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Dear Families and Staff,
I am not a psychologist nor counselor, so I do what most people do when trying to process yet another violent attack on innocent people. I consult experts. As parents of young children, you may be inundated with sources of information on how to discuss hate and violence with your families. I offer you one resource I have found over the years to be thorough and age-appropriate: the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL's resources for families and educators are excellent and I offer an excerpt here which I hope you find useful.
"Children are aware of what is happening in the world around them. Family members and educators cannot assume that children are unaffected by global events. When frightening and violent incidents occur, both children and adults may experience a range of emotions including fear, confusion, sadness and anger.
To counteract fear and give reassurance, adult family members, teachers and day care providers can provide opportunities for children to express how they feel and channel their feelings into positive actions.
Discussions between adults and children in difficult situations can be an opening for reinforcing family and community values, beliefs and traditions. Here are some strategies on how to begin these discussions and how to prepare your children.
Prepare
In order to provide the reassurance and guidance children need, adults should first come to terms with their own feelings. Explore and discuss with other adults your own feelings and perceptions.
Listen
Listen carefully in order to learn what children know and are thinking.
Treat all children's questions with respect and seriousness; do not "shush," ignore, or dismiss children.
Be Honest
Answer questions as clearly and honestly as you can, using developmentally appropriate language and definitions. If you don't know the answer to a child's question, say so and make a plan to try to find out.
Take Action
Children need to know that people are not powerless in the face of hate; there are many things children and adults can do.
Help children understand that sometimes it might not be safe for them to intervene; teach children to seek adult assistance when someone is being harassed or bullied.
Help your children feel good about themselves so that they learn to see themselves as people who can contribute to creating a better world."
Liz Schott
Superintendent
School Board
School Board Information
Next Meeting: November 13, 2018 at 5 p.m. in the District Office.
- The Agenda will be posted by 5 p.m. the Friday before the meeting.
Bacich News
Dear Parents,
Fostering a school culture where students demonstrate compassion, empathy, and respect for one another is a goal that we strive for every day at Bacich.
Our students range from five to ten years old, and each child is in the early stages of mastering not only their academic skills but their social skills, as well. It is to be expected that children will make mistakes in these early years of development. They will inevitably hurt feelings and have their feelings hurt. This is normal. We support them as they develop the cognitive ability and resiliency to bounce back and stay afloat when the social seas are stormy.
Some students excel in reading and/or mathematics and others require additional support. Some of our students seem to understand how to navigate healthy friendships with strong social skills and others require further guidance. Practicing these skills both in the classroom and on the playground are important stepping-stones to becoming good citizens.
Several years ago, Bacich adopted the Six Pillars of Character as the foundation of our social and emotional program. The Pillars include: Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Fairness, and Caring. We practice these tenets daily in the work that we do and the interactions that we have with one another. It provides us with a common language to use when we engage in communication on campus.
We also incorporate the nationally recognized program, Responsive Classroom in our classrooms to support our students’ social and emotional learning. This program guides and enhances our instruction and provides opportunities to practice and apply social skills throughout the day. An example of Responsive Classroom is our "Morning Meetings," which provide a opportunity for the teacher and students to have a morning check-in with one another.
We want our students to make responsible decisions and establish positive relationships. We want them to develop confidence and be comfortable with their friends at school. This takes practice and elementary school is where it all begins.
Thank you for partnering with us in the education of our students.
Thank you,
Sally Peck
Bacich Principal
Bacich Library News
The Bacich Library has been bursting with activity this fall. There are 31 classes that visit the library every week to listen to stories, check out books, and learn information and digital literacy skills.
For the past six weeks, kindergarten, and first graders have been working on library behavior, library procedures, book care, parts of a book, and using shelf markers. TK and kindergarten classes are learning that the picture books are in “ABC” order on the shelves. They have checked out books from the first five letters of the alphabet. I am enjoying getting to know all the TK, kindergarten and first grade parents who have volunteered to help the children and shelve in the library. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to come in and help.
The focus in second grade has been studying the Dewey Decimal Classification System and parts of a book. They have also been introduced to the OPAC, our online public access catalog and learned to search for books independently on the computer, which they learned is our “card catalog.” This week, they enjoyed getting acquainted with age appropriate chapter books. They will continue to be introduced to chapter books in specific “genres” this month when we discover how many wonderful genres are available to them.
The second grade classes began researching information for their heritage reports. Ms. Warnick’s grandmother–in-law, Letizia Monelli, came to talk to the children about what it was like to leave Garfigliano, Italy near Luca, in Tuscany and come to America through Ellis Island. (portrayed by Ms. Warnick) See photo above. This lesson prepared the students for their interviews of an ancestor by modeling oral history. Mrs. Monelli also enjoys speaking at Heritage Day. Continuing to integrate the curriculum into the library program, students were introduced to the Atlas and have been finding continents, countries and capitals on maps. They are discovering where their ancestors came from and what countries border their country.
