KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
During this month of gratitude I continue to be reminded of how Kentfield is truly a special place where students and staff learn, grow, and thrive together. Last week our Board of Trustees met to hear and discuss various topics that ranged from our Kent Middle School English Language Arts program, Project Homekey at 1251 S. Eliseo Blvd., and steps to monitor our budget in the best interest of our school community.
Later in the week, our KSD staff came together at each site to engage in intentional and meaningful professional learning. Kent Middle School staff connected over the impact of Standards Based Feedback Proficiency Scales and examined how using this approach nurtures independent learners taking ownership of their learning. Bacich staff engaged in a powerful webinar led by Project GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition by Design). The goal of the webinar was to deepen awareness of GLAD strategies so that staff could incorporate some of these instructional strategies in classrooms immediately. The presenter discussed the importance of integrating language acquisition across subject matter in a visible and meaningful way so students can see the connection between language and learning.
Experiencing components of each of these engaging, day-long professional development sessions inspired me as it demonstrated our collective interest and focus on continuous improvement and growth. I continue to be impressed and in awe of the professionalism and dedication our educators show whether that be during their learning or while supporting a young learner.
With gratitude,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Free COVID-19 Tests Available
As families prepare to come together to celebrate the holiday in the week ahead we want to remind families that the KSD has plenty of COVID-19 tests available. If you would like a test please stop by your child’s school office and request a COVID-19 test box. If you have any questions about COVID tests please reach out to our school nurse, Laurel Yrun, lyrun@kentfieldschools.org.
When to Stay Home
Please reference this exposure notice for information on symptoms, communicability and prevention. (English I Spanish).
Please keep your child home if they are sick. It's not too late to get your flu vaccine. Please contact our school nurse Laurel Yrun (lyrun@kentfieldschools.org) with any questions you may have about how to navigate illness and school this year.
The KSD in collaboration with Dee’s Organics are working diligently to improve the KSD Food for All program. Through ongoing feedback from various stakeholders, adjustments have been made to support the quality of our food services program.
The breakfast program has been updated to offer varied options daily. Options include: milk, string cheese, bran muffin, bagel/cream cheese, crumble, yogurt, and fruit.
The lunch program menu has also been updated for November, to include new items such as hamburgers, chicken tenders and teriyaki bowls. To ensure we have an accurate account for meals please order your child’s lunch, we want to do our best to not waste food while also ensuring we have enough meals for any child that requests a meal. Thank you for your support.
Calling all Legos!
Bacich is launching a lunchtime Lego and Game Room during lunch recess. We will start this week with third and fourth grade on Fridays and add first and second in the coming weeks.
We are in need of Lego donations to boost our supply.
If you have Legos at home that are no longer being used, please consider donating them to Bacich. You may bring them to the Bacich main office. Thank you!
Holiday Reminder
Please remember that the KSD will not be in session November 21 through November 25 to honor the Thanksgiving recess.
We wish the entire KSD community a restful break filled with celebration and gratitude.
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences – Minimum Day Schedule*
- KSPTA Book Fair, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. with Taco Tuesday Dinner from 5-7 p.m.
- Governance Workshop - New/Tenured Trustee Orientation, 5-7 p.m.
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences – Minimum Day Schedule*
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Kent Cupcakes - Kent students receive a free dessert with book purchase.
- 6th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- Communication Committee, 4-5 p.m.
- Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45 p.m., Kent Library
- 6th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Thursday, November 17, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences – Minimum Day Schedule*
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 7th Grade Girls Basketball Tryouts, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 7th Grade Boys Basketball Tryouts, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Friday, November 18, 2022
- Bacich Parent/Teacher Conferences – Minimum Day Schedule*
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
- KSPTA Book Fair, 8-9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Bacich Lost & Found last day to retrieve items
November 21-25, 2022: Thanksgiving Break
*See Bacich section for releases times during the minimum day schedule.
