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

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.