KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
We were absolutely thrilled to welcome our Bacich Bears and Kent Falcons back to campus to kick off this new calendar year! The enthusiasm among students and staff was palatable across both campuses as we greatly appreciated the opportunity to reconnect after some time away.
The second half of our school year will be filled with important milestones and activities aligned to our strategic planning process, including an LCAP Update, the YouthTruth Survey administration, CAASPP Testing and much more. Our prioritized goal to engage, support, and challenge every student with an intention to eliminate the opportunity gap will continue to be our focus, and we appreciate your partnership in achieving this goal. Thank you for being an active and essential member of our KSD community. Your diverse perspective, inspirational support, and valuable connection with our schools is part of what makes the KSD a magical place.
With sincere appreciation,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
COVID-19 Updates - Announcements
Thank you to those families who submitted COVID-19 test results to the County and/or the KSD ParentSquare form. Providing test results to the KSD and public health is essential in monitoring the presence of COVID-19 in our schools and area. As a community, we have an obligation to one another to share critical information that will keep one another well and help to maintain the safest school operations possible.
HERE are the most current Marin County Exposure Protocols. As updates are provided the KSD will adjust procedures and inform our community accordingly.
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 please report it to our school nurse, Laurel Yrun at lyrun@kentfieldschools.org immediately.
January 31, 2022 YouthTruth Survey
Make your voice heard! Help us reach our goal to engage, support, and challenge all of our students. YouthTruth is a national nonprofit organization that gathers student, staff, and parent/guardian feedback to help make schools stronger and increase student outcomes. YouthTruth’s surveys have been rigorously tested for validity and reliability and are grounded in research about what matters most for student success.
To learn more, you can visit youthtruthsurvey.org.
2021-2022 District Calendar & 2022-2023 District Calendar
KSD, KSPTA & Community Parent Education Opportunities Calendar
Friday, January 7, 2022
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Zoom
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- School Board meeting, 5-8 p.m.
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
- Bacich Principal Chat, 9:30 a.m., Zoom
- KIK Board meeting, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
January 13, 2022
- Finance Sub-Committee meeting, 2:30-4 p.m.
January 17, 2022
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Non Student Day
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- Next monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2021, 5-8 p.m., in-person in Kent Middle School and Zoom audio, agenda
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person or via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
District Committees
- Finance Sub-Committee meeting: January 13, 2022, 2:30-4 p.m.
- Board Finance Committee meeting: January 18, 2022, 4-5 p.m.
- Board Equity & Inclusion Committee meeting, January 25, 4-5 p.m.
- LCAP/Strategic Plan Committee meeting, January 31, 4-5 p.m.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Community,
Happy New Year!
We are all so happy to have your children back to school with us today! 2022 has started with a bang and lots of rain, but the vibe around campus is upbeat and positive. We just love our Bacich community and are excited about what is in store for 2022!
Peace Path Layout
Social Emotional Learning in January
January brings some fabulous new Art lessons designed by Ms. Barbara Libby that integrate visual arts with social justice and social emotional learning. All Bacich Bears will have the opportunity to explore identity, self-love, and student voice through visual art. These lessons will support a beautiful transition into the new year for our students. The classroom guidance lessons this month with Ms. Andrea Cashman will include instruction on communicating with peers to solve problems using the Peace Path. We recently purchased a new Peace Path stencil and as soon as this rain stops, we will have several paths painted on the blacktop. The Peace Path provides a concrete way for students to use their voice with "I" messages to solve problems.
January Character Pillar: Trustworthiness
Also this month we will be focusing on our Character Pillar of Trustworthiness, kicking it off in our monthly school wide assembly this Friday. We will continue to review and reinforce respect, fairness, and caring/inclusivity through our Bacich Bear cards. This week, teachers are spending time reviewing classroom and schoolwide expectations as well as inspiring students to make positive choices and changes in the new year. Thank you, as always, for reinforcing our efforts here at school by discussing these themes with your child and pointing out examples of good character and choices at home.
