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  • 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

  • Superintendent's Message, May 12

    May 12, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, As we continue to navigate through the school year, I want to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s board meeting. Your presence and engagement is vital to our district and demonstrates the strength of our community. A special thank-you goes to the parents who tirelessly advocate for our teachers and students. Your voices are critical in shaping the educational landscape and ensuring our children receive the best possible education. To our teachers, your unwavering commitment, love, and care for our students do not go unnoticed. Thank you for every effort you make to enrich our students' lives, fostering environments where they can thrive and excel. This week marked a significant decision by the board to adopt configuration 2, which involves moving all students to the Nevada Campus. As President Bennett highlighted, our focus must extend beyond financial considerations to address essential questions about our educational approach: How are we teaching? What are we teaching? This perspective is crucial as we undertake this transition. As we navigate these changes, our priority will be to provide robust support for our teachers, staff, and most importantly, our students and their families. We are committed to keeping you informed and will share more details about the reconfiguration and its implications in the coming months. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped organize the first Garden Fair at the Nevada campus. It was a fantastic event enjoyed by both students and adults. The children had a great time participating in activities like potato sack races, egg-and-spoon races, bean bag tosses, and more! A special thanks to the Dream Team, Rise Up! 94965, Arts+, Marin City Library, Bridge the Gap and every who contributed! Additionally, the Dream Team meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th, at 6 PM, and we will be hosting an open house for the Nevada Campus on Thursday, May 16th, at 6 PM. These events are excellent opportunities to learn more about the ongoing projects and how you can get involved. I am also thrilled to recognize Shakona Bowie, Jen Kelly, and Nathan Scripps as recipients of the prestigious 2024 Golden Bell. Their outstanding contributions have significantly enriched our school community. Please join us in celebrating their achievements at the Golden Bell Awards ceremony, scheduled for May 23rd at Dominican University's Angelico Hall, beginning at 4:30 PM. Your support in honoring these outstanding members of our community would be greatly appreciated. Thank you once again for your dedication and commitment to our school district. Together, we will continue to make SMCSD a place where our students can succeed and flourish. Warm 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 Walk and Roll to School Please join us on Friday 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. Look forward to seeing you there! Contact:  Phil Logan

    Monday, May 13 2024

  • Superintendent's Message, May 5

    May 5, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, As we wrap up another eventful week, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributes to making our district a vibrant and engaging place for our students and staff. This past week was Principal’s Day, and I would like to extend a special thank you to Principal Finnane and Principal Delcomb. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in education. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our Configuration Survey. Your input is critical in this process. The final results will be presented at the upcoming board meeting on Thursday, May 9th at 5 PM. Remember, you can attend the board meeting in person at the Phillips Campus, located at 200 Phillips Drive, or join us via Zoom,  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82109995326 Last Thursday, Thursday, Bridge the GAP Gala held a phenomenal gala. Thank you to everyone who supported and hosted this fantastic event. We heard from multiple students on how BTG has impacted their lives. Thank you, BTG staff, for all that you do in our school.  I also want to acknowledge those who participated in our recent Virtual Town Hall. These sessions are a true testament to our community's dedication to come together, discuss, and find innovative ways to enhance our district and better serve our students. Looking ahead, we have several important events. For those interested in teaching, SMCSD in partnership with CalState TEACH will be hosting a Virtual Info Session on Wednesday, May 8th via Zoom. This is a wonderful opportunity for prospective educators to learn more about our initiatives and how they can make a difference. Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary work our teachers are doing. Their commitment to our students and families is inspiring. Each day, they go above and beyond to ensure that learning is not just educational, but also empowering and engaging. Additionally, I am excited to invite you to the Dream Team’s Garden Fair on Saturday, May 11th.  Please continue to stay engaged through our regular board meetings and special events. Whether in person or online, your participation makes a significant impact. Thank you once again for your continuous support and dedication to our district, our school, our families, and most importantly to our students.  Warm regards, LaResha Huffman, Superintendent  CalState TEACH Interested in becoming a teacher?  Join this info session with CalState TEACH and SMCSD on Wednesday, May 8th, at 5 PM to learn more about the program. This will be a  virtual meeting .  Contact:  Nixon Diaz Regular Board Meeting On Thursday, May 9th, at 5 PM, we have a regular board meeting. Join in-person or  virtual .  Garden Fair Join us on Saturday, May 11th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the MLK Academy Nevada Campus, located at 636 Nevada Street, Sausalito, for a delightful Garden Fair! This special event supports the Garden Program and promises an array of exciting activities for everyone. We're thrilled to host a plant sale, bake sale, and raffle, along with music, games, crafts, and gardening fun. It's a fantastic opportunity for students, parents, guardians, and community members to come together, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to a great cause. Whether you have a green thumb, a sweet tooth, or just love to engage in community activities, there's something for everyone at our Spring Fling. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and get ready to have a great time! Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy the day, there will be some light snacks available. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the vibrant spirit of our community together! For those that want to help create magical memories for our scholars, please consider volunteering at this fun and free event.  Sign up:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA4AC2DA5FAC70-48921042-garden Contact:  Julie Foster

