KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Join us this week for our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, February 7, at 5 p.m. at the Kentfield School District Office, Conference Room. We will have an education showcase highlighting our middle school math program, receive an update on the KSD Comprehensive Safety Plan, and hear other pertinent information about school operations.
Take good care,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
The YouthTruth Survey Now Available
YouthTruth parent survey is at 16%. Make your voice heard! Help us reach our goal of 100% family participation.
Please take 15 minutes to complete the anonymous YouthTruth family survey at ytsurvey.org/ksdfamily23
Directions to take the Youth Truth Family Survey:
- Click on KSD Youth Truth Family Survey
- Select your language
- Complete the survey in one sitting (up to 15 minutes)
- Please have one member of each household fill out the survey
- Please complete a survey for each school you have child/ren attending
- If you have more than one child attending the same school, you may respond to the survey multiple times (one survey per child)
All responses will be anonymous.
Your participation in this survey will help inform our team as we reflect on how we serve our students and our community at large. Feedback may be used to help determine professional learning, student programs, and support services across the KSD.
To learn more about Youth Truth click HERE, and for information about last year’s results click HERE.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
Vigilant Parent Initiative
In partnership with the Marin Sheriff's Office, please join us for an evening of hands-on education with online safety. Parents and guardians will learn about many social media sites and how you can keep your children safe from online predators. Learn more here at the Vigilant Parent Initiative website, and register for our February 16 at 5 p.m. session held in the Kent Library here. Translation will be provided.
March 10 Now Regular Instructional Day
On January 5, 2023, the KSD closed both schools due to power outages, the uncertainty of PG&E power restoration/maintenance, and its impact on school operations. Our staff continued to work through the day remotely and on-site and children stayed home in the safe care of an adult. Together our instructional staff and administration agreed to make up this lost day of learning by converting March 10, 2023 (professional development/non-student day) into a regular instructional day. We are disappointed to lose out on a professional learning day for our staff, although we look forward to having our students on-site for a day of learning. Please mark your calendars regarding this calendar change.
Download a PDF of the Board-approved 2023-2024 District Calendar.
February Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
- 6th Grade Basketball vs. White Hill, (Girls 4-5 p.m., Boys 5-6 p.m.)
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
- Parents in Action meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- 7th Grade Basketball vs. White Hill (Girls 4-5 p.m.; Boys 5-6 p.m.)
- Technology Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
- Redwood High School Presentation for Families, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- KIK Board meeting, 7-9 p.m., District Office
Thursday, February 9, 2023
- 8th Grade Basketball vs. White Hill (Boys are 4-5 p.m.)
Friday, February 10, 2023
- Second Grade "Then & Now" – invited guests only
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
- 6th Grade Basketball vs. Mark Day (Girls 4-5 p.m., Boys 5-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- 7th Grade Basketball vs. Mark Day (Girls 4-5 p.m.; Boys 5-6 p.m.)
- Communication Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
- Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45-6 p.m., Kent Library
Thursday, February 16, 2023
- 8th Grade Basketball vs. Mark Day (Boys 4-5 p.m., Girls 5-6 p.m.)
- Vigilant Parent Initiative Night in partnership with Marin County Sheriff's Office register for our register here. Translation will be provided., 5:30 p.m., Kent Library
February 20-24, 2023: Mid-Winter Recess - No School
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.
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 5 p.m.
Here is a link to where you can find the agenda once posted. Access to the meeting will be in person or via 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
- Technology Committee meeting, Wednesday, February 8, 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,
This week we will celebrate the 100th day of school and the character pillar of trustworthiness during our Wednesday morning assembly.
"Then and Now"
Every year, second grade studies "Times Past" as part of the second grade social studies curriculum. On Friday, February 10, we are excited to be inviting parents and our students' elders back on campus for a "Then and Now" musical performance and classroom visits (please note that due to capacity limitations, this event is for invited guests only).
Baseball Field Construction
You probably noticed that there is temporary construction fencing around the majors' baseball field at the northwest corner of the Bacich field. I am pleased to report that our community partner, Ross Valley Little League (RVLL), is funding and managing an improvement project. The project includes the construction of two new enclosed dugouts with entry gates. The project also includes increasing the height of the baseball fence to prevent foul balls from being hit onto Sir Francis Drake Blvd. A new concrete pad for the bleachers and shed will be installed. RVLL has plans for similar improvements to the minors' field (the field closest to the main parking lot). The timing of the minors' project has not been finalized. Over the February mid-winter break (February 20 - 24), the baseball field grass will be replaced.
