KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Join us this week for our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday, January 10, at 5 p.m. in the Bacich Community Center, 699 Sir Francis Drake, Blvd. Our elementary music program will be highlighted as this week’s Education Showcase, and we will share updates about various district operations including KSD’s Financial Audit.
Take good care,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Weather Updates
KSD continues to monitor flooding, power outages, and road closures during this winter storm. More rain is expected late tonight through the early morning, with showers on and off through the day. The weather forecast also predicts an ongoing pattern of rain through the next week or two.
Our plan is to keep KSD schools open. In the unlikely event that we must close school prior to the start of the school day we will send a communication via ParentsSquare and post an update on our District homepage no later than 6:30 am. If there are circumstances during the school day where we need to close school while in session a parent notification will be provided, and adjustments will be made to safely release students to their parent/guardian.
Below are website links to access the most up to date information:
Citizens Oversight Committee Solicitation
Although we are closing out the Measure D Bond, we remain committed to maintaining an independent oversight committee to oversee the use of the District’s parcel tax dollars approved by voters in March 2019.
If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email admin@kentfieldschools.org. The committee typically meets quarterly with each meeting running approximately one hour. Below are the remaining meetings for the 2022-23 school year.
January 18th and May 4th - all meetings are at 4pm at the KSD District Office, 750 College Ave.
Interested in Becoming a Substitute Teacher?
Marin County Office of Education is excited to host another one stop Marin County Substitute Teacher Registration Fair on Friday, February 3 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Anyone interested in being a substitute teacher can attend – no registration required, walks welcome. MCOE will support with applications, live scan, required trainings.
COVID-19 Public Health Update for Schools & When to Stay Home
Please join Marin County Office of Education and Marin Public Health on Thursday, January 12 at 4 p.m. for a Return From Break Public Health Update.
The presentation will be recorded and posted on the Rethinking Schools Website and live simultaneous translation will be available. Questions can be sent ahead of time torapidresponse@marinschools.org.
Please see Zoom details below:
us02web.zoom.us/j/85612057480?pwd=ZndMYkp4ajFOM2d6YVFtSnkzR2NVQT09
Webinar ID: 856 1205 7480
Passcode: 496906
Dial In: (408) 638-0968
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.
KSD needs a Safe Routes to School Ambassador
We are lucky to be in a community where there are safe routes for our children to walk, ride, skate, roll, or bike to school. In order to keep our safe routes to school a priority for the County we need a community volunteer to step up and represent the KSD as a Safe Routes to School Ambassador. If you are interested please email admin@kentfieldschools.org to help be a part of the solution for getting our kids to school safely!
2022-2023 District Calendar
January Breakfast & Lunch Menu
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m. - Special Location - Bacich Community Center
- Boys Basketball vs. San Domenico (6th Grade 4-5 p.m., 7th Grade 5-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- KIK Board meeting, 7-9 p.m., District Office
- Boys Basketball vs Mt. Tam (7th Grade 4-5 p.m., 8th Grade 5-6 p.m.)
Thursday, January 12, 2023
- Basketball vs San Domenico (8th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 8th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
Monday, January 16, 2023
- MLK Jr. Day - No School
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
- Basketball vs. Mark Day, (6th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 6th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
- Finance Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
- Bacich Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- Basketball vs Mark Day (7th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 7th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
- KSPTA Parent Education Event: Digital Health & Safety, 7-8:30 p.m., learn more and register here
Thursday, January 19, 2023:
- Bacich Class Pictures
- Kent Parents in Action meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room 11
- Basketball vs Mark Day (8th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 8th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
Friday, January 20, 2023
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, January 10, 2022 at 5 p.m. - Special Location - Bacich Community Center
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
- Finance Committee meeting, January 17, 2023, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, January 24, 2023, 4-5 p.m.
- LCAP Strategic Plan Advisory: Monday, January 30, 2023 4-5 p.m.
- If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Families,
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility last week when we had to close school due to the power, internet and phone outages at our various KSD sites. I am hopeful that these next few storms do not cause further disruptions to our schools and larger community.
Bacich Promise
One of our district goals is to provide a safe and inclusive education environment to cultivate a culture of bold thinking that inspires teachers and students and recognize community connections. The Bacich Social Justice Committee is one way in which we work toward accomplishing this district goal. The Bacich Social Justice Committee is composed of teachers, administrators and staff. This fall, the committee began to develop a Bacich Promise to help promote a culture of inclusivity. I am pleased to announce that the Bacich Promise is ready to be shared with students, staff, and families.
