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Back to School Events
District News
Welcome to the 2018-19 school year. This newsletter is a long one, so I’ll be brief. It is my honor and pleasure to be starting my sixth year as the Superintendent of this fine school district. We obviously have some challenges ahead as we live with construction for another year, but the can-do attitude of staff, students and you will help us get through unscathed.
Celebrating milestones is one of the most important steps in a construction project, and we have a big one coming up. Please join us before the Kent Back to School Night on September 6th at 5:15 in front of the Library and new Administration Building for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Kent’s Measure D projects.
This weekly newsletter is your one-stop-shop for information about the district, your school(s), parent partners such as kik and the PTA, and community organizations and events. We commit to sending just one email per week - excluding emergency communications - and ask that you read it or flag it for references purposes. This start-of-school email, for instance, has all the dates and tips you need for a smooth start to the year.
There will be more to talk about in the weeks to come, but, for now, I wish you a happy Labor Day weekend, and look forward to seeing you and your children Tuesday.
School Board
Next Meeting: September 11, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the District Office.
- Agenda will be posted by 5 p.m. the Friday before the meeting.
New Website
Thank you for your patience while our website was being updated this summer. Our IT department created the website from the ground up and moved the content to our own servers. We will no longer deal with a third-party vendor, which allows us more freedom in creating a communication piece that works for our District. We hope you will find the website easier to navigate. The content management system that our IT department created organizes and archives content and uploaded documents in an efficient format, making broken links and out-of-date documents highly unlikely.
We recommend typing the website address into your internet browser rather than using a search engine to find our website. It takes time for the search engines to update with the new website and versions of our previous website exist on the internet.
- To get to the right site, please replace your old bookmarks with: www.kentfieldschools.org | bacich.kentfieldschools.org | kent.kentfieldschools.org
Each page has sections focused on the needs of our community members - students, staff, families, and community. Much of the information overlaps, as we have tried to locate the same information in different locations because we understand each person searches differently. Please let us know what you think of the website (webmaster@kentfieldschools.org) and if you encounter any areas where you would like more information. We will be refining organization and layout as we receive community feedback.
- Website Tip: Find Kentfield, Bacich, and Kent forms in one place on the Resources & Forms page.
Bacich News
Principal Sally Peck's Parent Bulletin will appear in the first weekly newsletter on Thursday, September 6, 2018.
Parking and Pick Up/Drop Off at Bacich
Due to construction, there are no parent/community member parking spots on campus at any time during school hours, except for three ADA permit parking spots for community members who need them. Bacich has 14 parking spots for 65 staff members.
- We are now offering Early Drop-Off to provide a wider window for direct drop off at Bacich and relieve traffic congestion at drop off time. The Bacich playground will open at 7:30 a.m. each day for Grade 1–4 students. Staff will supervise the playground.
- Carline will begin at 7:45 a.m. Please follow the Carline Procedures.
- Please reference this Bacich map that Safe Routes to School created that identifies parking locations. Safe Routes to School is a great resources for finding a walking/biking group to Bacich from your neighborhood.
- Don’t forget to get a FOB at the District Office to enter campus gates during school hours.
We ask that all members of our school community be particularly respectful and mindful of our neighbors this year with the increase in traffic and congestion due to school construction. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation, and patience as our school undergoes significant renovation.
Bacich Back to School Resources
Safe Routes to School
- Due to construction and limited parking, we encourage families to take advantage of our award-winning Safe Routes to School program. Visit the Safe Routes page to discover the best and safest route to walk, bike, skate, to Bacich! On the site, you can find your neighborhood route and Safe Routes to School neighborhood captain to plan your eco-friendly school transportation for the new school year.
- Families driving to Bacich must use the Carline or park off campus. This Bacich map will help you find the right area to park or enter the carline.
School lunch
- Begins on September 17th and is provided by Good Earth and organized by KSPTA.
- Students receiving free and reduced price lunch will be served from the first day of school.
