KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Happy New Year! 2023 is already proving to be quite an exciting year with brisk temperatures and significant rainfall. I hope the winter recess provided you and your family respite from the typical hustle and bustle of day-to-day activities and folks are refreshed and eager for what may lie ahead in this new year.
At the start of this school year I spoke about the heart of our work and how essential it is to approach our interactions with a goal of connecting through authenticity and kindness. Today, I reflect on the importance of true connection and being sure our students, staff, and parents/guardians feel seen and heard. We are one community with a common goal of providing a top notch education that will inspire and support our children in reaching their full potential. I am proud to be a part of the KSD community and I look forward to our future success, challenges, triumphs, and failures as each experience will offer us learning for a lifetime.
Wishing you a bright and beautiful 2023!
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Storm Watch - KSD Schools will be OPEN.
As you may be aware the Bay Area is on Storm Watch due to substantial rainfall and heavy winds beginning at 4 a.m on Wednesday, January 4 through 4 p.m. Thursday, January 5. This storm may lead to rising creeks/streams and flooding in flood-prone locations. The anticipated strong winds may bring branches and trees down and clogged drains may lead to street flooding.
Click English | Spanish for detailed guidance from the Marin County Office of Emergency Services, in preparation for this storm.
KSD needs a Safe Routes to School Ambassador
We are lucky to be in a community where there are safe routes for our children to walk, ride, skate, roll or bike to school. In order to keep our safe routes to school a priority for the County we need a community volunteer to step up and represent the KSD as a Safe Routes to School Ambassador. If you are interested please email admin@kentfieldschools.org to help be a part of the solution for getting our kids to school safely!
Sloat Garden Center Growing up Green week is January 6 through January 15.
Sloat Garden Center's Growing Up Green fundraising program is a fantastic opportunity for Bay Area schools to earn Sloat Garden Center gift cards. If you plan to shop at Sloat Garden Center during Growing Up Green week, please mention Bacich or Kent to the cashier and our schools will get credit towards a gift card. These gift cards help support our classroom garden programs. Thank you for your support!
When to Stay Home
Please reference this exposure notice for information on symptoms, communicability and prevention. (English I Spanish).
Please keep your child home if they are sick. It's not too late to get your flu vaccine. Please contact our school nurse Laurel Yrun (lyrun@kentfieldschools.org) with any questions you may have about how to navigate illness and school this year.
2022-2023 District Calendar
January Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
- Bacich Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Thursday, January 5, 2023
- Kent Parents In Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room 11
- Bacich Talent Show deadline – sign up here.
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m. - Special Location - Bacich Community Center
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- KIK Board meeting, 7-9 p.m., District Office
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, January 10, 2022 at 5 p.m. - Special Location - Bacich Community Center
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
- Finance Committee meeting, January 17, 2023, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, January 24, 2023, 4-5 p.m.
- If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Families,
I hope you enjoyed a restful and happy winter break. I especially enjoyed the slower paced mornings and the extra time spent with family. As I look ahead to the second part of our 2022-2023 school year, I am excited to expand on the successes we enjoyed this past fall. We are well positioned to make 2023 a year of immense learning and growth for our Bacich students. We will continue our efforts to create a strong and inclusive school community where everyone belongs.
Bacich Site Council Election
In the November 7 newsletter, I announced that we were interested in expanding the number of parents on our Bacich Site Council. In order to achieve parity between staff and parents, we need three additional parent members. I am excited to announce that we have eight candidates who are interested in joining the Site Council! We will follow our election protocol to select three new members. This linked Google Form includes statements from each of the candidates as well as the ballot for voting. Please read the statements and vote for up to three candidates. The voting will close on Monday, January 9 at 3 p.m. If you have any questions about the voting process, please contact our Bacich Site Council Chairperson, Alle Schreiber (alle.schreiber@gmail.com).
Winter After School Classes at Bacich
This fall, we had a successful slate of after school classes offered by some of our community partners, including Kentfield FC Soccer, Ross Recreation, Larkspur Recreation, Skill Samurai, Viva El Espanol. In addition to these organizations, there will also be winter classes offered by The ArKIDecture Academy (see information in the Community News section), and Chelsea Hill Hip Hop. Please reach out directly to these organizations for information about after school classes offered at Bacich.
Welcome Yvonne McCord
We are thrilled to welcome Yvonne McCord to the Bacich teaching staff. Ms. Yvonne joined us in November as our new English Language Development teacher. Ms. Yvonne has experience as a classroom teacher in the Sacramento City Schools where she taught kindergarten, first and second grades. Ms. Yvonne also has experience working as an instructor evaluation specialist for an online university program.
