Welcome Back to School Mill Valley School District

​ ​ Welcome Back to School! From the Mill Valley School Board ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Hello and a big welcome to all our new and returning families! ​ We are excited about the new school year and we heard from Dr. Kaufman, who visited all our school sites today, that the energy and enthusiasm has been fabulous. As current and former district parents ourselves, we remember all of those “first days” - complete with first day jitters, lunches packed with favorite snacks, backpacks that were tidy, and navigating ALL of the big feelings all at once.  Some of you may know us well, but to many, we are new faces so we wanted to quickly introduce ourselves. We are 5 trustees from diverse professional backgrounds (architecture, human resources, law, education and finance) who care deeply about this District and are committed to fostering an environment where all students can thrive.  Together, we have over 40 years of experience in the district, across all 6 schools, 3 of us currently have district students, and one is an alumna herself of our wonderful district. As parents, we’ve collectively experienced the amazing work and commitment of more than a hundred certificated teachers as well as the incredible efforts of countless specialists, aides, administrators, and site staff who do their part to make this an amazing place for students.  Come find us and say hello at upcoming events like parent coffees, PTA meetings, and the Back to School Nights. We welcome correspondence from our families and you can always reach us at letterstotheboardoftrustees@mvschools.org   Here’s to a fantastic school year! Sharon, Natalie, Elli, Michele and Yunhee. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Thursday, Aug 22 2024

Classroom placements are officially live!

​​ Elementary Teacher assignments are visible in the Aeries Portal for families with Data Confirmation complete! August 19, 2024 ​​ ​​ Classroom placements are officially live! ​ If you have completed your Aeries Data Confirmation, you are now able to view your child’s class assignment via the Aeries Portal. An email announcing class placement will not be sent home this year. You can find more information about Aeries Data Confirmation here. If you have multiple students, Data Confirmation must be completed for each student.  After you have completed your Data Confirmation, log into the Aeries portal, click on "Student Info" from the menu on the left, then click "Contacts" from the menu on the left, then click "General" from the menu bar across the top of the page. Locate the "Teacher" field to find your child's assigned teacher. Alternatively, you can log in to the portal, click on Student Info from the menu on the left, then click Siblings (even if your child does not have a sibling). The teacher is then listed under the School information.  Thank you for your assistance with data confirmation and ensuring we have up-to-date information for all students for the first day of school! We look forward to welcoming all students on Thursday, August 22. ​​