Bacich Site Council
Next Meeting: September 10, 2018, 3-4 p.m., Bacich Library. All parents are welcome to attend.
- Please visit our Site Council page for meeting dates, agendas, and minutes.
Bacich Construction
Kent News
Dear Families,
The 2018-19 school year at Kent promises to be a comprehensive year of growth and learning for all Kent Falcons, and I’m delighted to welcome you and your children to our school. I hope that your summer season included time for rejuvenation and fun, and activities that you and your family thoroughly enjoyed. As construction fences recede and finishing touches get completed across our campus, new and refreshed learning spaces anticipate the return of our Kent Falcons. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of our students, and launching into what promises to be a fantastic year of learning at Kent.
It is a privilege and honor to join the Kent family as your new principal. The rich history of collaboration, community-mindedness, high quality academics, and social/emotional learning define our amazing school, and I look forward to working with our students, staff, and families to build on that legacy. I am most excited about meeting this year’s group of students and experiencing the liveliness, energy, excitement, and optimism that encompasses the start of the year.
Opportunities abound with the start of a brand new school year. Each student has the option to reinvent, refresh, and reignite their interests and passions at school, starting focused and fresh. Our collective goal is to support each one of our Kent students to realize their fullest potential as a learner, citizen, and community member this year. I know that we share in this desire for our children, and I look forward to our partnership to bring this vision to life.
Our incoming 5th graders, our 8th grade WEB leaders, and students new to Kentfield School District have the first chance to come on campus with the orientation and tour planned for Thursday morning, August 30th. Designed to build excitement and readiness for the year ahead, our responsible 8th grade leaders and role models introduce new Kent students to our school and community. With the return of all Kent Falcons on September 4th, now quiet classrooms will transform back into lively learning labs; let the fun begin!
As the summer comes to a close, please find time to connect with those that you love, reflect about summer experiences, and start to set goals for the year ahead. I look forward to working with you and your children during this coming year’s journey.
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome back! I am excited to be starting another year as Kent’s Assistant Principal. As you and your child return to campus, you’ll notice a great deal of change has occurred over the summer, starting with our new Principal, Grant Althouse. It has been a real pleasure to share with him all special ways that make Kent Middle School such a unique place to grow and learn.
Next, you’ll see that teachers have moved all across the campus to new classrooms (new door numbers too). In addition, we have some brand new spaces that are state-of-the-art like music, science, art and woodshop. I hope you will join us at Back to School Night, on Thursday, September 6, 2018, to learn more about the programs and the experiences your child will have at school this year.
Again, welcome to the 2018-19 school year. I look forward to seeing and speaking with you soon.
Sincerely,
Jenny Walsh
Kent Assistant Principal
Kent Back to School Resources & Forms
Visit our Back to School page for the Parent-Student Handbook, information on class schedules, summer reading (there is still time to read!), important reminders and forms.
The District Resources and Forms page contains all forms and notices for the entire district.
Safe Routes to School
- Due to construction and limited parking, we encourage families to take advantage of our award-winning Safe Routes to School program. Visit the Safe Routes page to discover the best and safest route to walk, bike, skate, to Kent! On the site, you can find your neighborhood route and Safe Routes to School neighborhood captain to plan your eco-friendly school transportation for the new school year.
- If you are driving to Kent, please review the Kent Drop Off/Pick Up Map.
School Lunch
- School lunch begins on September 17th and is provided by Good Earth and organized by KSPTA.
- Students receiving free and reduced price lunch will be served from the first day of school.
Kent Site Council
Next Meeting: September 11, 2018, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Main Office Conference Room, Agenda
All Kent parents are welcome to attend Site Council meetings. Please visit our Site Council page for meeting dates, agendas, and minutes.
Kent Athletics
New Kent Athletics website:
Fall Sports: Flag Football, Cross Country, and Volleyball
- Flag Football is available to grades 6-8 (one team). Sign-ups will be available in the boys' and girls' locker room the first week of school. Stay tuned for first practice information.
- Cross Country will begin with a team meeting that will be held in September at Kent. Date and location to be announced!
