KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
Over the last two years we have collectively endured experiences like no other from a global pandemic to political unrest, our path has been one of unique challenges.
During this critical moment in time I am so grateful to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader and change maker Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is through his teaching that I am reminded to not repeat the same mistakes, but rather to leverage his world-changing strategies by staying active and not passive in our pursuits for justice.
As we move through this school year we will continue our commitment to professional and personal growth through reflecting on our craft as educators and learning from one another. At the end of this month a team of KSD staff will come together to participate in school site visits where we can reflect on what we observe and learn from our students and colleagues in our classrooms and throughout our school campuses. It is through authentic dialogue and reflection that we can collectively take action to best support our young learners in maximizing their potential.
I look forward to this ongoing journey of growth and progress within our school community!
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK)
This summer Governor Newsom announced the phased implementation of Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) to begin in Fall of 2022, with a full implementation in 2025. At the December KSD Board Meeting staff presented information related to the KSD’s initial UTK planning.
KSD Informational meetings regarding UTK will occur on January 27, 6 p.m. and January 28, at 8:30 a.m. at Bacich Library. Informational meetings will happen in-person with a Zoom option and translation will be available. Attendees should plan to bring verification of vaccination to participate.
KSD COVID Information – Dashboard
Free COVID-19 Tests Avaiable
Regular testing of residents with symptoms, and isolation for at least five days for those with positive results, is a critical facet of stopping the spread of COVID-19.
- Order your own free at home test kits: With COVID-19 home test kits now available from the federal government, Marin County Public Health is urging residents to log onto COVIDtests.gov and place an order for your free at-home COVID-19 tests. Or you can go directly to the USPS site to place your order atspecial.usps.com/testkits.
- Reimbursement from health insurance providers: As of January 15, health insurance providers must provide reimbursement for the cost of up to eight at home COVID-19 tests per month, which may be purchased from a pharmacy, store or online retailer and submitted a claim or reimbursement. Kaiser has reached out to patients to provide notification and is accepting forms through their www.KP.org patient portals (see this document to help navigate).
- Find a covid test website : Go to www.findacovidtest.org for up to date information on where antigen tests may be available.
Marin County Public Health Update for the School Community, January 12, 2022 Recording and Slide Deck
Marin County Schools Quarantine & Isolation Guidance — Document subject to change
If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please report it to our school nurse, Laurel Yrun at lyrun@kentfieldschools.org immediately.
New English Learner Resource Website
Scan the QR code to access the new English Learner website or click sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/eld-kentfield
The site features information on DELAC, ELAC, English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPAC), teacher supports, and valuable resources for parents and guardians.
YouthTruth Survey: January 31, 2022
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
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
- KSPTA meeting, 7-8 p.m., with special guest Argavan Nilforoush, "How to Fuel your Child for Optimal Success , " Zoom, agenda
Monday, January 24, 2022
- Technology Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
- KPSTA Jamba Juice orders opening at kspta.org/store
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
Thursday, January 27, 2022
- Universal Transitional Kindergarten meeting, 6-7 p.m., Bacich Library, in person and Zoom option available.
Friday, January 28, 2022
- Universal Transitional Kindergarten meeting, at 8:30 a.m., Bacich Library, in person and Zoom option available.
Monday, January 31, 2022
- LCAP/Strategic Plan Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- Next monthly School Board meeting: Tuesday, February 8, 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
- 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,
It is such a pleasure to visit classrooms to observe the lessons, and hear all of the books being read aloud about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Your children are learning about justice, freedom, changemaking, and the power of collective voice and action. Posted around our campus is evidence of students working together to amplify their voices about things that are important to them. As I mentioned last week, we have also begun our school wide project, The 1,000 Cranes of Peace, to symbolize working together to achieve change. If you would like to learn how to fold a crane at home with your child, you can use this video. We need 1,000!
Principal Chat
Last Wednesday, we had a virtual Principal Chat to discuss how the latest COVID-19 protocol changes in our county affect the Bacich community. If you missed the Chat, don’t worry, here is the recording and the slide deck with links to the most updated information.
Zero Waste Presentations
Also last week, the good people from Zero Waste zoomed into each of our classrooms for 15-20 minute presentations on sorting our classroom waste. Students learned which items go into each of the colored bins in their classrooms. Bacich is doing its part to reduce, reuse, and recycle!
Safety Reminders and Expectations
- Please send your child to school with a mask that fits tightly over their nose and mouth and does not fall down when they talk. Also, it would be helpful to send them with an extra mask in their backpack. Thank you!
- For those who drop off or pick up at the McAllister gate, please remember that there is no left turn from McAllister into the car line. There are cones placed there as a reminder. Thank you for keeping everyone safe and contributing to the smooth flow of traffic.
- This a reminder that no "nuisance items" are to be brought to school in the form of toys, card collections, special watches, etc. These items can be very distracting and can get lost or broken while at school. We will collect these items if we see them during the school day and then they will be returned to the parent.