Monday, Aug 19 2024

Superintendent's Message: Welcome Back to School

​ ​ Superintendent's Message Welcome Back To School August 14, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Mill Valley Families and Community ​ As we embark on another exciting school year, I am filled with enthusiasm and optimism for the opportunities ahead. Our district is committed to providing the highest quality education for every student, and this year, we are proud to share some significant updates that will strengthen our community, support our mission, and our continuous focus on answering the question, “What’s Best for Every Student?’ in our daily work.  Attracting and Retaining Highly Qualified Teachers and Staff Our district recognizes that the foundation of a great education begins with great educators. This year, we have focused our efforts on attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff. By fostering a supportive environment and providing professional growth opportunities, we are committed to ensuring that our students are guided by the best educators. In a time when staff shortages are a concern nationally, we are proud to welcome the following members to our team. Focus on Elementary English Language Arts Curriculum This year, we are excited to introduce a new elementary English Language Arts curriculum, Amplify CKLA, aligned with the science of reading and designed to build strong foundational literacy skills. Our teachers spent time on their own this summer unpacking and organizing these materials and participated in before school professional learning to prepare to implement this district-wide curriculum, and we are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure its success in developing proficient readers and confident learners. To learn more, please visit the link here. ​ ​ ​ ​ Strengthening a Supportive and Inclusive Culture We are deeply committed to nurturing a supportive and inclusive culture across our district. This year, we are enhancing our focus on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a positive school environment where every student feels valued and respected. To ensure we deliver these supports in the best possible way, we will continue our work with Sam Drazin of Changing Perspectives, as well as introduce through our library classes a curriculum about belonging designed by Tenisha Tate-Austin from Critical Friends. These resources are offered in addition to daily support for social, emotional, and behavioral learning provided by elementary counselors and staff through Morning Meeting and Toolbox. Our district’s sixth to eighth grade students are also supported daily by our middle school counseling staff and wellness center, where Sara McKenna, our new Mill Valley Middle School Principal, will also lead the implementation of PBIS to ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive. Back to School Nights We warmly invite you to join us for our Back to School Nights, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about our programs and initiatives. The Elementary Back to School Night will be held on September 5, and the Middle School Back to School Night is September 12. These evenings will also be a chance to get to know your schools and teachers and connect with our community partners, including the PTA, Kiddo!, and ITAV, which play a vital role in supporting our schools.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Ongoing Communications ​ In an effort to streamline our communications district-wide, and to avoid repetitive information, we will not be publishing a district-wide family newsletter each Wednesday. Instead, our weekly “Superintendent Update” in your principal’s Friday newsletter. I continue to encourage you to each out to me directly by email at ekaufman@mvschools.org, by office phone at 415-389-7705 or by cell at 415-634-8085. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we will work together to make this year a remarkable one, filled with learning, growth, and success. Warm regards, Elizabeth Kaufman Superintendent Mill Valley School District ​ ​ ​ ​ Ways to Stay Informed ​ As partners in your children’s education, it is important to us that you have information about our schools and district readily available to you. In addition to our district and school websites, we offer the following ways to stay informed and engaged: ParentSquare will continue to be our primary tool for communicating with you for school and district information. ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone to connect. You’ll be able to receive all school and classroom communication, view the school and district calendar, sign up to volunteer or participate in activities and communicate directly with your teachers and school principal. Additionally, ParentSquare gives parents/guardians the ability to contact other families in their classroom to build community.  Newsletters will be sent by your school site Principal, via ParentSquare, every Friday, which will include a "Superintendent's Update", as well as your school news and updates. Board Meetings are typically held once per month and can be attended in person or through Zoom. The Board meeting schedule can be found here. Meeting agendas and minutes can be found here and video recordings are available here. School staff emails and telephone contact information is available at each school’s website. District Office Edna Maguire Elementary Mill Valley Middle School Old Mill Elementary Park Elementary Strawberry Point Elementary Tam Valley Elementary ​ ​ ​ ​ District Back to School Information Overview Please expect additional communication from your school principal ​ ​ ​ ​ Aeries Data Confirmation ​ We are using the Aeries Parent Portal for Data Confirmation to notify families of various