- Volleyball (coaches needed!) is available to girls in grades 6-8 (one team per grade level). Sign-ups will be available the first week of school in the girls' locker rooms.
- Interested in coaching Volleyball? Please, contact Ryan Palmer, Kent Athletic Director.
Go Falcons!
Kent Athletic Director: Ryan Palmer, kent-athletics@kentfieldschools.org
Safe Routes News
Do you have your safe travel plan ready for the new school year?
The Kentfield School District encourages all families to actively participate in our nationally-recognized KSD Safe Routes to School Program, a neighborhood-focused initiative to advocate green travel alternatives, and address traffic safety at our schools.
A team of Neighborhood Parent Captains provide suggested safe route maps and carpooling options all customized by neighborhood. We also advocate for traffic safety concerns on behalf of the families in our district's neighborhoods.
Prepare Your Back to School Travel Plan
- Organize and practice your Back to School "Green" Travel Plan with your children before the first day of school.
- Public Bus option for Kent Middle School students
- The Marin Transit Bus 29 has a route designed perfectly for our kids. The bus picks up on SFD and Eliseo at 8:12 a.m. and drops off at College of Marin at 8:17 a.m. It's a short walk to the crosswalk and then to Kent. It costs $1 per child.
- Locate "Safe Routes," "Park and Walk" spots, visitor parking, bike/scooter racks for Bacich and Kent. Note in particular that the designated parking lot for your neighborhood at Bacich. Determine your neighborhood and contacts with our zone map.
Safe Routes to School Safety Tips
Participate in "Green Wednesdays" (rain or shine!)
Every Wednesday, all families and staff are encouraged to wear school spirit gear, and "travel green" to school. Even if you live in the hills or have a hectic schedule, you can still participate in Green Wednesdays by planning to carpool with fellow neighbors or by using one of the "park and walk" options listed on your neighborhood route plan.
- Our first Walk & Roll Day will be on September 12, 2018!
kik News
To welcome new students to school, we love to host kik Heart of the Community events!
Heart of the Community 5th Grade Event
- Save the Date: Friday, September 7, 5:30 –6:30 p.m.
- More information coming soon.
Heart of the Community TK/K Event
- Save the Date: Sunday, September 9, 10–11 a.m.
- More information coming soon.
Any contribution at any level makes an impact on our schools.
Help us reach 100% participation for our schools.
Save the Date! kik Auction | Dinner | Dancing
May 11, 2019
KSPTA News
Please join us for the following KSPTA sponosored events
- 8/30/2018: New to District Social, 11:30 a.m., Kent Library
- 9/4/2018: Bacich Back to School Coffee, 7:40 a.m., Bacich Quad
- 9/5/2018: Kent Back to School Coffee, 8:30 a.m., Kent Library Plaza
- 9/13/2018: Bacich Pizza and Games Night, 5:30 p.m., Bacich Community Center
- Tickets will be on sale soon at www.KSPTA.org
- 9/14/2018: KSPTA General Meeting, 8:45 a.m., Kent Library
School Lunch Service
- Students receiving free and reduced price lunch will be served from the first day of school.
- Lunch ordering is now open for grades 1-8. Please visit https://goodearthlunch.com/pages/how-it-works, to order today.
- Please note that Good Earth has revamped their site, so those of you who have been through this before will need to create a new account and there is a new one/child, one/order process (just make sure you read the directions).
- Deadline to order is Sunday, September 16th and service starts on Monday, September 17th.
Bacich Pizza & Games Night - September 13, 2018
- Volunteer for the Bacich Pizza and Games Night
- Tickets will be on sale soon at www.kspta.org.
Connect with KSPTA!
Community News
These programs are not sponsored by the Kentfield School District. Distributing flyers and information is a community service and does not imply endorsement.
23 Elephants Theatre Company
Upcoming Auditions and Rehearsals for Fall Theatre Performances.
Now enrolling for Fall Dance Classes.
- Click image for more information.