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Here is a link to where you can find the agenda once posted. Access to the meeting will be via in person or audio.
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person or via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
KSD Board/District Committees
- Governance Workshop - New/Tenured Trustee Orientation, November 15, 5-7 p.m.
- Communication Committee meeting, November 16, 4-5 p.m.
- LCAP Strategic Plan advisory meeting, November 28, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, November 29, 4-5 p.m.
If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Community,
With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is the time of year when we often reflect on being thankful. I asked several students and staff to tell me what they are thankful for. Here are some of the responses.
I hope you all enjoy a warm and happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for...
“I am thankful for friends.” ~ Maizie, 1st grade“I am thankful that school feels like it did before Covid. I am also thankful for my family.” ~ Mrs. Bartha
“I am thankful for my cousin and I am going to his house for Thanksgiving.” ~ Louie, TK
“I am thankful for Louie.” ~ Morrison, TK
“I am thankful for my brother.” ~ Rafael, TK
“I am thankful for my dog.” ~ Karina, 3rd grade
“I am thankful for India where my family comes from.” ~ Uma, 3rd grade
“I am thankful for my little Rosie bean and for team teaching.” ~ Mrs. Maioriello
“I am thankful for having books.” ~ Alex, 3rd grade
“I am thankful for all the happy faces I get to see everyday.” ~ Mrs. Harris
“I am thankful for my family and friends from school.” ~ Adeline, K
“I am thankful for my mom. I like to play games with her. She built me a toy house with boxes.” ~ Josiah, K
“I am thankful for my fourth grade class and my colleagues.” ~ Mrs. Brown
“I am thankful for football.“ ~ Maxwell, 4th grade
“I am thankful for my mom.” ~ Jane, 4th grade
“I am thankful for Peet’s coffee.” ~ Mrs. Livengood
“I am thankful for my family and children and for being healthy.” ~ Mr. Schafer
“I am thankful for my toys at my house.” ~ Elliot, 2nd grade
“I am thankful for basketball and legos.” ~ Artem, 2nd grade
“I am thankful for my dogs.” ~ Franklin, 2nd grade
“I am thankful for my family because I have a lot of brothers and sisters and my parents are really nice.” ~ Taylor, 2nd grade
“I am thankful for my family. Now that my older kids are out of the house, I am thankful to have them back home.” ~ Mrs. Walsh
With gratitude,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich Lost & Found - last week to claim your items!
Please check if your child has anything in the lost and found.
All unclaimed lost and found items will be donated on Friday, November 18.
Bacich Library
Check out Bacich Library Book Buzz November blog to learn about how the Bacich Library honors Native American Heritage Month and Ms. Warnick's recommended children's books about Native American culture and history.
bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Lear more about the library and search for books: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
Susan Warnick
Bacich Librarian
swarnick@kentfieldschools.org
While visiting the Book Fair this week, please consider stopping by the Library Wish List table. A book plate will be placed in the book with the child's name if a book is donated to the library. A book donation to the library is a gift to every child.
Upcoming Bacich Events
2022-2023 Bacich Bell Schedule
Tuesday-Friday, November 15-18: Minimum day schedule for parent-teacher conferences
- TK - K dismissal - 12 p.m.
- 1st and 2nd Grade dismissal - 12:15 p.m.
- 3rd and 4th Grade dismissal - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, November 18: Bacich Lost and Found unclaimed items will be donated
Monday, November 28: Bacich Principal Chat, 8:30-9:30 a.m., IDEA Studio
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Middle School Families,
During the 2020-21 school year, Kentfield School District began administering the Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth tests to students in 2nd through 8th grades. The purpose of MAP Growth is to determine what students are currently able to do and what students are ready to learn next. This October, we administered the MAP Growth test in reading and mathematics to all 5th through 8th graders as a formative assessment. Teachers have reviewed assessment results for students in their classes, and we are ready to share these assessment results with students and families.
