KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Join us in person or via Zoom audio this week for our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, May 9, at 5 p.m. in the Kent Middle School Library, 800 College Ave. We are excited to welcome our 1st grade students for the Education Showcase, receive an update on the KSD’s 2023 YouthTruth survey results, and hear plans about KSD facility updates to support our sites in being as safe as possible for our students and staff.
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
Thank You, KIK!
Beginning last week Kentfield Invests in Kids, KIK, launched KSD’s biggest fundraiser of the year – the Spring Auction, School of Rock. The silent auction engaged families and community members to bid on various items and experiences, and on Saturday evening the fundraiser culminated with the Live Auction event at Bimbo's 365 Club in San Francisco. Our KSD community showed up in positive spirits and was ready to support our students, our staff, and our schools. This support from our community helps us offer our children a well-rounded education that embraces the arts, enrichment, community, and creativity.
KIK donors and executive board you are greatly appreciated!
KSD Reclassification Ceremony: May 18, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m., Bacich Community Center
Join us to celebrate our students' amazing ability to speak two (or more!) languages and
highlight them as now being reclassified as English Proficient in our district.
View flyer in English, Spanish, Russian, Haitian Creole, and Japanese.
District Announcements
Project Homekey Community Update
May 16, 2023, 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom Webinar
The KSD community is invited to attend the virtual Project Homekey, 1251 S. Eliseo Dr. Community Update hosted by the County of Marin, Episcopal Community Services (ECS) and the Community Advisory Group (CAG). This meeting is being held in collaboration with the Kentfield School District and the Kent Woodlands Property Owners Association.
The Community Update will include:
- Project updates and the timeline for opening.
- Information about ECS’s programs, services, and staffing.
- The role of local law enforcement agencies and partners.
- Interactive questions | Answers from community attendees.
The Zoom link for the meeting is provided below, and you can also click here to receive updates and meeting notifications.
Zoom Webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81893283675?pwd=Vk4xRlRvUmEyODZDRTk3ZHp4Z0hEdz09
Passcode: 919688 Or One tap mobile:+14086380968,,81893283675#,,,,*919688# US (San Jose)
Click here to receive updates and meeting notifications, and click here to read the latest update and the May newsletter.
Kent Power Outage
Today the KSD made a decision to close school at Kent Middle School due to a power outage. This decision was not made lightly as we recognize how a school closure can impact teaching and learning for students and staff as well as the disruption to families. In an effort to give people enough time to plan for this unexpected event, not knowing when power would be restored, and recognizing our site-based communication mechanisms would be compromised we felt a school closure was warranted.
Due to the number of power outages we have experienced this year, we have begun researching the purchase and installation of industrial generators for both of our schools. This upgrade would alleviate school closures due to power outages and offer our students and staff certainty related to potential PG&E disruptions. This process does take time, although we are hopeful we can have this new resource in place prior to the next stormy season.
We thank you for your understanding and partnership in these challenging situations.
UPDATE - Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM) Crossing Guard | More work to do
Although the Tam Board commissioners voted to do an additional evaluation of the recommended list of Crossing Guards and have committed to not removing one of the three guards within the KSD jurisdiction for the time being we need to continue to address the anticipated loss of crossing guards at:
- Sir Francis Drake Blvd. & Bon Air Road
- Bon Air Road & South Eliseo Drive
The Safe Routes to School Task Force will be convened to strategize on the next steps in this process.
Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Heather McPhail-Sridharan is in ongoing communications with the TAM staff, City Councils, and neighboring partners to help address this issue, although we need more voices.
If you are interested in engaging in this advocacy please email admin@kentfieldschools.org.
Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)| Strategic Plan Study Session
Monday, May 15, 4-5 p.m.
Over the last seven months, the KSD has been working to update the LCAP | Strategic Plan and has prepared this draft to present to the Board of Trustees at the May 30 Board Meeting.
Join KSD staff on Monday, May 15 from 4-5 p.m. for an in-person study session at the KSD District Office Conference Room to share additional feedback and/or suggestions.
KSD Safety Highlight | Student Release Process
In the event the KSD needs to implement an emergency school-wide evacuation process we have adopted a system called “Tag & Ticket.” The goal of this approach is to reunite students with their families as quickly, smoothly, and safely as possible.
Learn More:
- Overview of the process in English and Spanish.
