Kentfield School District

February 7th, 2022

KSD News

Dear KSD Community,

Please join us tomorrow evening, Tuesday, February 8 for our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. Attendees may join in person in the Kent Middle School Library or via Zoom Webinar. The meeting will have an education showcase highlighting our Bacich Library, school site updates, various school accountability information, and other timely updates.

Take good care,

Superintendent Signature



Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org

District Announcements

Thank you parents/guardians for your participation in the KSD’s YouthTruth Survey. We are now at a 23% participation rate!

The YouthTruth survey is a tool to help inform KSD about how to increase engagement, academic achievement and relationships within our school community. This spring we will share results of the survey and how it will continue to inform our school operations! Click HERE to complete your survey today.

The KSD YouthTruth survey window will close on Friday February 25.

Parents for Racial Equity Event

Please join us on February 10 from 6-8 p.m. for the first of a Four Part Series with Dr. Lori Watson from Race-Works.

Dr. Watson will open the dialogue around talking about race with our children. We recognize this topic may be unnerving, largely because many parents, were taught to be “colorblind,” rather than “color conscious.” But children begin to notice race as early as 6 months and begin to develop biases as young as 3. Parents must realize that when nothing is said about race, a lot is actually still being communicated. An important first step in talking to our children about race is to first do our own personal learning about race.

This series will be hosted in person at the Kent Middle School Library with the option to participate via Zoom Webinar.

Webinar Link:

kentfieldschools.zoom.us/j/87835217360?pwd=aitvdVJnaFpzV3JsVEwwUHhER3BQZz09 Passcode: 937633

KSD Vaccination Rate Update

Reminder"Guideline #30 Vaccination Verification Submission

In alignment with Public Health guideline #30, the KSD requests vaccination verification submission for ALL students who have received the COVID-19 vaccination. Parents/Guardians please submit verification digitally HERE, so the KSD may update the district’s COVID Vaccination Rate monthly.

Staff will be reaching out to families directly in the coming weeks to ensure all submission of COVID vaccination information has been received.

KSD Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) Information

Registration is now open!

Learn how the KSD is designing and planning the UTK program beginning Fall 2022.

  • Universal Transitional Kindergarten Presentation Slide Deck: English and Spanish
  • Universal Transitional Kindergarten: Recording Jan. 27 and Jan. 28

2021-2022 District Calendar & 2022-2023 District Calendar

KSD, KSPTA & Community Parent Education Opportunities Calendar

Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Thursday, February 10, 2022

  • KSPTA Parent Ed Event: Parents for Racial Equity with Dr. Lori Watson from Race-Works. Part 1, 6-8 p.m., Zoom

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • Family Partners Meeting, 4-5 p.m.
  • KSPTA Equity & Inclusion Kick-off Committee meeting, 7-8:30 p.m., Zoom

Friday, February 18, 2022

  • Bacich Lost & Found Donation Day - please check to see if your children have anything in Lost & Found.

February 21-25, 2022: President's Holiday, No School

Friday, February 25, 2022

Public Health Letters for Families


Reminder: Student Masks
Per Guideline #24 students and staff continue to be required to wear face covering at all times indoors. KSD is equipped to offer children a mask as needed, but we ask that families support our school community by sending their children to school with a well fitted mask that may be worn indoors consistently.


If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please report it to our school nurse, Laurel Yrun at lyrun@kentfieldschools.org immediately.

KSD COVID Information – Dashboard

Marin Public Health 32-Point Plan Public Health Update, effective 1/25/2022 Summary of Key Updates

Marin County Schools Quarantine & Isolation GuidanceDocument subject to change

COVID-19 Tests: www.findacovidtest.org for up to date information on where antigen tests may be available.

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

Bacich Bears News

Mary Ann Spitzer


Dear Bacich Community,

Peace Path — Ms. A is finishing up her Peace Path classroom lessons this week for every class in our school, and I am pleased to report that the first Peace Path was painted today thanks to our talented maintenance staff. It is located in front of the Community Center by the green bench. There will be two more painted this week.

Youth Truth — Thank you to those parents who have already filled out the Youth Truth parent survey. We have had over 25% of Bacich parents respond so far! You have until February 25 to fill out the survey. Your opinion is important to us!