This week we will make the MAP Growth Student Progress Report available for students and families to access in Aeries. The MAP Growth Student Progress Report reflects student achievement levels in reading and mathematics for each test administration they’ve completed since we started utilizing MAP Growth in 2020.
How to interpret your child’s MAP Growth Student Progress Report:
- On the right side of the Student Progress Report you can see their Rasch Unit (RIT) test score and National Percentile Rank, listed in order from the most recent test administration to the first test administration. The RIT score indicates how your child performed in a subject, either math or reading. The National Percentile Rank indicates how well your child has learned skills in each subject compared to children of the same age, from a sample of over four million students who take this test across the country.
- On the left side of the report you will see two graphs, the first graph for math and the second graph for reading. The blue line on the graph represents your child’s performance over their test administrations in KSD. The orange line represents the mean average RIT score of KSD students in your child’s grade level over time. The yellow line represents the national mean RIT score for children in your child’s grade level over time. These graphs can be helpful to interpret your child’s performance relative to grade level expectations.
- Below each graph, under the "Goals Performance" heading, RIT scores for each subject are further broken down to show performance range in sub categories of the subject. This is helpful information to show relative areas of strength and challenge within that subject area.
- At the bottom of the report, your child’s Lexile Level Range is displayed. The Lexile Level Range is an approximate reading level that can be used to pair students with appropriately leveled text.
During advisory class this week, advisory teachers will orient students in how to access their MAP Growth assessment results, and to reflect about how to interpret the results. Our interest in sharing these results with our students is to provide greater insights into how they are progressing in their learning, and to encourage reflection about habits of learning and instructional opportunities that may lead to increased confidence and success in the future.
We encourage you to review the MAP Growth results with your child as one data point to consider while discussing academic strengths and challenges. While digesting the information in the report, please consider that these assessments are only one method among many to quantify student learning and achievement, and should not be considered the ultimate representation of how your child is performing academically. Most importantly, encourage your child to reflect about areas they are feeling confident with this year, and how they plan to improve in their areas for growth.
How to access the MAP Growth Student Progress Report in Aeries:
This Friday, November 18th from 8:45 to 10 am, assistant principal Wendy Holmes and I will hold the November Principal Coffee, focused exclusively on accessing and interpreting your child’s MAP Growth score report. During this presentation we will support families in accessing the MAP Student Progress Report, discuss how to interpret the results, share the ways we use the results to inform our work at school, and connect families to instructional connections that can interpret MAP Growth scores and provide helpful practice outside of the school day. We hope that you’ll join us on Friday to learn more!
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have about the MAP Growth Progress Report and your child.
Let’s have a great week ahead!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Empowerment 101 Class for 8th Graders
On November 14, 15, and 16 during PE classes, our 8th graders will be led through a class entitled Empowerment 101, led by staff from IMPACT Bay Area. The sessions are designed to help students understand boundary setting and to empower students to act if they find themselves in unsafe or potentially threatening situations. In these sessions students develop intuition, situational awareness, congruent body language, and verbal skills to de-escalate and deter potential harassment and assault. These classes are a result of advocacy from a number of our former students through their 8th Grade Social Action class at Kent last year, about the need to empower young people to respond if ever faced with harassment and physical assault. We feel fortunate to equip our 8th grade students with this important skill set.
Friday, November 18, 8:45-10 a.m.
Join Assistant Principal Wendy Holmes and Principal Grant Althouse for the Kent Principal Coffee Chat. They will review accessing and interpreting your child’s MAP Growth score report.
Fall Athletics News & Schedules
Kent basketball tryouts will be the week of November 14-18 in the gym.
Schedules:
Wednesday, 11/16
- 6th girls- 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 6th boys- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
Thursday, 11/17
- 7th girls- 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 7th boys- 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
Kent Yearbook: Orders Now Open!
Kent yearbooks are now on sale for $42.
www.yearbookordercenter.com or call 1-866-287-3096
Kent's order number is 7587.