- Slides with Detailed Information on the Process in English and Spanish.
Learn more fall planning process in this Frequently Asked Questions documents.
Spring Ordering Now Available
The KSD Spring lunch menu is available through June 16, 2023. Please pre-order your child/ren’s lunch to ensure we have the most accurate count of school lunches. Sign up for lunch here or contact info@deesorganic.com for support with ordering your child/ren's meal. If your child/ren has any food allergies, please report them to heather@deesorganic.com.
Download a PDF of the Board-approved 2023-2024 District Calendar.
Breakfast & Lunch Menu
May 8-12: Teacher Appreciation Week
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m.
- Note: Safety Committee meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed.
Wednesday, 10, 2023
- Bacich Parents in Action, Bacich Room 7, 8:30-10:30 a.m
Thursday, May 11, 2023
- First Grade Concert, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 12, 2023
- KSPTA General Membership, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Monday, May 15, 2023
- LCAP Strategic Plan Study Session, 4-5 p.m., District Office Conference Room, draft plan
- 8th Grade Boys Volleyball at Mark Day, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
- Bacich ELAC Meeting, Bacich room 7
- KIK Board meeting, 7-9 p.m., District Office
Friday, May 19, 2023
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
Next Regular KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, May 9, 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
COVID Update
The latest COVID-19 subvariant, XXB.1.16, is increasing in the U.S. according to estimates from the CDC. It has been most documented in India but has been found in 29 countries, according to the WHO. This new subvariant is producing a new symptom: conjunctivitis (pink eye), especially in children.
MCPH is recommending COVID-19 testing for students who present with pink eye. Guidance will be updated to reflect this change.
California Department of Public Health encourages all students and staff to test for COVID-19 IF they feel sick, AFTER exposure, travel, or large gatherings, and BEFORE events or visiting high-risk people.
Please know that our school offices have COVID tests available if needed. Thank you for your support.
Please reference this exposure notice for symptoms, communicability, and prevention information. (English I Spanish).
Please keep your child home if they are sick. Please contact our school nurse Laurel Yrun (lyrun@kentfieldschools.org), with any questions about navigating illness and school this year.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Families,
This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the KIK Spring Auction Event. What an amazing evening. I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of our parent community. The level of participation in the “Fund-A-Need” for replacing our aging iPads and Chromebooks to support student learning for all of our KSD students was impressive. Thank you to Amy Atherton, Allyson Peracca, and Janine Spaulding for taking the lead on organizing this fundraising event and to all of the KIK volunteers who made this event such a success.
Class Building Process
Each spring the Bacich staff works together to create class lists for the following school year. Classroom teachers collaborate as a grade-level team to develop balanced classes for next year. Our school counselor, school psychologist, special education teachers, ELD teacher, enrichment teachers, intervention specialists, school nurse, office support staff, and administration also participate in the process to ensure the development of balanced classes that work for all students.
As professional educators, we consider a number of important factors in the development of class lists. We take into account the needs of individual children. From experience working with our Bacich students, we know which children work well together and those who do not. We give careful consideration to diverse achievement levels, learning styles, social-emotional needs, behavioral factors, and the number of students. We also strive to ensure that students feel a strong sense of belonging and inclusion and consider the gender, cultural, and racial makeup of a class to avoid feelings of isolation for minority students. Overall, our class placement decisions are made very carefully by considering the best learning situation for all of our students.
In order for us to achieve these goals for all students, we are not able to consider parent requests for a particular placement. In a school with nearly 550 students, it is not possible to honor parent requests and stay true to our process of creating balanced classes. Thank you for your understanding and support of our class-building process for the 2023-2024 school year.
With gratitude,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Calling Bacich Volunteers!
Do you have a desire to be on the Bacich campus more? Are you available during the school day, specifically during lunchtime from 11:55 to 1:20 p.m.? If so, we have the spot for you, as we are hoping to bring more parents back onto campus.
A Sign Up Genius will be forthcoming, in the meantime please reach out to Ann-Marie Skaggs at askaggs@kentfieldschools.org to express interest.