    Monday, May 06 2024

  • Configuration Survey

    Reminder, please  take a moment to fill out the configuration survey . The survey is closing tomorrow, Wednesday, May 1st, at 9 AM.  Configuration survey link, https://forms.gle/FpywVvfU98wPwWHf8

    Tuesday, Apr 30 2024

  • Superintendent's Message, April 21

    April 21, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, I hope this message finds you all in good spirits as we navigate another week at SMCSD. I write to you today with a heavy heart due to a loss in my family this week. Missing a board meeting is certainly not something a superintendent wishes to miss. I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who showed up—cabinet members, board members, and the community—for continuing to hold the fort when others cannot be present. As we continue to aim for excellence in every classroom and every activity, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the continuous support and dedication that you, our families and staff, provide. It is your involvement and commitment that empower our students to reach their full potential. This week, we held our Coffee with the Superintendent and the regular board meeting. Here is a recap of what was discussed: New Website Design : Take a moment to check out our new website look. The homepage is filled with important information such as events, announcements, and links. The home is updated on a constant basis to showcase upcoming events and spotlight important information. Board Meeting Page : All information regarding board meetings, such as upcoming meetings, recordings, agendas, and past meetings, now lives on one page for easier access. Data Dashboard : A data dashboard is now available on our website. The public dashboard contains limited information for the public, while the same dashboard on our intranet page for SMCSD staff shows more detailed information, including student names. CCTR/CSPP Presentation : Click on the link to see the entire presentation on CCTR and CSPP. Thank you to Amy Adkins, Lisa Raffel, Stevie Lee, and Liz Henry for their clear and concise presentation. Summer School Program : Summer school will be a 5-week program this summer, from June 24 to July 26 (no program July 4-5), 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Enrollment priority is as follows: TK-6 Unduplicated students, students needing support in reading identified through literacy assessment data and recommended by teachers. Families will receive an email inviting them to sign up. This week, we also opened the configuration survey. If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete  this survey  and voice your opinion about the future configuration. On Monday, we will host our second town hall meeting in-person at the Phillips campus from 6-8 PM. We will serve tacos at 5:15 PM and provide childcare and translation in Russian and Spanish. We hope to see you there! Again, thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you at the upcoming events. If you know any community members who would like to subscribe to our community newsletter, please invite them to sign up  here  or contact our Director of Communications and Technology, Nixon Diaz, at  ndiaz@smcsd.org . In community, LaResha Huffman Superintendent 

