Kentfield School District News
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Dear Kentfield School District Community,
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed some rest and relaxation over these last two weeks and are looking forward to a brighter 2021. This past year challenged us in ways we couldn’t have imagined, but through perseverance we made it. As we begin this new year, I am looking forward to a year full of hope, joy and new opportunities!
In February of 2020 the Kentfield School District (KSD) adopted a new strategic plan that defined KSD as a school district which:
- offers a rich, high-quality education that is physically and emotionally safe;
- values social emotional learning and character development alongside academics;
- inspires students to pursue their passion through student-centered, inquiry based and innovative instructional practices; and
- is welcoming, inclusive, well-maintained and conducive to optimal student learning
In a school year with so much uncertainty – let’s use this description of who we are to help inspire our path forward. This week’s principal letters (Bacich and Kent) offer further insight as to how staff are using student performance data to analyze and adjust instruction in order to enhance student learning and keep our focus on creating a robust and high-quality program we are committed to offering.
Last week Governor Newsom provided additional direction for school operations through his unveiling of California’s Safe Schools for All Plan, and today Marin Public Health leaders shared current transmission data in our community as a whole and in our school system. Through using these resources and focusing on the science behind this continuous evolving health pandemic, I am confident that we can continue to mold our educational program to support the academic and social emotional progression of our students.
For this second half of the school year let’s come together to think boldly, focus on our common goal of what’s best for students and overcome the various obstacles set before us. Let’s move into 2021 as a unified community focused on creating a better tomorrow for our students.
With Gratitude,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
Updated Resources & Reminders:
Site Specific Safety Protection Plan - Bacich & Kent (Updated Dec. 2020)
KSD Student & Family Handbook (Tier I - Stay-at-Home Version) - English - Spanish
Marin County Decision Tree Guidance - Tier I - Stay-at-Home Version
Upcoming Events
*For security, Zoom links and passwords for events are not posted on the District website, and are sent through ParentSquare.
Daily: Virtual Crossing Guard with Ms. Stephens, 7:55-8:30 a.m., Zoom
January 4-8, 2021: Distance learning for all learners
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
- COVID-19 Testing at Bacich and Kent – must be pre-registered to participate, see below for other Marin County COVID-19 testing options.
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- District English Learners Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting, 6-7 p.m.
January 11-15, 2021: Resume Hybrid Learning – Cohort A in-person
Monday, January 11, 2021
- Safety Committee meeting, 10-11 a.m.
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
- KIK board meeting, 7:30-9 p.m.
January 18-22, 2021: Resume Hybrid Learning – Cohort B in-person
District Announcements
Budget 101 Presentation – Part 1 Recording, December 16, 2020
Public Health Community Conversation - January 4, 2021 Recording
- Marin Public Health provided an update from Dr. Willis and Dr. Santora.
COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
COVID-19 Testing at Bacich and Kent - January 5, 2020
The KSD is hosting local COVID-19 testing at both school sites for all staff as well as members of our school community. The deadline to sign-up was Thursday, December 31st. We strongly encourage everyone in our community who are unable to follow Marin Public Health guidelines to be tested during the week of January 4th. Please see the other Marin testing options below if you were unable to register for on-campus testing.
Marin County COVID-19 Testing
Public Health Testing – Curative: Marin County Public Health offers five-day a week communitywide Curative COVID Testing opportunities. Appointments will be opened 4 days prior to testing day. For more information click here.
Whether your family is insured or not there are free and easy testing options in our county.
Discover local case rates, trends, demographics, and resources to stay up to date with the status of COVID-19 in Marin at the Marin Recovers and Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Surveillance Update websites.
School Board & District Committees
- Board Meeting Highlights: December 8, 2020
- Board Meeting Video Archive
- Board Statements and Community Letters
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, January 12, 2020, 5 p.m., Zoom
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
Safety Committee Agenda and Notes, November 16, 2020
- Next meeting: Monday, January 11, 2021, 10-11 a.m.
Equity & Inclusion Committee meeting, agenda and notes, December 15
Safe Routes to School
Bacich News
Report Cards
Aeries is currently working to identify and resolve the issue we are having with Trimester 1 report cards.
In the meantime, there is an alternate page for viewing grades. In the Aeries portal, go to Grades > Standards Based Report Cards - you will be able to view your student's grades, but not in report card format. Please do not use the "print" button, as that interacts with the module Aeries is working to fix. (See images below for more report card viewing help.)
If you would like a printed report card, please contact Lynn Bartha in our front office, lbartha@kentfieldschools.org.
Bacich earned a Silver certification from Zero Waste Schools Program for 2019-2020!
