Kentfield School District News
Dear Kentfield School District Community,
This past week I was reminded of the importance of celebrating the JOY in our schools. Author visits to Acts of Kindness, conferring with teachers and hula-hooping at recess are just some of the happenings on our school campuses and at a distance. To help make more visible all that is happening in our schools Principal Spitzer and Principal Althouse will begin hosting site specific morning “chats” this month. Mark your calendars and join the discussions to learn more about what is taking place at our school sites!
In closing I want to extend a special appreciation to the KSPTA for their coordination in the successful Kids Closet event this past Saturday. Over 40 families benefited from the generosity of our community. Special thanks to Laura Harrison, Christy Chandler, and Amber Hatfield for all their behind the scenes coordination!
Additional district updates are provided below.
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
February is Black History Month
This month our staff will be taking intentional steps to engage in discussion about influential African Americans for Black History month. This focus aims to inspire ongoing discussions about our nation’s history and positive change among our young people.
Instructional Schedule: February 22-26, 2021
Based on Marin county being in the Purple Tier and knowing that much of our school community will be traveling during the Mid-Winter Break, the KSD will maintain the past practice of offering Distance Learning only following an extended holiday break. Hybrid Instruction will resume on Monday, March 1 serving Cohort B and alternating to Cohort A the subsequent week.
COVID-19 Testing
The KSD will offer COVID-19 Testing at Kent MS on Monday, February 22 from 8:30-3 p.m. Testing is available for our community and highly encouraged if you have engaged in any high risk behavior (gather with three (3) or more households or traveling outside of the state/country). Please be sure to sign up by Feb. 16. Here is the Testing Sign Up and COVID-19 Testing Paperwork.
KSD COVID-19 Dashboard
In an effort to keep the KSD community informed a KSD COVID-19 Dashboard has been developed to display levels of exposure notification in alignment with Marin County Public Health Exposure protocols. The KSD COVID-19 Dashboard will be updated regularly. See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more details about this Dashboard.
Hybrid Instruction Updates
Our staff continue to refine and reflect on our current model and adjust based on the needs of our students. Recently, some tents have been put up to allow for more intentional small group instruction outdoors and we continue to invite students to join cohorts that may not be full. Criteria utilized for inviting students to attend both cohorts varies and is distinct based on the individual needs of the child.
2021-2022 Kindergarten/New Student Registration Now Open
If you have a current student enrolled in KSD with an incoming new sibling, please contact Lynn Bartha lbartha@kentfieldschools.org so she can guide you through the registration process and gather information about your child. kentfieldschools.org/families/student-registration/.
- Incoming Kindergarten students will need to turn 5 before September 2, 2021.
COVID-19 Decision Tree Guidance - English & Spanish Version
Know when to stay home and what to do when you or your family don't feel well or have engaged in what is categorized as a high-risk activity (e.g., any mixing of households, non-essential travel).
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
Monday, February 1, 2021
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
- Kent Site Council Meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- DELAC meeting, 6-7 p.m., agenda
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m., agenda
Monday, February 8, 2021
Safety Committee meeting, 12:30 p.m., agenda
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
- School Board meeting, 5 p.m., agenda
Tuesday, February 10, 2021
- KIK board meeting, 7:30-9 p.m.
- Bacich Principal Chat, 8:45 a.m.
Thursday, February 12, 2021
- Bacich Talent Show sign ups close.
- Kent Principal Chat, 9:15 a.m.
February 15-19, 2021: Presidents' Day Recess - No School
February 16, 2021
- Registration deadline for on-campus COVID-19 testing on February 22.
School Board & District Committees
- Board Meeting Highlights: February 9, 2021
- Board Meeting Video Archive
- Board Statements and Community Letters
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, March 9, 2020, 5 p.m., Zoom
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
Budget 101 Presentation – Part 1 Recording, December 16, 2020
District English Language Learners Advisory Committee meeting: February 2, 2021, 6-7 p.m.
