Kentfield School District

April 19th, 2021

Kentfield School District News

Dear KSD Community,

The positive energy and active engagement among staff and students on both campuses is such a joy to observe and witness. During the past week first graders' eagerly kicked off a "Spinning Earth" science unit; Kent students discovered new opportunities they would explore in their final enrichment rotation; and staff and parents collaborated to develop plans for an in-person graduation and promotion. These signs are all evidence of our community moving forward together as a united front on behalf of the students we serve.

As we continue the final trimester of the school year there is much activity ahead of us to culminate the year by honoring where we have been and celebrating where we are headed. Your partnership and collaboration is appreciated as we forge a path forward that strengthens our community.

Take good care!

Superintendent Signature



Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org


District Announcements

Planning for the 2021-22 School Year

As shared last week, the KSD and KTA have mutually agreed to finish out this school year following our current schedule and to revert to a Pre-COVID schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. Hopefully this update helps community members plan for next fall.

Vaccination Availability

Public health has opened COVID-19 vaccinations to everyone who lives or works in Marin who are 16 years old or older. Sufficient vaccination capacity is now available to ensure that our low HPI / vulnerable communities will be able to easily and quickly get vaccination appointments.

COVID Relief Funds - KSD Community Webinar - April 20, 2021, 5 p.m.

Join Raquel Rose, Superintendent and Midge Hoffman, KSD Interim Chief Business Official for an overview of the anticipated KSD COVID Relief funds from the state. The webinar will provide information about the funds and how the community can offer input on how to prioritize this resource.

  • Access the webinar link HERE.

Upcoming Events

2021-2022 District Calendar

*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

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Monday, April 26, 2021


Safe Routes to School

Crosswalk at Wolfe Grade & Sir Francis Drake Opening on April 26

As you plan ahead for your child’s walking and biking safety to/from school, please be aware that a crosswalk is being installed at the Wolfe Grade and Sir Francis Drake intersection, located in front of Bacich and Sloat Nursery. It has been confirmed that the crosswalk will be ready for use starting next Monday, April 26th. So, when considering your child’s route to school, please plan ahead for this change.

Even though the new crosswalk crosses Sir Francis Drake heading towards Bacich, for student safety, we have made the following recommendations about its use:

  • Students should continue to use the current route they’ve been using going to/from school.
  • Kent bicyclists should proceed down to the Laurel Grove crosswalk to cross with the crossing guard as they do now, and then proceed down McAllister to school (instead of using the new crosswalk and riding through Bacich campus).
  • Kent and Bacich walkers should continue to use the overpass or the Laurel Grove crosswalk.

Please share this with your child, particularly if they travel independently to school. Thank you for your partnership to ensure our Bacich bears and Kent falcons travel safely to and from school!

If you have questions regarding this recommended route to school, feel to contact Tanya Vernitsky, Safe Routes to Schools representative, at tanya.vernitsky@gmail.com. Also, this is a link to neighborhood route maps from Safe Routes to Schools. Thank you!


School Board & District Committees

School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts


COVID-19 & In-Person Information

KSD COVID-19 Dashboard

COVID-19 Information & Resources – vaccines, testing, public health orders

In-Person Instruction Information – safety plans, exposure measures


Bacich News

Mary Ann Spitzer

Dear Bacich Families,

In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, I’d like to recognize the partnership that we feel with our parent community. Although last week marked the first time we had parent volunteers physically on campus, the positive impact of parents has still been felt throughout this school year. Through KIK, PTA and other avenues, so many parents have donated time and resources to make the school year run more smoothly for teachers, students and other parents. From being a buddy family to a lead room parent to a virtual guest reader, we have felt your support for us and each other. The teacher appreciation has been steady all year with an endless string of supportive signs, balloons, emails, cards, coffee, and treats. So, a collective thank you for volunteering your support to help make Bacich the best it can be in the toughest of times.

This week, we will have our third Principal Chat on Wednesday morning, April 21, from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The topic is social justice instruction. We will be talking about what we have accomplished this year and what we hope to accomplish, with district support, next year. We are interested in your feedback, and would love to hear how social justice education has been for your child. I will send the Zoom link through Parent Square.

