Superintendent's Message, November 17th

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear SMCSD Parents, Guardians, Community, and Staff, ​ ​ ​ ​ As we head into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to share some exciting updates, celebrate recent successes, and keep you informed about upcoming events in our district. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of inclusivity and cultural awareness in our district and beyond. Welcome to Our New Trustees Please join me in welcoming Rebecca Lytle and Danielle Diego, who will officially join our Board of Trustees in December. We are excited about the passion and expertise they bring to our board team, and I look forward to working with them to continue supporting the success of our students and schools. Our County Superintendent, John Carroll, will be swearing-in our new trustees on Friday, December 13th at 6 PM.  Thank You, Voters! A heartfelt thank you to our community for voting yes on Measure G, our parcel tax bond. Your support ensures we can continue investing in vital resources and programs that enhance our students’ educational experiences! To learn more about Measure G click here.  Board Meeting Recap This week, we held our regular board meeting, where we discussed several key updates and presentations. If you missed the meeting, you can watch the recording by clicking here. Upcoming Events Mark your calendars for these important and fun upcoming events: Coffee with the Superintendent 📅 Wednesday, November 20th 🕘 9:00 AM Come share your thoughts and connect with district leadership in a relaxed setting. Thanksgiving Break 📅 November 25th–29th A reminder that students will return to school on Monday, December 2nd. LCAP Meeting 📅 Tuesday, December 3rd 🕔 5:30 PM 📍 Join us via Zoom here. Your input is invaluable as we plan for the future of our schools. Parent Dream Team Karaoke Night 📅 Friday, December 6th ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are building a brighter future for our students and our community. In community, LaResha Huffman ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024-2025 School Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ Bus Schedule ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact information ​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (415) 332-3190 communications@smcsd.org https://www.smcsd.org ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​

Monday, Nov 18 2024

1 Day Away (Reminder)

Good evening families and Happy Veterans Day!  24 hour reminder about our two district events that will take place tomorrow Tuesday November 12. 1. Our on site Covid 19 and Flu vaccination clinic will take place for all students from 1-3pm. For all participating families who have not returned registration forms, please send signed forms with students tomorrow for collection. Physical forms have been sent home with students. Parents are also eligible for vaccination from 3-5pm. 2. The Sausalito Marin City School District and Partners present the first event in our De-Segregation and Equity Series. The event will feature a dinner reception from 5-6pm, panel presentation, and the first screening of the BBC Documentary: Man Alive: The Mood of America. Join us as we further our commitment to equity and student success. Child care is available for families. See flyer to RSVP and for program details. Be well.

Tuesday, Nov 12 2024

Phone System Outage – Contact Information for Assist...

Good morning SMCSD families, Our phone system is currently down. If you need assistance, please contact Mr.Finnane at 415-686-6060 or the District Office at 415-720-8486.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Friday, Nov 08 2024

Navigating Election Season

Dear SMCSD Community, I understand during elections many of us may feel a range of emotions, from excitement to apprehension, about the outcomes and their impact. It’s normal for elections to bring a sense of uncertainty, and with that can come stress and anxiety. Our goal at SMCSD is to foster a supportive environment where students, staff, and families feel prepared to navigate these feelings constructively and respectfully. Here are some strategies that can help: Limit News Exposure : Continuous news coverage can amplify anxiety. Consider setting specific times to check the news rather than allowing a constant flow of information to affect your day. A brief check-in in the morning and evening can help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Set Boundaries in Conversations : Talking politics can be difficult, especially among family and friends with diverse opinions. Remember, it’s okay to step back or kindly shift the topic if you feel a conversation is escalating. Respectful boundaries are essential for maintaining mental well-being. Stay Active and Take Care of Yourself : Physical exercise, meditation, and healthy eating can greatly improve resilience to stress. Try to prioritize activities that support your mental and physical health, helping you recharge and manage emotions better during challenging times. Respect Others’ Right to Free Speech : Freedom of expression is a core value, but it’s equally important to engage in discussions with empathy. Respectful listening and understanding can help us navigate different opinions peacefully, especially in school settings where we model civil discourse for our students. Get Involved and Vote : Engaging in community efforts or simply exercising your right to vote can alleviate feelings of helplessness, reinforcing a sense of control and purpose. If you or someone you know needs further support, resources are available through  Crisis Text Line  and other services. You can also reach out to our team for additional support.  Thank you for fostering a respectful, supportive community where all voices are heard. Sincerely, LaResha Huffman Superintendent