Great job to all of you who were involved in this effort last school year! Congratulations! See the message from Zero Waste Schools Program below:
Congratulations to all of the schools that received Zero Waste Certification in the 2019-2020 school year! Although we can’t gather this year to celebrate your accomplishments, we wanted to send this message to express our appreciation for your dedication to reducing your waste and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship at your schools. A huge thank you from the Zero Waste Schools Program to the staff, teachers, and students who worked so hard to achieve certification last year. To celebrate certifications, schools will be receiving a banner, plaque, and monetary award in the mail at the beginning of 2021.
Bacich Library Check Out and Curbside Pick Up
- Please email the titles you want to check out to Librarian Ms. Warnick (swarnick@kentfieldschools.org).
- Curbside pick up available every Friday in front of the Bacich Office.
- The books will be placed in plastic bags with your names on them on a cart.
- See the library blog for instructions on how to access the Alexandria Library Catalog to look for books.
- Please return books on Friday in the red plastic bin labeled, "Return Bacich Library Books Here" in front of the office.
Bacich Yearbook
Photos can be submitted to bacichyearbook2021@gmail.com. Please follow the instructions below when sending your photos.
- The images must be .jpg, .png, or .tif files and must be at least 300ppi resolution.
- Please provide the following information with each image:
- FIRST NAME and LAST NAME for the main student featured in the image (or the left-most person).
- Grade of student(s) in photo.
- Description.
- Additional names separated by commas.
Kent News
Kent Counselors Wellness Hub: Easily access resources to help navigate this challenging time. The Counselors at Kent Middle School are here for you!
Kent Library News
Got Books?!
If you have recently added some new book fair books to your shelf, it's likely you have some books to give away! If so, bring them to Kent for our book bags! We will be accepting new and gently used books for students in grades 5-8 to add to our grab bags of books. Thanks to all who have donated already. I estimate that we have given away over 500 books already! Wow!
Curbside Pick Up!!
If your child would like to check out a book from the Kent library, they may do so by emailing me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. I will pull the book, if it's available, and it will be on the cart by the gate with your child's name on it for one week. Returns can go on the same cart. Thanks!
All School Read Ahead!
This month we are reading our all school read book for 2021, This Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equity. You may purchase this title through the Book Passage or the store of your choosing or check it out of the Kent library or your local public library. Students will be reading the book with their homeroom classes and are not required to have a book in hand, as we will be providing opportunities for listening to the book and in-class discussion. I do recommend you purchase a copy, as it's an incredible true story for the whole family. You can find more information here. On January 25th, we will welcome the authors Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy for a virtual visit!
Book of the Day Welcomes Submissions for Squawk Talk
Does your child have a book they just read that they can't wait to tell others about? Have them create their own Book of the Day segment for our daily Kent podcast, Squawk Talk! They can use this script to create their content and then record using a phone or an online tool like Vocaroo. Segments should be around one minute and can be emailed to me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. What are you reading?
Kent Yearbook Information
www.yearbookordercenter.com - code 7587
- For ordering help, call The Yearbook Order Center toll free at 866-287-3096 or email us at yearbookordercenter@herffjones.com. The Yearbook Order Center is open Monday through Friday, 8-a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST).
- Llama al 866-287-3096 si necesitas un operador en español.
KIK News
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We hope everyone had a restful and safe holiday. Here’s to a healthy year ahead for everyone, for our Bacich and Kent community, and for our schools’ foundation. Support KIK today
CALLING ALL NEW BACICH FAMILIES
Special Event: New Bacich Family KIK Off
January 19, 2021 — 6:30pm — Join via Zoom
KIK would like to invite all new Bacich families for this special event! Whether you’re a new Kindergarten family or new to Bacich and have a child grades 1-4, please bring your family and join KIK board members and their families to get up close and learn more about your Bacich Enrichment teachers and the wonderful enrichments available through them. Ask questions about a day in the life of a Bacich student; get a mini-Zoom tour; and ask questions about KIK. We look forward to spending some time with you and your children!
WHY GIVE NOW IN 2020-21?
- There are short-term and, most importantly, long term effects of falling short of our Annual Commitment to our Bacich and Kent schools. Learn more about Why Give Now?
- Missing the mark on Family Giving goals means our children missing out on opportunities that well-funded schools provide and that KSD kids have benefitted from in the 41-year history of KIK.
- Compared to 2019-20, Family Giving donations are down -16%.
Let’s secure our children’s quality education now and for years to come. Help close the gap by donating today!
TUES 1/5: KIK FAMILY MEALS WITH LEFT BANK, 20% TO KIK
Every Tuesday Left Bank will create a special family dinner for $50 and donate 20% back to KIK. Order now for pickup on Tuesday.
Want to get a weekly email reminder to order? OPT IN HERE!
- Jan 5: 4 chicken & 4 shrimp kabobs with hummus, flat bread, rice pilaf, and a greek salad
Order online and select “KIK Family Meal.” Thank you!