Wait Until 8th Pledge
The KSPTA is sponsoring the Wait Until 8th Pledge. This initiative supports waiting until children are in 8th grade to provide access to a smartphone. The Wait Until 8th organization lists five top reasons to postpone access to a smartphone:
- Smartphones are changing childhood
- They are distracting and addictive
- Smartphones expose your child to inappropriate content
- They increase the risk of anxiety and depression
- Cyberbullying is an important concern
There are many devices that parents can use to be able to get in touch with their children, other than a smartphone. The Wait Until 8th website has additional information for parents. The KSPTA has identified a parent class champion at each grade level who is available to answer questions you may have. Please refer to this document for more information about the KSPTA Wait Until 8th campaign. I encourage you to consider taking this pledge!
Draft School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) - Bacich 2023-2024
The Bacich School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) for the 2023-24 school year is a comprehensive document that provides details about the school’s planned actions to support student outcomes and overall performance. The goals and actions in the SPSA connect to the Kentfield School District’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), which lays out goals for the entire District. The Bacich SPSA for 2023-2024 contains four goals and specific action steps to achieve the goals. We would like to solicit your feedback on this important plan. Please take a few minutes to review the DRAFT SPSA and provide feedback using this Google form.
Four Open Positions
Bacich Site Council
The School Site Council is made up of parents, teachers, and administrators who meet monthly to advise the principal on student academics, parent engagement, and school safety. We currently have four Site Council members whose two-year terms will end in June. We are eager to welcome four new members to the group.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the inner workings of our school and make an impact on its improvement. This committee reviews school data and programs in order to monitor our progress on Bacich's School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA). Throughout the year, the members update and improve upon the SPSA and keep us headed in the right direction for student success. We generally meet once a month on Monday afternoons.
To apply, please fill out this Google form by May 12. The form asks for a short summary of your interest and qualifications to serve on this committee. I will then post these summaries for the school community to review and vote for the new members the week of May 15. Newly elected SSC members will begin their membership in August 2023 and will serve until June 2025.
If you have any questions about the School Site Council, please contact me or the 2022-23 SSC chairperson, Alle Schreiber (alle.schreiber@gmail.com).
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
- 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
- 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.
Bacich Library - New May Blog Post!
Welcome the month of May with Ms. Warnick's favorite books and activities to honor May Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the 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
Wednesday, May 10, 2023: Bacich Parents in Action, Bacich Room 7, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 11, 2023: First Grade Concert, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 12, 2023: Bacich School Site Council applications due.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023: Bacich ELAC Meeting, Bacich room 7
Monday, May 22, 2023: Bacich Principal Chat, 8:30 a.m.
Kent Falcons News
Dear Kent Middle School Families,
We apologize for the unexpected interruption to the start of our week on Monday due to the power outage and subsequent school closure at Kent. We look forward to seeing our students and getting back to work on Tuesday!
The generosity on display at the KIK auction on Saturday evening inspired so many participants to get involved, and our schools will benefit greatly from their many contributions. Thank you to the volunteers who organized Saturday’s auction event, as well as the many donors who support the high-quality education that children receive at our schools through donations to KIK!
Educator Appreciation Week – Our Kentfield School District educators are some of the most exceptional professionals in the field of education. Teachers and staff at our school care deeply for each and every student in their charge and work tirelessly to promote academic growth, social competence, wellness, and community in classrooms across our school. During this Educator/Teacher Appreciation Week, we all pause to reflect on the role that each teacher and staff member plays in our child’s education and find ways to express gratitude to our teachers and staff personally. At some point this week, please talk with your Kent Falcon about the teachers and staff members they get to work with each day and consider one simple act this week that may show recognition of each professional’s hard work and care. Whether that be a note of appreciation, a kind gesture, a warm drink, or a simple "thank you," these expressions of acknowledgment and gratitude from the very children our educators serve means a lot. Thank you to our incredible Kent Middle School Educators for the work you do with our students daily; we appreciate you!
CAASPP Testing Continues – Our Kent students worked hard during our first week of CAASPP testing, responding to complex questions and tasks on their English Language Arts assessments last week. This week the focus turns to math, as students in 5th through 8th grades take their CAASPP test in mathematics across the week this coming week. Students will be taking this assessment during their regularly scheduled math class this week on their school-issued Chromebook. 6th through 8th graders should be charging their devices each and every night to prepare for the next day’s testing session. We also want to ensure that our students are well-rested with nutritious snacks to foster an optimal test-taking mindset. Thank you for checking in with your child about the CAASPP testing process so far, and for working with them to be prepared for each testing day. We look forward to seeing the learning and growth reflected in student results!