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.
Bacich Library
Happy New Year!
Please enjoy the pictures of our Winter Bulletin Boards, created by our talented third graders.
New Blog Post! Bacich Library Book Buzz: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Check out Ms. Warnick's blog for the latest blog post for the book recommendations on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement, and read how classes are learning in the library during class visits.
Library Closed
The Bacich Library is closed temporarily to students before school, at snack recess, lunch recess, and after school for safety reasons due to difficulty contact tracing. I will let parents know as soon as I am told I can reopen. I'm sorry for any inconvenience.
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.
Thanks!
Thanks to Emily Goldman and Matt Abrams for volunteering to be our Library Volunteer Coordinators. Thank you, Vicki Song for all your help in the back room! Thanks to all the parents who are volunteering in our library. The library could not run as smoothly without all of you!
February 2: Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Community,
SLAM! —This week at Kent, we host our first ever Student Leaders’ Anti-Racism Movement (SLAM!) workshop, facilitated by Dr. Lori Watson, and made up of a representative group of fifth through eighth grade students at our school. Our SLAM! group is excited to work and learn together to influence positive change among ourselves, our peers, and our school, and I look forward to sharing the outcomes of this process following our workshops this year!
Academic Check-In — Next Monday, January 24 marks the halfway point of the second trimester of this school year. During advisory class this week we will hold an Academic Check-In, where advisors will conference with students about their academic progress so far this trimester. During Academic Check-Ins students are prompted to check their Aeries accounts to review their current markings in each of their classes, taking note of any missing assignments, and reviewing their current grades. This may also prove to be a valuable time for you to engage your child in this conversation at home, inquiring about your student’s progress in each of their classes, and current areas of strength and challenge as we prepare to take-on the second half of the year.
Staying on Campus Before School — As you may know, some Kent students frequent Woodlands Market before and after school for refreshments and socializing. If students would like to visit Woodlands before school, it is important that Woodlands is their first destination, rather than meeting with friends at Kent and then traveling to Woodlands. Once students are on school campus, their safety is our responsibility, and they must remain on campus until the conclusion of the school day, per school policy. If you support your child in shopping at Woodlands before school, please direct them to report to Woodlands first, before coming to Kent. This may mean walking the bike path around Kent or even getting dropped off at Woodlands rather than in the Kent driveway. If students are dropped off at Kent we assume that you intend for them to stay at school, and will ensure that this happens. Thank you for your help in communicating this expectation to your child.
Take good care,
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.
Kent Basketball: Important Update
As mentioned in an earlier newsletter, the Kent basketball season was pushed back to the week of January 24 due to the Omicron surge. Until further guidance from the county, coaches, and athletic directors decided that we will not be having any spectators at our home games. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to hosting games in the future where all can be a part of the action... stay tuned!
Go Falcons!
Ryan Palmer
Kent Athletic Director
rpalmer@kentfieldschools.org
6th Grade Teams: Schedules, please note all games are on hold until 1/24
- 6th Boys Practice: Friday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
- 6th Girls Practice: Monday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
7th Grade Teams: Schedules, please note all games are on hold until 1/24
- 7th Girls Practice: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 7th Boy Practices: Tuesday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
8th Grade Teams: Schedules, please note all games are on hold until 1/24
- 8th Girls Practice: Friday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
- 8th Boys Practice: Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
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 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!
- February 1: Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
- February 3: Kent ELAC meeting, 8:30-9:45 a.m., room 11
KIK News
KIK PRESENTS THE ROARING TWENTY 20’S!
KIK is thrilled to announce that plans are underway for our annual Spring Event, which includes an online auction, the largest event fundraiser of the year! Current plans also include a celebration party and live auction at Bimbo’s 365 in San Francisco on Saturday, April 30. Stay tuned for party details in coming months.
First, in order to raise as much funds as possible to service our children, we need help from our KSD community to secure and donate unique, bid-worthy items for the online and live auctions:
- These items make the most money for our school; can you help by donating or connecting us with someone you know who can?
- Vacation homes and getaways
- Unique experiences (members-only golf clubs, spa packages, exclusive sports tickets, bike adventures, writing classes, tours of private companies or backstage passes to shows)
- Jewelry, art, autographed sports and music memorabilia
- Gift cards to local restaurants, grocery and retail stores
- National retailer gift cards
- Host a sign-up party (cooking class, hike and brunch, golf outing, outdoor movie night, bubbles and oysters, sports-themed party – the sky is the limit!) for adults or kids.
- No donation is too small and can be bundled with other similar items to create a themed auction package (beauty/spa, kids activities, teen entertainment, home decor/organization, fitness, tech).
- Family and friends can also contribute by purchasing items off the Amazon auction wish list. It’s an easy way to be part of the auction and help KIK reach the $1M goal for our Bacich and Kent students and schools.
All donations must be submitted by March 1. Please contact Holly Myers if you have ideas or items to donate. THANK YOU!