All of the work is being completed by licensed and insured contractors and all workers have received clearance to work on-site during the school day. We do not anticipate much of an impact on our students during the course of this project. The route of the track has been slightly altered due to the temporary construction fencing. All construction vehicle traffic will occur outside of the school day. The project will be completed by March 10 at the latest, with RVLL opening day taking place on March 11.
These improvements, especially the new grass, will benefit all of our students. We appreciate the partnership with Ross Valley Little League and all they provide for our community.
Evacuation Drill
Last week, we practiced our full evacuation drill. Thank you to our parent volunteers who came to help us practice the release of students to approved guardians. Our local Kentfield Fire Department and Marin County Sheriff Department were on-site to observe and provide feedback. We appreciate their time and support. They were impressed with our planning and also provided valuable tips to help us make our process even better. I am grateful for their partnership with our school and district.
Warmly,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Family Math Nights
The Marin County Office of Education is hosting “Family Math Nights” for parents and caregivers of children, ages birth to 6 years. The virtual sessions are facilitated by Lisa Kaplan Shaanan from Early Education Equity. Spanish translation provided. The Zoom link will be emailed to you the day before the session.
Please join us on one or more of the following sessions on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Registration Link
- February 9
- March 9
- April 13
- May 11
- June 8
La Oficina de Educación del Condado de Marin está organizando "Noches Familiares de Matemáticas" para padres y cuidadores de niños, desde el nacimiento hasta los 6 años. Las sesiones virtuales son facilitadas por Lisa Kaplan Shaanan de Early Education Equity. Se ofrece traducción al español. El enlace de Zoom se le enviará por correo electrónico el día antes de la sesión.
Únase a nosotros en una o más de las siguientes sesiones los jueves de 6:30 p. m. a 7:30 p.m. Enlace de registro
- 9 de febrero
- 9 de marzo
- 13 de abril
- 11 de mayo
- 8 de junio
TK / Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Universal Transition Kindergarten Information Session Slides - Spanish and English
- Incoming Kindergarten students will need to turn 5 years of age by September 1, 2023.
- Incoming Universal Transitional Kindergarten students will need to turn 5 years of age between September 2, 2023 and April 2, 2024
Youth Truth Survey
We want to hear from you! The YouthTruth family survey window starts today. Please take 15 minutes to complete the anonymous YouthTruth survey at ytsurvey.org/ksdfamily23. This important survey allows us to gather your feedback to make our school stronger and increase student outcomes.
In addition to the family survey, our 3rd and 4th grade students will be engaging in their own survey the week of February 13. This survey allows us to hear directly from our students on how they are experiencing school. The feedback this data provides can be used toward strategic planning, monitoring our curriculum, technology, and learning environment, as well as how we can plan for future professional development.
Bacich Library
The new Bacich Library Book Buzz February blog features book recommendations about Groundhogs, Winners, Presidents, Love, and Black History Month. Drum roll please... here are the winners of the 2023 ALA Book Awards!
bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
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
Friday, February 10, 2023: Second Grade "Then & Now" program, invited guests only please
Wednesday, February 15, 2023: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Kent Falcons News
Dear Kent Middle School Families,
Thank you to the many families who showed support for our Kent musicians and our one-of-a-kind Kent Middle School music program during our three performances last week. The song selection included tunes from Bruce Pearson, The Spice Girls, Stevie Wonder, ABBA, and much more… now that is one-of-a-kind! Much appreciation is extended to Kent music director Mr. Michael Martinez for inspiring and leading our Kent musicians, and for his creative music curation. Thank you also to our partners in education, the KSPTA and KIK, for their ongoing financial support of Kent music. Congratulations to our many Kent musicians!
Kent Library Refresh Construction Project – The Kent Middle School Library is like the heart of our school. Students, staff, and community members flow in and out of this shared space daily, with collaboration, creation, innovation, exploration, communication, and learning flourishing within its walls. Thanks to Kentfield Invests in Kids (KIK), we are starting a Library Refresh Construction Project to improve and enhance this important space on our campus. The most transformative element of this project includes the movement of standalone bookshelves and the removal of outdated study carrels in order to centralize most book browsing to the southwest corner of the library, opening up the remainder of the library for collaborative workspaces and flexible set-ups that can support both small and large student and community groups. Once the bookshelves are moved, new carpet installed throughout and simple paint touch-up will complete this year’s refresh. In order to support the completion of this project, the Library will be closed from February 16th through March 5th, opening again for student use the week of March 6th. With a new look and a new feel, our Library will likely need a new name! We look forward to working with our students in the months of March and April to re-brand our new and improved Library space with a new name and fitting logo. I look forward to sharing the outcome of this project with you soon, and encourage you to view it as a part of our Open House on March 30th!
