Bacich Bears News
Happy Monday Bacich Bears!
Hope you are all doing well. Things here at Bacich have been exciting as ever. Today we officially opened the Gaga pit and the students were thrilled to finally get in there to play. The previous school I worked at did not have a Gaga pit, so I am learning the rules right along with the students, something I am greatly enjoying.
Music Spotlight
Students are working on folk songs, games, and activities in music. In our modified chorus they get to experience what it’s like to be in an ensemble. Some remember from their previous years before the pandemic and for some this will be their first time.
Please enjoy this video of first grade doing a doing a routine with rhythm sticks in their music class.
Library Spotlight
The library will be showcasing books for Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins on September 15th and runs through October 15th
Looking for a good book series for your student? The Library Homepage has a selection of series book selections by grade for interested parents. Visit sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library/ for more information.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found is up and running! It can be found outside the main gate, feel free to stop by before or after school. Huge shout-out to Jessica Babb for helping us get this organized!
Walk & Roll to School
Each week Car line looks better and better, thanks to the patience and support of both those using car line and the volunteers working it. As the school year continues to proceed, we are seeing more and more students who are walking and biking to school. October 6th is International Walk and Roll to school day, which we are incredibly excited to participate in! We also highly encourage anyone who is able to walk or bike to school on a daily basis to do so, especially since it is great for the environment and keeps you out of the carline wait.
Want to park and walk? These community maps are a great resource for showing the best routes to school from our many neighborhoods, along with places to park and walk.
Wishing you all a great week!
Kristine Duran
Bacich Vice Principal
kduran@kentfieldschools.org
Staff Introductions
This week we are highlighting Ms. Andrea Cashman, Bacich School Counselor. Ms. Cashman joins us with close to 30 years of experience working with youth. Prior to coming to Kentfield she served as support staff at Glenwood Elementary school in San Rafael and previously worked with youth in community based organizations and as a school counselor and special education teacher.
Read on to learn more about her approach to supporting students’ well-being and sense of belonging in our school community.
Dear Bacich Community,
It is truly my pleasure to serve as your school counselor. My main duty is to help our students with anything that gets in the way of their learning. I accomplish this by role modeling on the playground during recess, teaching monthly guidance lessons, seeing individual and small groups of students, and consulting and collaborating with staff. If a student is in need of more intensive support, I would refer him/her out to a community resource.
“Elementary school counselors are educators uniquely trained in child development, learning strategies, self-management and social skills who understand and promote success for today’s diverse students. They implement a school counseling program to support students through this important developmental period. The program provides education, prevention, and intervention activities, which are integrated into all aspects of children’s lives. The program teaches knowledge, attitudes and skills students need to acquire in academic, career, and social/emotional development, which serves as the foundation for future success.” (American School Counselor Association)
Currently, we are working on remembering and practicing being kind and a good friend. Some of us are a little rusty after being home for part of the year last year. Recess can be a challenging time as it is unstructured and everyone is very excited to be together finally. It is my hope that families can talk about positive actions and behaviors on the playground.
The Golden Rule underlies all of our lessons. Last month for the guidance lesson, we focused on the role of the counselor and the requirements of feeling safe, respected, and welcome in order for learning to happen. Ask your child about our poster contest called “All are Welcome.” As we refine and improve our counseling program, I will share our goals and objectives in the Counselor’s Corner in the newsletter.
If you have a concern or question, please feel free to call (415-925-9220 x 255) or email (acashman@kentfieldschools.org ) any time.
Sincerely,
Andrea Cashman (aka Ms A)
Bacich School Counselor
Reminder — Electronic Devices/Cell Phones, etc.
Per our Bacich Handbook cell phones and other electronic devices brought to school are to be turned off and stored in student backpacks. This includes wearable technology such as FitBits, Apple Watches, and Gizmos.
Calling or texting during the school day to and from any person, including parents, is prohibited.
Wednesday, September 29: Bacich Principal Chat, 8:45-9:45 a.m.
Monday, October 4: KIK 3rd & 4th Grade Family Social, 1-3 p.m., Hal Brown Creekside Park
Wednesday, October 6: Bacich English Learners Advisory Committee (ELAC), 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Monday, October 10: KIK Kindergarten Family Social, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Hal Brown Creekside Park
Monday, October 18: Bacich Site Council Meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Bacich Library
The Bacich Library is open every morning, snack recess, lunch recess, and after school.
How to Check Out Books
- Visit: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
- Click on the Alexandria Library Catalog (to look up books). Your message might say, "Your connection is not fully secure." Click the box on the left that says "advanced" NOT "back to safety."
- Scroll down and click on "proceed to bacich.goalexandria.com (unsafe)." It is safe.
- This will bring you to the search page. You can search by author, title, series, subject or all words.
- If you don't know what to read, find ideas by continuing down to the second line to "Explore" to discover Most Popular – what your friends are reading, What's New and Award Winners.
- Watch this how to video if you are having problems.
Bacich Library Book Buzz: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Check out Ms. Warnick's blog for valuable information about the library, volunteering, and what classes have been working on in the library.
Don't miss Ms. Warnick's recommendations for Hispanic Heritage Month, now through October 15.