legal rights, policies, and procedures and to ensure accurate and current contact, emergency contact, and medical information for each student in MVSD. If you have not already done so this year, please complete the Data Confirmation process in the MVSD Aeries Parent Portal by Friday, August 16, 2024. You can find more information here. ​ ​ ​ ​ Class Placements and Student Schedules ​ Elementary Class Placements Your student’s class placement will be visible in the Aeries parent portal on Monday, August 19, after 12:00 p.m. if you have completed your Aeries Data Confirmation. For more information on Data Confirmation please see the ParentSquare message MVSD Aeries Data Confirmation. Middle School Student Schedules Friday, August 16: Sixth grade schedules provided to students during the WEB Orientation Wednesday, August 21: Seventh and eighth grade students may access their schedules online through the Aeries Portal.  New seventh and eighth grade students should receive schedule information from their counselor. ​ ​ ​ ​ Waitlist Information ​ If your student has not yet been offered enrollment at your preferred school site, please have your child attend your assigned school beginning Thursday, August 22, 2024. Your child will remain on the waitlist and you will be notified of openings that occur throughout the school year. Please find Board Policy 5111.4 - Student Enrollment and School Assignment, as well as Administrative Regulation 5111.4 - Student Enrollment and School Assignment, linked for reference. ​ ​ ​ ​ Ways to Get Involved ​ The active involvement of parents is a hallmark of what makes Mill Valley schools outstanding.  We welcome parent participation in multiple venues.  Together, we make our schools great! Parent Partner Organizations:  The following organizations are instrumental to the success of our schools, contributing significantly to the excellent educational opportunities available to Mill Valley children: Kiddo! is the Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation, an organization made up of parents, teachers, businesses, and active members of the community, who help fund vital programs including art, music, drama, poetry, dance, and teacher grants. Mill Valley PTAs are non-profit organizations at all five elementary schools and the middle school, who organize events at their site, increase parent involvement, and fund site-specific needs, including student enrichment programs. It Takes a Village (ITAV) promotes the academic success of all students in Mill Valley schools who learn differently, through parent education and advocacy, and recognizes and supports challenges in parenting and educating children with learning differences. Volunteering: In addition to volunteering with our parent organization partners and traditional ways of volunteering in your child’s classroom, each site relies upon the involvement of parents for daily yard and meal supervision, helping to monitor students during morning school drop off and afternoon pick up, and myriad other ways. For more information about volunteering, please visit our website here or speak to your site Principal. Safe Routes to School:  With ongoing traffic congestion in Mill Valley, we are asking families to please consider walking or cycling to school when possible. Information about pedestrian and bicycle routes to each of our campuses is available at SR2S website here. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Daily Bell Schedules ​ Elementary Schools: M, T, Th, F: 8:15 a.m. - 2:35 p.m. W: 8:15 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Middle School: M, T, Th, F: 8:35 a.m. - 3:05 p.m. W: 8:35 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ School Meal Program ​ The Mill Valley School District, in partnership with The LunchMaster, offers free pre-ordered breakfast and lunch to all students enrolled in the district. If you are a returning family, please make sure that you update your students grade level before placing your order. All orders must be made one week in advance. Please follow the instructions to sign up for this optional program by clicking below.. ​ ​ ​ ​ Sign Up for LunchMaster Here ​ ​ ​ ​ Breakfast Supervision ​ Elementary Schools: Breakfast service and yard supervision begin at 7:45 a.m. Breakfast service ends at 8:00 a.m. Middle School Breakfast service and yard supervision begin at 8:00 a.m. ​ ​ ​ ​ For Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Families with Children at Other Elementary Sites ​ Mornings:  If your older children attend a site other than Edna Maguire or Park, please plan to drop them off during breakfast supervision time before dropping your TK child at school. You may then proceed to drop off your TK child. Afternoons:  Please collect your TK child first. TK students are available for early pick up starting at 2:15 p.m. Following your TK pick up, you can proceed to your older child’s school. TK students remaining at Edna Maguire or Park will be engaged in play until the end of the day at 2:35 p.m. ​ ​ ​ ​ Employment at Mill Valley School District ​ Working in MVSD: Joining our MVSD team as a district employee is another great way to support your children’s education. If you are interested in learning more about full-time or part-time work, please check our MVSD Job Opportunities. Substitute Teaching: We often need substitute teachers to support instruction during staff illness or absence. Parents who hold a bachelor's degree and meet the CTC basic skills requirement may be eligible to apply for an Emergency 30-Day Substitute Teaching Permit, which would allow them to substitute in a MVSD classroom. More information about becoming a substitute teacher is available on the MCOE website.  ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Wednesday, Aug 14 2024