Let’s have a wonderful Educator/Teacher Appreciation Week ahead!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
At some point your family has likely engaged in the conversation that we all have with our middle school children: When is the appropriate time to introduce a cell phone into your middle schooler’s life? This decision alone may have the most significant impact on the remainder of your student’s childhood, more than perhaps any other change we introduce in the middle school years.
Each family must carefully consider when it is right to introduce a smartphone into their child’s life. Simply put, children must have developed the appropriate maturity to be able to safely navigate the circumstances they will encounter through the use of a smartphone. Many Bacich and Kent families have taken the Wait Until 8th pledge as a way of showing their commitment to withhold access to a personal smartphone until their children are in 8th grade. This approach significantly reduces exposure to harmful content, delays the distractions and addictions that come with smartphone use, and prolongs childhood just a little bit longer.
CAASPP Testing - CAASPP testing begins at Kent next week, and we want to support your child to be comfortable and confident while showing us what they know and are able to do on these important standardized tests. Please see the notes below to help anticipate what to expect with CAASPP testing at Kent starting next week, and to help prepare your child for successful test sessions.
- Linked here is the testing schedule for Kent. Please note that students will be taking the assessment in their regularly scheduled math classes the week of May 8.
- The entire CAASPP assessment is computer-based, and students will be taking the assessment with their school-issued Chromebook (6th-8th grades) and their classroom Chromebook (5th grades). Students must come to school with a fully charged Chromebook each school day during CAASPP testing.
- All parts of the CAASPP test are untimed, and students will be provided with as much time as they need to complete the assessment. If students do not finish during the time allotted, we will have make-up sessions offered the week of May 15.
- During Advisory this week, we will be reviewing the testing schedule and discussing how to set up for success on the CAASPP this year at Kent. We will also be watching this video that explains how to access universal tools designed to help students while they are taking the assessment.
- Testing sessions will be occurring during regularly scheduled English and math classes, meaning that testing time will happen at different times each day for your child depending on the day of the week. Please ensure that your child gets a good night’s sleep each night, eats a nutritious breakfast, and has a plan for access to nutritious food during the school day.
- 5th and 8th graders will be taking the California Science Test (CAST) the week of May 22, in Nest class in 5th grade and in science class in 8th grade. The CAST is presented in an identical format to the CAASPP.
If you have any questions about your child’s testing experience or if you need to exempt your child from CAASPP testing this year, please contact our school site testing coordinator and assistant principal, Wendy Holmes (wholmes@kentfieldschools.org) or me (galthouse@kentfieldschools.org). We look forward to supporting our Falcons in their successful completion of their 2023 CAASPP assessment.
Upcoming Dates
Monday, May 15, 2023: 8th Grade Boys Volleyball at Mark Day, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 19, 2023: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
Monday, May 22, 2023: 8th Grade Boys Volleyball vs Davidson, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Friday, May 26, 2023: Volunteer Appreciation Tea
KIK News
AUCTION ITEM PICK-UP
Saturday, May 20 from 10am-noon in front of the Bacich Community Center
If you’ve won an item in the online auction, please plan to pick it up during this time. If you can’t make it, please send a neighbor or friend to retrieve your items as this is the only time item pickup will be available.
We have a few spots left for some of the Sign Up Parties — secure your spot before they sell out!
FUND-A-NEED :: NEW iPADS + CHROMEBOOKS
Only one week left to donate to this spring’s Fund-a-Need, which will support the purchase of new iPads and Chromebooks for our kids. There are devices in almost every grade level that have reached the end of their useful lives and need to be replaced.
New iPads & Chromebooks will:
- Provide our students with individualized learning
- Allow our students to create multimedia videos and portfolio projects
- Be used in virtually every aspect of the schools: from robotics in Maker and Enterprise to Coding to Individualized Learning and Creativity in all grades Kindergarten to 8.
Separate from the Annual Goal, please consider donating to the FUND-A-NEED today.
SPECIAL THANKS TO PREMIER AUCTION SPONSORS
Woodlands Market - is an invaluable KIK business partner and, as our upscale neighborhood market, they offer delicious deli sandwiches, gourmet food, organic produce and ready-made eats and spirits.
