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SRCS Updates (Nov.): News from around the District for our SRCS Community

Posted Date: 11/21/24 (3:46 PM)


Letter from the Superintendent

Dear SRCS Community,

As we move through the month of November, a time when we reflect on gratitude, I want to share how thankful I feel to be a part of the SRCS community. Earlier this month, we experienced an important aspect of our democracy as votes were cast for leaders locally and nationally. We know that the months of election campaigning and the results have brought out a range of emotions and beliefs. We also recognize that there were intense and passionate messages, and many of our students, families and staff may feel especially stressed and uncertain about the potential impacts.

I want to assure you that our primary focus remains on the well-being and education of our students. Our teachers and staff are committed to welcoming and educating every student in our district, regardless of language, socioeconomic background, immigration status, gender identity, religion or political beliefs. In SRCS, we strive to make our schools places where all students feel safe and included. 

Many of our students have had questions or wished to engage in post-election dialog, so I want to thank our educators who have fostered non-partisan, supportive environments for students to feel safe in expressing their opinions and hearing those of others. The importance of remaining civil and respectful of others’ perspectives and beliefs is a skill we want for all our students. 

We are fortunate that our SRCS community is comprised of people who truly care about and support one another. In addition to our dedicated teachers, we have school counselors, community liaisons, Family Centers, Wellness Centers and other trusted adults that support our students. Furthermore, we have many strong partnerships with local community agencies and groups that serve as a resource for our families.

As a diverse community, we join together and uphold our SRCS values of equity, community and joy, and commit to making our District a place where all can thrive.

Sincerely,

Carmen Diaz Ghysels
Superintendent 

Resources
2025-26 School Year Student Calendar

We're happy to share the SRCS calendar for TK-12 students for next school year. The first day of school for students will be August 20, 2025. View and download a PDF [English | Spanish]. Add to Google Calendar.
 
Independent Study

Regular school attendance results in improved academic skills, as well as social and emotional growth. If your child must be away from school for an extended amount of time, independent study may be an option. 

Short-term Independent Study Contracts are only approved by the District for travel up to 14 school days. Academics, attendance and behavior are strongly considered prior to approval. Contact your school principal at least two weeks prior to leaving to request an application. Classwork must be handed-in directly upon your child’s return to school. For more information, please read the District’s Independent Study Board Policy 6158.

TK and Kindergarten Enrollment Open for Next Year

We have launched our annual enrollment season for our new Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The information below may be helpful for your own family if you have younger children, or to share with neighbors and friends. 

TK Eligibility (expanded!): Children who will be four-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2025. TK is a high-quality early learning program the year before Kindergarten. 

Kindergarten Eligibility: Children who will be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2025.

Note that current TK students DO NOT need to re-enroll for kindergarten. 

RegistrationYou can start the process online. In-person registration events at schools throughout the District will begin in January. Families can also visit the Student Enrollment & Family Center at the District Office, 310 Nova Albion Way.

Dual Language Program: Our thriving Dual Language Program will continue to grow next school year at Venetia Valley School, and we're now enrolling new TK and Kindergarten students. 

Info sessions: Interested families from any school area are invited to attend our info sessions to learn more about our TK and kindergarten programs, have questions answered and register. The sessions are from 6 - 7 pm at Bahia Vista on Feb. 5 and Coleman on Feb. 11. Spanish interpretation available. 

Learn more: View this flyer or contact the Student Enrollment & Family Center: 415-492-3236,  srcs.org/tk-k-enrollment, 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael. 

Quick School Highlights

Here are some recent highlights from across this District:

The Gymnastics Bus has started to visit the Early Learning Center at Short School as an enrichment opportunity for TK students there! This is an opportunity for students to practice their gross motor skills, listening, coordination and more all while having fun. 

Many of our elementary schools participated in "Start with Hello Week," a week dedicated to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth. The program teaches the simple steps of: See Someone Alone, Reach Out and Help and Start With Hello!

Davidson hosted their first Art Showcase for students, families and staff. Drawings and paintings were framed and ceramic sculptures, creative craft and knitting work were displayed for all to enjoy. 

San Rafael High School hosted the Davidson eighth graders for a school tour, including the annual Bell Game pep rally. Students visited classrooms and informational booths to learn about the programs and opportunities our high schools offer. Later that evening at the football game, the Terra Linda Trojans took home the Bell! 

Terra Linda High School is in the midst of their WASC review, an accreditation review that takes place every six years. As part of the process, goals are developed to guide the school; these goals were intentionally chosen to align with our District's LCAP goals, professional development plans and TLHS' Single Plan for Student Achievement. 

We have finalized our Transitional Kindergarten Mission and Vision [EnglishSpanish]. This is the culmination of input from parents and TK and kindergarten teachers and staff, and will serve as our guiding document. 

Youth in Arts hosted a Community Mural Day at Laurel Dell, inviting community members to help paint the mural designed by students in the after school program. We look forward to seeing the mural come to life in the next couple months.

We have community liaisons present at the weekly Canal Health Hub led by Marin Community Clinics so  families can receive support or to ask any questions.

At Board meetings this fall, staff shared a series of presentations on our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), speaking to how our integrated, comprehensive framework is aligning academic, behavioral and social-emotional learning to support all students. View the slide decks: MTSS Framework Overview; Community SchoolsMTSS: Social Emotional Supports & Services; and the MTSS: Academic Referrals & Services presentation is scheduled for the Jan. 13 Board meeting. 

Board Resolutions

The SRCS Board of Education adopted the following resolutions at their recent meetings:

Monthly Tech Tips: Staying Safe Online

Online life requires us to be aware of ways to be safe when it comes to scams. Spam is a type of cyber threat that involves unsolicited, unwanted and often irrelevant messages sent to a large number of people. Spam can be sent via email, text, social media or phone calls. 

Spam can be dangerous because it can include malicious links that can infect your computer with malware. Spammers use a variety of techniques to trick users into clicking on links, downloading files or providing sensitive information. Some common types of spam include: commercial ads; antivirus warnings; sweepstakes winners; money scams; phishing emails and more. 

Here are ways you can protect yourself and personal information:
  • Family Tip Sheet: 4 Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online [English | Spanish]
  • Video: We Can Secure Our World (student friendly) [English | Spanish]

Let's Talk: The Teen Brain

The next "Let's Talk" community discussion, set for Dec. 4 at 7 pm on Zoom, will focus on the teen brain. National expert panelists will join the session, which will also include a special screening of the 10-minute short film The Teen BrainMore information and the Zoom link

These discussions are part of the Marin Healthy Youth Partnerships program, a community partner and resource that focuses on reducing underage drinking and drug use so students can have the best outcomes both in and outside of school.

Eyes Up Marin – Tip of the Month: Intersections Can Be Fatal

When you drive up to an intersection, do you actively look for the most vulnerable on our streets? Here are some tips from our partners at Marin County Safe Routes to School:
  • Before you turn, watch for people walking and rolling. They may be behind you!
  • When turning left, your car should make the equivalent of a 90-degree angle.
  • Before you make a right turn, watch for kids on bikes in both directions; check the sidewalks.
  • Kids on sidewalks: stop at cross streets
  • Always remember: Eyes Up!
Learn more.

San Rafael City Schools
www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org
310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490