Upcoming Dates
- Monday-Thursday, November 14-17: Basketball Tryouts - please see schedule in the Kent Athletics section above.
- Wednesday, November 16: Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45-6 p.m., Kent Library
- Friday, November 18: Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
KIK News
THANK YOU ~ GIVING DAY DONORS!
Giving Day Donors brought our school fundraising efforts to over 60% with nearly 250 donors to date!
We still need to reach the $1 million goal —
Please Donate to Support Enrichments for Every Kid, Every Day!
How much should I donate?
Our suggested donation is $2,000 per child in the district. Some families donate more, and some families donate less. The important part is to participate at a level that is meaningful to you. Every dollar makes a direct impact on your child’s education, and will help us reach our goal.
- Here’s how to Donate - THANK YOU!
- The annual KIK $1M contribution to Bacich and Kent directly funds enrichment programs:
- Art, Music, PE, Library, Maker, Woodshop, Broadcasting and more.
Learn more about Family Giving and What KIK Funds.
We are committed to transparency and communication here at KIK. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Family Giving Co-Chairs:
Tiffani Broce - Maggie & Griffin’s Mom - tiffaniparkerbroce@gmail.com
Noah Wheeler - Jesse & Adam’s Dad - wheelernoah@gmail.com
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $622,000 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 246 Family Giving Donors to date who are committed to our students and the programs they love! Can we add your name to this list?
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
CALENDAR - DINE & DONATE
ORDER EVERY TUESDAY - $50 Dine & Donate
Left Bank KIK Family Meals — 20% of proceeds go to KIK. Opt in for a weekly order reminder.
NOV 15 - Chicken Paella, Mixed Greens & Steamed Broccoli
CONCERTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KIK
DEC 08 - 4th Grade Winter Voices Concert
CONNECT WITH KIK
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
KSPTA Book Fair
Bacich Community Center, November 14 – 18
Support our schools! A portion of all sales will be donated to the KSPTA!
Interested in volunteering at the Book Fair? We need volunteers, please sign up here!
TUESDAY 11/15
(Taco Tuesday Dinner)
11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
5-7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY 11/16
(Kent Cupcakes*)
8-9 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
THURSDAY 11/17
8-9 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
FRIDAY 11/18
8-9 a.m.
11:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
“I Notice you Noticing” Encountering Disability in our Community
November 16, 2022, 6:30 p.m. PST
Register here - Sponsored by Marin COunty of Education
What to do in the moment and how to talk to our kids about people with disabilities, both visible and invisible. A practical guide for parents.
**Hosted by DSE Board member Keely Hamilton.
Why Teen and Tween Sleep Matters, and How Parents and Schools Can Help
November 30, 2022, 5:30-6:30 p.m. PST
Register here - Sponsored by Parent Venture
Join Lisa Lewis, author of The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, And How Parents And Schools Can Help Them Thrive.
There are many different opportunities to volunteer during school hours and for before and after-school community events. Please see the links below to discover KSPTA volunteer opportunities. Please complete the form for the opportunities that interest you, and a KSPTA committee representative will be in touch, thank you!
Bacich School Wide Volunteer Opportunities
Bacich Lead Room Parents/Art for Bears Coordinators/ Carline Coordinators
Stay up to date with KSPTA!
Follow kentfieldschoolspta on both Facebook and Instagram
Community News
Information, events, and news provided in our newsletter's "Community News" is offered as service to our community, and are not sponsored by the Kentfield School District. Placement does not represent an endorsement.
D.C. Trip - Financial Aid Application Now Available
8th grade families! The registration deadline for the Washington, D.C. Trip is Wednesday, November 30. You can use the following link to sign up: worldstrides.com/custom/kentfield-ms-dc-203266
Financial Aid Available
8th grade families, attached you will find the application to apply for financial aid for the 8th grade Washington, D.C./ Philadelphia Trip (4/8/23- 4/13/23). If interested, please fill out both sides of the attached form completely and return to the Kent office or Mr. Palmer in room 30 by Tuesday, November 15. Individuals receiving funding will be notified by November 18. Please contact Ryan Palmer, 8th grade history teacher with any questions (rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org).