Thank you for your respect for the new procedures in the car line/walking drop off and pick up at both gates. All of them are to assure that all of our students can arrive and dismiss from school in the safest way possible.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

Mary Ann Spitzer
Bacich Principal
mspitzer@kentfieldschools.org


Bacich Announcements

Bacich Poetry Month

Bacich Library

Celebrate National Poetry Month with Bacich Librarian Susan Warnick's April book selections, plus fun activities on the Bacich Library Blog!

Bacich Library Check Out and Curbside Pick Up

  • Email the books you want to check out to Librarian Ms. Warnick swarnick@kentfieldschools.org.
  • See the library blog for instructions on how to access the Alexandria Library Catalog to look for books.
  • Some books may be able to be delivered to the classrooms, and the others will pick up their orders on Friday. Ms. Warnick will let you know. 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.
  • Please return books on Friday in the red plastic bin labeled, "Return Bacich Library Books Here" in front of the office.

Kent News

Kent Principal Grant Althouse

Last week we reinstated our weekly social and emotional learning session at Kent through a school-wide Advisory activity on Friday. This lesson focused on the concept of "spring cleaning," both literally and figuratively. At this point of transition in the seasons, but also in the trajectory of our global pandemic, we asked students to consider, from all of your experiences over the past 13 months what are you ready to leave behind, and what are you ready to carry forward?

Students had some silly, some practical, and some profound reflections about this prompt. As we all consider what we’ve learned from the past 13 months and commit to improved life, health, and education on the other end; I’m thankful to our counseling team and our teachers for providing the space for self-reflection, self-analysis, and self-awareness, in addition to our regular academic focus. Students can expect an Advisory Session to replace Study Session every Friday for the rest of the year, where we will continue to create space for social connection, relationship skills, and self-reflection.

We considered the same prompt as an introduction to the Kent Principal Chat last Friday morning, and participants had equally fascinating reflections as our students. If you were unable to attend last week’s Principal Chat, you can access the recording of the presentation here. Topics discussed included an update on learning conditions at Kent, a preview into our Spring assessment MAP Growth, and end of year activities such as 8th Grade Graduation and Step Up Day.

In conclusion, in honor of National Volunteer Week, I would like to publicly appreciate the many parent volunteers who have stepped up to support school operations at Kent. From checking in students in the morning, to traffic management, to distributing school lunches, to supervising playgrounds...our parent volunteers have truly made a difference in the safety, wellness, and smooth operations of our school. If you’d like to jump into one of these volunteer roles, please contact Katherine O’Brien (katobrien22@gmail.com). Our students, staff, and community thanks you!

Be well,

Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org


Kent Announcements

Kent Site Council: Meeting Rescheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2021 3:30-4:30 p.m.


Order Limited Edition Kent Spirit Wear & 8th Grade Yard Signs


Next Principal Chat: May 14; 9:15 a.m.


Daily school lunch program at Kent: visit KSPTA to learn more.


Kent Counselors Wellness Hub: Easily access resources to help navigate this challenging time.


Kent Library

  • Email Ms. Jelen at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org to check out books.
  • Return books to the same cart where you pick up books – right outside the Kent gate when it's not raining and right in front of the library when it is.

KIK News

SPRING AUCTION WISH LIST — we still need your help!

The KIK online auction is May 2-8, and we still need donations! If you are personally willing to donate a gift card or item from the wish list, we would really appreciate it.

Items needed:

Thank you for your support—the dollars we raise helps ALL KSD students!

Donations & Questions: events@kikschools.org

Auction updates: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

PARTY AT HOME KITS!

This year, we’ve partnered with Farm to Function for gourmet charcuterie boxes and William Tell House for drink kits for you to enjoy at home. 20% of Farm to Function sales and 25% of William Tell House kits will go back to support Bacich and Kent.

  • Order your charcuterie box and drink kits today and support our schools
  • Enjoy them as you shop for the auction or surprise someone for Mother’s Day!

The pick up party will be on Friday, May 7th from 4-6pm at 100 McAllister.

TUES 4/20: KIK FAMILY MEALS WITH LEFT BANK, 20% TO KIK

Every Tuesday Left Bank creates a KIK family dinner for $50 and donates 20% back to KIK. Opt in today to get a weekly email reminder to order.