- To aid them in their quests, the library added resource guides to its homepage. Following are the steps to access the Research Databases from home:
- Go to bacich.kentfieldschools.org; click on Academics; click on the Bacich Library link; click on the Research Databases information you need. This page lists resources, including websites your child could have used for his/her report. Third and Fourth graders can also access resource guides by following these steps.
The third grade classes have begun researching information for their Marin County reports. They are learning about plagiarism and oral histories, while enjoying a visit from Adeline E. Kent (portrayed by Ms. Warnick).
- To aid them in their quest, the library has added a Pathfinder (resource guide) to its homepage. Following are the steps to access the Pathfinder from home: go to bacich.kentfieldschools.org; click on Academics; click on the Bacich Library link; click on the third grade pathfinder link; click on Marin County Information. This page lists resources, including websites your child can use for his or her report.
The fourth graders studied the Dewey Decimal Classification System. and celebrated Banned Book Week learning that some of their favorite titles have been banned from some libraries for a variety of reasons. Earlier this month they viewed a film on research and the Dewey Decimal Classification System. Third and fourth grade classes reviewed searching for books online by author, title, subject, and keyword.
I hope you have had an opportunity to come in and visit our library! We are open before school, lunch recess, and after school. Parents are welcome to visit and check out our great collection of books! Parents may create an account to check out books from the library for one month. We have a wonderful selection of picture books plus beginning and intermediate chapter books. Come in and browse! Your child would love to help you choose their favorites. The students are enjoying curling up with a good book and reading!
- Bacich Library Blog: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Thank you,
Susan Warnick
Bacich Librarian
Bacich Announcements
Bacich Parent – Teacher Conferences: November 13-16, 2018.
This is an opportunity for parents to hear from their child’s classroom teacher about their son or daughter’s progress during the first trimester of the school year. Conferences are a wonderful time for teachers to share about each student’s strengths, outline areas that may need improvement, and set goals for the months ahead.
- Families who wish to have translators present at their conference should schedule their conferences for Thursday–Friday between 1–4 p.m. or by coordinating with the classroom teacher.
- We request that families of multiple households come together for the twenty-minute conference, which will be held in each teacher’s classroom.
Online conference sign-ups will open Friday, November 2, 2018 at 8 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2018.
- Parents may access the conference sign-ups through the following link: conferences.kentfieldschools.org,
- Simply choose Bacich, then select your child’s teacher and choose a conference slot to reserve your desired time.
Please note that Parent-Teacher Conference days are Minimum Days and follow the Minimum Day Schedule for each grade level.
Please plan for the shortage of parking around campus and make every effort to be on time for your child’s conference. You may reference the Safe Routes Park and Walk Map for Bacich to plan ahead for parking.
- Please do not park on the school campus.
Author Visit At Bacich
On November 9, 2018, author Arree Chung (Mixed! Ninja and Ninja Claus) will visit Bacich grades K-2.
If you would like to order a signed book for child, please complete this paper form or online order form. All books will be signed by the author. Unsigned copies will be available at the book fair for purchase.
- Deadline for pre-order for signed copies: November 6, 2018
Bacich Site Council
Next Meeting: November 5, 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 Resources
Please visit our Bacich Families page for information such as the Bell Schedule, Parent Handbook, and other important resources and forms.
Follow Bacich on Instagram
Bacich Elementary School @bacichelementary
Bacich STEAM Projects @bacichsteam
Bacich Construction
Kent News
Greetings Kent Community,
As you know, next Tuesday, November 6th is election day across the United States, and we all head to the polls to vote for ideas and offices on the local, state-wide, and national level. Preparing young people to get informed, get involved, and to contribute as voting citizens remains a defining fundamental feature of public education. Discussion of current events is a regular component of the student experience at Kent, and next week’s election provides an appropriate opportunity to inform students about critical democratic processes.
At home during the final few days of this election season, please consider ways to make the voting process visible for your middle school child, beyond sporting the red, white, and blue I Voted sticker.
- If you’re voting on an absentee ballot, perhaps you can show your child the ballot, explain the format, and model how votes are cast.
- If you’re heading to a polling station on Tuesday, encourage your child to check-out the voter information guide to see firsthand the ways in which candidates, officials, proponents, and opponents present their views to persuade the electorate. While some propositions can seem so removed from our daily experience, learning about Prop. 7 and Daylight Savings Time could make the whole process seem more immediate and relevant to daily life for our children.
Tuesday’s election is a current event that happens right here at home; let’s all get out and vote! And, don’t forget to turn back your clocks on Sunday!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
Kent Announcements
View Kent Daily Announcement on Kent website.
Kent Events – Mark Your Calendars
- 8th Grade Transition to High School Meeting: Thursday, November 15, 2018 6:30- 8:00 p.m., Kent Library parents and 8th grade students are welcome to attend.
8th Grade Students Applying to Private High Schools in 2019-2020,
Please read this letter outlining the request process for transcripts and teacher recommendation letters to apply to a private high school.
- The final date to submit all requests for teacher recommendations and transcripts, to Kent, is Friday, December 7, 2018.