We are looking forward to a fabulous new year, and thank you for your continued engagement in the academic, social, and emotional growth of your students.
Take care,
Mary Ann Spitzer
Bacich Principal
mspitzer@kentfieldschools.org
Bacich 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.
Paraprofessionals Wanted!
Are you looking for a way to get involved in your child’s school? Do you want to help teachers and students? We are still looking for a few more motivated paraprofessionals to work in classrooms with small groups or one on one under the direction of the classroom teacher. Paraprofessionals generally work 3-4 hours in the morning, 4 days per week. Please contact Mary Ann Spitzer or Kristine Duran if you are interested in learning more about being a classroom paraprofessional.
Bacich Library
The Bacich Library is open every morning, snack recess, lunch recess, and after school.
To Check Out Books: Visit: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
- Watch this how to video to learn how to check out Bacich Library books.
Bacich Library Book Buzz: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Check out Ms. Warnick's blog for valuable information about the library, volunteering, and what classes have been working on in the library.
January 12: Bacich Principal Chat, 9:30 a.m., Zoom
January 18: Bacich Site Council meeting, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Community,
It was a pleasure to welcome our Kent Falcons back to campus after what I hope was a winter break that created positive memories for you and your loved ones. Our campus buzzed with reconnection and stories from our students’ time away, and classrooms heated-up with conversations around the content and learning that lies ahead. If your child was not able to come back to campus due to a positive Covid-19 test or close contact, you should have received this letter from me this morning outlining the process to access work and activities from your child’s classes. If your child has tested positive for Covid-19, please be sure to notify our school district nurse, Laurel Yrun, as soon as possible (lyrun@kentfieldschools.org).
We hope you can join us for this month’s Kent Principal’s Coffee from 8:45 to 10 a.m. via Zoom on Friday, January 7. Please join assistant principal Wendy Holmes, school counselors Diana Bokaie, Heidi Longo, and Corey Shaw, and me for a presentation and discussion around our approach to Social and Emotional Learning at Kent. We will also discuss the many ways that our counseling team supports students at our school. This month we will hold our meeting via Zoom rather than in person, so please mark your calendar for Friday at 8:45 a.m., grab a cup of coffee or tea, and join us for this important conversation!
As a Kent faculty, we continue to partner with professional developer Dr. Lori Watson to support our efforts to meet, reach, and teach every learner at our school. Starting in January, Dr. Watson will partner with a team of staff advisors and a group of 6th through 8th grade students to create SLAM! (Student Leaders’ Anti-Racism Movement). Students that participate in SLAM! will work on their own personal development, which will foster collaborative action designed to lead impactful change at our school. I’ve been impressed time and time again this year with the insightful perspective and advocacy our students have shared in a variety of contexts as it relates to equity, inclusion, and culture at our school. SLAM! Is sure to empower participating students to continue to develop and enhance the Kent school environment! Thanks Students interested in participating will receive the SLAM! application today or tomorrow, and we will be finalizing student participants by the beginning of next week.
2022 is sure to hold many positive developments for our students and our school, and I look forward to your ongoing partnership as we navigate what lies ahead together!
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.
Thanks for a Successful Toys for Tots Drive
A huge thank you to everyone who donated new or gently used toys for the Toys for Tots program. We had an overwhelming response, showing once again how generously and lovingly our community steps up. This photo only represents half of the toys collected! Caracara pulled off the house win with Peregrine a close second. Way to go, Falcons!
Kent Library
Mock Newbery Club: meets Mondays at lunch outside the library. The club reading list can be found here.
Newspaper Club: meets on Tuesday during study session.
Need Book Recommendations?
Email me at rjelen@kentfieldschools.org and follow us on Instagram @kentmiddleschoollibrary.
