Kentfield School District News
Dear Kentfield School District Community,
Today our school sites returned to Hybrid Instruction and welcomed our students back to campus. At Bacich we served 208 students, while at Kent we had 147 students on site. Children were excited to be at school and they were welcomed with absolute joy!
As many may be aware, on Friday, Marin Public Health issued a press release about the new Bay Area Stay-at-Home Order, which will go into effect in Marin on Tuesday, December 8th at noon. This action was done collectively among our Bay Area counties to proactively address the possibility of a State Regional Order that was shared by our Governor on December 3rd. This new local Stay-at-Home Order does not modify existing state or local guidance regarding TK-12 schools, which permits our school district to continue to offer in-classroom instruction. Guidance from local and state public health continues to guide and inform our school operations in the time of COVID-19.
Tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m., Marin Public Health Officer, Dr. Matt Willis, and Deputy Public Health Officer, Dr. Lisa Santora, will host a Community Conversation related to COVID-19 in Marin County and the recent information about the Stay-at-Home Orders in our county and state. Please see the attached flyer to submit your questions before the webinar. If you are unable to join, it will be recorded and posted to our KSD website. I hope that you will watch this webinar to learn more about how the Stay-at-Home Order affects our schools and community.
Stay Well,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
Upcoming Events
*For security, Zoom links and passwords for events are not posted on the District website, and are sent through ParentSquare.
Daily: Virtual Crossing Guard with Ms. Stephens, 7:55-8:30 a.m., Zoom
Monday, December 7, 2020
- Hybrid Instruction resumed
- KSPTA meeting, 7-8 p.m., Zoom, agenda
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
- School Board meeting, 5 p.m., public access via Zoom
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
- KIK Board meeting, 7:30-9 p.m., Zoom
Friday, December 11, 2020
- Deadline for 8th Grade Private School Applications
- Please email Lisa Sandberg at lsandberg@kentfieldschools.org with any questions.
Monday, December 14, 2020
- Bacich Site Council meeting, 3-4 p.m.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
- Family Partners (formerly Parent Partners) meeting, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity & Inclusion Committee meeting, 6-7 p.m.
- KSPTA Parent Ed: Parent Education: Parenting in the Pandemic for Kent Families, 8:15-9:15 p.m.
- Click here for more information.
- Spanish Interpretation will be available.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
- Budget 101 meeting, 7-8 p.m., Zoom Webinar–link will be forthcoming.
Friday, December 18, 2020
- Bacich and Kent, noon release
Winter Break: December 22-Jan 1, 2021
District Announcements
KSD Update: Hybrid Instruction & KSD-KTA Negotiations – December 3, 2020 and December 2, 2020
COVID-19 Testing Opportunities
Marin County COVID-19 Testing
Whether your family is insured or not there are free and easy testing options in our county.
Discover local case rates, trends, demographics, and resources to stay up to date with the status of COVID-19 in Marin at the Marin Recovers and Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Surveillance Update websites.
Save the Date!
Kentfield School District Budget 101
- December 16, 2020 at 7-8 p.m. via Zoom Webinar–link will be forthcoming.
School Board & District Committees
- Board Meeting Highlights: November 10, 2020
- Board Meeting Video Archive
- Board Statements and Community Letters
- Next Monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 5 p.m., Zoom
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
Safety Committee Agenda and Notes, November 16, 2020
Equity Committee meeting, December 15, 6-7 p.m.
Safe Routes to School
Alert – Closure Notice
The Laurel Grove crosswalk across SFD will be closed on Thursday, December the 10th. Pedestrians from Laurel Grove will be directed on the North side of SFD to the pedestrian bridge at Wolfe Grade during the closure on Thursday. Note that sidewalks will be open. The Laurel Grove crosswalk will be open for use on Friday.
Chalk and Walk is coming to Bacich Elementary School!
We are turning public sidewalks and pathways into a fun-filled, colorful adventure using Simon Says and safety reminders for walkers and rollers. Kids who hop, skip, and smile will get their wiggles out before sitting in a structured classroom.
Safe Routes to Schools will be chalking routes to Bacich Elementary during the week of Dec. 7th. The Bacich School Map along with other travel and safety instructions can be found here.
Bundle up and enjoy the brisk autumn air while forming fun memories along the Chalk 'N Walk route. Every step helps our kids and our Earth too!
Bacich News
Kent News
Kent Hybrid Instruction Schedule:
Cohort A will report to school each day for the full week of December 7th
Cohort B will report to school each day for the full week of December 14th
Distance only students or hybrid students on their off week, will continue to follow their daily schedule for distance learning.
