KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Join us this week for our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, November 8, 5 p.m. at the KSD District Office, 750 College Avenue. We will begin with an Educational Showcase highlighting our Middle School English Language Arts program and hear various updates about school and district operations. We are also pleased to share that Supervisor Katie Rice will be joining the meeting at approximately 6:20 p.m. to offer an update about Project Homekey at 1251 South Eliseo Blvd. Due to the high interest of this information Zoom Audio Streaming will be available and an audio recording of the meeting will be posted for the public for six months following the gathering.
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
The KSD in collaboration with Dee’s Organics are working diligently to improve the KSD Food for All program. Through ongoing feedback from various stakeholders, adjustments have been made to support the quality of our food services program.
The breakfast program has been updated to offer varied options daily. Options include: milk, string cheese, bran muffin, bagel/cream cheese, crumble, yogurt, and fruit.
The lunch program menu has also been updated for November, to include new items such as hamburgers, chicken tenders and teriyaki bowls. To ensure we have an accurate account for meals please order your child’s lunch, we want to do our best to not waste food while also ensuring we have enough meals for any child that requests a meal. Thank you for your support.
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!
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 8, 2022
- Earthquake Drill
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Davidson
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m., agenda
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., 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
Monday, November 14, 2022
- 8th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m.
- 8th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences-Minimum Day Schedule
- KSPTA Book Fair, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Taco Tuesday Dinner, 5-7 p.m.
- Governance Workshop - New/Tenured Trustee Orientation, 5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences-Minimum Day Schedule
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Kent Cupcakes - Kent students receive a free dessert with book purchase.
- 6th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- Communication Committee, 4-5 p.m.
- Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45 p.m., Kent Library
- 6th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences-Minimum Day Schedule
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 7th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 2022
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Bacich Lost & Found last day to retrieve items
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
- 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,
Professional Learning
One thing that we educators have in common is a belief that learning is a lifelong process. Classroom teachers continually reflect on their teaching and seek ways to improve as educators. We learn from each other as well as from outside experts. This past week during our Wednesday afternoon staff meeting, the Bacich staff had the opportunity to participate in a training session with Julie Kurtz, the founder and CEO of The Center for Optimal Brain Integration (www.optimalbrainintegration.com). The title of her presentation was “Top 10 Tips to Support Children During Times of Uncertainty and Stress.” We learned about the main parts of the brain and the function of each part. In order to access the part of our brain needed for learning, we need to feel safe and calm.
The three hours we got to spend with Ms. Kurtz was fantastic and we all walked away with new understandings that we can use to inform our teaching. One tip that we discussed was the benefit of predictable routines for children. Predictable routines help children feel safe and secure. When children don’t know what to expect, they can become anxious. Routines are not only helpful in the school setting but also at home. Establishing routines for homework completion, getting ready for school, and mealtimes are just a few examples of home routines that support children and reduce stress and anxiety.
We are fortunate that on November 10, we have an entire day dedicated to professional development. Our school calendar includes two professional development days for staff. We appreciate these days because we value professional growth and learning. We will focus on academic language development strategies that are supported by research and benefit all students.
Parent-Teacher Conferences 11/15/22 - 11/18/22
Teachers are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress and growth. Please make sure to sign up for a conference; teachers sent out conference sign ups on Friday (11/4).
The week of November 14 will include four minimum days to accommodate our parent teacher conferences. Monday (11/14) will be a regular day. On Tuesday - Friday (11/15 - 11/18) we will follow the Wednesday minimum day schedule. Please make sure to make arrangements to pick up your child on time (see below for the minimum day dismissal schedule).
- TK - K dismissal - 12 p.m.
- 1st and 2nd Grade dismissal - 12:15 p.m.
- 3rd and 4th Grade dismissal - 12:30 p.m.
With gratitude,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Counselor Connection
Dear Bacich Community,
This month’s guidance lessons focused on using I-Messages or I-Statements. This is a very important step in teaching our children how to solve small problems on their own. When a person is upset or frustrated because of someone else’s behavior, it is important to let that person know your feelings. Here is the format.
I feel ____ when you ____. Could you please ____? Thank you.
Ask your child to demonstrate this process to you. Many of our students love role-play or creating skits to model what we learn in class.
Sincerely,
Ms. A/Andrea
Bacich School Counselor
acashman@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Lost & Found
Please check if your child has anything in the lost and found.
All unclaimed lost and found items will be donated on Friday, November 18.
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 9: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Room 7
Tuesday-Friday, November 15-18: Minimum day schedule for parent-teacher conferences
- TK - K dismissal - 12 p.m.
- 1st and 2nd Grade dismissal - 12:15 p.m.
- 3rd and 4th Grade dismissal - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, November 18: Bacich Lost and Found unclaimed items will be donated
Monday, November 28: Bacich Principal Chat, 8:30-9:30 a.m., IDEA Studio
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Middle School Families,
Two unique opportunities lie ahead for our Kent students this school year; both experiences are brand new for Kent Middle School!