Safety Committee meeting: February 8, 2021, 12:30 p.m., agenda
Bacich ELAC meeting, February 3, 2021, 8:30-9:30 a.m.,agenda
DELAC Meeting, February 9, 2021, 6-7 p.m., agenda
Safe Routes to School
Marin County COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
KSD On-Site Testing
The KSD will offer COVID-19 Testing at Kent MS on Monday, February 22 from 8:30-3:00pm. Testing is available for our community and highly encouraged if you have engaged in any high risk behavior (gather with three (3) or more households or traveling outside of the state/country). Please be sure to sign up by Feb. 16. Here is the Testing Sign Up and COVID-19 Testing Paperwork.
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.
Bacich News
Bacich Bear Broadcast: February 1, 2020
Bacich Principal Chats: February 10; March 10; April 21; and May 19; 8:45 a.m.
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.
Show us YOUR talent! 2nd/3rd/4th Graders!
We would like to remind you that the 2021 Bacich Talent Show signup is officially open online. As with last year, we will host a virtual event to showcase the wide ranging talents and creative pursuits of our 2nd through 4th grade students. This is a great way for the children to connect with each other across grade levels and to flex their creative and performative muscles.
Sign Ups Close February 12th.
Audition Video Submission due by February 26th.
Not sure what talent to showcase? Here are some ideas:
- Singing - Magic Tricks - Hula Hooping - Comedy
- Karate - Poetry - Yoyo tricks - Dancing
- Gymnastics - Bike Tricks - Instruments
- Surprise us!
For all information including sign up link, dates, times, and
guidelines please visit: www.bacichtalentshow.com.
Order Bacich Yearbooks Today!
Our parent volunteers are hard at work to create a lovely keepsake to capture the highlights of this most unusual and history-making year. Don’t miss out — order today!
This year we are trying Josten's sales site, but the KSPTA will distribute the yearbooks at the end of the year as always!
Please note: KSPTA will purchase a book for each Bacich Bear receiving Free and Reduced Lunch. If you cannot purchase your yearbook online, please follow these instructions.
- Find out more and order at kspta.org/its-time-to-order-your-2020-2021-yearbook/
- Order by March 14 to get the discount price of $20. (Price goes up to $25 on March 15!)
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 Principal Chats: February 12; March 12; April 16; May 14; 9:15 a.m.
Kent Library News
Books To Go!
If you need a new book just email me, Mrs. Jelen at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. If you have books at your house you need to return, you can bring them to the same cart where you pick up books – right outside the Kent gate when it's not raining and right in front of the library when it is. There are so many great new titles to check out!
Squawk Talk Looking for Book of the Day Submissions!
Has your child finished a book they loved and would highly recommend? Ask your child to record themselves promoting this book for our daily podcast, Squawk Talk. You can use the voice recording app on any phone or device, or vocaroo, a free online recording site. Submissions should be about a minute and a half and can be emailed to rjelen@kentfieldschools.org.
Book Donations needed!
Our grade level book bags have been a huge success... so much so that we are in desperate need of more donations! If you have any new or gently used books to donate, you can drop them off anytime during school hours outside the Kent gate or in front of the library. If your child needs new books to read, have them come and grab a bag from the grade level boxes right in front of the Kent gate. Books can be kept, passed on or returned. Thank you for helping us keep our students reading throughout this crazy time!
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
KIK VALENTINE’S CANDY GRAMS, ORDERING ENDS 2/7
Surprise your friends this Valentine’s Day with a KIK Candy Gram! Each bag of treats is $5 and will be delivered (contact-free) to your friend’s doorstep the week of February 8.
This is a fun way for friends, parents, grandparents and more to bring a smile to someone's face. Plus you'll help raise money for our school district!
Order your KIK Valentine’s Candy Gram now until February 7. Don’t wait, they will sell out!
Want to help us assemble and/or deliver the Candy Grams? Please email events@kikschools.org. Thank you!
WHY GIVE NOW TO OUR SCHOOLS?
This Video explains in 1 minute why donations are critical! Potentially $500,000 could be cut from our district budget, which affects every Bacich and Kent student.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT status : $611,086 (net)
WHAT COULD BE AT RISK?