Bacich Peace Cranes

Drinking Fountains — The drinking fountains are now on again! Our maintenance staff turned them on today as it is now permissible by public health. Please continue to send your child with a water bottle to school, but know that they can now also access the drinking fountains on campus.

1,000 Cranes! — We did it! Bacich students folded over 1,000 cranes to symbolize how working together we can promote peace and create change. Each student can now make a wish for peace! The cranes are displayed outside the Community Center in 10 bunches of 100 each.

Bacich Peace Cranes

Have a peaceful week!

Mary Ann Spitzer
Bacich Principal
mspitzer@kentfieldschools.org

Bacich Announcements

Bacich Lost & Found: Pick up by Friday, February 18.

Please stop by the Bacich Lost & Found to retrieve any items before they are sent to donate on Friday, February 18.

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

February Blog Post Now Available!

Check Out the February issue of the Bacich Library Book Buzz: bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com

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.

  • March 9: Bacich Principal Chat, 8-9 a.m.
  • March 21: Bacich Site Council, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Kent Falcons News

Kent Principal Grant Althouse

Greetings Kent Community,

Level 2 Lockdown Drill Preparations — The safety of our students and staff is a top priority, and throughout the year, we prepare for different types of emergency situations. During advisory class this week we will be engaging students in a difficult discussion about scenarios that would require a lockdown at our school. Back in December, we discussed level 1 lockdowns, and this week we will discuss the more serious level 2 lockdowns.

As you may recall from a previous newsletter, a level 1 lockdown is initiated when there is an unsafe situation in our community, like a wild animal on the loose or criminal activity in the neighborhood. Classrooms are locked and students remain inside, yet typical classroom instruction continues.

A level 2 lockdown is a different situation entirely. A level 2 lockdown is initiated when there is fear that an individual intends harm to people at our school. This is most commonly referred to as an active shooter scenario. This scenario is very difficult to discuss with children in school, however given the realities of the world we live in, this is an essential and required process to go through with our school.

During our Wednesday advisory lesson this week Ms. Holmes and I will present a video we have created which introduces the level 2 lockdown process. In this video, we do use and define the phrase "active shooter," though also try to balance terminology by using the term "threat" most of the time when referencing people who may intend harm. We also introduce guidance from our local police agencies, which directs students and staff to prepare to Run, Hide, or Fight during a level 2 lockdown situation. We briefly describe what running, hiding, and fighting could look like in a level 2 lockdown scenario, and encourage children to trust their judgment and use their discretion should this type of threatening situation occur at Kent.

On the afternoon of February 15, we will partner with our School Resource Officer to conduct a level 2 lockdown drill on the Kent campus. During this lockdown students will seek refuge in their classrooms, and practice the process of locking doors, turning off lights, building a barricade against exterior doors, and sheltering in place silently. We intend for this drill to be orderly and brief, and this Wednesday’s advisory lesson is designed to prepare students for what to expect, and to answer the many questions that will come up about lockdown situations at our school.

Unfortunately, the realities of the world that we live in require that we engage our students in preparation for this most troubling of circumstances. You have our commitment to present the concept in as safe and supportive a way as possible, while ensuring that your child receives the information they need to stay safe should the unimaginable happen here. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding our school safety plan or lockdown procedures at Kent.

YouthTruth Student Survey — Our students will be taking the student YouthTruth survey this week at Kent so that we can hear directly from them about how they are experiencing school. The YouthTruth survey is a computer-based questionnaire that will take about 30 minutes to complete. The anonymous survey asks students questions about academic, social, creative, and personal endeavors, and their reflections about school and adults in their lives. We look forward to learning from our students’ perceptions of school, so that we can continue in our pursuits to support every child to find connection, intrigue, and interest at Kent.

Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org

Kent Eco Action Week

The Kent Eco-Action club served nearly 300 cups of cocoa on Friday, January 28!

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




Updated Basketball Schedules


6th Grade Teams: Schedules

  • 6th Boys Practice: Friday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
  • 6th Girls Practice: Monday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

7th Grade Teams: Schedules

  • 7th Girls Practice: Thursdays, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
  • 7th Boy Practices: Tuesday, 4:45-5:45 p.m.

8th Grade Teams: Schedules

  • 8th Girls Practice: Friday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
  • 8th Boys Practice: Wednesday, 3:45-4:45 p.m.

Kent Library

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!