- No requests will be accepted during Winter Break, as the office will be closed.
Students Applying to Transfer to Another Middle School
- 5th, 6th, and 7th graders applying to a private middle school or moving should contact Lisa Sandberg at lsandberg@kentfieldschools.org, so that she can facilitate the process.
Kent Good Eggs Fundraiser
Funds raised will be used to purchase the book Refugee for our "One Book School" read in December and to bring the author, Alan Gratz, to campus in the spring.
- Sign up here using the code: FALCONS2018. View Good Eggs information flyer.
Kent Library
Follow the Kent Library on Instagram
Kent Site Council
Next Meeting: November 6, 2018, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Main Office Conference Room
- All Kent parents are welcome to attend Site Council meetings. Please visit our Site Council page for meeting dates, agendas, and minutes.
Kent Athletics
Attention all 6th grade basketball parents: coaches are needed for the 6th grade boys and 6th grade girls basketball teams! Contact Ryan Palmer at rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org if you or anyone you know would like to coach!
Congratulations to the Kent Flag Football team (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) who are undefeated as of this writing (5-0). They will try to finish unbeaten on Thursday, November 8, 2018 when they take on Marin Horizon at Kent at 3:45 p.m. Go Falcons!
- Please note that all volleyball games are at 3:45 p.m. at Davidson, unless the venue is changed by coaches.
Kent Athletic Director: Ryan Palmer, kent-athletics@kentfieldschools.org, website
Kent Resources & Forms
Visit our Back to School page for the Parent-Student Handbook and important reminders and forms.
The District Resources and Forms page contains all forms and notices for the entire district.
Safe Routes News
Walk & Roll Wednesdays
Thanks to everyone who participated in International Walk and Roll To School Day on Wednesday, October 10th. Keep up the people-powered transportation throughout the year on Walk and Roll Wednesdays.
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.
- 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, then visit the neighborhood map for Berens Route Plan, Greenbrae Route Plan, Kent Woodlands Route Plan, Laurel Grove Route Plan, Murray Park Route Plan, and SFD Firehouse Route Plan.
- Public bus option for middle school students: The Marin Transit Bus 29 has a route designed perfectly for our Kent Middle School students. 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.
- Safe Routes to School Safety tips in English and Spanish.
kik News
Next kik Speaker Series features Alden Mills, "From the Battlefield to the Board Room"
- November 15, 2018, 7-9 p.m.
- Purchase Tickets Here
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
KSPTA Meeting
11/5/2018: KSPTA General Meeting, 8:30-10 a.m., Kent Library
Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2018: KSPTA Candidate Forum Video
Did you miss the candidate event for folks who are running for the KSD School Board seats? Your KSPTA has your covered. Check out a video of the opening and closing statements and read their written answers to five important questions here.
Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 6th!
Second Trimester Lunch Ordering Now Open
- Deadline to order is Monday, November 12, 2018.
- Delicious school lunch from Good Earth Natural Foods and Stefano's Pizza
- Order at goodearthlunch.com
- Service Session for Kent: November 13, 2018–March 8, 2019
- Service Session for Bacich: November 19, 2018-March 8, 2019
Calling All Crafters and Save the Date
Vendor Applications now available online for the 6th Annual Kentfield Craft Fair.
- Applications due November 9, 2018
- Kentfield Craft Fair is on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 1:30-6:30 p.m, Bacich Community Center
A special offer from Good Eggs
- New customers who join by Sunday, November 4, 2018 will be eligible to win a kid-friendly, lunchbox-ready, snack pack.
- Use this code, BACICH18, when signing up for Good Eggs to support our schools. Click here for details
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.
"Encouraging Resilience In Your Kids" Workshop
- Saturday, November 3, 1-3 p.m. or Saturday, November 17, 9-11 a.m.
Join Jennifer Bull, AMFT for an informative workshop to learn how to help strengthen your child’s internal resources. Choose one of two Saturday sessions.
Kentfield Girls Softball
Kentfield Girls Softball is for 5 to 15 year old girls living in Kentfield, Greenbrae, Ross and North Larkspur.
Registration is during the month of November and practices start in late February 2019.
Teen Wellness Film Series
I Am Maris
- November 27, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
After a childhood of mounting anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, Maris is hospitalized to confront her illnesses. Struggling to cope once released, she finds solace in the healing powers of therapy, art, and yoga, becoming an instructor at just 16 and using her blog to promote self-acceptance.
San Francisco Boys Chorus Auditions and Open Admissions
The San Francisco Boys Chorus teaches boys with unchanged voices how to sing, read music, and perform. They offer classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45-6:15 p.m. in Marin. The boys perform with the San Francisco Symphony, the San Jose Opera, and San Francisco Opera.
The mission of the San Francisco Boys Chorus is to provide music education, vocal training, and performance experience at the highest artistic level to boys from all cultural, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.
If you would like to learn more about our program, please visit our website at sfbc.org/auditions.Boys in Preschool to age 12.
- Marin Auditions: January 12, 2019 in San Rafael.