KSD News
Dear KSD Community,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
We have fourteen more school days until our school community heads into the winter break and prepares to welcome a new year, 2023. As a community we have joined together to revitalize connections with our students, staff, and parents/guardians by bringing back long cherished traditions while also launching new programs to support our learners. From TEAM time at Bacich to standards based feedback at Kent, school day clubs to Maker Lab creations the creativity of the KSD is top-notch. As students returned from a mini-holiday we could feel the excitement and delight when reconnecting with peers and teachers. Let’s continue on this positive trajectory through showing gratitude, kindness, and appreciation for being a part of the KSD community.
Sincerely,
Raquel Rose
Superintendent
rrose@kentfieldschools.org
District Announcements
When to Stay Home + Covid & Flu Shot Clinics
Marin Public Health Letter to Caregivers: English & Spanish
- Recommendations for a safe and healthy holiday season in light of the early arrival of seasonal respiratory viruses.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics - Omicron Boosters & Flu Vaccines
Please reference this exposure notice for information on symptoms, communicability and prevention. (English I Spanish).
Please keep your child home if they are sick. It's not too late to get your flu vaccine. Please contact our school nurse Laurel Yrun (lyrun@kentfieldschools.org) with any questions you may have about how to navigate illness and school this year.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
- Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting, 4-5 p.m.
Wednesday, November 30, 2022
- Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich room 7
Thursday, December 1, 2022
- Kent Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Kent room 11
- Parent Education Event, sponsored by KSPTA Event, 7-8 p.m.,Zoom link, Meeting ID: 875 7900 8307
- Top Tips to Support Children in Times of Uncertainty and Stress
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
- Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Room 11
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
- December Walk & Roll to School Day
- Bacich ELAC meeting, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Thursday, December 8, 2022
- 4th Grade Winter Voices, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 9, 2022
- Kent Club Photo Day
- 7th/8th Grade Dance
- Redwood Drama - K, 1st, 2nd, 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Next KSD School Board Meeting is on Tuesday, December 13, 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
KSD Board/District Committees
- 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.
Bacich Bears News
Dear Bacich Community,
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! Spending time with family and friends and acknowledging all that we feel grateful for is incredibly restorative. The next three weeks are an interesting time in our schedule. We are re-entering after a break and gearing up for the longer winter break. This is always a busy time on campus. Below are some of the highlights of the next three weeks.
Trimester 1 Report Cards
Our first trimester officially ends on November 30! Teachers will be working on writing Trimester 1 report cards for our Bacich students. This process includes gathering assessment data and analyzing the data with grade level colleagues. The report card is a way for teachers to share specific information with parents about students’ academic progress.
Our standard based report cards provide information about how your student is progressing towards mastery of end of year academic standards. Standards based report cards are a great way to track student progress over the course of the school year. Bacich report cards will be available to families in Aeries on December 9, 2022.
Winter Class Celebrations
It is a tradition at Bacich for classrooms to have a Winter Class Celebration prior to the winter break. Each classroom teacher will work with the Lead Room Parents to design this class celebration and determine if parent volunteers are needed. Please look for more information from your child’s teacher and Lead Room Parent(s).
Winter Voices Concert - Fourth Grade
I am thrilled to announce that our Bacich Choral Concerts are back in full swing! Becky Poon, our talented and dedicated music teacher, is working on the final rehearsals with our fourth graders for their Winter Voices Concert. Our fourth graders will perform for fourth grade families on December 8, followed by a performance for the Bacich student body on December 9.
Drama Performances
This past week, our TK and Kindergarten students were treated to a performance of Caps For Sale, by a group of Kent 7th graders. 7th grade teacher, Lisa Morretti, has brought these mini drama performances to Bacich for many years. It was great to see the return of these performances after being sidelined due to COVID.
On December 9, a Redwood Drama class will be coming to Bacich to perform several skits based on popular picture books for our TK-2nd grade students. This is also a long running program that is returning after a multi-year hiatus. It is always fun to see some of our returning Bacich Bears perform for our youngest students.
This fall, our second and third grade students participated in a drama class once a week through North Bay Theatrics. This enrichment program was funded through our KIK foundation and has been a huge success. Each class will present a short performance for their families as the program comes to an end. I want to thank both KIK and Ashley Kimball from North Bay Theatrics for providing this amazing opportunity for our students.
As you can see, Bacich will be a busy place these next few weeks.
With gratitude,
Maria Martin
Bacich Principal
mmartin@kentfieldschools.org
Walk & Roll to School Day happens next Wednesday!
Please join us Wednesday morning on December 7. Our theme is Winter Wonderland. Walking, biking, skating, scooting, parking and walking or taking the bus are all excellent ways to participate. Make sure you stop by our welcome table in front of school for a fun prize. See you there!