During our character assembly we will all say the Bacich Promise together! Teachers will engage students in classroom conversations about the meaning of the words in the Bacich Promise. Our hope is that over time, all Bacich students will learn the Promise and live by its words. It is fitting that we will also celebrate and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during this assembly and launch our annual Paper Cranes for Peace, where we challenge students to contribute to a shared goal of making 1,000 origami paper cranes to make a wish for peace.
It is my hope that parents and families will also learn the Bacich Promise. Second grade teacher, Marty Ross, and her students created this video to help us learn the Bacich Promise. Room 34 teacher, Kate Mansour, helped us to add hand motions to go with the Bacich Promise. Our art teacher, Barbara Libby, created beautiful artwork to accompany the Bacich Promise.
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Winter After School Classes at Bacich
This fall, we had a successful slate of after school classes offered by some of our community partners, including Kentfield FC Soccer, Ross Recreation, Larkspur Recreation, Skill Samurai, Viva El Espanol. In addition to these organizations, there will also be winter classes offered by The ArKIDecture Academy (see information in the Community News section), and Chelsea Hill Hip Hop. Please reach out directly to these organizations for information about after school classes offered at Bacich.
Bacich Library
The new Bacich Library Book Buzz January blog features book recommendations about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement and the Lunar New Year.
Learn about how each grade will be utilizing the library in lessons aligned to their classroom curriculum during January. The library continues to celebrate equity and inclusion in the Kentfield School District as per the School Board Resolution and guidance from our Social Justice Committee. "Everyone is Welcome" in our library and the January blog shares the books we will be reading to recognize diversity this month.
January Library Displays: Stop by the library to see the wonderful birch trees, snowflakes, snow people, and winter scenes created by our talented third grade artists in their classrooms for our winter bulletin boards. Also, enjoy the Lunar New Year and Dr. Martin Luther King displays. Learn about and see previous winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Awards.
bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Thank you, Vicki Song for all your help in the back room! Thanks to all the parents who are volunteering in our library. The library could not run as smoothly without all of you! It has been so nice to get to know all our new volunteers this year.
Note to Parents: If while reading to your child, you discover torn or dirty pages, broken spines of books, etc. please ask your child to bring it to our attention when he or she returns it so we can have our book repair volunteer, Claire Tsuruga fix it. Thank you, Claire!
Learn more about the library and search for books: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
Susan Warnick
Bacich Librarian
swarnick@kentfieldschools.org
Upcoming Bacich Events
2022-2023 Bacich Bell Schedule
Wednesday, January 11: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Thursday, January 19: Bacich Class Pictures
Monday, January 23, 2023:
- Bacich Principal Chat, 8:30-9:30 a.m., IDEA Studio
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Kent Falcons News
Dear Kent Middle School Families,
Aeries Gradebook - Starting this week, you will notice a change in your student’s Aeries gradebook, accessible through the Aeries Family Portal (Grades > Gradebook). Teachers now have the ability to show a student’s progress toward meeting the learning standard associated with assignments in each gradebook. This is a very helpful development that will assist students and families in monitoring student progress with essential learnings from each course throughout the trimester.
When you open the gradebook for one of your child’s classes in the Aeries Family Portal, you will be able to see markings by Assignment, or markings by Standards.
While in the ‘Assignment’ view, the following markings will indicate your student’s progress on any given assignment.
- BG(1) - Beginning - Student is just starting their work in understanding the concept and applying the skill
- AP(2) - Approaching - Student shows understanding of most of the content and can apply the skill with success most of the time
- ME(3) - Meeting - Student displays grade level proficiency in their understanding of the content, and application of the skill
- EX(4) - Exceeding - Student shows mastery of the content and skill beyond grade level proficiency
- IE(0) - Insufficient Evidence - Student did not display sufficient evidence to evaluate proficiency on this standard
- X(0) - Complete - Assignment is complete, Assignment entered in Aeries only to track completion
- L(0) - Late - Assignment is complete but late, Assignment entered in Aeries only to track completion
- ⃞ - Incomplete/Missing - Assignment is not yet turned in
While in the gradebook for one of your child’s classes, you will also be able to toggle to the ‘Standards’ view.
While in the Standards view you will be able to see the essential standards that have been associated with assignments so far in the trimester. Simply click the (+) next to ‘Overall Score’ to reveal standards that have been associated with assignments so far in the trimester. A list of assignments associated with a standard will appear, along with the progress indicator that shows student progress toward proficiency with that standard.