  • March 1: Kent Site Council, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  • March 4: Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m.

KIK News

IT’S ONNNN…KIK SUPER BOWL PARTICIPATION PLAYOFFS

Grade Level Challenge (K-8), Donate by 2/9

Watch Tory and Houston Hit the Gridiron!

HALFTIME REPORT! The Fourth Grade team is STILL the current score leader with 396 points made from touchdowns and field goals. Donate Today to get your team on top!

HUDDLE UP—EACH GRADE IS A TEAM

  • Every donation to Family Giving scores points for your children’s Grade Level Team, K-8.
  • Increase your donation to the Family Giving Ask of $1,800 per child and score a Touchdown for your team! Power into the End Zone
  • The Grade Level Team that scores the most points by February 9, 2022 wins the KIK Super Bowl and a Tailgate Treat Party to celebrate their win! See Game Rules.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
Thank you to all current Family Giving Donors for their donation! Your 2021-22 donation will automatically count toward the participation percentage score. Learn more about how your donation counts.

GAME SCHEDULE

  • FEB 09: Give to KIK Family Giving by February 9 to score participation points toward each child's grade level.
  • FEB 11: Grade Level Team Champion announced!

SPECIAL THANKS to KIK Super Bowl Sponsor: Allison Fortini Crawford.

#KIKSUPERBOWL - Stay connected, get updates on KIK Super Bowl score leaders.

Facebook | Instagram ​​

KIK PRESENTS THE ROARING TWENTY 20’S!

Please Donate Now, no later than March 1!

Plans are underway for our annual Spring Event, which includes an online auction, the largest event fundraiser of the year, as well as a celebration party and live auction at Bimbo’s 365 in San Francisco on Saturday, April 30.

In order to raise as much funds as possible, we need sponsors and unique, bid-worthy items:

  • Sponsorship opportunities available from $250 - $10,000.
  • Donate one of the following items:
    • Vacation homes and getaways
    • Unique experiences (members-only golf clubs, spa packages, exclusive sports tickets, bike adventures, 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 for adults or kids.
  • Purchase items off the Amazon auction wish list.
  • No donation is too small!

Please contact Holly Myers at events@kikschools.org if you can sponsor or donate. THANK YOU!

KIK EVENTS + DINE & DONATE

FEB 08 - $50 Dine & Donate - Left Bank KIK Family Meals
Gives 20% to KIK, Opt in for weekly order reminder.

  • 4 chicken 4 carnitas tacos, chips and salsa, Butter Lettuce salad

FEB 09 - “Game Day” - KIK Super Bowl Challenge ends! Go Big, Go Long!

MAR 01 - Deadline to Receive Donations for SPRING ONLINE AUCTION
Call for Auction Items

MAR 01 & 03 - Bacich Wildcare Program funded by KIK GRANTS for KSD KIDS

APRIL 21-28 - KIK SPRING ONLINE AUCTION - THE ROARING TWENTY 20’S
KIK Spring Online Auction Event, Donate items by March 1

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 at 75% 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.

KIK is committed to raising $1 million for our Bacich and Kent students for the 2021-22 school year.
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KIK Mission

KSPTA News


Next KSPTA Meeting: Monday, March 7, 7-8 p.m., Agenda


KSPTA Equity & Inclusion Committee

Join KSPTA for the kick off meeting of the Equity & Inclusion Committee.

  • Tuesday, February 15, 2022, 7-8:30 p.m., Zoom

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

Parents for Racial Equity – Part 1 of a four part series

February 10, 2022, 6-8 p.m.

This series will be hosted in-person in the Kent Middle School Library, with the option to participate via Zoom Webinar, see link below.

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

kentfieldschools.zoom.us/j/87835217360?pwd=aitvdVJnaFpzV3JsVEwwUHhER3BQZz09 Passcode: 937633

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!

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.

Summer Camp Fair

Five free Summer Camp Fairs around the Bay Area offer families a one-stop fair to learn about camps, educational programs, sports organizations, and more resources for their children’s enrichment, recreation.

View flyer and learn more at www.BayAreaCampFairs.com

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 Greenweek, 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.

Growing Up Green Week: Through February 13. Just mention your school to the cashier!

View flyer and learn more at www.sloatgardens.com.

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!

www.marinclinic.org/health-hubs

View flyer

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