Deadline for 8th grade Private School Applications: Friday, December 11th. Please email Lisa Sandberg at lsandberg@kentfieldschools.org with any questions.
Kent Counselors Wellness Hub: Easily access resources to help navigate this challenging time. The Counselors at Kent Middle School are here for you!
Kent Library News
Got Books?!
If you have recently added some new book fair books to your shelf, it's likely you have some books to give away! If so, bring them to Kent for our book bags! We will be accepting new and gently used books for students in grades 5-8 to add to our grab bags of books. Thanks to all who have donated already. I estimate that we have given away over 500 books already! Wow!
Curbside Pick Up!!
If your child would like to check out a book from the Kent library, they may do so by emailing me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. I will pull the book, if it's available, and it will be on the cart by the gate with your child's name on it for one week. Returns can go on the same cart. Thanks!
All School Read Ahead!
In January, right after winter break, we will begin reading our all school read book for 2021, This Promise of Change: One Girl's Story in the Fight for School Equity. You may purchase this title through the Book Passage or the store of your choosing or check it out of the Kent library or your local public library. Students will be reading the book with their homeroom classes and are not required to have a book in hand, as we will be providing opportunities for listening to the book and in-class discussion. I do recommend you purchase a copy, as it's an incredible true story for the whole family. You can find more information here. On January 25th, we will welcome the authors Jo Ann Allen Boyce and Debbie Levy for a virtual visit!
Book of the Day Welcomes Submissions for Squawk Talk
Does your child have a book they just read that they can't wait to tell others about? Have them create their own Book of the Day segment for our daily Kent podcast, Squawk Talk! They can use this script to create their content and then record using a phone or an online tool like Vocaroo. Segments should be around one minute and can be emailed to me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org. What are you reading?
Kent Yearbook Information
www.yearbookordercenter.com - code 7587
- For ordering help, call The Yearbook Order Center toll free at 866-287-3096 or email us at yearbookordercenter@herffjones.com. The Yearbook Order Center is open Monday through Friday, 8-a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST).
- Llama al 866-287-3096 si necesitas un operador en español.
KIK News
FAMILY GIVING FUNDRAISING — LET’S KIK THIS TOGETHER!
Family Giving donations contribute the largest portion—about 88%—of the $1M Annual Commitment to our schools. These funds are direct donations from our school families that help support educational opportunities and programs benefiting all Bacich and Kent students.
WATCH: A Message to Our Community
E-BIKE DONOR CHALLENGE
Power up your Family Giving with the KIK E-Bike Donor Challenge!
- Every family that donates at the Family Giving Ask through December 31, 2020, will be entered into a drawing for a Stromer ST1 Sport e-bike generously sponsored by Amanda Mulholland Real Estate and Marin Service Course.
- The Stromer ST1 is the ultimate in commuting e-bikes. Made in Switzerland, this e-bike combines quality craftsmanship, cutting edge engineering and app-based software. Retail value is $4200.
- Drawing Eligibility: Donate “The Family Ask” ($1800 per child) through December 31, 2020. You’ll be entered into the e-bike drawing held on January 11th, 2021. Questions? Email familygiving@kikschools.org.
- All donors who have already contributed at the Family Giving Ask will be automatically entered. Already donated and want to “power up” to the Family Giving Ask? We welcome your additional donation by December 31, 2020 and you’ll be entered into drawing. Thank you!
WHY GIVE NOW IN 2020-21?
- There are short-term and, most importantly, long term effects of falling short of our Annual Commitment to our Bacich and Kent schools. See Why Give Now?
- Missing the mark on Family Giving goals means our children missing out on opportunities that well-funded schools provide and that KSD kids have benefitted from in the 41-year history of KIK.
It’s been a challenging 2020—Family Giving donations are down -37%.
Let’s secure our children’s quality education now and for years to come. Help close the gap by donating today!
TUES 12/8 - KIK FAMILY MEALS WITH LEFT BANK, 20% TO KIK
Every Tuesday Left Bank will create a special family dinner for $50 and donate 20% back to KIK. Order now for pickup on Tuesday.
Want to get a weekly email reminder to order? Opt in here!
- Dec. 8: BBQ Ribs, mac and cheese, green beans, brussel sprouts
- Dec. 15: Roast chicken, mac and cheese, salad verte, green beans
- Please see KIK social media or your emails from KIK for an exciting new menu option.
Order online and select “KIK Family Meal.” The December menu is posted on our website. Thank you!
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates on menus and reminders.
Questions? Email events@kikschools.org.