Bacich Library
Check out Bacich Library Book Buzz November blog to learn about how the Bacich Library honors Native American Heritage Month and Ms. Warnick's recommended children's books about Native American culture and history.
bacichlibrarybookbuzz.blogspot.com
Lear more about the library and search for books: sites.google.com/kentfieldschools.org/bacich-library
Susan Warnick
Bacich Librarian
swarnick@kentfieldschools.org
While visiting the Book Fair this week, please consider stopping by the Library Wish List table. A book plate will be placed in the book with the child's name if a book is donated to the library. A book donation to the library is a gift to every child.
Upcoming Bacich Events
2022-2023 Bacich Bell Schedule
Wednesday, November 30: Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Wednesday, December 7: Walk & Roll to School Day & Bacich ELAC, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Bacich Room 7
Thursday, December 8: 4th Grade Winter Voices, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Kent Falcons News
Greetings Kent Middle School Families,
We walked onto campus this morning with three full school weeks remaining at Kent in 2022, and our team is energized by the learning, activities, and celebrations ahead to close out the calendar year! Below are a few important items to be aware of in the coming weeks.
First Trimester Report Cards
Teachers will be sharing your student’s progress through the first third of this school year on the first trimester report card, available to Kent students and families on Monday, December 12. This report card will include markings that reflect your child’s progress with essential skill and content standards for each class, as well as your child’s progress with their habits of learning through the first trimester. Each report card will highlight the key concepts your child studied and practiced through the first trimester, as well as their progress toward meeting grade level learning targets with these concepts. We are confident this information will help you and your child celebrate areas of success and areas of strength, as well as identify areas for continued practice and growth as we enter the second trimester.
Beginning of the Second Trimester
This Thursday, December 1 marks the beginning of the second trimester! Students in enrichment classes will have the opportunity to participate in their new class assignment, with fun and exciting activities awaiting in each of our creative offerings! Students can look in Aeries under "Classes" to see what class they have scheduled for the second trimester. Class lists will be posted on campus Thursday for any student who needs to know their new class assignment.
7th and 8th Grade Dance
In less than two weeks we host our first dance of the year, the 7th and 8th grade Winter Wonderland dance! The event will run from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 9, and all 7th and 8th graders are invited to attend. Please encourage your child to attend for great music, fun company, and an exceptional party! Tickets will go on sale for $5 each, Wednesday through Friday of next week.
Countdown Court Celebration
Lastly, this year we continue with the time-honored Kent Middle School tradition of concluding school on Friday, December 16 with our annual Countdown Court celebration. Countdown Court is an all school assembly where we celebrate the conclusion of the calendar year with music, reflections, activity, and more! It is also the final spirit day of the year, where students are encouraged to wear their finest silver and gold sparkly attire honoring the new year ahead. We look forward to ringing in a new year at Kent with Countdown Court 2022!
While this time of year tends to move pretty quickly, each day offers new and valuable learning experiences for us all!
Let’s have a great week ahead!
Grant Althouse
Kent Principal
galthouse@kentfieldschools.org
Congratulations to Kent's Mathletes!
At their first county-wide competition with 18 schools attending, the Falcons achieved the following accomplishments:
- 8th Grade - Second Place
- 7th Grade - Third Place
Empowerment 101 Class for 8th Graders
Intro to IMPACT (3-hr) for Kent Middle School
Sunday, December 4, 2022; 12-3 p.m.
Bacich Community Center
Cost: $130; class size limited to 16 students
- Pre-registration (scroll down to where it says Private Class; note they will need to use the EXACT link): bookeo.com/impactbayarea?devent=415659RRPPF1848C630A2E_2022-12-04_N4RSW5znnu1u
- Minor waiver (under 18): www.smartwaiver.com/v/impactteen
From street safety and awareness to full-force self-defense techniques, this 3-hour class lays a foundation of skills proven effective at increasing safety and confidence, including intuition, situational awareness, body language and voice, and setting boundaries with strangers and acquaintances. Participants practice de-escalating dangerous situations, and get the unique and powerful experience of practicing physical techniques at full force in safe and age-appropriate scenarios against a padded mock assailant.
The course is led by a woman Whistle Instructor, who introduces each new skill and creates a safe, fun space for students to have a positive and powerful experience. Once they have learned a few skills, students get to practice in safe, realistic role-play scenarios against a highly trained Suited Instructor, who plays the role of the mock assailant. We ask parents not to participate, so that students get the experience of defending themselves on their own. Participants leave this class feeling strong and maybe surprised by their own power and courage!
