Kentfield School District

June 1st, 2021

KSD News

KSD Highlights


Dear KSD Community,

We are excited to share two large summer facility projects happening this summer.

At Bacich, the play structure and gaga pit located on the main playground will be replaced. This project was made possible through generous donations from the Spring 2019 KIK Fund-A-Need and local bond dollars. All preparations for the new structure are on time, with the structure scheduled to be in place and operable at the start of the new school year. We hope to celebrate this fabulous update with an official ribbon cutting in early Fall.

We are also working on a staggered implementation of adding districtwide air conditioning to our Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Providing air conditioning for our classrooms and gathering spaces will provide a positive teaching and learning environment for our students and staff. This project, funded by local bond dollars, will begin summer 2021 and carry on as necessary for full completion.

Additional security upgrades and emergency preparations will be addressed during the course of the summer as well. Special thanks to our Facility and Maintenance team for leading the way with these projects which align to our strategic plan and LCAP of providing well-maintained facilities that optimize teaching and learning for our school community.

Take good care!

Superintendent Signature



Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org

KSD Highlights

2021-2022 District Calendar

*For security, Zoom links and passwords for events are not posted on the District website, and are sent through ParentSquare.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Friday, June 4, 2021

  • All Bacich and Kent library books are due

Monday, June 7, 2021

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Thursday, June 10, 2021

  • 8th Grade Graduation, 6-8 p.m.

Friday, June 11, 2021

  • Last day of school
  • 4th Grade Promotion, 9 a.m., Bacich field

Monday, June 14, 2021

Family Partners Meeting

Today, Family Partners welcomed speaker Sam Drazin of Changing Perspectives at their meeting. He shared specific strategies for parents and caregivers to help their children understand and feel confident in their uniqueness.

District Announcements

Districtwide Community Engagement

As shared at the past two Board meetings, the KSD is committed to working with all stakeholders – staff, parents/guardians and students in an effort to repair, restore and reconnect. In order to collectively collaborate on this process we are soliciting participation from the community.

  • If you would like to be a part of this planning process, please submit your name HERE for consideration by June 7.

The KSD is soliciting feedback from our parent/guardian community through a survey aligned to the YouthTruth, a National Nonprofit. The survey includes questions related to school culture, engagement, relationships, communication and safety.

We greatly appreciate your feedback, as it will support us in doing our very best for the students and school community of the Kentfield School District.

  • The survey can be accessed HERE. Please complete one per child on or before June 3, 2021.

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

Community Public Health Meetings Save the Date


Vaccine Opportunities for 12-15 Year Old Students


Vaccine Availability

Everyone who lives or works in Marin and is 12 years old or older may receive a vaccine.


KSD COVID-19 Dashboard

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

In-Person Instruction Information – safety plans, exposure measures

Bacich Bears News

Bacich Highlights
Mary Ann Spitzer

Dear Bacich Families,

As the year winds down, we will need to begin collecting the KSD devices – chromebooks and iPads – that were loaned to students. For students who are at school in person, please bring in your device, with it’s charger, beginning Monday, June 7 through Wednesday, June 9 to your classroom teacher. If you are in distance learning, you may wait until after class on June 11 or bring it on Monday, June 14 to the front office. Your teachers may have other school texts or items they want you to return as well as library books! Please remember to return all items before the end of the school year!

Last week, we had the unique opportunity to have Sam Drazin, from Changing Perspectives, present to the entire school over zoom. First, he shared his story about being born with a facial difference and then spoke to the students about differences, both visible and invisible. I recorded the presentation if you would like to watch it here. The first 24 minutes is the kindergarten and first presentation, and then the 2nd-4th presentation follows. I’m sure your child would love to talk with you about this powerful presentation.

Tomorrow, KPSTA/KIK is congratulating our students with a treat at recess. Parent volunteers will be passing out popsicles to students as they leave their classroom and head out to recess. Thank you KPSTA and KIK for recognizing our students.

Viva el Español will be offering Spanish classes before school again next fall. There will be classes for students who are continuing in the program and also for new students. Also, new this fall will be a class for bilingual students to develop their literacy skills in Spanish. Please look out for a Parent Square notification with more information about these classes, or, you may also visit their website at vivaelespanol.org.

