Kentfield School District

January 11th, 2021

Kentfield School District News

Dear Kentfield School District Community,

Thank you for your continued cooperation as we navigate our educational system while in a Stay at Home Order. Today our school sites resumed Hybrid Instruction through welcoming back students with smiling faces and an excitement to re-engage in school-based learning. Below are some general updates and district information.

Vaccination Update

This past week our local public health continued to offer further clarity and information related to the vaccination distribution for Marin County. Currently Phase 1A - Tiers 1-3 are in the process of receiving the vaccination, and there is a plan to move to Phase 1B in late January - early February. Please note school staff are prioritized in Phase 1B-Tier 1, which means we may have a vaccination available for us shortly. To learn more about the phasing model please reference here.

COVID-19 Testing Information & Update

Last week the KSD hosted COVID testing at both school sites. Three hundred and twenty-two community members (322) were tested inclusive of school staff, students and local residents. The results yielded three (3) positive, four (4) indeterminate, three-hundred and fifteen (315) negative test results. We are planning forward for our next on-site testing to happen on January 25th at Kent Middle School (sign up will be forthcoming). To learn more about available testing in Marin click here.

KSD - KTA Negotiations Update

The KTA and KSD negotiators met on Thursday, January 7th and reached a tentative agreement related to in-person student instruction, perimeter language, current grievances, and the unfair labor practice filing. Further details related to the agreement will be shared with KTA membership on Monday January 11, and with the KSD community at the January regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to decrease the transmission of the virus and keep our school community as safe as possible.

Take Good Care,

Superintendent Signature



Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org

COVID-19 Update

Stay-At-Home Orders, Key Points & Resources:

  • State Regional Stay at Home Order and Marin Stay at Home Order
  • “All gatherings with members of other households are prohibited except as expressly permitted.” Per the Order, permitted gatherings include: organized sports/activities, childcare and/or outdoor recreational activities (hiking, biking, surfing, etc.).”
  • The Travel Advisory provides that intra-state travel threatens to exacerbate community spread within California—particularly because travel itself (especially the use of shared conveyances in air, bus, or rail travel) can increase a person's chance of spreading and getting COVID-19. Postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
  • The Regional Stay at Home Order states “Nothing in this Order prevents any number of persons from the same household from leaving their residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation, as long as they do not engage in any interaction with (or otherwise gather with) any number of persons from any other household”
  • Reference the Essential Workforce guide to determine permissibility of activities and mixing/gathering for work related activities.
  • Guidance Related to Cohorts offers information necessary for in-person child supervision and limited instruction, targeted support services, and facilitation of distance learning in small group environments for a specified subset of children and youth.
  • KSD Parent Handbook English - Spanish (approved and designed by Marin County Public Health) states children should not participate in more than three (3) cohorts.
    • What is a cohort? A cohort is a group of children who stay together to minimize COVID-19 exposure by limiting cross-over. Examples include an elementary school class, aftercare, a youth sports club, a recreational class. Your household and transportation group (e.g., bus) are not considered cohorts.

Updated Resources & Reminders:

Site Specific Safety Protection Plan - Bacich & Kent (Updated Dec. 2020)

KSD Student & Family Handbook (Tier I - Stay-at-Home Version) - English - Spanish

Marin County Decision Tree Guidance - Tier I - Stay-at-Home Version

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.

Public Health Community Conversation, January 8, 2021

  • Marin Public Health provided an update on stay home order and vaccine progress

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

January 11-15, 2021: Resume Hybrid Learning – Cohort A in-person

Tuesday, January 12, 2021

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Monday, January 18, 2021

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day – no school

January 19-22, 2021: Resume Hybrid Learning – Cohort B in-person

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Monday, January 25, 2021

Wednesday, January 27, 2021


District Announcements

2021-2022 District Calendar

Strategic Plan - Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Development
The KSD is in the process bringing together the new Strategic Plan and the District’s three year LCAP. We are soliciting community members to partake in an advisory group with various stakeholders to share perspective and help us formulate a path that is reflective of the Strategic Plan priorities adopted in February 2020. If you are interested in participating in this group please complete this form by Friday, Jan. 15.

Marin County COVID-19 Testing Opportunities

Public Health Testing – Curative: Marin County Public Health offers five-day a week communitywide Curative COVID Testing opportunities. Appointments will be opened 4 days prior to testing day. For more information click here.

Whether your family is insured or not there are free and easy testing options in our county.

School Board & District Committees

Safe Routes to School

Learn how to get to school safely with these tips for Hybrid Instruction. (English | Spanish)

Bacich News

Report cards are now available for viewing in the Aeries Family Portal

The issue with our database has been resolved, and Bacich report cards are now available to view, download, or print.

  • To access student report cards, log in to the Aeries Family Portal and click on Grades, then Report Card History.
  • If you would like a printed report card, please contact Lynn Bartha in our front office, lbartha@kentfieldschools.org.
Aeries Report Card Information
Aeries Report Card Information

If Spanish has been selected as your student's correspondence language of choice, their report card is available in both English and Spanish. If you'd like to receive your student's report card in Spanish but don't see that option, please contact the office to make that update.