Kent Basketball Practice Times
8th girls- Mondays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
8th boys- Mondays, 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
7th girls- Thursdays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
7th boys- Fridays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
6th girls- Wednesdays, 3:45- 4:45 p.m.
6th boys- Wednesdays, 4:45- 5:45 p.m.
The game schedule for Kent basketball is to be announced. Games start the week of January 3 or January 10.
Kent Yearbook: Orders Now Open!
Kent yearbooks are now on sale for $42.
www.yearbookordercenter.com or call 1-866-287-3096
Kent's order number is 7587.
Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, December 1: Kent Parents in Action, 8:30-10:30 a.m., room 11
- Tuesday, December 6: Kent Site Council meeting, 3:30-4:30 p.m., room 11
KIK News
LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES SUPPORT KIK
Many of the small businesses KSD families frequent daily are KIK supporters:
- Check out this year’s FlipBook which highlights all the businesses that support Bacich and Kent.
- Small Business Saturday was November 26th - let’s continue to show our small businesses our support!
- Thank you to all of our 2022-2023 Business Partners!
FAMILY GIVING IS YEAR ROUND
While Giving Day was a major milestone, we still need to reach the $1 million goal.
Please Donate to Support Enrichments for Every Kid, Every Day!
How much should I donate?
Our suggested donation is $2,000 per child in the district. Some families donate more, and some families donate less. The important part is to participate at a level that is meaningful to you. Every dollar makes a direct impact on your child’s education, and will help us reach our goal.
- Here’s how to Donate - THANK YOU!
- The annual KIK $1M contribution to Bacich and Kent directly funds enrichment programs:
- Art, Music, PE, Library, Maker, Woodshop, Broadcasting and more.
Learn more about Family Giving and What KIK Funds.
We are committed to transparency and communication here at KIK. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our Family Giving Co-Chairs:
Tiffani Broce - Maggie & Griffin’s Mom - tiffaniparkerbroce@gmail.com
Noah Wheeler - Jesse & Adam’s Dad - wheelernoah@gmail.com
KIK $1M ANNUAL GOAL — UPDATE
- $1M Annual Fundraising Status : $706,836 (net) to date / $1M GOAL
- Thank you to the 269 Family Giving Donors to date who are committed to our students and the programs they love! Can we add your name to this list?
- Learn how KIK Invests in Kids
CALENDAR - DINE & DONATE
ORDER EVERY TUESDAY - $50 Dine & Donate
Left Bank KIK Family Meals — 20% of proceeds go to KIK. Opt in for a weekly order reminder.
- NOV 29 - Fried Chicken, French Fries, Mac & Cheese, & Green Beans
CONCERTS BROUGHT TO YOU BY KIK
DEC 08 - 4th Grade Winter Voices Concert
CONNECT WITH KIK
For Installments or Matching Gifts, Print Donor Form in English and Spanish.
KSPTA News
Learn more at kspta.org
Why Teen and Tween Sleep Matters, and How Parents and Schools Can Help
November 30, 2022, 5:30-6:30 p.m. PST
Register here - Sponsored by Parent Venture
Join Lisa Lewis, author of The Sleep Deprived Teen: Why Our Teenagers Are So Tired, And How Parents And Schools Can Help Them Thrive.
Top Tips to Support Children in Times of Uncertainty and Stress with Julie Kurtz
December 1, 2022, 7-8 p.m., Zoom link, Meeting ID: 875 7900 8307
Sponsored by the Kentfield PTA
Learn concrete strategies to support young children when faced with BIG and SMALL life events such as returning from summer break, coming back to school from extended absences, divorce, loss, stressful or traumatic events (fires, COVID-19, tornadoes, flooding) or starting school for the first time. This training will provide 10 trauma-informed practices that can help children feel safe, regulate big emotions and prevent dysregulated behavior associated with events that can activate their stress response systems.
- Participants learn to describe what big life change/big life transitions are young children.
- Attendees will be able to explain the impact of big life changes/transitions on the autonomic nervous system of young children.
- Take away concrete action items or the ‘Top Tips’ to support young children with uncertainty and change.
Behind Their Screens: What Teens are Facing (and Adults Are Missing)
December 2, 2022, 12-1 p.m. PST
Register here - Sponsored by Parent Venture
What are teens actually doing on their smartphones? Contrary to many adults' assumptions, they are not simply “addicted” to their screens, oblivious to the afterlife of what they post, or missing out on personal connection. They are just trying to navigate a networked world.
In Behind Their Screens, Emily Weinstein, PhD, and Carrie James, PhD, Harvard researchers who are experts on teens and technology, explore the complexities that teens face in their digital lives, and suggest that many adult efforts to help—“Get off your phone!” “Just don't sext!”—fall short.