    Monday, Apr 22 2024

  • Superintendent's Message, April 14

    April 14, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, We are thrilled to welcome back our students tomorrow morning! I hope everyone had a refreshing and enjoyable Spring Break. As we resume school, I want to remind you of the importance of the final stretch of the school year ahead. Let's continue to engage deeply in our learning and strive for excellence in all that we do. April is National Arab American Heritage Month, let’s take some time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. I encourage everyone to participate and broaden their understanding of the diverse tapestry that strengthens our nation. We are excited to announce our SMCSD Summer Program for 2024! This year our program will last 5 weeks with a focus on literacy and other engaging enrichment activities. Please note, enrollment will be prioritized for SMCSD students in TK-6th who have been identified as needing additional support in reading, English learners, students who are eligible for a free or reduced-price meal, and/or is a foster youth. The program will run from June 24, 2024, to July 26, 2024 from 8:30-5:30pm and closed July 4-5, 2024 for the 4th of July holiday.  Parents/Guardians will receive an emailed invitation to register. After prioritized students have enrolled, we will open registration for all students based on space. As we move forward, I would also like to highlight some key events that we have lined up: Coffee with the Superintendent : Join me on Wednesday, April 17 at 9:00 AM for a morning of conversation and community insights. This is a great opportunity to discuss our educational environment and your aspirations for the school year. CalState TEACH Info Session : Staff and community members who are interested in exploring teaching careers, we have a CALTEACH Info Session scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 5:00 PM. This session will provide valuable information about the program and how you can get involved.  RSVP here .  Regular Board Meeting : Our next board meeting will be held on Thursday, April 18 at 5:00 PM. We encourage all to attend as we discuss important matters concerning our school district. Community Town Hall : Mark your calendars for Monday, April 22 at 6:00 PM. This town hall meeting will be an excellent platform for discussing community issues and how we can work together to create a positive impact in our school and neighborhood. These events are great opportunities to connect, learn, and share your thoughts and ideas. Your participation is crucial as it helps us shape our strategies and initiatives to better serve our community. Let's make the remainder of the school year count. Looking forward to seeing you engaged in the upcoming events. In community, LaResha Huffman Superintendent  Upcoming Events — April 18: Regular Board Meeting 5pm in-person and  Zoom — April 17th- Coffee with the Superintendent 9am — April 17th, CalState TEACH Info session 5pm — April 20- BTG / MARINMOCA workshop — April 22- SMCSD Town Hall 6pm

    Sunday, Apr 14 2024

  • Superintendent's Message, April 7

    March 30, 2024 Dear SMCSD Staff, Parents and Community Members, I am reaching out with a heart full of gratitude for the incredible engagement and support you have shown at our recent events. The Community Town Hall this past Wednesday was a testament to our collective dedication to shaping a bright future for our educational environment. I want to thank everyone who attended, both in person and online. Special thanks to the panel, thank you for taking the time to participate in our panel and for engaging during these times. A copy of the town hall presentation is available on our  website .  Similarly, Thursday at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Nevada campus was profoundly moving. It symbolized our shared commitment to advancing the prospects of our students and underscored the unity and strength of our community. Thank you to the parents, students community members and the construction crew that showed up to support.  At the ceremony, we also had the pleasure of unveiling the new school logo. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the staff, and students who were involved in the selection process. Our staff took part in a survey that resulted in four logo options. These options were then presented to our students, who had the opportunity to vote for their favorite one.  As we approach Spring Break this week, I wish for all our students, staff, and families to enjoy this break. It’s a time to relax, rejuvenate, and spend time with loved ones. School will resume on Monday, April 15th. We will look forward to welcoming our students back.  Looking ahead, there are several significant events that I encourage our community to participate in. The Regular Board Meeting on April 14 at 5pm is an excellent opportunity for you to stay abreast of district initiatives and decisions. The meeting is held in person at the Phillips Campus, 200 Phillips Dr. and online via Zoom,  click here for link .  BTG is offering this wonderful program through MARINMOCA! In conjunction with Earth Day 2024, middle and high school students will explore creative responses to climate change while working alongside professional artists. During day-long workshops convened at the artists’ studios or workplaces, groups of 6-8 youth will see first-hand how professional artists use their conceptual insights and artistic skills as forms of climate activism. An exhibition of works created for this project will be held April 22 – 29 with an opening reception on Earth Day, April 22, 5:00 – 6:30 pm. For more information,  click here . If your child is interested, please  apply here . We will host a second Town Hall meeting on April 22 at 6pm, at the Phillips Campus. I encourage all families and staff to attend. More information to come after spring break.  I am excited to connecting with many of you at the Coffee with the Superintendent on April 17 at 9am. These gatherings offer a wonderful chance for us to share ideas and discuss the future direction of our schools in an informal setting. Your active participation and unwavering support means a lot, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Together, we are not just enhancing the educational experience for our students but are also crafting a legacy of excellence and opportunity for future generations. Thank you for your partnership and for the enthusiasm you bring to our school district. I am excited about what we can accomplish together and look forward to engaging with you in the upcoming events. In community,  LaResha Huffman Superintendent  Upcoming Events — April 8-12 Spring Break No school — April 14: Regular Board Meeting 5pm in-person and  Zoom — April 17th- Coffee with the Superintendent 9am — April 20- BTG / MARINMOCA workshop — April 22- SMCSD Town Hall 6pm

    Monday, Apr 08 2024