Ms. Yvonne worked closely with Winnie Caulkins for several weeks prior to the winter break to get to know our students and staff and transition into the role of ELD teacher. Ms. Caulkins was amazing as our interim ELD teacher this fall and we feel so fortunate that she was able to step into the position on short notice and work her magic, just like she always does.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful first week of 2023!
Warmly,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Talent Show 2023 - Sign Up Deadline January 5
Hello 3rd and 4th Grade Families,
The Bacich Talent Show is back this year! The fourth annual Bacich Talent Show is open to 3rd and 4th grade performers. We are planning for a live student body performance during our Wednesday morning assembly on March 1, 2023. Sign-ups close on January 5, 2023. Group and solo acts are encouraged. Once you have signed up we will contact you about practices and next steps. If there are multiple sign ups for similar acts, such as piano performances, we will do a lottery to select two from each grade level.
For more information, and to sign up, please visit our website:
Cheers,
The Talent Show Committee
Bacich Library
Happy New Year Bacich Readers! Stay tuned for what's happening in January in next week's newsletter.
Learn 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, January 4: Bacich Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Thursday, January 5: Bacich Talent Show Sign Up Deadline
Monday, January 9: Bacich Site Council voting ends at 3 p.m.This linked Google Form includes statements from each of the candidates as well as the ballot for voting. Please read the statements and vote for up to three candidates.
Wednesday, January 11: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Kent Falcons News
Dear Kent Middle School Families,
A new year is upon us, with seemingly endless possibilities and opportunities ahead for our children. Welcoming a new calendar year prompts reflection in us all as we consider how we’ve grown and changed in the year behind, and anticipate the fresh full year ahead.
Naming specific goals as the new year begins is an important practice for ourselves and our children. Identifying areas in our lives to focus on and improve can help each of us take meaningful steps toward achieving a desired result in the new year ahead. Considering the enumerable ways that your middle schooler will grow and change in 2023, pausing early in this new year to name personal and academic goals can be a positive practice to set a trajectory for the months ahead.
Habits of Learning at school (Independence, Engagement, Work Completion, Collaboration, Community-Mindedness, and Organization) are areas that we are all continually improving upon, in the variety of environments we encounter. Setting specific goals with your child around learning habits will increase participation and academic success. On your child’s first trimester report card, teachers provided feedback on a variety of habits of learning in their classes. Perhaps there are one or two areas in your child’s schedule where goal setting around learning habits could prove helpful.
In reviewing all of our Kent student’s first trimester report cards, I noticed one standard area where many students could work to improve. In English, all grade levels share a version of the reading standard, "Reads routinely over extended and shorter time frames for a range of tasks." Teachers are supporting students to engage with a variety of texts at school and at home, and to maintain engagement with reading for various spans of time. Reading daily at home is an essential component to progress on this standard, and it is one area of your child’s schooling where we really need your support. Review your child’s marking on this standard together and decide if perhaps a new year’s goal around daily reading would be an appropriate area of focus for the year ahead. Each English class contains a robust classroom library full of engaging texts, and teachers stand at the ready to make book recommendations. Let's make 2023 a year where every Kent Falcon, and every Kent Falcon family, is reading nightly!
I look forward to a full year of learning and growth for us all in 2023, and to working with our exceptional team of Kent educators to support your children to strive to reach their fullest academic, social, and creative potential this year.
All my best,
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Basketball Practice & Games Times
- 8th girls- Mondays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 8th boys- Mondays, 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
- 7th girls- Thursdays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 7th boys- Fridays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 6th girls- Wednesdays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 6th boys- Wednesdays, 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
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
Thursday, January 5: Kent Parents In Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room 11
Tuesday, January 10: Kent Site Council, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11
KIK News
HAPPY 2023 KSD COMMUNITY!
We hope everyone had a restful and safe holiday. Here’s to a wonderful year ahead for everyone, for our Bacich and Kent community, and for the Kentfield Schools Foundation.
Let’s start the New Year strong and support KIK today!
KIK BUSINESS PARTNERS — A FRESH START TO 2023
Start your 2023 with respite, ritual and renewal, in the peaceful sanctuary of International Orange. Guests can enjoy therapeutic treatments and customized facials and browse through thoughtfully curated selection of skin and body care, artisan wares, and daily wellness essentials.
Board Certified Specialists in Orthodontics for Children, Teens & Adults, Dr. Gorton, Dr. Schmohl and Dr. Schron have extensive experience in Invisalign, Damon Clear Braces and Braces with Colors to provide every patient with a customized plan. We emphasize a thorough diagnosis to optimize treatment results and treatment timing.