  • April 20: Fried chicken, caesar salad, mac & cheese, brussel sprouts
  • If your family needs extra portions of the meat or different sides, call Ryan at Left Bank and he can customize a Family Meal that works for you: 415-927-3331
  • Check out another Left Bank promotion that also gives back to KIK!

ORDER NOW for pickup on Tuesday. Select “KIK Family Meal.”

Menu updates & reminders: Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOME & GARDEN SPOTLIGHT

Springtime beckons for a home refresh or perhaps a new home —

Let KIK business partners help make indoor and outdoor spaces expressly yours to live, play, relax and restore:

  • Bitsa Freeman, Boulevard Real Estate - a true partner and trusted advisor every step of the way. Dedicated to our craft, we are here to make Marin real estate as magical as the Marin lifestyle.
  • Together Home - thoughtfully curated items that add whimsy and character to your home. Co-owned by KSD parents, Lissette Hilson and Chelsea Murawski.
  • Sandra Bird Designs - Sandra Bird specializes in residential design that includes both remodels as well as new construction.
  • Sloat Garden Center - a wide selection of fresh plants, high-quality garden tools, soils, pottery and garden expertise.
  • Bartlett Tree Experts - Bartlett helps both residential and commercial customers maintain beautiful, healthy trees.

ANNUAL COMMITMENT — April Update

There are still nearly 3 months left to the school year and $275,000 to raise to support our students and the programs they love. We welcome your support in muscling to get the job done!

  • $1M Annual Commitment Status : $767,400 (net) to date
  • Thank you to all donors who gave to the March Madness Challenge—your generous participation helped move the Annual Commitment donations to the next level!

Thank you to the 343 KIK Donors and counting that have been committed to our students this year!

See Current Donor Wall

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

KSPTA News

Next General KSPTA Meeting: Monday, May 10, 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.
Bacich Special Edition Youth Shirt Bacich Yard Sign Kent Special Edition Youth Shirt Kent Yard Sign

Special Edition Spirit Wear! On Sale Through May 3!

KSPTA is excited to celebrate ALL Bacich and Kent students' resilience and perseverance throughout this school year, especially our 4th and 8th graders who are marking major milestones this year!

We are selling special 20202-2021 Bacich and Kent tee shirts (youth and adult sizes) to commemorate this historic year, and for our graduates, we are offering yard signs for 4th and 8th graders.

This is a fundraiser, and all profits will support KSPTA programs at Bacich and Kent for the 2021-2022 school year. With the loss of most of our usual fundraising sources, we will have to make cuts next year, so every dollar helps us provide funds for classroom stipends, after school sports at Kent, and much more!

All funds will go to the KSPTA, which are needed to support programs for the 2021-2022 school year.

Visit KSPTA Store to order

School Lunch Program with School Foodies

Daily lunch service at Kent and weekly pick-up for Bacich available.

Shop Farm Fresh Produce & Support KSPTA

KSPTA is offering a healthy new way to raise funds for our schools!

We have partnered with “Farm Fresh to You” and 10% of all orders will benefit our kids and teachers in the classroom. Enjoy well-priced and delicious produce and a huge selection of other grocery items delivered right to your door!

Please review this flyer for more information.

Use promo code: kspta

Interested in getting involved in the KSPTA?

Reach out to Erica Applestein, KSPTA President, at president@kspta.org to learn more about the difference you'll make as a KSPTA leader.

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

KSPTA is proud to support Be the Influence.

Community News

Information, events, and news provided in our newsletter's "Community News" is offered as service to our community, and are not sponsored by the Kentfield School District. Placement does not represent an endorsement.

Rediscover Summer Fun

Camp Galileo for Pre-K – Rising 5th Graders

Galileo's award-winning camp is back at Kent Middle School this summer! Engage kids in the perfect mix of hands-on learning and unforgettable fun, thoughtfully redesigned for 2021. Small groups and safety protocols keep every Galilean safe. Engaging art, science and outdoor challenges deliver the innovation-igniting experiences kids love. Flexible enrollment policies make planning stress free. It all comes together for a joyful summer.

Financial assistance scholarships available. Program running June 21 - August 6th at Kent Middle School. Optional extended care. Learn more at www.galileo-camps.com.

Curbside Information and Book Bundles

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.

Learn more about Book Bundles for Emerging Readers and Audio Books

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