HOLIDAY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
BEN SHEMANO JEWELRY
Sparkle on this year with Ben Shemano Jewelry by giving a special gift to a loved one. Ben Shemano Jewelry is offering KSD families 10% off purchases (*except GIA certified Diamonds) this season.
Promo Code: KIKHOLIDAY — Simply shop online or mention this KIK promotion when you shop virtually or via a socially distant appointment. Happy Holidays!
PROOF LAB
Lucky us! We live near the best surf/skate/outdoor shop in Northern Cal! Visit Proof Lab and shop 400+ surfboards or rent surf gear for that beautiful winter surf day. Outfit kids and adults in the latest surf and skate threads — Volcom, Patagonia, RVCA, Billabong, Quicksilver, and Hurley. Get expert help and advice or simply enjoy the new beer garden and the creative and adventurous Proof Lab community.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT REPORT
KIK raises dollars toward the $1M Annual Commitment to help fund our Bacich and Kent schools. Various fundraising initiatives combine to fill this commitment to our students and schools including Family Giving, Spring Auction Event, and Partners for Education.
Get details on the $1M Annual Commitment.
ANNUAL COMMITMENT Fundraising Status : $347,975 / $1M GOAL
THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!
KSPTA News
Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, December 7, 2020, 7-8:30 p.m., agenda
- Kentfield families and members will receive the Zoom link and password. If you do not receive the link, please contact info@kspta.org.
Parent Education: Parenting in the Pandemic
Could you use some fresh ideas for surviving the new demands of parenting during a pandemic?
Is there more whining, crying, fighting or defiance in your home (yours or your child’s)?
The KSPTA is happy to offer a FREE on-line event with Julie King, the acclaimed author of How To Talk So Kids Will Listen. Please join us and Julie King http://julieking.org for a talk about Parenting in A Pandemic.
In this one-hour online presentation, Julie King shares useful guidance and tools for parents who are doing their best to cope with the effects of the pandemic on home life. Her presentation is interactive, and includes topics such as:
- Children under stress: understanding typical behavior, and how to support children with shelter-in-place
- How to engage children's cooperation
- How to reduce the fighting
- Strategies for dealing with all the screen time!
- Time at the end is reserved for Q&A.
- Spanish Interpretation will be available.
- Click here for more info!
Dates:
- For parents of Kent aged kids: December 15, 2020, 8:15-9:15 p.m.
Join the Nominating Committee
KSPTA is an all-volunteer organization, and we’re always looking for new voices and leaders in our community. Our Nominating Committee works to identify and recruit leaders for roles ranging from the Executive Board to Bacich Halloween Parade coordinator. “Nom Com” meets (virtually this year) in February or March at least once, usually twice. If you are interested in serving on this committee or becoming a leader in your KSPTA, please email president@kspta.org.
Thank You New PTA Members!
Thank you to those of you who joined during our Membership Month! There’s still time to join and support our schools.
KSPTA is proud to support Be The Influence!
To get up to speed about adolescent substance use in Marin, consider joining Be the Influence (BTI). Be the Influence (BTI) is a parent education and support program on adolescent substance use in Marin. It started at Redwood High School and now has spread to all public and independent middle and high schools in Marin.
Check out their website and consider joining other Kent parents to be in-the-know and get effective parenting tips.
You can make an optional BTI Parent Agreement or simply sign up to receive their bi-monthly newsletters
Here is their November newsletter that discusses Alcohol, Covid and the Holidays as well as a December 2nd virtual parent education event titled “Let’s Talk: Parenting to Support Your Teen (to register, click here).
You may also follow BTI on Facebook. It’s never too early to get educated and start talking with your child about this important topic!
New School Lunch Program with School Foodies
Order online, pick up at Kent for the week. Choose which weeks you order, and order for the whole family!
- Sign up at schoolfoodies.com, registration code “bacich” or “kent”
- Find out more
- School Foodies pick up time: Mondays, 12-1:30 p.m. at Kent, except for when Monday is a holiday.
Distance Learning Resources at KSPTA
We are committed to supporting the Bacich and Kent communities with programs like the expanded Buddy System and more.
Visit the distance learning resources page to learn more. Suggestions and ideas are welcome at info@kspta.org.
Connect with KSPTA!
Website: kspta.org
Twitter: @KentfieldPTA
Instagram: kentfieldschoolspta
Facebook: Kentfield Schools PTA
Community News
Free Suicide Prevention Webinar Series in Spanish: Seminario Web de Prevención del Suicidio (El Rotafolio)
This free webinar offers the “El Rotafolio” presentation based on the statewide suicide prevention campaign: Know the Signs, for the Spanish speaking community. During the webinar, participants will learn to: 1) identify warning signs 2) find the words to speak with someone they are concerned about, including how to ask the question: Are you thinking about suicide? and 3) reach out to local and national resources for help. After presenting the “El Rotafolio,” each webinar will have a guest speaker that will talk about one of the following topics.