- Spring Musical – Starting at the end of January, Kent will partner with North Bay Theatrics to put on a spring musical at our school! Many roles will be available for 5th through 8th graders, including acting, singing, and dancing roles in the performance, as well as behind-the-scenes sound, lights, and technical assistance roles. Rehearsals will run on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, February through March, with performances scheduled for early April. All students interested to participate are invited to an informational meeting with North Bay Theatrics staff this Tuesday, November 8th during Study Session at Kent. Attending this first meeting on Tuesday is not a commitment, but is a chance to learn more information. Please encourage your child to participate!
- Empowerment 101 Class for 8th Graders – On November 14, 15, and 16 during PE classes, our 8th graders will be led through a class entitled Empowerment 101, led by staff from IMPACT Bay Area. The sessions are designed to help students understand boundary setting and to empower students to act if they find themselves in unsafe or potentially threatening situations. In these sessions students develop intuition, situational awareness, congruent body language, and verbal skills to de-escalate and deter potential harassment and assault. These classes are a result of advocacy from a number of our former students through their 8th Grade Social Action class at Kent last year, about the need to empower young people to respond if ever faced with harassment and physical assault. We feel fortunate to equip our 8th grade students with this important skill set.
These two opportunities for our students are made possible through Kentfield Invests in Kids (KIK), and simply would not happen without our community’s support of our Kentfield school foundation. Thank you to KIK for supporting incredible programming at our school!
In closing, please anticipate two upcoming reports for parents on your child’s academic progress so far this year. The week of November 14, student results on our recent MAP Growth Assessment in Reading and Mathematics will be shared with families through the Aeries Student and Family Portal. Next week’s newsletter will provide a wealth of information regarding how to access, read, and interpret your child’s report. Additionally, first trimester report cards will be distributed to families in December, following the conclusion of the first trimester on November 30. These report cards will include markings to show student progress on individual skill, content, and habit of learning standards explored so far in each class. We look forward to providing these critical updates on your child’s progress in school.
Let’s have a great week ahead!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
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
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
- Monday-Thursday, November 14-17: Basketball Tryouts - please see schedule in the Kent Athletics section above.
- Wednesday, November 16: Kent ELAC meeting, Kent Library, 4:45-6 p.m.
KIK News
KIK GIVING DAY IS WEDNESDAY!
Please consider giving by GIVING DAY: Wednesday, November 9th.
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
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $450,742 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 166 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
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.
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.
Marin County Substitute Teacher Registration Fair
Wednesday, November 9, 11:30a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in being a substitute teacher should attend. Come and learn more about substitute job opportunities for substitute teaching in Marin County Public Schools and get registered on the same day! Learn more about competitive pay and flexible work days within the school week.
Marin County Office of Education will support on the spot with applications ($100 - payable by check/money order CTC), finger printing ($25 fee payable check, card, cash, or Venmo), and required trainings.
For faster processing, bring your valid government issued ID (passport/driver’s license), official bachelor’s transcripts, basic skills information, and immunization record (MMR, TB, and COVID).
- View flyer and learn more.
D.C. Trip - Financial Aid Application Now Available
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: worldstrides.com/custom/kentfield-ms-dc-203266
Financial Aid Available
8th grade families, attached you will find the application to apply for financial aid for the 8th grade Washington, D.C./ Philadelphia Trip (4/8/23- 4/13/23). If interested, please fill out both sides of the attached form completely and return to the Kent office or Mr. Palmer in room 30 by Tuesday, November 15. Individuals receiving funding will be notified by November 18. Please contact Ryan Palmer, 8th grade history teacher with any questions (rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org).
Hip Hop Dance Classes at Bacich
Bacich Kinder POP HipHop
Instructor: Chelsea Hill (Miss SeaSea)
- 8 weeks - 01/17/23 - 03/14/23 Mondays Winter 2023 (No class Feb 20, Marin Ski Week), 2-2:45 p.m.
Hip Hop is an ever-popular street dance that cultivates body control, creativity, and community! In this 8-week series, Kinders will learn how to follow the beat, rhythm, choreography, footwork, upper body control, stage presence, the history of Hip Hop culture, and build community through the joy of movement, dance, and expression! A balance of teaching movement styles and freedom of dance and movement will foster each dancer's confidence and connection.
Bacich HipHop 1st-4th Grade
Instructor: Chelsea Hill (Miss SeaSea)
- 8 weeks - 01/17/23 - 03/14/23 Mondays Winter23 (No class Feb 20, Marin Ski Week), 3-3:45 p.m.
Hip Hop is an ever-popular street dance that cultivates body control, creativity, and community! In this 8-week series, children of all levels will learn rhythm, choreography, precise footwork, upper body strength for breaking, stage presence, and the history of Hip Hop culture. This series is based in dance culture and developmental anatomy. It will include styles of house dance, locking, popping, and funk developed in the 1970’s. A balance of body precision and respect will be infused with freedom and personal expression, to foster the dancers' confidence and build community through the joy of movement and connection!
To enroll, email: chelseamariehill@gmail.com
Cost: $250.00
Donuts & Tee Event! Registration Opening Soon!
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