Kent Basketball Practice Times & Game Schedules
- 6th Boys Practice: Friday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- 6th Girls Practice: Monday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 7th Girls Practice: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 7th Boy Practices: Tuesday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- 8th Girls Practice: Friday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 8th Boys Practice: Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Go Falcons!
Ryan Palmer
Kent Athletic Director
rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org.
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!
- January 7: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m., Zoom
- January 11: Kent Site Council, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
KIK News
NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR KIDS
KIK Grants for KSD Kids is the 2021-2022 grant program that offers specific funding for educational needs and special projects. Students, teachers and parents submitted applications in the Fall. Round 1 awards were announced in September and Round 2 awards were selected in December. The recently awarded programs will reach every grade, K-8, and find their way into Bacich and Kent classrooms in the new year.
Thank you to KSPTA for partnering to administer the grant program. Together, KIK and KSPTA support innovative ideas and enriching educational experiences. We look forward to the grants assisting the needs of our Bacich and Kent schools, teachers, and students that include, but are not limited to:
- Versatile Math Kit, Math Picture Books
- Kent Tutors Marin
- Author Visits, Classroom Library Books, Poetry with Claire Blotter
- Reading Intervention Materials & Training
- Building Blocks, Fidgets, Photo Printer
- Kent Newspaper Club
- Scholastic News, Pixton Subscription
- Social Emotional Learning, Kimochi Training
- Parent Communications Monitor
- Refurbished Garden & Chicken Education
- Wildcare Program
KIK appreciates the Fund-A-Need donors who generously gave to this year’s grants!
BACICH WILDCARE PROGRAM
funded by KIK GRANTS for KSD KIDS
Your KIK GRANTS dollars are bringing even more science experiences to our Bacich kids!
Wildcare will come to Bacich in January 2022 with an interactive presentation. First grade students will have hands-on opportunities with Wildcare animals. This program directly connects with the 1st grade science unit — Plants and Animals.
KENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER
funded by KIK GRANTS for KSD KIDS
KIK is proud to sponsor grants that help our Kent Falcons fly high!
Last school year, 6th graders took the lead to create a student newspaper and rallied students in grades 5-8 to get involved. They have been producing amazing editions since spring 2021, printing funded by KIK Grants for 4-5 editions/year. The Falcon Scoop is a wonderful student project and resource — an opportunity for equity, community building, student choice and voice.
A NEW YEAR YOU—LOOK & FEEL YOUR BEST WITH THESE KIK BUSINESS PARTNERS!
Marin Ortho are Board Certified specialists in orthodontics for children, teens and adults achieving Diamond Top 1% Provider from Invisalign.
Dr. Haney and his team provide cutting-edge, personalized orthodontic care for the entire family.
SMD utilizes the most innovative procedures including Mohs surgery, IPL, Ultherapy, CoolSculpting, dermal fillers, and Botox.
KIK EVENTS + DINE & DONATE
JAN 04 - $50 Dine & Donate - Left Bank KIK Family Meals
Gives 20% to KIK, Opt in for weekly order reminder.
- Please check the kik website for this week’s menu
JAN 24 - “Scheduled KIKoff Time” - Let’s Get Ready to Rrrrrrumble!
KIK Super Bowl Challenge - Grade Level Participation Contest begins
FEB 01 - 5th Grade Winter Concert - brought to you by KIK
FEB 02 - 6th Grade Band, Strings & Zero Period Instrumental
- brought to you by KIK
FEB 03 - Choir Jazz Winter Concert - brought to you by KIK
FEB 09 - “Game Day” - KIK Super Bowl Challenge ends!
MAR 01 & 03 - Bacich Wildcare Program funded by KIK GRANTS for KSD KIDS
APRIL 30 - Save the Date - THE ROARING TWENTY 20’S
KIK Spring Auction Event, Party at Bimbo’s 365 Club featuring Mustache Harbor
CONNECT WITH KIK
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — Update
We’re well past the halfway mark of our fundraising goal for our Bacich and Kent schools — fantastic! Thank you to our Family Giving Donors and Business Partners for their support of our students and the programs they love.