Report Card Spanish Information

Bacich earned a Silver certification from Zero Waste Schools Program for 2019-2020!

Great job to all of you who were involved in this effort last school year! Congratulations! See the message from Zero Waste Schools Program below:

Congratulations to all of the schools that received Zero Waste Certification in the 2019-2020 school year! Although we can’t gather this year to celebrate your accomplishments, we wanted to send this message to express our appreciation for your dedication to reducing your waste and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship at your schools. A huge thank you from the Zero Waste Schools Program to the staff, teachers, and students who worked so hard to achieve certification last year. To celebrate certifications, schools will be receiving a banner, plaque, and monetary award in the mail at the beginning of 2021.

Bacich Library Check Out and Curbside Pick Up

  • Please email the titles you want to check out to Librarian Ms. Warnick (swarnick@kentfieldschools.org).
  • Curbside pick up available every Friday in front of the Bacich Office.
  • The books will be placed in plastic bags with your names on them on a cart.
  • See the library blog for instructions on how to access the Alexandria Library Catalog to look for books.
  • Please return books on Friday in the red plastic bin labeled, "Return Bacich Library Books Here" in front of the office.

Bacich Yearbook

Photos can be submitted to bacichyearbook2021@gmail.com. Please follow the instructions below when sending your photos.

  • The images must be .jpg, .png, or .tif files and must be at least 300ppi resolution.
  • Please provide the following information with each image:
    • FIRST NAME and LAST NAME for the main student featured in the image (or the left-most person).
    • Grade of student(s) in photo.
    • Description.
    • Additional names separated by commas.

Kent News

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!

This month we are 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

For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish

Calling all NEW Bacich Families

Special Event: New Bacich Family KIK Off

January 19, 2021 — 6:30 p.m. — Register Today

  • If you’re a new Kindergarten family or new to Bacich and have a child grades 1-4, please bring your family to this virtual event and join KIK board families to learn more about our amazing Bacich Enrichment programs.
  • Learn from "veteran" students about a day in the life at Bacich with a Q and A session; get a mini-Zoom tour; and ask your questions about KIK.
  • Join us for surprise guests and a drawing for fun prizes.

E-Bike Donor Challenge: Drawing Today

FACEBOOK Live Drawing: Today, Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m.

  • Thank you, Donors, for your generosity and support! December was a fantastic way to close out 2020—we are grateful for your donation gifts.
  • Facebook Live Drawing, Today, 1/11, 5:30 p.m.:
    Join us as we select one lucky family via live drawing to win the Stromer ST1 E-bike ($4200 retail) generously donated by Amanda Mulholland with Compass and Marin Service Course. Eligible participants for the drawing include those who donated at the Family Giving Ask by December 31, 2020.
    Join KIK on Facebook Live: 1/11, 5:30pm

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.

ANNUAL COMMITMENT Status : $560,618 (net)

Get details on the $1M Annual Commitment.

FAMILY GIVING REPORT

  • Reality Check 1: Based on historic trends at this point in the school year, we are currently behind by over $200k in donations.
  • Reality Check 2: With a lower contribution from KIK, programs will likely get cut. Less programs means less opportunities for our kids.
  • How do we prevent these cuts?
    DONATE NOW

Give our kids a chance to return to the exceptional learning they deserve.
Help close the gap by donating today!

THANK YOU, 2020-21 DONORS!

See Current Donor “Wall

TUES 1/12: 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!

  • Jan 12: BBQ chicken with mac & cheese, green beans & salad verte
  • Jan 19: Chicken or vegetarian paella with salad verte, steamed broccoli, mac & cheese

Order online and select “KIK Family Meal.” Thank you!

Check out our website for a new way to support your schools with Left Bank!

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for updates on menus and reminders.

Questions? Email events@kikschools.org.

JUMP INTO JANUARY WITH HEALTHY OPTIONS

Start the new year strong with these Health and Fitness KIK Partners:

Find more Beauty, Health & Fitness

KSPTA News

Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, January 25, 2020, 7-8:30 p.m.

  • Kentfield families and members will receive the Zoom link and password. If you do not receive the link, please contact info@kspta.org.

January 21st Deadline to Volunteer for KSPTA Nominating Committe

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 by January 21, 2021.

Clothing Donation/Collection Dates/Times:

All at Bacich Community Center

  • Tuesday, January 19-Friday, January 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 20, 3-5 p.m.

Shop: Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Bacich Courtyard

Here's the full update for the KSPTA Kids Closet in our section:

Introducing the KSD Kids Closet. This new “shop” will allow our underserved students the opportunity to discreetly choose clothing they need and will be excited to wear. By meeting these basic needs of our students, we hope to boost their self-esteem and allow them to focus on their education. We will be accepting new and like-new clothing donations in January, which will then be provided free of charge in a shop on January 30.