Este seminario web gratuito presentará “El Rotafolio” basado en la campaña estatal para la prevención del suicido titulado “Reconocer las Señales”. Durante el semanario, participantes aprenderán a: 1) reconocer las señales de advertencia, 2) escuchar y dialogar con alguien quien les concierne y cómo hacer la pregunta: ¿estás pensando en el suicidio? y 3) buscar recursos locales y nacionales. El seminario web de dos horas se repetirá tres veces. Además de presentar “El Rotafolio”, cada seminario tendrá un presentador especial que hablará sobre uno de tres temas. Para preguntas, envíe un correo electrónico a info@suicideispreventable.org.
December 1, 2020, 5-7 p.m./ 1 de diciembre de 5 a 7 p.m.
El Rotafolio with a focus on how to ask the question: Are you thinking of suicide? El Rotafolio y un enfoque en ¿cómo hacer la pregunta clave ¿estás pensando en el suicidio?
Registration Form/ Regístrese aquí
December 3, 2020, 2-4 p.m./ 3 de diciembre de 12 a 2 p.m.
El Rotafolio with a focus on what is the national suicide prevention lifeline and what happens when you call? El Rotafolio y un enfoque en ¿qué es la Red Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio y qué pasa cuando llamamos? Registration Form/ Regístrese aquí
December 17, 2020, 5-7 p.m/ 17 de diciembre de 5 a 7 p.m.
El Rotafolio with a focus on the importance of seeking help and how to reduce stigma around mental health. El Rotafolio y un enfoque en la importancia de buscar ayuda y cómo reducir el estigma sobre la salud mental. Registration Form/ Regístrese aquí
Enrollment is now open! Classes start in early January 2021 and run through mid-May.
For more Information, or to register, please visit: www.sfgirlschorus.org/prep-chorus
Mid-Year Prep Chorus Registration Form
Mid-Year Prep Chorus Financial Agreement/optional Scholarship Application
An Early-Bird tuition discount of $50 is available if the financial agreement is submitted before December 15th, 2020.
The deadline to apply for Financial Aid is January 31, 2021. We recommend applying as soon as possible to take advantage of available funds, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn more about Prep Chorus!
If you or any of your families are interested in learning more about the program before registering, please join us at our next online roundtable discussion on Zoom.
Our next Roundtable Discussions will take place on December 14 and January 11, from 6-6:45pm.
Prep Chorus Online Roundtable Discussion RSVP link
SFGC’s COVID-19 Response
In light of this difficult time, SFGC is working hard to continue to provide equity and access to quality music education for all young singers. We have a robust tuition assistance program and are prepared to help ensure that participation costs and technology-use are not a barrier to enrolling in our programs.
2021 Season Registration Now Open
Ross/Kentfield/Greenbrae division of Marin Girls Softball for players aged 5-15.
- More information: view flyer or visit www.KentfieldGirlsSoftball.org
College of Marin and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. Construction Project Updates
- When using the crosswalk on College Avenue, please remember to activate the flashing signals. It is the only way the large construction vehicles exiting the driveway know that there are pedestrians in the crosswalk.
While the Corte Madera Library building is currently closed, you may request and return items, and find details about Curbside Service at marinlibrary.org.
Curbside Hours:
- Tuesday & Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursday 3-7 p.m.
Call our “Talk with a Librarian” number: 415-473-2272 Monday-Friday, 9-6 p.m. English and Spanish with any questions and information.
Book Bundles for Emerging Readers
We know many families are missing the ability to browse library shelves, so we’ve created a way to get some "surprise" books to you based on your child’s interests.
Each Book Bundle includes 10 books and you can choose the reading level that is right for your child. Get up to 3 bundles per family!
How to Request Book Bundles
- To request Book Bundles, please fill out this form , or call 415-473-2272, Monday-Friday, 9-6 p.m.
- Please allow 3-4 days for your request to be filled. You will be contacted by the branch when your order is ready for curbside pickup.
- Find out more: marinlibrary.org/book-bundles-for-kids
Audio Books
In case you have families or students asking about downloadable audio books, here is a short video tutorial that demonstrates how to use the Libby app to browse our online catalog and download titles. youtu.be/E0E_FPMl4m8
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
When shopping in-person or online at Book Passage, please remember to mention your school – a portion of every purchase goes directly to our schools!
- For online shopping, enter your school name in the comments field.