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $642,645 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 259 Family Giving Donors to date, and counting, who are committed to our students and schools! Can we add your name to this list?
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Next KSPTA Meeting: Monday, January 17, 7-8 p.m., Zoom, information
Lunch Volunteers Needed at Bacich and Kent
Our lunch program is 100% run by volunteers organized by the PTA. We still have many open slots in the coming weeks. Please help us by signing up to volunteer.
The KSPTA is working on bringing some great parenting education events to Kentfield this school year. There are also lots of great resources, often free, in our community. Regularly, we'll be sharing information about community events with you.
Complete list of parent education opportunities for 2021-2022
Fuel Your Child for Optimal Success
January 17, 2022 , 7 p.m. PST
- How to Fuel your Child for Optimal Success - This will be a part of the general PTA meeting.
- Argavan Nilforoush, bio
Stay up to date with KSPTA!
Follow kentfieldschoolspta on both Facebook and Instagram
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.
Shop at Sloat Gardens and Support Bacich & Kent during Growing Up Green Week
Shop at any Sloat Garden Center location during your school’s Growing up Green week, mention your school, and your school will receive 10% of purchases back in the form of a Sloat gift card, which can go towards your school’s beautification projects, fundraisers or classroom activities. The school with the highest participation will receive 20% of purchases back. Please note: Purchase of gift cards do not apply.
Next Growing Up Green week: January 7-16. Just mention your school to the cashier!
View flyer and learn more at www.sloatgardens.com.
San Francisco Boys Chorus – Marin Group
Auditions for the Marin Group of the San Francisco Boys Chorus will be held Saturday, January 8 in San Rafael. Boys ages 5 to 12 with unchanged voices are encouraged to apply. K or Pre-K boys are automatically accepted into the Junior Chorus and do not need to audition.
Boys receive vocal training and gain music appreciation, self-confidence, and self-discipline. Boys trained by the San Francisco Boys Chorus have performed in San Francisco Opera productions since 1948, in addition to touring domestically and internationally. They appear annually on television and participate in professional recordings. For more information or to sign up to schedule an audition visit www.sfbc.org/auditions or call 415-861-7464 x. 105
Kentfield Girls Softball Registration Now Open
View flyer: Kentfield Girls Softball Registration 2021-2022
Find out more: www.maringirlssoftball.org/kentfield
Get Ready for Spring SWIM!!!
New Family Registration for the Tidalwaves Swim Team opens January 9, 2022.
Tidalwaves is open to all swimmers ages 5 through 18. The season runs from late February through the end of June at the Redwood High School pool.
Please visit www.gowaves.com for more information.
Community Forums: Project Homekey
On Thursday, November 18, the County of Marin, Episcopal Community Services, and Opening Doors Marin co-hosted a webinar forum geared towards providing parents/guardians and staff of the Kentfield School District detailed information about the Project Homekey initiative planned for 1251 S. Eliseo Blvd.
Here is the recorded video of the event for your reference. If you would like to provide more questions for the agencies to answer please submit them here and responses will be included in a comprehensive FAQ.
Read Supervisor Rice's update on December 8, 2021.
You may receive regular updates about the project through registering here.
Crisis Text Support Line
Marin County is offering our youth another means of mental health support through a crisis text line.
Text MARIN to 741741 for Support that Cares
If you are ever in need of support, Crisis Text Line is always available to offer help. Connect with a trained Crisis Counselor and share your feelings in a safe space. Text MARIN to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential support that cares. Available in Spanish 2022.
Marin Health Hubs
Health hubs, we provide free and bilingual services such as food distribution, nutrition education, health screenings, and information about community organizations.
Food pantry items are provided by the SF-Marin Food Bank and by the ExtraFood.org Program, and the health screenings are provided by our wonderful nurses!
Everyone is welcome to attend the health hubs food pantry and to help us run it!
Parent & Youth.Helpline
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