Tuesday, Nov 05 2024

Superintendent's Message, November 4th

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear SMCSD Parents, Guardians, Community, and Staff, ​ ​ ​ ​ Fall has officially arrived, and the holidays are just around the corner! This season is a wonderful time to celebrate community and connect with one another. As we embrace the cooler weather, let’s continue to prioritize being at school present and on time every day.  I’d like to remind our students about the importance of starting the day with a nutritious breakfast and enjoying a balanced lunch. Through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, all of our students receive meals at no cost, regardless of income. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to stay energized and focused throughout the day! Thank you to Performing Stars for holding a mock-election with students. Students had the opportunity to vote on their favorite breakfast, lunch, and subject. Here's a quick video capturing this work. This month is filled with key events we can come together and participate in. Here’s what’s happening in November: ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Election Day – Tuesday, November 5 ​ Exercise your right to vote! Participating in local and national elections helps shape the future for our students and community. The School District has placed a measure on the ballot this year, click here to learn more about Measure G. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Parent Dream Team Meeting ​ Our Parent Dream Team meeting is scheduled for November 7th at 6:00 pm. Click here to learn more and stay informed! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ No School – Veterans Day ​ Join us in honoring all who have served. School will be closed as we reflect on the bravery and dedication of our veterans on Monday, November 11. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Vaccination Clinic ​ The County of Marin is offering a free onsite vaccination clinic on November 12. For all who are interested, please see the flier attached and return all forms for pre-screening by Friday, November 8. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ De-Segregation and Equity Series Event ​ The Sausalito Marin City School District and Partners present the first event in our Desegregation and Equity Series on Tuesday, November 12, 5:00 pm. The event will feature a dinner reception, panel presentation, and the first screening of the BBC Documentary: Man Alive: The Mood of America. Join us as we further our commitment to equity and student success.This event will be an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day ​ In honor of Ruby Bridges, let’s come together and walk to school in celebration of courage, equality, and inclusion. Join staff, students, parents, community members and participants across this nation in an event designed to engage students in the never-ending fight for justice, equity, and solidarity. The march begins at 7:45 on Thursday, November, 14 and will run from our Phillips campus to our Nevada Campus. A stop in Sausalito will also be listed for families who would like to join us on the way. Stay tuned for details and meet us there! ​ ​ ​ ​ Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees ​ Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments in our district. Your voice matters, and we value your input at our board meetings. The next board meeting is Thursday, November 14, 5:30 pm. Click here to learn more.  ​ ​ ​ ​ Coffee with the Superintendent ​ Join me for a relaxed morning of conversation over coffee on Wednesday, November 20, 9:00 am. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and discussing ways we can enhance our students' experience and support our staff. ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and positivity as we continue building a strong, inclusive, and inspiring community for our students and families. In community, LaResha Huffman Superintendent  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024-2025 School Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ Bus Schedule ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact information ​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (415) 332-3190 communications@smcsd.org https://www.smcsd.org ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​