First Day of School Lunch Orders are Due Today

​ ​ Ordering Breakfast & Lunch Time to Place Your First Order August 12, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Orders for the First Day of School are Due Now ​ If you are planning to order breakfast and/or lunch for your child(ren) on the very first day of school (August 22, 2024), your order must be placed by 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning (Tuesday, August 13, 2024). For more information about our breakfast and lunch program, click the button below. ​ ​ ​ ​ Breakfast & Lunch Program ​ ​

Tuesday, Aug 13 2024

Welcome to ParentSquare Communications

​ ​ Welcome to Mill Valley School District ParentSquare Communications July 31, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Dear Mill Valley Families, ​ ​ ​ ​ As we get closer to the start of a new school year, as well as enjoying the last days of summer and planning for back-to-school, there are a few things you will need to do prior to the first day of school. ParentSquare Account Our returning families will be familiar with ParentSquare - we hope you have found the messaging a helpful way of staying connected with your child(ren)’s education.   For our new families, welcome to MVSD!  We are excited to let you know that this year we will use ParentSquare to communicate with you at the district and school level, as well as from your classroom, PTA and Kiddo! With ParentSquare you’ll be able to: •   Receive all district, school and classroom communication via email, text, or app •   View the school and classroom calendar and RSVP for events •   Easily sign up to volunteer and/or bring items ParentSquare provides a simple and safe way for everyone at school to connect.  Our goal is for every family to join ParentSquare and engage with our school community.  You can use ParentSquare on any device by downloading the free mobile app for iOS or Android, or use the desktop version at www.parentsquare.com. New Members: Activate your Account You may have received an invitation email to join ParentSquare. Please click the link within the message to activate your account. It takes less than a minute.  If you did not receive this invitation, or it went to spam, here are three ways you can register and activate your account: Click the activation link in email or text sent to you via ParentSquare. Visit ParentSquare at https://www.parentsquare.com/signin and register using the contact information (email or phone number) that matches the data you provided during enrollment with Mill Valley School District. Click the link in a post or message sent to you via ParentSquare, like this message. If you have problems accessing ParentSquare after trying the three methods above, please email communications@mvschools.org for help. ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ All Members: Aeries Parent Portal ​ Later this week, you will all receive a ParentSquare message asking you to log into your Aeries Parent Portal account to confirm your student's data and emergency information (Parent Data Confirmation). Clear instructions, including how to access your Aeries Parent Portal account if you do not have one or have not accessed your account before, will be included in the message. We appreciate your prompt attention to Parent Data Confirmation, as up-to-date contact information and Medical History are essential to a successful start to the school year. We are excited to welcome all of our students to the first day of school on Thursday, August 22, 2024.   You will receive more information from your school during the week before school! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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) 389-7700 communications@mvschools.org www.mvschools.org ​ ​ To pick up a draggable item, press the space bar. While dragging, use the arrow keys to move the item. Press space again to drop the item in its new position, or press escape to cancel.

Wednesday, Jul 31 2024

Introduction to Assistant Superintendent of Business...

Mill Valley School District Welcomes Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations - Paula Rigney   Mill Valley School District is delighted to introduce Paula Furtado Rigney as our new Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations. With a strong background in California School Business and School Operations, Paula F. Rigney is set to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the team.   Paula is an accomplished school business official with over 25 years of experience in school finance and operations (12 years in Kern County and 13 years in Marin County). Her leadership skills and experience with school business, accounting, finance, facilities, and district operations well qualify her for this role and align with the Mill Valley School District. Throughout her career, her responsibilities have increased with each position, affording the skillset to manage budgets in both Basic Aid and LCFF funded districts. Ms. Rigney is driven by her passion for education and a passion for understanding the challenges within each public school district. Her commitment to aligning the business strategy with the educational mission of the organization, while also ensuring financial sustainability and solvency have made her a strong resource within school business officials. Ms. Rigney will be leading the district's Facilities, Budget, and Technology infrastructure efforts. Ms. Rigney and her husband are fortunate to raise their two daughters in Marin. Having immigrated to United States from the Azore (Açores) Islands, her understanding of the challenges and importance of equity gives her cultural experience and innate passion for equity. Being from Central Valley, graduating from Fresno Pacific University, and most recently obtaining her Chief Business Official certification from the state’s Fiscal Crisis Management Assistant Team (FCMAT) has also continued to drive her in making a difference in our future generations. Ms. Rigney is eager to return to a district to work at the local level in an environment closer to students.

