At this week’s School Board meeting, our Physical Education curriculum was on display in the Educational Showcase. Bacich teachers Celeste Perez and Ilene Braff were joined by Eloise Eyman, Parker Saven, Aaron Whitton, Rodrigue Maisonneuve, Tina Strack, and Georgia Thomas in a demonstration of stretching and tumbling. This was followed by Kent P.E. Curriculum Chair and teacher Jason Gatti who, with the help of Julia Franus, enlisted the participation of several Board and audience members in playing two P.E. games that Kent students enjoy in their classes.

The Board heard from several parents about Board Policy 6141.3, Observance of Religious Holidays, and the accompanying Exhibit which has historically listed holidays one could expect families to observe or celebrate in the course of a school year. The Board reiterated its commitment to the language in the policy which prohibits the scheduling of tests, assigning of homework, team tryouts, and more, on or around religious holidays. The decision as to whether or not a holiday will be a school recess is jointly decided on by the teachers union and the district. The meeting between these two entities to begin working on the 2019-2020 calendar takes place in a few weeks. The Policy and Exhibit will be refined by the Policy Committee before the Board reconsiders them at their November 13th meeting.

The Superintendent reported on Measure D safety improvements that are underway across our campuses. Fencing, security cameras, and a change in our fire alarms are all working through the planning stages. At Kent, additional fencing across the front of the school will create the barrier to through traffic – albeit pedestrian traffic – that we need, as well as a single, controlled entry point for visitors. Bacich’s new design also incorporates fencing and a single entry point through the office. The plan for designing a security camera system at both schools is nearing approval by the Board. And, in consultation with our fire department, we are scheduling the removal of outside pull alarms at our schools. Not only are these pull alarms targets for vandals, they also can be used by people who want to harm our staff and students by causing them to exit classrooms en masse and become targets. Redwood High School has already removed its outside pull alarms, so we are aligning practice with the high school most of our students will attend.

Sally Peck reported on construction activity at Bacich and how well staff, students, and parents are handling all the changes and challenges. Most recently, the walkway past Room 1 that led into the lunch quad and across to the office, was closed for safety reasons. This has caused all foot traffic to be rerouted through the gate past the Community Center. Becky Poon and the teachers have adjusted to the in-classroom delivery model and schedule for Music, and Chorus is now being held on new risers in the Community Center. Flexibility is the name of the game at Bacich this year!

School Board Information

Next Meeting: November 13, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the District Office.

• The Agenda will be posted by 5 p.m. the Friday before the meeting.