Dear Parents,

One of the most important school related factors that influence our students’ achievement and love of school is an inspiring and an informed teacher. Putting it simply; great teachers help create great students.

Just as professionals in medicine, architecture, and law have opportunities to learn through examining case studies, learning best practices and participating in collaborative professional development; teachers need time to grow, stay current, and improve their craft.

Wednesday minimum days provide an opportunity for inspiration and information sharing. We often invite outside experts into our meetings and our classrooms, and teachers attend professional conferences and workshops throughout the school year.

In recent months, we have begun the process of preparing to pilot a new science curriculum. We have several Grade K–4 teachers at Bacich who will be working with the curriculum representative from the Amplify science program and with our math and science coach, Fran Yang, to explore, examine and implement this state adopted science program. Over the next few months, both the science facilitator and Ms. Yang will continue to answer questions and support the teachers and grade level teams, as they delve into this new material to determine if it meets the needs of our students.

Professional development and professional learning is one of the hallmarks of our District. Even during lean times of the past, the Kentfield School District has been committed to ongoing growth opportunities for our teachers and staff members because we know it makes a difference in the quality of the education for our students.

We recognize the importance of being the best that we can be, and we know that continuing to learn from each other and other experts is essential to this process.