KENT GARDEN + CHICKEN HABITAT
funded by KIK GRANTS for KSD KIDS
KIK is proud to sponsor the newly refurbished Kent garden and chicken habitat headed by Mr. DeBoi, Design / Shop / Startup Teacher.
In years past, Kent had a garden and chickens, but lack of funding prevented program upkeep and development. Mr. Althouse and Mr. DeBoi heard from students who asked to work in the garden after being “cooped” up during distance learning.
With your KIK GRANTS, fundamental equipment was procured and the process of hatching chicks reared by our students was well underway — and since early Fall the joy of chickens and the delight of children has returned to the garden! Albert, Oreo, Toast, and Minnie provide a natural, lively outdoor classroom for our students as well as a social-emotional outlet for the students who visit daily, including weekends!
Update: Sammy (pictured in the close up at left) was tragically attacked last week by a hawk and is sadly no longer with us. A memorial by students was held on Friday.
The garden and chickens also offer these valuable benefits to our Kent kids:
- Shared park-like space and experience offering social-emotional benefits
- Observable, botanical education
- Selection of plantings after doing research for the garden
- Chance to observe biological aspects of the chicken life cycle, embryology and other developmental topics
- Sense of responsibility for, and connection with, the natural world and develop a sense of care for the chickens
- Opportunity to eat a fresh egg, pull a corn husk, and taste the freshness of produce that isn’t store-bought
- Ability to organize themselves to care for the chickens during summer
- Sense of wonder, pride and stewardship
KIK EVENTS + DINE & DONATE
JAN 18 - $50 Dine & Donate - Left Bank KIK Family Meals
Gives 20% to KIK, Opt in for weekly order reminder.
- Beef Bourguignon, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Butter Lettuce salad
JAN 24 - “Scheduled KIKoff Time” - Let’s Get Ready to Rrrrrrumble!
KIK Super Bowl Challenge - Grade Level Participation Contest begins
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 closing in on 75% of our fundraising goal for our Bacich and Kent schools — outstanding! 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 : $734,631 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 296 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
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 and archive of available recordings for 2021-2022
Parent Education Opportunity: 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.
This month's meeting will feature a special guest speaker. Argavan Nilforoush, RDN and founder of Baby Steps Nutrition will give a talk called, "Fueling Your Child's Mind and Body for Optimal Health". The 30-minute discussion will be followed by time for Q&A.
See the full meeting agenda
New Year, New Lunch Volunteer Sign Ups
There are new volunteer sign ups for 2022. Our lunch program is 100% run by volunteers organized by the PTA. Volunteering is a short shift, and it's a fun way to get on campus and see your kiddos in action. We have a lot of spots to fill. Please sign up and consider taking a regular shift whether that is weekly, monthly, or whatever works for you!
Mark Your Calendar for Jamba Juice Session 2
Ordering will open in the KSPTA store on January 24 for the next Jamba Juice snack session.
- Session 2 for Jamba is February 7-June 3, 2022.
It is highly recommended to create an account at kspta.org before placing your order, and then confirming the order is complete in your account.
Learn more and order at kspta.org/store.
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.
Dedication to Special Ed's annual raffle is here.
This is the 17th year and 17th car Toyota of Marin has donated. DSE is the Marin County PTA for all Marin County Special Education students. All proceeds fund go directly to the classrooms. 1 ticket for a $25 donation.
- Drawing is on February 13 at 3 p.m.
- Learn more and enter here.
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.
www.1251seliseo.com includes information on upcoming meetings, recordings of past meetings, and a comprehensive FAQ.
Our community continues to work together to provide information that helps educate families about gun safety. Below, please find a letter that Mary Jane Burke, Marin County Superintendent of Schools co-signed along with District Attorney Lori Frugoli and Marin County Sheriff Robert Doyle sharing the latest information for gun safety resources.
Parent Education: Mental Health & Substance Use
Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 7 p.m.
In the fourth of six conversations in the Let's Talk Community Discussion series for 2021-22, we will talk about Mental Health and Underage Substance Use. The relationship between mental health and substance use goes in both directions. Teens who struggle with mental health challenges are more likely to use substances. In turn, teens who use substances may be more likely to experience mental health challenges in the future. Our speakers will talk about how this is impacting local youth and what parents and caregivers can do to help.
Valerie Fowler, MFT, IMH, is a Marin-based clinician whose specialization includes post traumatic stress.
Meghan Greenwood is a school counselor at San Rafael City Schools. Prior to that, she was a high school teacher, theater director, and debate coach.
Riya Aghi is a sophomore at Marin Academy. She joined with the Youth Advisory Council to help educate and create solutions for substance use issues young people face.
The discussion will be moderated by Jaclynn Davis who authored the Let's Talk booklets. She received her Masters in Public Health and Social Work. Jackie focuses on adolescent health and youth development through her work with local school districts and teaching at Dominican University.
There will be simultaneous live Spanish interpretation on Zoom.
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