FAMILY GIVING IS YEAR ROUND
Please Donate to Support Enrichments for Every Kid, Every Day!
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
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — UPDATE
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $713,699 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 277 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
KIK CALENDAR
WINTER CONCERTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KIK
JAN 31 - 5th Grade Band & Strings Winter Concert - 7PM
FEB 01 - 6th Grade Band, Strings & Choir Winter Concert - 7PM
FEB 02 - 0 Period Band, Orchestra, & Choir Winter Concert - 7PM
MAY 06 - Save the Date - School of Rock
KIK Spring Auction Event, Party at Bimbo’s 365 Club featuring Notorious
DINE & DONATE
ORDER EVERY TUESDAY - $50 Dine & Donate
Left Bank KIK Family Meals — 20% of proceeds go to KIK. Opt in for a weekly order reminder.
JAN 10 - Beef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Greens, & Summer Squash
CONNECT WITH KIK
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Next Meeting: January 23, 2023 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. (the first 30 mins will be a coffee social). Location is TBD
Special Education Advisory Committee Parent Workshops
The Marin County SELPA Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is hosting several different workshops for parents in the new year. All workshops are free, translation services are available upon request, and registration is required.
Procedural Safeguards and Parent Rights
An online workshop designed for parents to learn more about their child’s rights and the protections in place under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An opportunity for questions and answers will be provided at the end of the session.
Special Education Eligibility & the Continuum of Services and Placements
An online workshop designed for parents to learn about special education eligibility determination and the factors considered in determining appropriate services and placement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An opportunity for questions and answers will be provided at the end of the session.
- February 9, 2023 from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Register HERE
Navigating the Pages of the IEP
An online workshop for parents to examine the pages of an IEP, one page at a time. Parents will have an opportunity to walk through the pages of an IEP and learn more about what specific information should be included in each section of the IEP document.
- January 5, January 9, February 2, and February 16 from 9:30-11 a.m.
- Register Here
January 18, 7 p.m. PST, Kent Library
Digital Health & Safety Expert Katie Greer
- Updates on the latest tech trends including popular apps, social networking trends, gaming, sexting, and more
- Social media 101: Rules, settings, age limitation and healthy use
- Privacy settings, location services, check-ins: Are your devices set-up safely? what does “private” really mean?
- Advice for having real conversations with your child to foster a positive online experience for your family, with suggested restrictions and rules
- Digital health check-in: Is your family doing a good job balancing life and technology? Most KIDS say “NO!”
- Smartphones & Age: What’s the average age kids get smartphones? Are there alternatives? Is there a right age for kids to get smartphones?
Co-Sponsored by The Kentfield PTA and Corte Madera PTO
January 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. PST
Free Virtual Screening of Disability/Inclusion related Film and Follow-Up Discussion -
- Register here - Sponsored by the Marin County of Education
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.
Tinker Tech - Game Development and AI class for students in Grades 2-4 at Bacich
Explore code and computational thinking through building games and a machine learning model. What will you build? Start by building an AI that can tell a picture of a cat from a dog and then invent your own AI to solve a problem. Super fun creative class that builds on a student's previous experience in Scratch or other block programming.
12:30 to 1:45pm
Wednesdays
Starting Wednesday January 11
Register on Larkspur Recreation website:
larkspur.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1905
The ArKIDecture Academy
Designing Buildings & Building Confidence
In this 6 week course, students will have the opportunity to learn about different types of architecture through drawings, collage, and construction. Each student will be the architect of their own projects, designing and building in their own unique style. I encourage class interaction, sharing of ideas, and team collaboration throughout the sessions. This is a perfect class for students wanting to learn more about architecture or for those that just love being creative! All levels are welcome!
Instructor: Molly Goecke
Architectural Designer & 5 Star Outschool Instructor
Bacich WINTER 2023
1st & 2nd Grade ArKIDects: Tuesdays 3-3:45 January 10/23 - February 14, 2023, Room 25
3rd & 4th Grade ArKIDects: Thursdays 3-3:45 p.m. January 12 - February 16, 2023, Room 29
To Enroll: Email - mollygoecke@gmail.com
Cost - $175
Opportunities
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 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
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Coding Classes at Bacich
Skill Samurai Intro to Coding Class
If you are looking to introduce your child to the world of coding, this is the perfect place to start. Students will learn the foundational concepts of coding while learning to build their own video games.
- Dates: 1/18, 1/25, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22
- Class Time: 12:45- 1:45 p.m.
- Tuition for 8 classes is $419.
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