We are hopeful that this level of detail in the gradebook will help keep parents and students informed about academic progress across each trimester. If you would like more information about how to monitor your child’s progress with their learning this year, please plan to join us for the Kent Principal Coffee on Friday, January 20th from 8:45 to 10 am in the Kent Library.
Level 1 Lockdown Drill - This Friday we will practice a Level 1 Lockdown Drill at Kent. A Level 1 Lockdown is initiated if there is ever an unsafe or unwelcome situation near our campus, yet not a direct threat to our campus. A Level 1 Lockdown might be initiated if a mountain lion were spotted in our community or if a crime was committed close by and law enforcement were looking for a suspect. During situations such as these, teachers close and lock doors to classrooms, cover windows, and take attendance of all children in their care. Teaching may go on as usual, yet students are not permitted to go outside until the Lockdown situation has been resolved. This Friday during Study Session, we will hold a structured drill where we practice the Level 1 Lockdown process. Teachers and staff will prepare students for the drill through clear explanations and directions provided across this week. While this is always a difficult topic to consider, it is important that we practice how we might respond to potentially dangerous situations in our community, while also being sensitive to emotions this may bring up in our children. If you have any questions about our emergency preparedness plan, please contact assistant principal, Wendy Holmes.
Let’s have a great week ahead!
All my best,
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
The Lion King, our Spring Musical
Starting on January 31st, Kent Middle School will partner with North Bay Theatrics to put on The Lion King for our school community. Registration is now open, through this live link. We welcome any 5th through 8th grade student to participate, free of charge! Participation includes singing and acting roles, as well as technical crew roles. Sign up soon, the program officially begins the week of January 31st with Tuesday (3:45 to 5:15 pm) and Wednesday (1:30 to 3:00 pm) rehearsals. Many thanks to Kentfield Invests in Kids (KIK) and North Bay Theatrics for making this program possible for our students, free of charge!
Kent Basketball Practice & Games Times - new schedules posted
- 8th girls- Mondays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 8th boys- Mondays, 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
- 7th girls- Thursdays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 7th boys- Fridays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 6th girls- Wednesdays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
- 6th boys- Wednesdays, 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
Tuesday, January 10, 2023:
- Kent Site Council, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11
- Boys Basketball vs. San Domenico (6th Grade 4-5 p.m., 7th Grade 5-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 11, 2023: Boys Basketball vs Mt Tam (7th Grade 4-5 p.m., 8th Grade 5-6 p.m.)
Thursday, January 12, 2023: Basketball vs San Domenico (8th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 8th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, January 17, 2023: Basketball vs. Mark Day, (6th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 6th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, January 18, 2023: Basketball vs Mark Day (7th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 7th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
Thursday, January 19, 2023:
- Kent Parents in Action meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Room 11
- Basketball vs Mark Day (8th Grade Boys 4-5 p.m., 8th Grade Girls 5-6 p.m.)
Friday, January 20, 2023: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Kent Library
KIK News
KENT LIBRARY SPOTLIGHT — New Year, New Books! A check-in with Ms. Jelen:
Things are buzzing with excitement here in the Kent Library as we begin a new year. Our All School Read Rolling Warrior was an incredible success, culminating with our visit with the vibrant and inspiring author, Judy Heumann. Our school-wide focus on disability rights continues during Advisory and class visits to the library.
We are busy setting reading goals for the new year, planning for and thinking about our upcoming library refresh, and reading lots of new books that came in over Winter Break.
Given the rain and cold, before school, recess and lunch time are very busy with puzzling, games, reading and socializing with friends.
Support your Kent Library and Bacich Library and support KIK today!
KIK BUSINESS PARTNERS
At Bradley Mae Design, we hold connection, idea creating and listening with intention in the highest regard when engaging with our clients. Utilizing years of experience, our goal is to create spaces that cultivate meaning, comfort, connection — spaces that feel like home. Let us help you define you most authentically.
Cavener Architects is an architectural firm founded in 1999 with a focus on residential design. We are a full-service firm providing everything from program and code analysis to project management and construction administration services as needed. We also provide interior design, structural and civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, and real estate market analysis. Each project site and each client’s program are unique and deserve a unique design.