Friday, Jul 19 2024

Family Newsletter - May 29, 2024

Week at a Glance Thursday, May 29 9:00 am - Edna Maguire’s 2nd Annual Special Olympics 6:00 pm - Open House at all Mill Valley School District Elementary Schools Friday, May 31 8:00 a.m. - Tam Valley Morning Assembly 9:00 a.m. - ITAV Board Meeting Monday, June 3 1:30 p.m. -  Amplify CKLA for Parents  5:30 p.m. -  Board Agenda Review with Elizabeth Wednesday, June 5 9:30 a.m. - Edna Maguire & Tam Valley 5th Grade to MVMS 3:00 p.m. Park School’s Farewell to Mr. Martini 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Districtwide TK Parent Night at Edna Maguire   Dear Mill Valley Families, As we race towards the end of another school year, it's time for one of the most exciting events on the calendar - Open House! This Thursday, each of our elementary schools will be opening their doors to showcase the incredible learning journey your children have embarked upon this year. For those who haven't experienced Open House before, bring your child along as your dedicated tour guide. Prepare to be amazed as they lead you through snapshots of their learning, sharing their thoughts, memories, and precious accomplishments. From art projects to science experiments, and everything in between, you'll witness firsthand the growth and creativity that's been flourishing in our classrooms.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to celebrate with us! Respectfully,  Elizabeth    GET READY PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS!   PARENT INVITATION TO  CORE KNOWLEDGE LANGUAGE ARTS (CKLA)  PRESENTATION  The MVSD Board is being asked to consider adopting  Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts ®  K-5 curriculum at the June 6th Board meeting. We are hosting a zoom webinar on Monday, June 3, 2024, 1:30–3:30 p.m. for parents, caregivers, and community members to learn more about it. Additionally, samples of the curriculum are on display in the lobby of the District Office.  Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts ®  (CKLA) is a comprehensive literacy curriculum, grounded in the Science of Reading. The K–2 curriculum sequences deep content knowledge-building with research-based foundational skills. Amplify CKLA for grades 3–5 integrates foundational skills students have learned in grades K–2 while continuing to build rich content knowledge. Amplify CKLA provides the instruction and guidance of proven, evidence-based practices to help all students become strong readers, writers, and thinkers.  ZOOM -  https://amplify.zoom.us/j/7688921868   JUNE 2024 - PRIDE MILL VALLEY MONTH Click here for more information .

Wednesday, May 29 2024

Friday Update

Dear Mill Valley Families and Staff, Let's kick off this Memorial Day weekend by sharing some exciting updates and acknowledgments! During Wednesday's Board Meeting, we had the pleasure of honoring the district's retirees and long-serving staff members. While we appreciate that every member of our team contributes to making our district exceptional, it was a truly special moment being able to recognize and celebrate this particular dedicated and long-serving group of employees. In honor of this occasion, and on the back of this week's  Day of the MVSD Employee , we're thrilled to share the following video with our community. It showcases some of our remarkable employees who bring their passion and dedication to our schools each and every day, making each moment extraordinary for our students.   The Board was also treated to an unexpected, and spectacular, barbershop quartet performance by Mill Valley Middle School Students, Tallula, Clair, Ryan, and Nola.  We're bursting with pride and eager to share their incredible performance with everyone. A huge "Thank you" to Jessica Nicholson for orchestrating this unforgettable moment.  (Note: the sound quality of the video does not fully portray the amazing quality of the performance live!)                 Kiddo! CARNIVAL REMINDER!   Carnival ticket vouchers are now on sale! Vouchers can be exchanged on any single day of the carnival for all-you-can-ride rides. Games and food are separate. (Note that there is no ticket or entrance fee required to attend the carnival.) Vouchers are $36 in advance, or $45 onsite. Tickets are available for purchase at  Kiddo! Office  (at MVMS, look for the yellow door near the main parking lot) on Friday 8:15-2:00 p.m.  Credit card payment preferred; cash or check also accepted.  **We love celebrating with the community and appreciate your support. Kiddo! wants to be sure that everyone in our community is able to enjoy the carnival and has scholarships available. Please reach out to your site principal to request assistance.   PRIDE IN MILL VALLEY   Mark your calendars for the Memorial Day Parade happening on Monday, May 27, 2024, hosted by the  City of Mill Valley ! This year, we're thrilled to announce that our student GSA clubs from MVSD and Tam High have been selected to lead the parade as Grand Marshals! All LGBTQ+ individuals and allies are warmly invited to join us as Grand Marshals for the 2024 Memorial Day Parade!  To prepare for this exciting event, we invite you to join DEI members at the Mill Valley Community Center on Saturday, May 25, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm for a sign and banner-making session. Let's come together to create visual messages that represent our community's spirit and values. In order to make sure that there are an appropriate amount of supplies, please  RSVP . O [Friday, May 24 at 2:58 PM] We have added a second video of the barbershop quartet which has much better quality sound for your enjoyment!