Tuesday, Nov 05 2024

Superintendent's Message, September 24th

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear SMCSD Parents, Guardians, Community, and Staff, ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear SMCSD Parents, Guardians, Community, and Staff, Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15th through October 15th, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a wonderful opportunity to honor and recognize the rich cultural diversity within our community. Thank you to those who joined our CBO for the Budget Advisory Committee meeting this past Tuesday. You can check out the upcoming Superintendent’s advisory committees here. These committees provide a great opportunity for the community to engage with district leadership on important issues. Our next meeting will be on September 26th at 5:30 PM for the Policy Advisory Committee. As we continue to grieve the sad tragedy of the Apalachee High School shooting, safety continues to be a high priority. As a District, we take these types of events very seriously, as the safety and well-being of our students and staff are among our highest priorities. I know that many of you may have questions, and while we may not have all the answers now, we are providing a list of resources for our community’s support and well-being. Safety will be at the forefront of our conversation with the District’s cabinet team and key stakeholders. I will share more information and updates with you as plans develop. In the upcoming weeks, we are hosting several engagement opportunities for parents, staff and community members.  I hope to see you at some of these events! In community, LaResha Huffman Superintendent  ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ VOTE-but DON'T VOTE IN THE DARK ​ The League of Women Voters of Marin & Sonoma Counties will present a non-partisan and unbiased look at the Pros & Cons of the ten State ballot propositions that will appear on the November 5th ballot. Date:September 24, 2024 Time:6:30pm to 8:00 pm Location: First Missionary Baptist Church. 501 Drake Avenue, Marin City, CA 94965 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Coffee with the Superintendent ​ Join us tomorrow, September 25th, at 8:30 AM in the library. Please note the time change due to school events. We look forward to engaging with parents and community members during this time. This is a great opportunity to connect with me and my cabinet members in an open forum for dialogue. I hope to see you there! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Marin City’s Emergency Preparedness Training ​ Join Ready Marin for their Marin City’s Emergency Preparedness Training on September 28th at 11:30. See the flyer for more information.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Marin County Cooperation Team ​ Marin County Cooperation Team is hosting its first annual fundraising event on October 10th at the Phillips campus. Click here for more information. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Teacher Spotlight ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Mr. Alex Meredith ​ This week, I’d like to spotlight Mr. Alex Meredith (Mr. Mer), our TK-5 music teacher! Alex was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and attended the University of Arizona, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance and a Master's degree in Music Education. This is his 8th year in the classroom! Alex moved to the Bay Area with his family in 2023, and is still adjusting to a bit of culture shock! He is so excited to build an incredible music program here at MLK and make a positive impact on our community. Fun Fact: He has performed music in front of over a million people, in 35 states, and 8 different countries! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ 2024-2025 School Calendar ​ ​ ​ ​ Bus Schedule ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Contact information ​ ​ ​ ​ If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following links: (415) 332-3190 communications@smcsd.org https://www.smcsd.org ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​

Tuesday, Sep 24 2024

Superintendent's Message, June 2

June 2, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, As we approach the final week of the school year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our school. It has been a year filled with growth, achievements, and memorable moments. We still have a lot more to learn as we transition into one campus this upcoming school year.  Here are some important events and dates to remember as we wrap up the school year: Last Day of School : The last day of school is on June 7th. Please note that it will be a minimum day. Nevada Campus Promotion Ceremony : We are excited to celebrate our promoting students at the Nevada Campus on June 5th at 10 AM.  Phillips Campus Graduation Ceremony : Our Phillips Campus will hold its graduation ceremony on June 6th at 6 PM. We are proud of our graduates and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments with families and friends. Summer School : Summer school will begin on June 24th at 8:30 AM at the Phillips Campus. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to continue their learning and stay engaged during the summer months. Board Meetings : We have two important board meetings scheduled in June. These meetings will take place on  June 13th  and  June 20th . They will be held in person and online via Zoom, ensuring everyone can participate. As we conclude this school year, let's celebrate our successes and look forward to a restful and enjoyable summer. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in providing a nurturing and enriching educational environment for our students. Best regards, LaResha Huffman Superintendent Dr. MLK Graduation Nevada Campus, June 5th at 10:00 AM Phillips Campus, June 6th, at 6:00 PM. Last Day of School June 7th, minimum day, release at 1:45 PM.