FAMILY GIVING IS YEAR ROUND
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
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — UPDATE
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $781,931 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 302 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
KIK CALENDAR
WINTER CONCERTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KIK
JAN 31 - 5th Grade Band & Strings Winter Concert - 7PM
FEB 01 - 6th Grade Band, Strings & Choir Winter Concert - 7PM
FEB 02 - 0 Period Band, Orchestra, & Choir Winter Concert - 7PM
MAY 06 - Save the Date - School of Rock
KIK Spring Auction Event, Party at Bimbo’s 365 Club featuring Notorious
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.
JAN 10 - Beef Bourguignon, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Greens, & Summer Squash
CONNECT WITH KIK
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Next Meeting: January 23, 2023 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. (the first 30 mins will be a coffee social). Location is TBD
January 18, 7 p.m. PST, Kent Library
Digital Health & Safety Expert Katie Greer
- Updates on the latest tech trends including popular apps, social networking trends, gaming, sexting, and more
- Social media 101: Rules, settings, age limitation and healthy use
- Privacy settings, location services, check-ins: Are your devices set-up safely? what does “private” really mean?
- Advice for having real conversations with your child to foster a positive online experience for your family, with suggested restrictions and rules
- Digital health check-in: Is your family doing a good job balancing life and technology? Most KIDS say “NO!”
- Smartphones & Age: What’s the average age kids get smartphones? Are there alternatives? Is there a right age for kids to get smartphones?
Co-Sponsored by The Kentfield PTA and Corte Madera PTO
January 19, 2023, 6:30 p.m. PST
Free Virtual Screening of Disability/Inclusion related Film and Follow-Up Discussion -
- Register here - Sponsored by the Marin County of Education
Special Education Advisory Committee Parent Workshops
The Marin County SELPA Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is hosting several different workshops for parents in the new year. All workshops are free, translation services are available upon request, and registration is required.
Procedural Safeguards and Parent Rights
An online workshop designed for parents to learn more about their child’s rights and the protections in place under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An opportunity for questions and answers will be provided at the end of the session.
Special Education Eligibility & the Continuum of Services and Placements
An online workshop designed for parents to learn about special education eligibility determination and the factors considered in determining appropriate services and placement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An opportunity for questions and answers will be provided at the end of the session.
- February 9, 2023 from 6-7:30 p.m.
- Register HERE
Navigating the Pages of the IEP
An online workshop for parents to examine the pages of an IEP, one page at a time. Parents will have an opportunity to walk through the pages of an IEP and learn more about what specific information should be included in each section of the IEP document.
- January 5, January 9, February 2, and February 16 from 9:30-11 a.m.
- Register Here
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.
Sloat Garden Center Growing up Green Week through January 15.
Sloat Garden Center's Growing Up Green fundraising program is a fantastic opportunity for Bay Area schools to earn Sloat Garden Center gift cards. If you plan to shop at Sloat Garden Center during Growing Up Green week, please mention Bacich or Kent to the cashier and our schools will get credit towards a gift card. These gift cards help support our classroom garden programs. Thank you for your support!
Tinker Tech - Game Development and AI class for students in Grades 2-4 at Bacich
Explore code and computational thinking through building games and a machine learning model. What will you build? Start by building an AI that can tell a picture of a cat from a dog and then invent your own AI to solve a problem. Super fun creative class that builds on a student's previous experience in Scratch or other block programming.
Wednesdays, 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., Starting Wednesday January 11
Register on Larkspur Recreation website:
larkspur.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=1905
The ArKIDecture Academy
Designing Buildings & Building Confidence
In this 6 week course, students will have the opportunity to learn about different types of architecture through drawings, collage, and construction. Each student will be the architect of their own projects, designing and building in their own unique style. I encourage class interaction, sharing of ideas, and team collaboration throughout the sessions. This is a perfect class for students wanting to learn more about architecture or for those that just love being creative! All levels are welcome!
Instructor: Molly Goecke
Architectural Designer & 5 Star Outschool Instructor
Bacich WINTER 2023
1st & 2nd Grade ArKIDects: Tuesdays 3-3:45 January 10 - February 14, 2023, Room 25
3rd & 4th Grade ArKIDects: Thursdays 3-3:45 p.m. January 12 - February 16, 2023, Room 29
To Enroll: Email - mollygoecke@gmail.com
Cost - $175
Opportunities
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 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
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Coding Classes at Bacich
Skill Samurai Intro to Coding Class
If you are looking to introduce your child to the world of coding, this is the perfect place to start. Students will learn the foundational concepts of coding while learning to build their own video games.
- Dates: 1/18, 1/25, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22
- Class Time: 12:45- 1:45 p.m.
- Tuition for 8 classes is $419.
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