Allison Fortini Crawford, Sotheby’s Int’l Realty - is an award winning, top producing real estate professional serving both San Francisco and Marin County. She has earned a reputation for tactical negotiating, trust and an astute attention to detail, and she has the knowledge, experience, skill, and passion to bring you and your family home.
OWN Marin - Marin County’s #1 real estate team since 2015, Barr Haney, Whitney Potter, and their team have helped over 650 clients achieve their goals. Ranked #1 in Kentfield, OWN Marin makes buying or selling a home easy—Let’s go get your home.
THANK YOU TO ALL AUCTION SPONSORS!
Thank you to all our Business, Family, and Teacher Donors who were instrumental in making the auction a success! We are so grateful for each and everyone one of you.
Woodlands Market
Allison Fortini Crawford, Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
OWN Marin
Boulevard Real Estate, Bitsa Freeman |
Carey Hagglund Condy Team | Luxury Marin Homes
Left Bank | Fuel 24:7 / Shineology | Marin Ortho | MacRostie Winery & Vineyards | Ben Shemano Jewelry | Colleen Fitzpatrick | Golden Gate | Sotheby's International Realty | Bowman Real Estate Group | Eye Institute of Marin | Mynsberge, Ruggles & Yang Oral Surgery | Deb Stevens Marin Living Homes | Dr. Vicki Garfola D.C. | Marin Family Chiropractic | Berg | Thakral Family
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — UPDATE
We have reached over 90% of our annual $1M fundraising goal. Thank you to all of the families who have donated so far this school year. If you have not donated yet, we are counting on your support to reach our goal. Our annual $1M commitment goes directly into the school district's budget to fund crucial programs for our kids (PE, Art, Music, Library, Drama, and more). Let's KIK this together!
- DONATE NOW
- How much should I donate?
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status: $904,279 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 347 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
CONCERTS Brought to You by KIK
MAY 11 - 1st Grade Family Concert - 6:30PM
MAY 25 - Kindergarten Family Concert - 8:30AM
ORDER EVERY TUESDAY - $50 Dine & Donate
Left Bank KIK Family Meals — 20% of proceeds go to KIK. Opt in for a weekly order reminder.
May 8 - Beef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Greens, & Asparagus
CONNECT WITH KIK
Love us and Follow us! Get the latest KIK updates!
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Next Meeting: May 12, 2023, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Kent Library (coffee social during the first 10 minutes)
Please join us for our last KSPTA meeting and coffee social!
Join the KSPTA for a cup of coffee while discussing important topics that affect our school community. Zero Waste Schools Representative Kelsey Austin will be presenting (many of you may have met her or seen her on Earth Day at Bacich!) ,and we will also have Wait Until 8th Grade Level Champions there ready to answer any questions and to help you learn more.
We hope you can join us!
WAIT UNTIL 8th
Hi! Have you signed it yet? Just a reminder from your friends at KSPTA about Wait Until 8th Pledge!
What it IS:
The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, we can decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over smartphones. Surrounding Bay Area schools Ross, Corte Madera, Larkspur and the Reed District have also signed on.
What it IS NOT:
It is not a promise to avoid all screen time or even to wait until 8th to give your child a phone. The Wait Until 8th pledge is simply encouraging parents to delay the smartphone — you can still have the peace of mind of easy communication with an “old school” phone or watch.
Why is it IMPORTANT?
These devices are quickly changing childhood for children. Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books, and hanging out with family are happening a lot less to make room for hours on snap chat, tik tok, Instagram, or streaming on YouTube. Experts say that smartphones are addictive, interfere with sleep and relationships, and increase the risk that children will suffer from depression, anxiety, and cyberbullying. Our kids deserve a childhood free of distraction.
You can find more info at: www.kspta.org/wait-until-8th
Real Talk Matters: Fighting Fentanyl and Its Impact on Mental Health
- May 9, 2023, 4 p.m., Zoom
- Live Spanish interpretation
Join us for a discussion on the connections between substance use and mental health, and raise awareness for both as we celebrate May Mental Health Month and National Fentanyl Awareness Day. For questions, contact: info@odfreemarin.org.
Stay up to date with KSPTA!
Follow kentfieldschoolspta on both Facebook and Instagram
Community News
Summer Camp Tips
Resources and tips on choosing a summer camp experience for your children from Ivette Villarreal, Kentfield School District Community Family Liaison. Read more.
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.
Kentfield Greenbrae Community Spring Fair
Join us at the Community Spring Fair!
Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
The Kentfield Greenbrae Historical Society (KGHS) is partnering with Bon Air to celebrate our shared heritage and local history with a FREE, family-friendly community event. We will honor and celebrate our local schools and the extraordinary services and programs provided by Marin community organizations.
Enjoy a showcase of FREE samples from 60+ local farms and food producers and hands-on activities for kids and adults. A fun, popular passport game encourages attendees to visit community organization booths to receive prizes generously donated by Susie Cakes, Jamba Juice, and Gott's. The Marin Rose Society will host a beautiful, fragrant exhibit with more than 41 categories of expertly grown roses on display to the public. Volunteers will assist kids of all ages in creating a beautiful bouquet.
KGHS will debut a newly acquired and important historical painting and provide a presentation about its history with prominent local historians, Dewey Livingston and Richard Torney. The painting by noted 19th-century artist Joseph Lee offers a rare view of central Marin. Lee details the village of Ross Landing (what would later become Kentfield) with incredible accuracy. Ross Landing was the only town in the vicinity at that time.
Live Entertainment and Class Schedule (Stage in front of Gott's)
- 11 a.m. Bacich Elementary School Student Choir
- 11:30 a.m Branson High School Jazz Performance Student Band
- 12 p.m. E.N.A. Dance Studio Professional Troupe Performance
- 12:30 p.m. Kids' Dance Workshop with Dance with E.N.A. Studio (all kids warmly welcome)
- 1 p.m. Bear Flag Fitness Demo Class
- 1:30 p.m. Orange Theory Fitness Demo Class
Participating Organizations with Booths:
Local Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Central Marin Fire, Kentfield Fire Protection District, Central Marin Police Authority, Marin County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Marin, Central Marin Neighborhood Response Group, Golden Gate Bridge District
Local History Organization
Kentfield-Greenbrae Historical Society (KGHS), Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library, Marin History Museum, San Anselmo Historical Society
Local Education
Redwood High School Alumni, Kentfield School District, Kentfield Schools Foundation (KIK), Emeritus Students College of Marin (ESCOM) & Community Ed, Marin Enrichment Preschool
Local Organizations
Coast Miwok of Marin, Marin Rose Society, MarinHealth | MarinHealth Medical Center, Home Match Marin (Front Porch), Resilient Neighborhoods
Local Property Owner Associations
Greenbrae Property Owners Association, Kent Woodlands Property Owners Association, Kentfield Planning Advisory Board (KPAB)
Local Government
County of Marin with Supervisor Katie Rice, Office of Assemblymember Damon Connolly, Marin County Parks, City of Larkspur Planning Department, Larkspur Library, Larkspur Chamber of Commerce, Larkspur Community Foundation, Marin Women's Political Action Committee (MWPAC), League of Women Voters of Marin County
Kids Hands-on Activities Area
Camp Galileo, Chronos Academy
Marin Ballet’s “Beautiful Earth” Dance Camp for Kids
Dates: June 19-23, 2023
Times: 9 a.m. to noon for ages 3-4 | $350
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children 5-9 | $560
Location: 100 Elm Street, San Rafael
Contact: info@marinballet.org or (415) 453-6705
Please note that this is a drop-off camp, and all campers need to bring their own snack and lunch for children ages 5-9. If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
- View flyer in English and Spanish.
- Learn more at marinballet.org/summer.
Kentfield Futbol Club
Registration is now open!
- Program for Bacich students: Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th
- Separate teams for boys and girls.
- All skill levels are welcome
- Practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 5, 2023. Games on weekends.
Learn more and register at www.kentfieldfc.org.
If parents need assistance with financial aid/scholarship applications, please contact Ivette Villareal, ivillarreal@kentfieldschools.org.
KidzToPros Summer Camp at Bacich
KidzToPros, an educational enrichment provider, is offering exciting and educational STEM, arts, and sports summer camps at Bacich Elementary for grades PreK-5 this year. We’d love for your children to join us!
This digital flyer with more information, including dates, grades, and more. To register, please follow this LINK. You’ll find numerous options to fit every child’s interests.
If you have any further questions, please email KidzToPros directly at contact@kidztopros.com.
Girls Lacrosse Camp
Caroline Corzel, assistant women's lacrosse coach at the University of California, Berkeley is running a youth lacrosse camp through US Sports Camps at Redwood High School from June 12-15 from 9-12 p.m.