Check out our website for a new way to support your schools with Left Bank!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates on menus and reminders.
Questions? Email events@kikschools.org.
SMILE BRIGHTER IN THE NEW YEAR!
The new year is a great time to look and feel your best. Whether it’s your smile or the kiddos’ — our business partners listed are the finest in town!
- Bob Nadjibi, DDS
MarinDentistry.com - Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
MarinOrtho.com - Haney Orthodontics
haneyorthodontics.com - Michelle Gonzalez Orthodontics
DrMichelleG.com - Nichols Orthodontics
nicholsorthodontics.com
Find more Beauty, Health & Fitness
ANNUAL COMMITMENT REPORT
KIK raises dollars toward the $1M Annual Commitment to help fund our Bacich and Kent schools. Various fundraising initiatives combine to fill this commitment to our students and schools including Family Giving, Spring Auction Event, and Partners for Education.
Get details on the $1M Annual Commitment.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT Fundraising Status : $560,618 / $1M GOAL
THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!
KSPTA News
Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, January 25, 2020, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Kentfield families and members will receive the Zoom link and password. If you do not receive the link, please contact info@kspta.org.
Start setting aside your gently used children's items for the KSD Kids Closet, launching soon. We will collect donations of new and used clothing in excellent condition to create a closet for KSD families in need of children's clothing.
Details coming soon, stay tuned!
Join the Nominating Committee
KSPTA is an all-volunteer organization, and we’re always looking for new voices and leaders in our community. Our Nominating Committee works to identify and recruit leaders for roles ranging from the Executive Board to Bacich Halloween Parade coordinator. “Nom Com” meets (virtually this year) in February or March at least once, usually twice. If you are interested in serving on this committee or becoming a leader in your KSPTA, please email president@kspta.org.
Thank You New PTA Members!
Thank you to those of you who joined during our Membership Month! There’s still time to join and support our schools.
KSPTA is proud to support Be The Influence!
To get up to speed about adolescent substance use in Marin, consider joining Be the Influence (BTI). Be the Influence (BTI) is a parent education and support program on adolescent substance use in Marin. It started at Redwood High School and now has spread to all public and independent middle and high schools in Marin.
Check out their website and consider joining other Kent parents to be in-the-know and get effective parenting tips.
You can make an optional BTI Parent Agreement or simply sign up to receive their bi-monthly newsletters.
You may also follow BTI on Facebook. It’s never too early to get educated and start talking with your child about this important topic!
New School Lunch Program with School Foodies
Order online, pick up at Kent for the week. Choose which weeks you order, and order for the whole family!
- Sign up at schoolfoodies.com, registration code “bacich” or “kent”
- Find out more
- School Foodies pick up time: Mondays, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at Kent, except for when Monday is a holiday.
Distance Learning Resources at KSPTA
We are committed to supporting the Bacich and Kent communities with programs like the expanded Buddy System and more.
Visit the distance learning resources page to learn more. Suggestions and ideas are welcome at info@kspta.org.
Connect with KSPTA!
Website: kspta.org
Twitter: @KentfieldPTA
Instagram: kentfieldschoolspta
Facebook: Kentfield Schools PTA
Community News
Parent Education: Teen Substance Use
Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships created Let's Talk: A Toolkit for Navigating Teen Substance Use in Marin County this past summer and sent it out to nearly 3000 local public high school freshman parents, pediatricians and therapists. In addition, we created a discussion series that focuses on each chapter in the book featuring experts in the field of parenting, development of the teen brain and information on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, prescription pills, mushrooms, experimentation and finding support.
Below are recordings of the first three discussions that have already taken place, along with registration for the next three discussions beginning in February 2021.
Our online community discussions follow the chapters of the Let's Talk booklet. If you missed the previous events, they are available to view at the links below. And you can register for the upcoming events now.
- What’s happening to your teen? (View Recording)
- What’s the big deal? (View Recording)
- Parenting to support our teens (View Recording)
- Uppers, downers and all-arounders - February 3, 2021 (Register)
- Legal and school consequences - March 3, 2021 (Register)
- Getting support and help - April 7, 2021 (Register)
Community Education: Confronting Antisemitism Virtual Workshops
Join us for this timely series of virtual workshops for parents, students, educators, administrators, and community members. Led by the JFCS Holocaust Center in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Beyond Differences, Echoes & Reflections, Facing History & Ourselves, JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth, and the Marin County Office of Education.
Series II: Taking a Stand: Rescue and Resistance During the Holocaust
This series will explore heroic individuals who stood up to Nazi discrimination during the Holocaust. These “upstanders” serve as an inspiration for our community. Holocaust survivors will join the workshops for families and teachers and school administrators via Zoom as guest faculty to inspire the participants with their first hand experiences.