Later this week as well as the beginning of next week, the third and fourth grade teachers will be administering the Youth Truth survey that asks questions about your child’s overall school experience and safety. The school will receive comprehensive reports on how students answered, but no individual reports, so all responses are anonymous. These results will help us develop our academic and social emotional support systems for students in the fall.

Take care,

Mary Ann Spitzer
Bacich Principal
mspitzer@kentfieldschools.org

Bacich Highlights

June 7-June 9, 2021: Device and charger due to classroom teacher for in-person students

June 11-14, 2021: Device and charger due to the front office for distance learning students

June 11, 2021: 4th Grade Promotion Ceremony

Please RSVP to the invitation that was sent in ParentSquare. RSVPs are required so that we can plan the appropriate seating arrangements.

  • June 11, 2021, 9 a.m., Bacich field
  • Immediate family only. Event livestream and recording will be available.
  • More information on safety guidelines will be available soon.

Bacich Art

Ms. Libby-Steinmann's latest blog post features the following art projects:

  • Kindergarten: The Tree of Life inspired by Gustav Klimt
  • 2nd Grade: Warm/Cool Color Sun and Moon
  • 3rd Grade: Constellation Illustration
  • 4th Grade: Realistic Soap Bubbles

Bacich Announcements

Bacich Library

Listen to Ms. Warnick's latest story time readings, and discover her summer book suggestions in the June Bacich Books Buzz blog post.

Bacich Library Books Due

  • All books are due to the library the week of June 1.
  • Books can no longer be checked out for the remainder of the year.

Kent Falcons News

Kent News
Kent Principal Grant Althouse

Greetings Kent Families,

This week we administer the YouthTruth survey to learn more about how our students experience school at Kent, and to identify areas that we can improve upon to better support the children we serve. The YouthTruth survey is a tool used in thousands of elementary, middle, and high schools across the nation to understand student and stakeholder perceptions, with an eye toward continuous improvement. We will administer the elementary survey in 5th grade through students’ ‘nest’ teacher’s classrooms, and we will administer the middle school survey in 6th through 8th grades in students’ enrichment classes. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete, is taken on the computer, and is completely anonymous. We look forward to learning more about our students’ perceptions of school at Kent, and to sharing what we learn with our broader community as we plan for the 2021-2022 school year.

With eight school days left, it’s time to start returning school materials and supplies that your child may still have at home. Please be on the lookout for Kent library books as well as Kent classroom library books. Classroom library books will often have a teacher’s name printed on the spine, and should be returned to the correct English teacher, while Kent library books should have a barcode and should be returned to the library. Students will be asked to return their school-issued ChromeBook and charger to their first period teacher on Thursday, June 10. Additionally, classroom teachers will provide direction to students about how and when to return textbooks and other supplies sent home to students this year.

Lastly, at Tuesday’s Site Council meeting we welcomed our new Site Council representatives joining this site-based decision making body for the 2021-2022 school year. Our new parent School Site Council representatives are Kari Cannon and Jennifer Hamm, and our new teacher Site Council representatives are Margie Rogers and Melissa Stephens. Thank you to our new and departing Site Council members for your service to our school and our students!

There’s a lot of learning and fun taking place over the next eight school days at Kent, it’s a great time to be a Falcon!

Be well,

Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org


Kent Highlights

Thursday, June 10, 2021

Kent Announcements

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

Books Due and Summer Reading Lists

Library Books Due

  • All books are due to the library the week of June 1.
  • Books can no longer be checked out for the remainder of the year.

Summer Reading Lists Now Available

8th Grade Graduation : June 10, 2021

Graduation Frequently Asked Questions

New updates about parking, diplomas, and facilities

KIK News

KIK KSPTA Thank You Celebration

ICE CREAM, YOU SCREAM, KIK + PTA SCREAM—THANK YOU!

Bacich + Kent Students - CONGRATULATIONS on getting through one tough year! Thank you for trying your best, learning new ways of doing school and for reminding us what is truly important — KIK & PTA are so proud of you.

KIK and PTA are partnering to congratulate and thank our amazing kids by handing out free frozen treats during school hours at Bacich on June 2nd and at Kent on June 4th and 11th.* We’re just sending out an enormous High Five!

Donors - THANK YOU for supporting excellent programs. We couldn’t have gotten as close to our commitment without you!