Free Family Dance
How Do You Dance? Free Family Dance with Luna Dance Institute
Families and their young children join Luna Dance virtually for some fun and joyful movement activities.
- Saturdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. on June 3
- Spanish translation available
- Registration Link: forms.gle/yB73bG2ywRgsLFA59. A Zoom link will be sent out prior to the event.
¿Cómo bailas? Baile Familiar Gratis con Luna Dance Institute
Las familias y sus niños pequeños se unen virtualmente a Luna Dance para disfrutar de algunas actividades de movimiento divertidas y alegres.
- Sábados, 9:30-10:15 a.m. el 3 de junio
- Traducción al español disponible
- Enlace de registro: forms.gle/yB73bG2ywRgsLFA59. Enlace de zoom enviado por correo electrónico antes del evento.
Outlandish!
Queer LifeSpace, a mental health nonprofit in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, is launching a new program called Outlandish! that aims to bring LGBTQIA+ youth out into nature for day-long hikes and other activities. The participants, accompanied by qualified adults, will be immersed in the natural world, where they can learn about themselves and the complex ecosystems around them.
We serve youth ages 13-18, and our trips are free to a low-cost sliding scale for our adventures to be accessible for everyone!
The next trip is on May 13 to the Muir Woods for 16-18-year-olds to participate in their Community Science Program and hike through the forest.
View flyer and find out more about our program at www.queerlifespace.org/outlandish.
Dance-A-Thon Supporting Marin's Foster Youth
Saturday, May 13, 2023, 4-6 p.m.
Every year, from Cloverdale to Corte Madera, over 3,500 children have open cases in the dependency system and dozens of families are impacted by trauma associated with abuse and neglect.
The Marin Foster Care Association's 5th Annual Dance-a-thon, raises awareness for two very important programs necessary to support Marin, Sonoma and Solano County’s Foster Youth.
Our Opportunity Project & Say Yes Fund make it possible for the MFCA to fund services for a particular foster child's physical, mental or emotional well-being as well as offset or cover the cost of obstacles to saying “Yes” to a foster child.
This dance party is a great way to teach our young children all about volunteering, showing up for their friends in need and doing it by having a fun time.
Marin Auditions: San Francisco Boys Chorus
The San Francisco Boys Chorus is announcing 2023-2024 season auditions!
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Audition & Rehearsal Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1123 Court Street, San Rafael
Rehearsals occur after school, usually between 4-7 p.m. The SFBC teaches boys with unchanged voices how to sing, read music, and perform. Our boys perform with the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera and go on tours domestically and internationally.
View flyer and sign up for the May 13 audition or more information: www.sfbc.org/ auditions.
Marin Library Events
Lion Dancers at the Library!
Saturday, May 20, 1 p.m., Corte Madera Library
The Marin Chinese Cultural Association Lion Dance Team will showcase the color and energy of their Southern Chinese traditional dancing style as they wind their way through the Corte Madera Library. They’ll conclude in the children’s room with a quick discussion. Come help them make some noise!
- Learn more at AAPI 2023 Lion Dance.
Marin Library Opportunities
Homework Helpers: Multi-subject support for grades 3-10.
Drop in for FREE help from local high school students! Every Saturday at the Corte Madera Library from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Please visit this link to sign up for when and what you need help with!
Homework Helpers: Multi-temas de support para grados 3-10.
¡Entra para recibir ayuda GRATIS de estudiantes secundarios locales! Cada Sábado en la biblioteca Corte Madera de 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Por favor visita este enlace para registrarse paracuando y para qué necesita ayuda.
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Healthy Families Marin Home Visiting Program
Offers home visiting for parents of newborns. The program is designed to support parents, share information about child development and parenting, and provide information and referrals to families of infants and young children.
- View flyer in English and Spanish.
- Learn more at www.marinhhs.org/healthy-families-marin-home-visiting.
Crisis Text Support Line
Marin County offers 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.
Help Me Grow Marin
Families can learn about community resources and tools to support their child’s development or family's needs. Whether it be assessing your child’s development, helping to apply for health insurance, or helping with finding a food bank, parenting class, information on child development, or low-cost medical clinic, we are here to help!
- View flyer in English and Spanish.
- Learn more at helpmegrowmarin.org.
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!
California 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