KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
The brisk mornings and bustling activities at Bacich and Kent are clear signs that we are in the rhythm of the school year. It is a wonderful time of year, where classes are no longer new, and students and staff are leaning into the curriculum and building upon the new skills that were introduced at the beginning of school. It is a joy to see the many “aha” moments during this period of the school year.
Last week we had our first Education Showcase for the 2022-23 school year at our Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. Our 3rd Grade Curriculum Chairs and several 3rd grade students offered a glimpse into how teachers are teaching key math concepts in multiple modalities, making the learning accessible to all students. On Friday afternoon, the KSD Board of Trustees shared this letter addressing our school district’s finances. The message emphasized the importance of the district’s fiscal solvency, as without it we would not be able to offer our students and school community the rich educational environment we are accustomed to receiving. As the year proceeds we will continue to offer updates on our KSD Budget while leveraging the expertise of the KSD Finance Committee. Through working together to analyze our District budget we will provide advice on adjustments that may strengthen the KSD fiscal landscape. Stay tuned for ongoing communication and updates on how our financial planning is evolving.
Sincerely,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
Green Halloween costume SWAP!
Want to be a little more green this Halloween and get the perfect costume? We are hosting a costume SWAP at Kent!
- Drop off donations this week through Friday, October 21 in Bacich Room 6 or Kent Room 14
- Swap: Saturday, October 22, 12-2 p.m., Kent Lunch Plaza
As many may be aware, our next regular election is on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. The KSD will not have a contested election for the open Board of Trustee seats, instead we will welcome Trustee-elects: Cari Irwin, Benny Joseph, and Silver McDonald. Our Trustee-elects are actively engaging in the full scope of their anticipated role in order to fully accept their new position at the December Board Reorganization meeting. Highlights regarding our Trustee-elects will be forthcoming.
E-Bike Reminder
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
- Bacich Picture Day Make Up
- Finance Committee, 4-5 p.m.
- Cross Country Meet at China Camp - Miwok Meadows, 4 p.m.
- 7th Grade Volleyball vs. Miller Creek, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
- Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
- Kent ELAC meeting, 4:45-6 p.m., Kent Library
Thursday, October 20, 2022
- Flag Football at Davidson, 4-5 p.m.
- 8th Grade Volleyball at Mill Valley, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
- 2nd Grade Family Social hosted by KIK and KSPTA, 3-5 p.m., Bacich Blacktop
Monday, October 24, 2022
- Flag Football vs Mark Day, 4-5 p.m.
- 6th Grade Volleyball Game at Ross, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Mill Valley, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
- 7th Grade Volleyball at Ross, 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
- Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Friday, October 28, 2022
- Kent Principal Coffee, 8:45-10 a.m. Library
Saturday, October 29, 2022
- 3rd Grade Family Social hosted by KIK and KSPTA, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Hal Brown Park
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Here is a link to where you can find the agenda once posted. Access to the meeting will be via in person or audio.
School Board Information: video recordings of meetings, community letters, minutes, trustee contacts
- All are welcome and encouraged to attend in-person or via Zoom.
- Addressing the Board
*Please note beginning in October 2022 the KSD Board Meetings will no longer offer a Zoom option. We will record an audio of the meeting, which will be available to the public for six months following the gathering.
KSD Board/District Committees
- Finance Committee meeting, October 18, 4-5 p.m.
- DELAC meeting, November 1, 5-6 p.m.
- Governance Workshop - New/Tenured Trustee Orientation, November 15, 5-7 p.m.
- Communication Committee meeting, November 16, 4-5 p.m.
- LCAP Strategic Plan advisory meeting, November 28, 4-5 p.m.
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, November 29, 4-5 p.m.
If you are interested in joining a District Committee, please submit your name here.
Public Health Updates: Opioid/Drug Abuse, COVID, and Monkeypox
Opioid and substance use prevention resources for parents, educators, caregivers, and youth-serving individuals
Adult role models have an essential role on the growth and development of youth. They help guide youth to make healthy and informed decisions. Positive role models are protective social factors that promote youth health and well-being, and may reduce the risk of youth substance use, including high-risk substance use.
This website offers a list of resources to support adult role models communicate with youth about the risks of opioid and other substance use.
Updated COVID School Policy and Guidance as of 10/7/22:
The CDC COVID-19 Community Level is Low (case rates and hospitalizations). MCPH recommends persons to wear a mask based on personal preference, informed by personal level of risk.
On 10/4/22, Isolation and Quarantine guidance was updated with the following recommendations for students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19:
- Isolation can end and students may return to school on day 6 if fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication AND symptoms are resolving.
- Students with resolving symptoms are not advised to test again and should wear a mask from day 6-10.
- A negative test should not be required to return to school/care unless the child/student is unable to mask until day 11 due to age or developmental/medical concerns.
- A negative test should be required in order to participate in sports for which masking is not recommended (water polo, swimming, wrestling, competitive cheer) on days 6-10.
- Staff must show a negative test from day 6-10 in order to return to work and remain masked until day 11 per CalOSHA regulations. (See Table 1 for more information about requirements for staff).
Language from our travel guidance has been updated to align with CDC guidance. MCPH is still recommending that all students and staff test 5 days after returning home from travel.
COVID-19 Guidance for K-12 Schools was updated to reflect extension of the COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave through December 31, 2022, through passage of Assembly Bill 152.
Monkeypox
CDPH released MPX guidance for child care facilities and schools. MPX transmission among the general public and children remains low and to date, CDPH has not received any reports of MPX spread in these settings. The guidance notes that schools and child care facilities should follow their everyday operational guidance to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and contact their local health department in the event of any concern for MPX exposure.