Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Community,
Today we welcomed our Falcons back to Kent for the start of the second trimester of the 2021-22 school year. Many students spent their first session in new enrichment classes, and everyone launched the day with a fresh start in a new academic grading period. We’re looking forward to a trimester full of learning and growth for our Kent students.
In English classes this week 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will be taking the MAP Growth assessment on Reading and Mathematics. MAP Growth is a computer adaptive assessment, designed to provide teachers with information about what each student is ready to learn next. Information gathered from the assessment helps teachers to identify areas of focus for the class as a whole, and implications for instruction for each student. While the MAP Growth provides information for teachers, please know that first trimester grades will be visible to students and families in Aeries on December 10, and these markings will provide important insights into your child’s areas of strength and areas for growth as they work through the second trimester.
This Friday’s Principal Coffee at Kent will focus on history instruction at our school, with an informative presentation about the skills and content taught at each grade level, and the engaging activities and discussions that your children will experience throughout their years here. Please plan to join History Department Chair Stephanie Blazek, Assistant Principal Wendy Holmes, and me this Friday from 8:45 to 10 a.m. in the Kent Library (Zoom-in option available) for a warm cup of coffee, and this discussion about how we work to create the civic-minded citizens of tomorrow through our instruction of history today.
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Kent Announcements
Kent Tutors Marin: Free virtual tutoring to K–6th graders in all subjects during school, after school, and on weekends. Spanish-speaking tutors are available. Sessions are 30-45 minutes via Zoom.
Prevent, Delay, & Reduce the Risks of Youth Alcohol & Drug Use
For the past several years, we have shared with Kent parents the resources of Be the Influence (BTI), a Marin County-based parent education program to prevent, delay and reduce the risks of youth alcohol and other drug use. Be the Influence’s website has a wealth of information on the substances that our Marin youth face and what parents can do to keep their children healthy and safe. Please consider joining Be the Influence by making their Parent Agreement or signing up to receive their informative bi-monthly newsletters.
Please take a moment to read BTI’s latest newsletter, here about several important parent education opportunities, including an upcoming “Let’s Talk” community discussion on December 1 at 7 p.m. on Parenting Tools and how parents can take advantage of BTI’s resources. It’s never too early – or too late – for parents to get educated and start talking with your child about this important topic!
Kent Library
Mock Newbery Club
Our Mock Newbery club meets Mondays at lunch outside the library. If you have a voracious reader at home, this is the club for them. We are reading from a list of books written in 2021 by American authors in the hope that we will choose a winner! Students can borrow the titles as long as they would like and we meet each week to talk about our opinions. A full list of these books can be found here.
Newspaper Club!
Have you seen the latest issue of the FalconSwoop our student newspaper? It was distributed last month thanks to a generous donation via a KIK grant and it is pretty awesome! The Kent Newspaper club is completely student run and meets on Tuesday during study session. If you child is interested, have them join our Google classroom using the code oxxskby.
Need Book Recommendations?
Email me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org and follow us on Instagram @kentmiddleschoollibrary.
Yearbook Opportunities – Deadline Approaching!
Calling all future Leonardo da Vincis! If you would like your art to be in this year’s yearbook please send a digital photo of it to Ms.Stephens. You may submit a photo of an original sketch, painting, or drawing to mstephens@kentfieldschools.org. Please make sure your piece is non-offensive and culturally appropriate. We want to capture your artistic talents in this traditional keepsake. Deadline for submission is December 7.
Baby face...who's got the cutest little baby face? It’s you, 8th grade Falcons! If you want your baby pic in this year’s yearbook, please send a digital copy to Ms. Stephens at mstephens@kentfieldschools.org with your full name included no later than Tuesday, December 14!
Private High School Applications: Deadline Approaching: 12/10
Attention: All 8th grade parents that have students applying to private high schools...the deadline to turn in information to Lisa Sandberg at lsandberg@kentfieldschools.org or privateschoolrequests@kentfieldschools.org is Friday, December 10.
Kent Basketball Practice Times & Coach Still Needed for 7th Grade Girls
6th Boys: Friday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
6th Girls: Monday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
7th Girls: Coach has volunteered. Practice time will be announced soon.
7th Boys: Tuesday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
8th Girls: Friday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
8th Boys: Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Games begin after the new year – schedule forthcoming!
Go Falcons!
Ryan Palmer
Kent Athletic Director
rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org.
Kent Athletics Sweatshirts Now on Sale!
Are you looking to purchase a great new piece of Kent spirit gear and support Kent athletics?
We are ordering Kent Athletics sweatshirts this year to do just that!
Please fill out the order form and write a check to Ryan Palmer (Kent Athletic Director) in the amount of $21. Bring in your order to the Kent office or room 30 at Kent. Our next order is being made very soon! Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity.
GO FALCONS!
Kent Homework Club: Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 3:30-4:45 p.m., Kent Library
- Designed for students who need a quiet and supported environment in which to complete assignments. Any student who is ready to focus and work is welcome to attend with us!
Kent Lunchtime Clubs: All are welcome! Simply show up at the meeting location on the correct day to join in the fun!
December 3
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m.
December 7
- Yearbook art submission deadline for submission
- Kent Site Council, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
December 10
- Private school applications due to Lisa Sandberg