Greetings Kent Community,

After an exciting, action-packed first week of school at Kent, a sense of normalcy has returned as students and staff settle into the regular school schedule and routine. I’ve seen Falcons across our school launch into their studies with optimism and confidence for the year ahead.

When I moved out of the classroom to my first administrative position seven years ago, the change that proved the most difficult for me was the distance from day to day classroom interactions with students, and the relationships that develop within the classroom. Ms. Walsh and I share the aspiration that as administrators at our school, we can still create meaningful relationships with the students we serve, and be seen as trusted and caring adults in their lives. To that end, we are using the month of September to build relationships through Expectation Talks discussions that we will facilitate in all classrooms.

During these Expectation Talks, Ms. Walsh and I start by asking students to reintroduce themselves to their classmates, and to share with the class one goal each student has for the year ahead. Next, we transition into a discussion of our school social vision, Code Red, where students share examples of our community members showing Responsibility and Empathy, and valuing Differences. Students share their expectations for their school year, and Ms. Walsh and I share our expectations for citizenship, health, behavior, and academic focus from our Falcons. Over the coming weeks, Ms. Walsh will be presenting in all fifth and sixth grade classrooms, and I will be presenting in all seventh and eighth grade classrooms. Ask your child about their expectations for the year, and about themes that came up during our Expectations Talks!

Our hope is that our Kent Falcons will see Ms. Walsh and me as caring adults on our campus that can help to resolve problems and offer support, just as they see their counselors and teachers. We also trust that reviewing expectations for all members of our community will proactively support students in making safe and healthy choices at school. It’s great to be back in the classroom with your children, even if for only a brief time!

Greetings Families!

I want to share some exciting news about one of our former Kent students. Last Saturday in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, Kate Courtney became the the Elite Women’s World Champion in cross country mountain biking. She is the first American woman to win that title in almost twenty years and she is only 22 years old.

Kate grew up in Kentfield where her parents still live and attended Bacich and Kent. She graduated from Branson High School and is a recent graduate of Stanford University. Kate is bubbly, smart, and engaging and a strong role model for young, female cyclists. To learn more about Kate and her amazing journey to the top step of the podium, click this link here.

Speaking of mountain biking, I’ve had several parents ask me about mountain bike opportunities for their child. Currently, we are in need of a parent, or group of parents, who would like to run the Kent mountain bike club. This club rides after school on Wednesdays once or twice per month, depending on parent availability. If you are interested in getting this club going again, please email me at jwalsh@kentfieldschools.org. Additionally, there are private, local bike camps that offer after school biking for a fee. Please email me if you would like to learn more.

Finally, Kent Lunch Clubs will be starting up soon. We have an Eco Action Club, a Garden Club, Library Council, and a Games Club. If you are interested in hosting a club at Kent this year please contact me so I can put you in touch with a teacher. Some clubs we have held in the past include knitting, art, drama, and fantasy sports.