Measure of Academic Progress (MAP Growth) Testing This Week - This week students will be taking the MAP Growth assessment for two sessions of their English class and two sessions of their math class. We administer this assessment twice a year to monitor student progress in the areas of reading and mathematics, and look forward to sharing the results of this test administration with you in early March, just as we did with the last round of testing in October, 2022. The results serve as a helpful instructional tool for teachers and an important progress monitoring tool for our school, so we encourage all students to give their full effort and attention to these tests when completing them at school. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade parents, thank you for supporting your student to arrive at school each day with a charged Chromebook!
Let’s have an awesome week ahead!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Youth Truth Survey
As a means of gathering information about students' experience of school, Kent students will be taking the student YouthTruth survey on February 15-16. The YouthTruth survey is a computer-based questionnaire that will take about 30 minutes for students to complete. The YouthTruth student survey will allow us to hear directly from students about how they are experiencing school. We will be able to get a sense of students' feelings and perceptions about Kent, about their feeling of belonging, their learning, and their connectedness to others. Research shows that student perceptions are empirically linked to academic outcomes. With this information, we will be better equipped to engage, challenge, and support all students at Kent. We hope that you will complete the parent/guardian survey about your experiences with our school if you have not already done so!
Kent Teacher Appreciation Breakfasts - Volunteers Needed!
Throughout the school year, the KSPTA organizes breakfasts for the Kent staff. Volunteers bring items such as baked goods, main dishes, fruit, and juice. We have three remaining breakfasts scheduled in February, March, and May. We still need volunteers to help bring items for all these dates.
Please sign up here if interested. If you have any questions, please contact Ingri Tarantino: ingri.tarantino@yahoo.com
Please remind your child to check their Aeries Gradebook to monitor their progress in each class, or check the Aeries Gradebook along with your child through the Aeries Student and Family Portal. Linked here is an Aeries Gradebook Overview that will help you to interpret markings and will guide users through different elements of the gradebook.
The Lion King Rehearsals
Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the MP Room through March.
Kent Basketball Practice & Games Times - new schedules posted
Schedule Change Note: Thursday, 2/9, Kent 8th grade boys host White Hill at 4 p.m.
There is no 8th grade girls' game because White Hill does not have an 8th girls team.
- 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
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
- 6th Grade Basketball vs. White Hill, (Girls 4-5 p.m., Boys 5-6 p.m.)
- The scheduled Site Council meeting has been postponed.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
- 7th Grade Basketball vs. White Hill (Girls 4-5 p.m.; Boys 5-6 p.m.)
- Redwood High School Presentation for Families, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 9, 2023: 8th Grade Basketball vs. White Hill, (Boys 4-5 p.m.)
Tuesday, February 14, 2023: 6th Grade Basketball vs. Mark Day (Girls 4-5 p.m., Boys 5-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, February 15, 2023: 7th Grade Basketball vs. Mark Day (Girls 4-5 p.m.; Boys 5-6 p.m.)
Thursday, February 16, 2023: 8th Grade Basketball vs. Mark Day (Boys 4-5 p.m., Girls 5-6 p.m.)
KIK News
SEEKING AUCTION DONATIONS
SEEKING AUCTION DONATIONS!
Seeking unique, bid-worthy items for the annual Spring Event, School of Rock, the largest fundraiser event of the year!
KIK Auction Committee is seeking:
- Vacation homes and getaways
- Unique experiences
- Jewelry, art, autographed sports/music memorabilia
- Rare wines, magnums, winery tastings, and specialty liquor
- Gift cards to restaurants, grocery and retail stores
- Sign Up Parties - host a sign up party for adults or kids (cooking class, hike and brunch, golf outing, outdoor movie night, etc. - the sky’s the limit!)
- Amazon auction wish list items: anyone can contribute by shopping the KIK auction wish list
** Please contact Allyson Peracca or Janine Spaulding if you have donation ideas or items to donate. THANK YOU!
Online Auction: April 27 - May 4
Party and Live Auction: Bimbo’s 365 in San Francisco; Saturday, May 6 ~ Stay tuned for party details.