- Thursday, January 21st Register here >
Teacher Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center with the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation - Wednesday, January 27th
Student Workshop 10 – 11:15 a.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center - Thursday, February 3rd
Family Workshop 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center - Thursday, February 25th
Teacher and School Administrator Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center
Annual Car Raffle to Benefit Special Education in Marin
The parent volunteers of Dedication to Special Education announce the 16th Annual Benefit Car Raffle! This year Toyota Marin has fully donated a 2021 Hybrid RAV4!
This raffle raises money for teacher grants, giving teachers the tools they need to improve access and learning opportunities for students receiving special education services.
Please go to www.specialed.org/raffle to reserve your tickets! The winning ticket will be pulled on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 3 p.m. All transactions must be completed by the drawing date and time: Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 3pm.
Each ticket is $25 (suggested donation) and every dollar helps Marin County’s special educators and their students. Thank you for your support! (415) 491-6636
¡Los padres voluntarios de Dedication to Special Education anuncian el 16o Sorteo Anual de Auto a Beneficio de los estudiantes de educación especial! ¡Toyota Marin ha donado por completo un RAV4 híbrido 2021!
Esta rifa recauda dinero para becas para maestros, brindándoles a los maestros las herramientas que necesitan para mejorar el acceso y las oportunidades de aprendizaje para los estudiantes que reciben servicios de educación especial.
¡Visite a www.specialed.org/raffle para reservar sus boletos! El sorteo será el sábado 6 de febrero de 2021 a las 15:00 horas.
Cada boleto cuesta $ 25 (donación sugerida) y cada dólar ayuda a los educadores especiales del condado de Marin y a sus estudiantes. ¡Gracias por tu apoyo! (415) 491-6636
Enrollment is now open! Classes start in early January 2021 and run through mid-May.
For more Information, or to register, please visit: www.sfgirlschorus.org/prep-chorus
Mid-Year Prep Chorus Registration Form
Mid-Year Prep Chorus Financial Agreement/optional Scholarship Application
An Early-Bird tuition discount of $50 is available if the financial agreement is submitted before December 15th, 2020.
The deadline to apply for Financial Aid is January 31, 2021. We recommend applying as soon as possible to take advantage of available funds, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn more about Prep Chorus!
If you or any of your families are interested in learning more about the program before registering, please join us at our next online roundtable discussion on Zoom.
Our next Roundtable Discussions will take place on December 14 and January 11, from 6-6:45pm.
Prep Chorus Online Roundtable Discussion RSVP link
SFGC’s COVID-19 Response
In light of this difficult time, SFGC is working hard to continue to provide equity and access to quality music education for all young singers. We have a robust tuition assistance program and are prepared to help ensure that participation costs and technology-use are not a barrier to enrolling in our programs.
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Project Update – Traffic Signal Work!
Happy New Year! The SFD Project is rolling again. This week, traffic signal work will be done at Laurel Grove. Next week (week of 1/11) as students head back to in-person school, traffic signal work will be done at Wolfe Grade, La Cuesta and Eliseo. And, guardrail work will be done at Manor/Wolfe Grade (note that sidewalk will still be open around the work). Please allow a bit of extra time, proceed with caution and follow any noted detours in these areas. We appreciate your patience!
Water main line work has also begun at College headed east toward Rosebank and drivers may experience lane closures. The water main line work should not affect pedestrians/sidewalk access.
To receive updates throughout the construction process and for more information on Upgrade the Drake, please visit the project website at www.upgradethedrake.com.
College of Marin and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Construction Project Updates
- When using the crosswalk on College Avenue, please remember to activate the flashing signals. It is the only way the large construction vehicles exiting the driveway know that there are pedestrians in the crosswalk.
While the Corte Madera Library building is currently closed, you may request and return items, and find details about Curbside Service at marinlibrary.org.
Curbside Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursday 3-7 p.m.
Call our “Talk with a Librarian” number: 415-473-2272 Monday-Friday, 9-6 p.m. English and Spanish with any questions and information.
Book Bundles for Emerging Readers
We know many families are missing the ability to browse library shelves, so we’ve created a way to get some "surprise" books to you based on your child’s interests.
Each Book Bundle includes 10 books and you can choose the reading level that is right for your child. Get up to 3 bundles per family!
How to Request Book Bundles
- To request Book Bundles, please fill out this form , or call 415-473-2272, Monday-Friday, 9-6 p.m.
- Please allow 3-4 days for your request to be filled. You will be contacted by the branch when your order is ready for curbside pickup.
- Find out more: marinlibrary.org/book-bundles-for-kids
Audio Books
In case you have families or students asking about downloadable audio books, here is a short video tutorial that demonstrates how to use the Libby app to browse our online catalog and download titles. youtu.be/E0E_FPMl4m8
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