Monday, Jun 03 2024

Superintendent's Message, May 25

May 25, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, As we move closer to the end of the year, I want to take a moment to thank you all for the commitment and dedication to our students. Please take a moment to read the important events coming up this week.  Memorial Day – Monday, May 27th This Monday, we will observe Memorial Day, a solemn day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces. It's a time for us to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of our service members who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  Countdown to Summer – 9 School Days Left! We are down to our final nine days of school! Let's make each day count. Attendance matters, now more than ever. I urge all our students to continue showing up on time, every day, ready to learn and finish strong.  Special Board Meeting – Thursday, May 30th Please join us for a special board meeting on Thursday, May 30th at 6:00 PM. You can attend in person at the Phillips campus or join us virtually via Zoom,  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82109995326 . This meeting will be an excellent opportunity to engage with the Board and stay informed about the decisions and developments that affect our district.  California Healthy Kids Survey, due May 31st We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for all students. To better understand the experiences and needs of our community, we invite you to participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey. This important survey gathers information on school climate, health risks, and behaviors in the school environment. Your responses are crucial in helping us develop and measure goals in the strategic plan. Please a few minutes to complete survey,  https://wested.ugam-apps.com/wested/ts/r1sh . Golden Bell Awards I'd like to congratulate Ms. Bowie, Ms. Kelly, and Mr. Scripps for their outstanding achievement in earning the Golden Bell Award. Your dedication and hard work have made a significant impact on our students. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in education! Dream Team Page Stay up to date with parent engagements and opportunities by checking out The Dream Team’s page. Click  here to view .  As we look forward to a well-deserved summer break, let’s remain focused and committed to our goals. Your hard work and dedication are what make our district truly outstanding. I appreciate your continued support and engagement. Best regards, LaResha Huffman Superintendent Monday, May 27th- Memorial Day, No School California Healthy Kids Survey Last Thursday, our 5th-8th graders participated in the California Healthy Kids Survey. This anonymous survey measures perspectives, progress, and improvements that our District can make in serving our students and families. 5th grade students received a consent form last Friday. Please make sure to sign and return it with your child to school. If you are a parent interested in taking the survey, please visit   https://wested.ugam-apps.com/wested/ts/r1sh Contact: Phil Logan Special Board Meeting The Board of Education will be hosting a special board meeting on Thursday, May 30th. You can attend in-person at the Phillips campus, 200 Phillips Dr. Marin City or via zoom using  this link . Contact:  Nixon Diaz Dr. MLK Graduation Nevada Campus, June 5th at 10:00 AM Phillips Campus, June 6th, at 6:00 PM.

Sunday, May 26 2024

Superintendent's Message, May 20

May 20, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to update you on the latest happenings and important dates to remember. We have just three weeks of school left! Our testing window has now closed, and we are in the process of doing make-up tests for those students who missed the initial sessions. Thank you to all our students and staff for their hard work and dedication during this time. As we approach the end of the school year, I want to remind students and parents of the importance of attending every day. Let’s continue to show up on time, every day.  Please note that Monday, May 27th, is a holiday. School will be closed, allowing everyone to enjoy a well-deserved three-day weekend. We hope you take this time to rest and recharge as we head into the final stretch of the school year. Looking ahead, we have some exciting events to celebrate the achievements of our students.  Nevada Campus promotion ceremony is scheduled for June 5th at 10:00 AM. Phillips graduation will be held on Thursday, June 6th, at 6:00 PM. We look forward to celebrating these important milestones with our students and their families. Please take a moment to check out the announcements and upcoming sections below for more events.  Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Let's make these last few weeks of school successful. Best regards, LaResha Huffman Superintendent Marin County SELPA: Notice of Public Hearing The SELPA office will be holding its annual public meeting on May 22, 2024 , to fulfill the CDE requirement that each SELPA annually obtain approval from its governing board for budget and service plans following a public hearing. Additionally, a SELPA must review its local plan at least once every three years, and update the plan as needed to ensure information contained in the Governance and Administrative section remains relevant and accurate. Contact: Jocelin Guzman California Healthy Kids Survey Last Thursday, our 5th-8th graders participated in the California Healthy Kids Survey. This anonymous survey measures perspectives, progress, and improvements that our District can make in serving our students and families. 5th grade students received a consent form last Friday. Please make sure to sign and return it with your child to school. If you are a parent interested in taking the survey, please visit   https://wested.ugam-apps.com/wested/ts/r1sh Contact: Phil Logan Special Board Meeting The Board of Education will be hosting a special board meeting on Thursday, May 30th. You can attend in-person at the Phillips campus, 200 Phillips Dr. Marin City or via zoom using this link,  Contact:  Nixon Diaz Dr. MLK Graduation   Nevada Campus June 5th at 10:00 AM Phillips Campus June 6th, at 6:00 PM.

Tuesday, May 21 2024

Walk and Roll to School Tomorrow

Please join us tomorrow, May 17, for our Walk and Roll to school day, sponsored by Safe Routes to School. Students who walk or ride their bikes to campus will receive a raffle ticket to be eligible for prizes during their morning assembly. Students will assemble in front of the MPR.  Look forward to seeing you there! Phil Logan

Friday, May 17 2024