Eyes Up, Marin: Let’s Make our Streets Safer for Everyone!
Through the end of November, you’ll see bright and colorful banners and lawn signs popping up all over Marin asking people to keep their “Eyes Up” and be alert. These signs will be asking drivers to slow down, watch when turning and look for pedestrians in the crosswalk; bicyclists to yield to pedestrians and to follow the rules of the road; And those walking to pay attention when crossing the street.
These messages will also show up in your social media feeds, and you can find them at www.streetsmartsmarin.org. Please share with your friends, family and co-workers!
The Eyes Up, Marin Campaign is part of the Street Smarts Program and Safe Routes to Schools, locally funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin.
Hip Hop Dance Classes at Bacich
Bacich Kinder POP HipHop
Instructor: Chelsea Hill (Miss SeaSea)
- 8 weeks - 01/17/23 - 03/14/23 Mondays Winter 2023 (No class Feb 20, Marin Ski Week), 2-2:45 p.m.
Hip Hop is an ever-popular street dance that cultivates body control, creativity, and community! In this 8-week series, Kinders will learn how to follow the beat, rhythm, choreography, footwork, upper body control, stage presence, the history of Hip Hop culture, and build community through the joy of movement, dance, and expression! A balance of teaching movement styles and freedom of dance and movement will foster each dancer's confidence and connection.
Bacich HipHop 1st-4th Grade
Instructor: Chelsea Hill (Miss SeaSea)
- 8 weeks - 01/17/23 - 03/14/23 Mondays Winter23 (No class Feb 20, Marin Ski Week), 3-3:45 p.m.
Hip Hop is an ever-popular street dance that cultivates body control, creativity, and community! In this 8-week series, children of all levels will learn rhythm, choreography, precise footwork, upper body strength for breaking, stage presence, and the history of Hip Hop culture. This series is based in dance culture and developmental anatomy. It will include styles of house dance, locking, popping, and funk developed in the 1970’s. A balance of body precision and respect will be infused with freedom and personal expression, to foster the dancers' confidence and build community through the joy of movement and connection!
To enroll, email: chelseamariehill@gmail.com
Cost: $250.00
Donuts & Tee Event! Registration Opening Soon!
November 1 - December 16: Registration Open
KGS is non-profit organization - completely run by parent & community VOLUNTEERS.
- For all girls ages 5-15.
- Kentfield, Greenbrae, Ross & North Larkspur.
- Season runs from March through the end of May.
- All games are in Marin (except 15U have some in San Francisco).
- All home games are at Kent.
- Coaches are parents and community volunteers.
The Homework Helpers program, created and run by high school interns and the Marin County Free library, is offering a free “homework help” program for English Learners and underserved students at the Corte Madera library. The program began on September 17 and will continue throughout the school year, every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Students are encouraged to sign up for specific time slots and communicate what they need help with. This is an excellent opportunity for students and families to get extra help, outside of school, from local high school students!
Homework Helpers Flyer in English and Spanish
Corte Madera Community StoryWalk® (view flyer) – through November 10
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Elks Hoop Shoot
Basketball Free-Throw Competition
December 10, 2022, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Albert J. Boro, Community Center, 50 Canal Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
Sponsored by Elks Lodge #1108
Crisis Text Support Line
Marin County is offering our youth another means of confidential mental health support through a crisis text line that is available 24/7.
Text MARIN to 741741 for Support that Cares.
Marin Health Hubs
Health hubs, provides free and bilingual services such as food distribution, nutrition education, health screenings, and information about community organizations. Everyone is welcome to attend the health hubs food pantry and to help us run it!
Parent & Youth.Helpline
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