KIK BUSINESS PARTNERS
Marin Ortho are Board Certified specialists in orthodontics for children, teens and adults. Dr. Jasmine Gorton, Dr. Bill Schmohl and Dr. Diana 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.
Nichols Orthodontics — It is our philosophy that all patients deserve the highest quality care, tailored to fit their individual needs. Whether you're an adult, adolescent or child, Dr. Nichols, our skilled and knowledgeable orthodontist, and our friendly staff are committed to helping you achieve the smile you deserve - a healthy, beautiful one!
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: $816,201 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 319 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
SPRING AUCTION
MAR 15 - Deadline to Receive Auction Donations
APR 27 - MAY 4 - KIK School of Rock Online Auction
MAY 06 - Save the Date - School of Rock
KIK Spring Auction Event, Party at Bimbo’s 365 featuring Notorious
CONCERTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KIK
MAR 02 - 3rd Grade Family Concert - 6:30PM
APR 20 - 2nd Grade Family Concert - 6:30PM
MAY 11 - 1st Grade Family Concert - 6:30PM
MAY 25 - Kindergarten Family Concert - 8:30AM
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.
- FEB 07 - TBD
CONNECT WITH KIK
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Next Meeting: March 3, 2023 from 8:30-10:30 a.m., Kent (coffee social during the first 15 minutes)
Register Now: The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents with Dr. Lisa Damour
March 29, 2023, 7 p.m. PST
Marin County Office of Education Office, 1111 Las Gallinas Avenue, San Rafael
- In-person attendees are encouraged to register early.
- Zoom option available.
- View Flyer in English and Spanish.
Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Lisa Damour co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, writes about adolescents for the New York Times, appears as a regular contributor to CBS News, and works in collaboration with UNICEF. She is the author of two New York Times bestsellers, Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood and Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls, and the soon-to-be-published book, The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents.
- Addresses the fact that adolescent mental health isn't about feeling good, calm, or relaxed, but about having the right feelings at the right times, and knowing how to manage those feelings effectively
- Offers guidance to adults on how to help teens open up, and how to keep teens from being overwhelmed by their emotions or feeling at the mercy of their moods
- Provides concrete strategies for dealing with teens’ arguments, risk-taking, emerging romantic lives, friendships, social media, and more
Sponsored by the KSPTA and the Marin County of Education
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.
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.
- February 16 from 9:30-11 a.m.
- Register Here
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.
- March 7, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Register for HERE
Back by popular demand, the Marin County Office of Education is hosting “Top TIPS for Supporting Kids in Times of Uncertainty and Stress” with author and national speaker Julie Kurtz. Her expertise in training on trauma and resilience promotes the concept of optimal brain integration maximizing the growth of our best selves.
Please join us on one or both of the following sessions:
- Birth to age 6 | March 2, March 9 & March 23, 2023, 6-7 p.m. Registration Link | Session in English
- Elementary School Age | March 14, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Middle/High School Age | March 21, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
Registration Link | Sessions in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation.
SPANISH:
Regreso por demanda popular, la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Marin está recibiendo “CONSEJOS para apoyar a los Niños en tiempos de Incertidumbre y Estrés” con la autora y oradora nacional Julie Kurtz. Su experiencia en entrenamiento en trauma y resiliencia promueve el concepto de integración cerebral óptima que maximiza el crecimiento de nuestros mejores seres.
Por favor únase a nosotros en una o ambas de las siguientes sesiones:
- Edad nacimiento a 6 años | 28 de febrero, 7 de marzo y 28 de marzo de 2023, 6-7 p.m. Enlace de registro | sesión en español
- Edad de la Escuela Primaria | 14 de marzo de 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Edad de la Escuela Intermedia / Secundaria | 21 de marzo de 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
Enlace de registro | Sesiones en Inglés con interpretación simultánea al Español.
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 Girls Chorus – Now Enrolling!
The Marin Girls Chorus is back for another exciting season! We are currently enrolling middle school girls who love to sing and work as a collaborative team. We offer classes throughout Marin. Girls can enroll in our Bel Canto program for grades 6-8 (no audition required), as well as for our new Descants Advanced Ensemble (audition required).
Check out our website for more information and registration. www.marinchorus.org
Registration is open until February 17.
Get Ready for Spring SWIM!
New Family Registration for the Tidalwaves Swim Team is now open!
Tidalwaves is open to all swimmers ages 5 through 18 years.
The season runs from late February through the end of June at the Redwood High School pool.
Please visit www.gowaves.com for more information.
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.
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