These Programs are at risk in the school year/s ahead without a healthy school foundation that helps support them today:
Bacich Enrichment Programs
- Art for Bears (3:07, video dated 2018)
- Music, Chorus, and Concerts (4:07)
- PE with Specialists
- Teacher Librarian (2:05)
- IDEA Studio, Coding, and Digital Citizenship (1:51)
Kent Enrichment Programs
- Art, Design and Architecture
- Band, Chorus, Strings Program, and Concerts
- Teacher Librarian, Journalism, and Debate
- Spanish
- Film
- Coding
- Wood Shop and Maker
- Service Innovation (WEB Leaders)
- Enterprise Start-up (like Business 101)
Programs across both Schools
- Literacy & Numeracy Programs
- Social Emotional Support Programs
- Site Safety for Return to Safe Schools
- Interactive Distance Learning Apps & Licenses
- Materials & Supplies
Learn more how KIK has been Investing in Kids.
HOW DO WE PREVENT CUTS?
TUES 2/2: 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.
- Feb 2: BBQ ribs, mac & cheese, green beans and brussel sprouts
- New! If your family needs extra portions of the meat or different sides, call Ryan at Left Bank and he can customize a Family Meal that works for you: 415-927-3331.
ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”
*Check out this NEW Left Bank promotion that also gives back to KIK!
Opt in today to get a weekly email reminder to order.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for menu updates / reminders.
AUCTION WISH LIST
We are already hard at work trying to secure some great items for the Spring Auction. In this uncertain time, we are trying to avoid asking businesses for gift card donations. If you are personally willing to donate a gift card or item from our wish list, we would really appreciate it.
We always like to support our local businesses and restaurants, but we have also included an Amazon Wish List for gift cards and other items.
Thank you for considering a donation—the money we raise for KIK helps ALL students!
Email events@kikschools.org for donations/questions.
THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!
Together, we are investing in over 1100 Bacich and Kent students and ensuring they receive a top quality education for the 2020-21 school year. Our community is grateful for your generous support in donating toward the $1M Annual Commitment to support our schools and kids.
KSPTA News
Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, March 8, 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.
Order Bacich Yearbooks Today!
Our parent volunteers are hard at work to create a lovely keepsake to capture the highlights of this most unusual and history-making year. Don’t miss out — order today!
This year we are trying Josten's sales site, but the KSPTA will distribute the yearbooks at the end of the year as always!
Please note: KSPTA will purchase a book for each Bacich Bear receiving Free and Reduced Lunch. If you cannot purchase your yearbook online, please follow these instructions.
- Find out more and order at kspta.org/its-time-to-order-your-2020-2021-yearbook/
- Order by March 14 to get the discount price of $20. (Price goes up to $25 on March 15!)
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
Mindfulness Seminar Series
The Marin County SELPA Special Education Advisory Committee is hosting a multi-part Mindfulness Seminar Series. The seminar is free for Marin County parents and Spanish translation services are available, upon request with registration. Please see details below and the flyers attached (English and Spanish) for more details.
This introductory mindfulness webinar series will consist of four (4), one-hour virtual sessions across a 12-week period. Each webinar will combine didactic and experiential learning about specific aspects of mindfulness so that participants may learn mindfulness tools to help reduce stress.
Presenter: Blair McElroy, LCSW, Psychotherapist
Date(s): February 11th, March 4th, and March 25th
Time: 7-8 p.m.
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, February 3, 2021 Register here >
Family Workshop 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center - Thursday, February 25, 2021 Register here >
Teacher and School Administrator Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center
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
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
Learning Resource Center Town Hall
We would like to invite you to join our community Town Hall on February 2 at 6 p.m. During the meeting the Design Team will share a brief summary of the Round 1 Design Values input, present Emerging Design Concepts and Interior Design Values, and close with Q&A.
Meeting details:
February 2, 2021, 6-7 pm
https://g4arch.zoom.us/j/96956113432?pwd=REpyblduS1dBOEZxYlpnVU5HVnd4Zz09
Meeting ID: 969 5611 3432
Passcode: COMth
One tap mobile +16699009128,,96956113432# US (San Jose)
Please join the discussion and let us know what you think! If you have any questions please reach out to Isidro Farias at ifarias@marin.edu.
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