Parents/caregivers, students, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
Let's Talk Series: The Adolescent Brain
December 7, 2022, 7 p.m. PST
Let's Talk Community Discussion Series
In the second community discussion of 2022-23, we’ll discuss The Adolescent Brain - focused on adolescent brain development, how substances impact the brain, why teens get addicted quicker and how they are wired for risk taking.
Live Spanish interpretation is available.
- Learn more & register here. - Sponsored by Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships.
There are many different opportunities to volunteer during school hours and for before and after-school community events. Please see the links below to discover KSPTA volunteer opportunities. Please complete the form for the opportunities that interest you, and a KSPTA committee representative will be in touch, thank you!
Bacich School Wide Volunteer Opportunities
Bacich Lead Room Parents/Art for Bears Coordinators/ Carline Coordinators
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.
D.C. Trip - Financial Aid Application Now Available
8th grade families! The registration deadline for the Washington, D.C. Trip is Wednesday, November 30. You can use the following link to sign up: worldstrides.com/custom/kentfield-ms-dc-203266
Eyes Up, Marin: Let’s Make our Streets Safer for Everyone!
Through the end of November, you’ll see bright and colorful banners and lawn signs popping up all over Marin asking people to keep their “Eyes Up” and be alert. These signs will be asking drivers to slow down, watch when turning and look for pedestrians in the crosswalk; bicyclists to yield to pedestrians and to follow the rules of the road; And those walking to pay attention when crossing the street.
These messages will also show up in your social media feeds, and you can find them at www.streetsmartsmarin.org. Please share with your friends, family and co-workers!
The Eyes Up, Marin Campaign is part of the Street Smarts Program and Safe Routes to Schools, locally funded programs of the Transportation Authority of Marin.
Hip Hop Dance Classes at Bacich
Bacich Kinder POP HipHop
Instructor: Chelsea Hill (Miss SeaSea)
- 8 weeks - 01/17/23 - 03/14/23 Mondays Winter 2023 (No class Feb 20, Marin Ski Week), 2-2:45 p.m.
Hip Hop is an ever-popular street dance that cultivates body control, creativity, and community! In this 8-week series, Kinders will learn how to follow the beat, rhythm, choreography, footwork, upper body control, stage presence, the history of Hip Hop culture, and build community through the joy of movement, dance, and expression! A balance of teaching movement styles and freedom of dance and movement will foster each dancer's confidence and connection.
Bacich HipHop 1st-4th Grade
Instructor: Chelsea Hill (Miss SeaSea)
- 8 weeks - 01/17/23 - 03/14/23 Mondays Winter23 (No class Feb 20, Marin Ski Week), 3-3:45 p.m.
Hip Hop is an ever-popular street dance that cultivates body control, creativity, and community! In this 8-week series, children of all levels will learn rhythm, choreography, precise footwork, upper body strength for breaking, stage presence, and the history of Hip Hop culture. This series is based in dance culture and developmental anatomy. It will include styles of house dance, locking, popping, and funk developed in the 1970’s. A balance of body precision and respect will be infused with freedom and personal expression, to foster the dancers' confidence and build community through the joy of movement and connection!
To enroll, email: chelseamariehill@gmail.com
Cost: $250.00
Donuts & Tee Event! Registration Opening Soon!
November 1 - December 16: Registration Open
KGS is non-profit organization - completely run by parent & community VOLUNTEERS.
- For all girls ages 5-15.
- Kentfield, Greenbrae, Ross & North Larkspur.
- Season runs from March through the end of May.
- All games are in Marin (except 15U have some in San Francisco).
- All home games are at Kent.
- Coaches are parents and community volunteers.
The Homework Helpers program, created and run by high school interns and the Marin County Free library, is offering a free “homework help” program for English Learners and underserved students at the Corte Madera library. The program began on September 17 and will continue throughout the school year, every Saturday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Students are encouraged to sign up for specific time slots and communicate what they need help with. This is an excellent opportunity for students and families to get extra help, outside of school, from local high school students!
Homework Helpers Flyer in English and Spanish
Corte Madera Community StoryWalk® (view flyer) – through November 10
Weekly Crafternoons and a once-monthly Lego Club: Thursdays 3:30 p.m. for ages 5-12.
Elks Hoop Shoot
Basketball Free-Throw Competition
December 10, 2022, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Albert J. Boro, Community Center, 50 Canal Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
Sponsored by Elks Lodge #1108
Crisis Text Support Line
Marin County is offering our youth another means of confidential mental health support through a crisis text line that is available 24/7.
Text MARIN to 741741 for Support that Cares.
Marin Health Hubs
Health hubs, provides free and bilingual services such as food distribution, nutrition education, health screenings, and information about community organizations. 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