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

Posted Date: 4/18/25 (8:36 PM)


Celebrating Student Success

Last month, we proudly hosted our District’s Fourth Annual Reclassification Ceremony, and what a beautiful celebration it was! In total, 236 students were recognized for achieving fluency in English, marking a huge academic and personal milestone in their educational journey. 

This event wasn’t just about language proficiency, it was a celebration of perseverance, identity and the power of multilingualism. Families, educators and community members came together in joyful recognition of our students' hard work and the rich linguistic and cultural diversity that strengthens our schools every day. Thank you to all our SRCS community for the role you play in students' success! 


Students Explore Potential Career Pathways at the DO

The SRCS District Office was thrilled to welcome Terra Linda High School students on April 17 to visit the various departments and learn about and see first hand the daily operations of a school district. (Pictured right: Students with SRCS Superintendent Carmen Diaz Ghysels as they wrap-up their visit.)

The TLHS students are in a "Careers in Education" course that is led by teacher David Tow. The class features hands-on opportunities designed for exploring careers in education, teaching, counseling, administration and student support services. Throughout the semester, students engage in practicum experiences, guest speaker interviews and professional development activities to gain real-world insight into the field. Students also get dual-enrollment credit through Sonoma State University. The course is one part of the District's career technical education (CTE) program.

Update on SRCS' District-Wide Solar Photovoltaic Project

SRCS is making progress in implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the District. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving long-term sustainability and generating cost savings for our schools. Starting this coming summer, we anticipate the systems will begin being installed at the following schools across the District - Venetia Valley, San Rafael High School and Terra Linda High School. (Pictured right: TLHS rendering)Click here for more background and information. 

Monthly Tech Tips: Practical Tips for Easing Kids' Social Media Anxiety

As Common Sense Media describes, teens text, tweet, snap and post like it's their job. In fact, about half of teens use social media every day, and for some, this means checking Instagram, TikTok or Snapchat dozens (or hundreds!) of times a day. While many teens find connecting with friends online a positive experience, social media can affect kids' mental health - especially tween girls. The tricky part for parents is identifying the tipping point between a healthy relationship to social media and its negative effects. 

Read more from Common Sense Media to learn ways to help your child navigate social media life: English  |  Spanish 

HeadsUp Carnival is April 26!

Don't miss the HeadsUp Carnival on Saturday, April 26 from 11 am - 3 pm at San Rafael High School! 

Carnival brings together every school in SRCS for an event celebrating all that’s great about our schools and our town. From dancing mascots to marching bands, from face-painting to pupusas, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our annual party of the year. Admission is free.

Every Day Counts

As we move farther along in the school year, please remember that attendance still matters! Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn and connect to peers and their teachers. Particularly in the spring months, there are important group projects, field trips, student assessments, assemblies and more. In the face of challenging illness this winter, our teachers, families and students have persisted to keep learning and engaged. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and commitment.

Please send your child to school if they are generally healthy and well. In general, children should stay home if they have a fever of 100.4°F or higher; vomiting two or more times in 24 hours; or diarrhea. Learn more about recommendations and details on when to keep your child home and when they can return: English  |   Spanish

Reminder: DELAC Parent Survey 

As a reminder, we are asking our parents and guardians of English learners to share their feedback to help us improve the programs and services that support students' success. The survey is designed to better understand EL families' experiences, knowledge of our English learner programs and the ways we can strengthen communication, involvement and support.

Survey in English  |  Survey in Spanish

Responses will help guide our District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) as we work together to ensure that all students have the resources they need to thrive academically, linguistically and socially. Thank you!

Authors Visit Schools for "Spring Into Reading!" 

Over conference week in March, our elementary and middle schools participated in our third annual “Spring Into Reading” literacy celebration! Each school had literacy activities all week long including, which may have included buddy class reading, cozy reading, bookmark making contests, author visits and community guest readers. 

Check out the amazing authors that visited our schools in partnership with Book Passage, Copperfield's and the San Rafael Library. (Pictured right: Author Mae Respicio visits Coleman to talk about her book "How to Win a Slime War." Students got to hear all about her book, her process, ask questions and best of all make slime!)
 
Board Resolutions

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

Upcoming Parent Ed Opportunities and Other Events

The Marin County Office of Education has compiled some upcoming parent / caregiver education events that are open to families throughout Marin.

Mental Health and Underage Substance Use with Let’s Talk
The session will explore how mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and stress, can increase the likelihood of adolescents turning to substances as a coping mechanism. 
Wednesday, May 7 | 7 - 8:30 pm | Zoom | Learn More Register Here

May Mental Health Month 2025
Over 15 different FREE events will be hosted by Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services and community-based partners around Marin. Learn more

One Stride at a Time 5K Run/Walk 
A youth-created and led event for hope, help and recovery
Saturday, May 10 | 9 am - 12 pm | McInnis Park | Learn MoreRegister Here 

Wellness Festival and Art and Film Showcase
A powerful annual event dedicated to raising mental health awareness through youth art and expression. 
Sunday, May 18 | 9:30 am - 2 pm | Terra Linda High School | Register Here  

Eyes Up Marin – Phone Down

Don’t be distracted by the alerts from your phone. Turn off your phone when you drive. You can silence your phone while driving by enabling "Do Not Disturb While Driving" or "Driving Focus" on your iOS or Android phone, which automatically silences calls, texts, and notifications when you're detected to be driving. 

If you have to use your phone, make sure you use hands free equipment - here are some more tips. Remember: Eyes Up!

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