Friday, May 24 2024

Family Newsletter - May 22, 2024

WEEK AT A GLANCE   Wednesday, May 22 6:00 p.m.  Board of Trustees Meeting 7:00 p.m. Spring Choral Concert at MVMS Thursday, May 23 11:45 a.m. Edna DEI & TV PTA Meetings 1:00 p.m. Edna Maguire 1st Grade Dance 4:30 p.m. Golden Bell Ceremony Friday, May 24 8:00 a.m. Tam Valley Morning Assembly Kiddo! Carnival Saturday, May 25 Kiddo! Carnival Sunday, May 26 Kiddo! Carnival Monday, May 27 Memorial Day - No School Kiddo! Carnival Dear Mill Valley Families, We warmly invite you to join us tonight for the Board meeting, either in person at the Mill Valley Middle School library or via Zoom. During this meeting, we will be highlighting and celebrating our retiring employees as well as those who have reached significant milestones in their years of service with the Mill Valley School District. As we close in on the end of the school year, I also want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this Memorial Weekend to spend some quality time together. It's a wonderful opportunity to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories with your loved ones. We are excited to share that Kiddo! will be hosting a carnival all weekend at the middle school. This event is a fantastic way to have fun as a family while also supporting our children's education. It's truly a win-win situation! We hope to see you there, enjoying the festivities and celebrating our vibrant community. Respectfully,  Elizabeth    Kiddo! CARNIVAL TICKETS SALES   Carnival ticket vouchers are now on sale! Vouchers can be exchanged on any single day of the carnival for all-you-can-ride rides. Games and food are separate. (Note that there is no ticket or entrance fee required to attend the carnival.) Vouchers are $36 in advance, or $45 onsite. Tickets are available for purchase all week at the dates, times, and locations listed below:    Kiddo! Office  (at MVMS, look for the yellow door near the main parking lot) Credit card payment preferred; cash or check also accepted Monday through Thursday, 8:15 - 3:30 Friday, 8:15 - 2:00  Mill Valley Community Center Thursday, 3:30 - 6:00 pm Credit card payment only Old Mill School Tuesday @ drop off Wednesday @ pick up Credit card payment only Park School Tuesday @ drop off Wednesday @ drop off Credit card payment only Strawberry Point School Monday @ pick up Credit card payment only Tam Valley Elementary School Tuesday @ pick up Credit card payment only Edna Maguire Elementary School Tuesday @ pick up Wednesday @ drop off Credit card payment only **We love celebrating with the community and appreciate your support. Kiddo! wants to be sure that everyone in our community is able to enjoy the carnival and has scholarships available. Please reach out to your site prinicipal to request assistance.