Clothing Donation/Collection Dates/Times:

  • All at Bacich Community Center
  • Tuesday, January 19-Friday, January 22, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 20, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Shop: Saturday, January 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., in Bacich Courtyard

Donations:

  • Please limit donations to 3 grocery or shopping bags per household.
  • Label bags with sizing and gender when possible.
  • Have questions about your donation? Please email Laura Harrison (laura@lessmessmorelife.com).

What we accept

  • New/gently used clothing in excellent condition: jeans, sweatpants, shorts, t-shirts, tanks, long sleeve tops, hoodies/sweatshirts, coats and outerwearYouth Boys + Girls: Sizes 4T-20, Teen Boys: Tops size S - 2X, Bottoms size 28 - 40, Teen Girls: Tops size XS - 2X, bottoms size 0 - 20, Shoes in excellent condition

What we do not accept:

  • Underwear, socks, swimwear, pajamas

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.

Become a member today!

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.

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!

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!

Community News

Parent Education: Teen Substance Use

Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships created Let's Talk: A Toolkit for Navigating Teen Substance Use in Marin County this past summer and sent it out to nearly 3000 local public high school freshman parents, pediatricians and therapists. In addition, we created a discussion series that focuses on each chapter in the book featuring experts in the field of parenting, development of the teen brain and information on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, prescription pills, mushrooms, experimentation and finding support.

Below are recordings of the first three discussions that have already taken place, along with registration for the next three discussions beginning in February 2021.

Our online community discussions follow the chapters of the Let's Talk booklet. If you missed the previous events, they are available to view at the links below. And you can register for the upcoming events now.

Community Education: Confronting Antisemitism Virtual Workshops

Join us for this timely series of virtual workshops for parents, students, educators, administrators, and community members. Led by the JFCS Holocaust Center in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Beyond Differences, Echoes & Reflections, Facing History & Ourselves, JFCS’ Center for Children and Youth, and the Marin County Office of Education.

Series II: Taking a Stand: Rescue and Resistance During the Holocaust

This series will explore heroic individuals who stood up to Nazi discrimination during the Holocaust. These “upstanders” serve as an inspiration for our community. Holocaust survivors will join the workshops for families and teachers and school administrators via Zoom as guest faculty to inspire the participants with their first hand experiences.

  1. Thursday, January 21st Register here >
    Teacher Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
    Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center with the Jewish Partisan Educational Foundation
  2. Wednesday, January 27th
    Student Workshop 10 – 11:15 a.m.
    Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center
  3. Thursday, February 3rd
    Family Workshop 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
    Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center
  4. Thursday, February 25th
    Teacher and School Administrator Workshop 3 – 4:30 p.m.
    Facilitated by the JFCS Holocaust Center

Annual Car Raffle to Benefit Special Education in Marin

The parent volunteers of Dedication to Special Education announce the 16th Annual Benefit Car Raffle! This year Toyota Marin has fully donated a 2021 Hybrid RAV4!

This raffle raises money for teacher grants, giving teachers the tools they need to improve access and learning opportunities for students receiving special education services.

Please go to www.specialed.org/raffle to reserve your tickets! The winning ticket will be pulled on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 3 p.m. All transactions must be completed by the drawing date and time: Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at 3pm.

Each ticket is $25 (suggested donation) and every dollar helps Marin County’s special educators and their students. Thank you for your support! (415) 491-6636

¡Los padres voluntarios de Dedication to Special Education anuncian el 16o Sorteo Anual de Auto a Beneficio de los estudiantes de educación especial! ¡Toyota Marin ha donado por completo un RAV4 híbrido 2021!

Esta rifa recauda dinero para becas para maestros, brindándoles a los maestros las herramientas que necesitan para mejorar el acceso y las oportunidades de aprendizaje para los estudiantes que reciben servicios de educación especial.

¡Visite a www.specialed.org/raffle para reservar sus boletos! El sorteo será el sábado 6 de febrero de 2021 a las 15:00 horas.

Cada boleto cuesta $ 25 (donación sugerida) y cada dólar ayuda a los educadores especiales del condado de Marin y a sus estudiantes. ¡Gracias por tu apoyo! (415) 491-6636

Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Project Update – Traffic Signal Work!

Happy New Year! The SFD Project is rolling again. This week, traffic signal work will be done at Laurel Grove. This week (1/11) as students head back to in-person school, traffic signal work will be done at Wolfe Grade, La Cuesta and Eliseo. And, guardrail work will be done at Manor/Wolfe Grade (note that sidewalk will still be open around the work). Please allow a bit of extra time, proceed with caution and follow any noted detours in these areas. We appreciate your patience!

Water main line work has also begun at College headed east toward Rosebank and drivers may experience lane closures. The water main line work should not affect pedestrians/sidewalk access.

To receive updates throughout the construction process and for more information on Upgrade the Drake, please visit the project website at www.upgradethedrake.com.

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