IJ article about the 2022 Kent All School Read and author visit last week, which captures some poignant reflections from our students, and more. We appreciate school librarian Rebecca Jelen for her vision, organization, and planning for the Kent 2022 All School Read, as well as to our KSPTA partners for their consistent and generous support.
November here we come!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Aeries Student and Family Portal
The Aeries Student and Family portal is now accurately accounting for assignment completion in student classes. When you log on to the Aeries Student and Family Portal, you will see all of your student’s classes displayed. When you click on a class, you will see the assignments that have been entered so far this year, as well as a check mark indicating that the assignment is complete, or a blank indicating that the assignment is missing. We are working with Aeries to provide visibility into students’ proficiency levels with the standards taught in each class, and will provide an update as soon as we have one from Aeries. Please encourage your student to check assignment completion in Aeries, and to work with their teacher to address and turn in any missing assignments for this term.
Fall Athletics News & Schedules
Kent basketball tryouts will be the week of November 14-18 in the gym.
Schedules:
Monday, 11/14
- 8th girls- 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 8th boys- 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/16
- 6th girls- 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 6th boys- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, 11/17
- 7th girls- 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 7th boys- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
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 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
- Tuesday, November 8: Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., room 11, agenda
- Wednesday, November 16: Kent ELAC meeting, Kent Library, 4:45-6 p.m.
KIK News
KIK GIVING DAY — DONATE BY NOVEMBER 9!
Please consider giving by GIVING DAY: Wednesday, November 9th.
Thank you to the 141 Family Giving Donors to date who are committed to our students and the programs they love! Can we add your name to this list?
How much should I donate?
Our suggested donation is $2,000 per child in the district. Some families donate more, and some families donate less. The important part is to participate at a level that is meaningful to you. Every dollar makes a direct impact on your child’s education, and will help us reach our goal.
- Here’s how to Donate - THANK YOU!
- The annual KIK $1M contribution to Bacich and Kent directly funds enrichment programs:
- Art, Music, PE, Library, Maker, Woodshop, Broadcasting and more.
Learn more about Family Giving and What KIK Funds.
We are committed to transparency and communication here at KIK. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Family Giving Co-Chairs:
Tiffani Broce - Maggie & Griffin’s Mom - tiffaniparkerbroce@gmail.com
Noah Wheeler - Jesse & Adam’s Dad - wheelernoah@gmail.com
CONNECT WITH KIK
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
KSPTA Book Fair
Bacich Community Center, November 14 – 18
Support our schools! A portion of all sales will be donated to the KSPTA!
Interested in volunteering at the Book Fair? We need volunteers, please sign up here!
MONDAY 11/14
(Morning Coffee and Shop)
8-9 a.m.
TUESDAY 11/15
(Taco Tuesday Dinner)
11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
5-7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 11/16
(Kent Cupcakes*)
8-9 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
THURSDAY 11/17
8-9 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
FRIDAY 11/18
8-9 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
Upcoming KSPTA Meeting
November 7, 2022, 8:30-10 a.m., Kent Room 11
8:30-8:45 a.m. coffee social, meeting to follow
All are welcome to attend.
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
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.
"Why I Love Libraries" Holiday Card Art Contest!
We invite all school-aged kids in in Marin County (grades K-8) to submit original art that conveys “Why I Love Libraries.”
Use your imagination to share why you love libraries for a chance to be featured on the Larkspur Library and TCF websites, in the official TCF holiday card, and a chance to have your art displayed at the library, win fun prizes and receive an award from Larky himself (awards ceremony date to be announced)!
Entries are being accepted in four categories: physical art, digital art, poetry or video. Entries are being accepted at the Larkspur Library now through November 1, 2022.
See the contest page for details by visiting thecommonsatlarkspur.org.
A Special Complimentary Screening of California’s Forgotten Children
November 2, 2022, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Elks Lodge #1108, 1312 Mission Avenue, San Rafael
A Multi-Award Winning documentary about the commercial sexual exploitation of children in California. Featuring six incredible Survivors and their individual stories, we gain a look inside this hidden world, one our children face wherever they live and whenever they are online. Learn of incredible trauma and how these Overcomers are thriving today. Viewers come away with a better understanding of this crime, encouraged to act against the injustice and to keep children safe from behind-doors rape, violence and slavery, creating a space for empathy for the children unjustly arrested for sex trafficking, and empowering survivors on their path to freedom. We find hope and inspiration through these survivors who have overcome incredible trauma and who are now leaders in their communities.
Yes, this crime happens in Marin. Yes, everyone needs to know.
Yes, knowing makes our community safer. We hope to see you there.
Suitable for 13+ years.
Watch the Trailer Space is limited! RSVP
Presented to you by: Elks Lodge #1108, Marin County District Attorney, Lori Frugoli, and Wisdom International: Help2Others
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!
Donuts & Tee Event! Registration Opening Soon!
Tee & Donuts Event: November 6, 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Bacich Blacktops
Introduce your family to softball. Batting stations, jersey sizing, and gear swap.
November 1 - December 16: Registration Open
KGS is non-profit organization - completely run by parent & community VOLUNTEERS.
- For all girls ages 5-15.
- Kentfield, Greenbrae, Ross & North Larkspur.
- Season runs from March through the end of May.
- All games are in Marin (except 15U have some in San Francisco).
- All home games are at Kent.
- Coaches are parents and community volunteers.
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. The program began 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!
Homework Helpers Flyer in English and Spanish
Corte Madera Community StoryWalk® (view flyer) – through November 10
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Elks Hoop Shoot
Basketball Free-Throw Competition
December 10, 2022, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Albert J. Boro, Community Center, 50 Canal Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
Sponsored by Elks Lodge #1108
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