*Treats are nut-free at Bacich and there are nut free options at Kent. 6/2: K-4th grade; 6/4: 8th grade; 6/11: 5th-7th grade.

LET’S FINISH STRONG BY JUNE 30: Annual Commitment

Dig Deep...We’re. Almost. There! Only 2 weeks to go in the school year—and about $100,000 left to “get to the top”—to close out the support for our students and the high-quality programs that serve them.

  • Spring Auction Proceeds: approx. $96,800 (net) to date
  • $1M Annual Commitment Status : $896,000 (net) to date

PLEASE DONATE to Keep our School Programs Strong

We’ve Got This—We are Stronger Together!

FUND-A-NEED: KIK Grants for KSD Kids

Please support Fund-a-Need today: KIK Grants for KSD Kids

Donations accepted through end of June.

Thank you to all Fund-A-Need donors. Can we add you to the list?

TUES 6/1: 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 our schools. Opt in to get a weekly email reminder to order.

  • June 1: Fried chicken, caesar salad, green beans, mac and cheese
  • June 8: New item! Braised lamb with spring vegetables, caesar salad and fingerling potatoes
  • If you need extra portions of the meat or different sides, call Ryan at Left Bank to 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

THANK YOU TO FAMILY GIVING DONORS!

Can we add your name to the Donor Wall? Give Today

KIK Mission

KSPTA News

Make school supplies shopping easy — get everything your child needs for next year, and support your KSPTA!

Order School Supplies! Save a trip to the store, support sustainability, and raise funds to support school programs like art, PE, music, and more! Order now through June 14.

Connect with KSPTA!

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.

Community Workshop

“Wildfire Preparedness Community Workshop: Central Marin

This comprehensive workshop will cover a variety of topics including wildfire science, defensible space, home hardening basics, community preparedness, personal preparedness and evacuations. There will be panel discussion and opportunity for Q&A. Todd Lando, Central Marin Fire Department Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Specialist will be moderating the event.

Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 5-7:30 p.m.

Join on Facebook live stream or Zoom here: https://firesafemarin.zoom.us/j/81659676635

Girls Volleyball – Now Registering!

Registration is open for the Fall 2021 Volleyball Season. Player evaluations will be held Monday, August 23 and Tuesday, August 24 at St. Anselm School. The season begins the second week of September and ends by first week of November. Practices are mandatory and twice a week – once on a weekday evening and once on Saturday and games are on the weekends. Detailed information and schedules will be available in late August. Practices depending on coach availability would start late August.

Discover a Volunteer Opportunity!

Created by Tessa, a Kent student, for as a project for a Girl Scout Silver Award, the Bay Area Youth Volunteer Directory makes it easy for kids to find places to volunteer, and encourages them to take action in their community. Volunteer opportunities are organized around the issues and topics that they care about with over 30 Bay Area organizations.

Rediscover Summer Fun & Support KSPTA! Deadline Approaching!

At Camp Galileo, pre-K through 5th graders tackle hands-on art and science challenges that ignite their inner innovator and boost their creative confidence—all in COVID-safe cohorts that spend 75% of the day outdoors (and 100% of it having unforgettable fun).

Flexible enrollment policies and financial assistance scholarships available. Program running June 21 - August 6 at Kent Middle School. Optional extended care. Learn more at www.galileo-camps.com.

Support KSPTA

Galileo is thrilled to announce their School Rewards program! From now through the end of May Galileo will donate $25 to KSPTA for every family that enrolls at Camp Galileo. Plus, you’ll get $25 off camp with code 2021REWARDS19.

Nighttime Work Slated for Sir Francis Drake Boulevard

The Upgrade the Drake project, which began construction almost a year ago along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Marin County, recently started several weeks of night work. The hours of operation will be Sunday nights through Friday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The construction timeline, which was presented during in a virtual public meeting before work began, is on track to be completed this fall.

First week of paving operations (starting June 1) will be day work (8 a.m to 5 p.m). from Ross Terrace to Laurel Grove and remaining segments will be night work. Project team will make an effort to do daytime grinding (June 1 to June 4) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the area between Wolfe Grade and Rosebank east to mitigate the impact on the school drop off and pick up and student bike and foot traffic.

Thanks to all for patience and allowing a bit of extra time.

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