Wednesday, May 22 2024

Family Newsletter - May 15, 2024

Family Newsletter WEEK AT A GLANCE Thursday, May 16 9:00 a.m. Park PTA Meeting 6:00 p.m. MVMS Open House Friday, May 17 8:00 a.m. Tam Valley Morning Assembly 8:15 a.m. Strawberry Point PTA Meeting 8:30 a.m. Old Mill PTA Meeting Monday, May 20 5:30 p.m. Community Meeting -  Agenda Review Tuesday, May 21 Day of the MVSD Employee Wednesday, May 22 11:45 a.m. Tam Valley DEI Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m.  Board of Trustees Meeting Dear Mill Valley Families, As you may know, Principal Danny Chui has resigned from his position at Mill Valley Middle School. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for his dedication to both staff and students during his time with us and wish him the very best in his future endeavors. As we transition to finding our next middle school principal, we are actively accepting applications for this important leadership role. We are seeking an individual who will continue to foster our dynamic educational environment and uphold our commitment to excellence. Your input is invaluable to us as we search for the ideal candidate. We invite you to participate in a  survey  where you can share the qualities and characteristics you believe are essential for our next principal. Your thoughtful input will help guide our selection process and ensure that we find a leader who aligns with the values of our school community. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this search for our next principal. Together, we will work to ensure that Mill Valley Middle School remains a place of learning, growth, and achievement for all our students. Respectfully,  Elizabeth    DAY OF THE MVSD EMPLOYEE  The Mill Valley School District Board of Trustees recognizes the invaluable contributions of our dedicated teachers and support staff. Our educators and classified school staff work tirelessly to foster the growth and development of our youth, playing a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals. Their unwavering commitment and hard work are fundamental to the success of our students and the excellence of our school district. In honor of their dedication, the Board of Trustees has proclaimed May 21, 2024, as the Day of the MVSD Employee. We encourage all community members to join us in expressing heartfelt appreciation to our teachers and classified employees for their outstanding efforts and contributions. This resolution, passed on April 25, 2024, highlights the integral role of every staff member in creating the exceptional educational environment we cherish in Mill Valley. Let's come together to celebrate and acknowledge their indispensable work.   RECOGNIZING ERIN   In last week’s community post, we regrettably overlooked acknowledging one of our invaluable staff members who consistently steps up and offers unwavering support. Erin Sheedy, a vital member of our team, was inadvertently omitted. We extend our sincerest apologies for this oversight and express our gratitude for her dedicated contributions alongside our other dynamic team members in nurturing our school community in recent weeks.   INTRODUCING MARIN SYMPHONY’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR We are thrilled to announce that the Marin Symphony has honored one of our very own,  Mr. Cayce Carnahan , with the prestigious Teacher of the Year Award! Every year, the Marin Symphony acknowledges two outstanding music educators who exemplify excellence in teaching and demonstrate an extraordinary dedication to their students. We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Carnahan as part of our team, and his recognition is a reflection of the high caliber of educators we have at our school.  His impact extends far beyond the classroom walls, as evidenced by the countless performances where our students shine under his guidance. His passion for music education enriches the lives of everyone he encounters, and we are privileged to have him as a valued member of our school community. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Cayce Carnahan on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to continuing to learn and grow under his guidance as he inspires excellence in music education at Mill Valley Middle School.   MARIN COUNTY GOLDEN BELL CEREMONY 2024 It is that time of year when we get to take a moment to recognize the tremendous contributions that a few select colleagues make to our daily lives. This year’s Golden Bell recipients from Mill Valley School District are  Jen Albin, Kim Tran, Erin Lyons, Kate Taylor, Lulu Monti, Rachael Hunter, Hashim Salehbhai, John Sy, Sheri Stray, and Pam Routson!! An outstanding group of people who come to work every day and make a difference.  Additionally, we are proud to announce that Mill Valley School District's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee has been nominated as valued community partners. This recognition celebrates their tireless efforts to lead and effect positive change within our district. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment is truly commendable and integral to our community's success. Please join us at Dominican University, Angelico Hall, on May 23, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. General seating is available, and no registration is required. The doors open at 4:00 p.m.    BASKETBALL FUN AT MVMS In spite of some serious competition from the 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade teams, the middle school teachers were unstoppable in the final game of the students vs. teachers matchups! The final game of the “season” resulted in the teachers' third straight win, effectively sweeping the series! Congratulations to all!   A MESSAGE FROM CARE SOLACE While Teacher Appreciation Week falls in May, every day is a chance to recognize the incredible impact school staff has on our children's lives. Teachers, counselors, administrators, and everyone in between dedicate themselves to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where students can learn and thrive. Their tireless efforts inspire curiosity, build character, and shape the future of our communities. Beyond academics, school staff play a crucial role in our children's emotional well-being. They often serve as confidantes, mentors, and advocates, offering support and guidance through challenging times. The pressure to meet student needs while managing demanding schedules can take its toll. Let's remember to extend our gratitude to all school staff for their unwavering dedication and commitment to our children's success. The stress of school life can affect everyone – students, families, and staff alike. Care Solace is here to support the entire school community. Our comprehensive database connects individuals with mental health professionals who can provide culturally competent care, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need. By prioritizing mental well-being, we can create a more positive and productive environment for learning and growth. If you or someone you know wants to be connected to a mental health care provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential mental health care coordination service provided by Mill Valley School District: Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365. Visit  www.caresolace.com/mvschools  and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.   KIDDO! CARNIVAL The Kiddo! Carnival is fast approaching. You can purchase tickets at the Kiddo! office or the MVCC. Locations and hours are below. (MVMS students can come directly to the Kiddo! office to purchase tickets.) Credit card payment is preferred, but we will accept credit cards, cash, or checks at the Kiddo! office. Discount vouchers will be $36 in advance of the carnival and can be exchanged for an all-you-can-ride wristband on any single day of the carnival. Onsite, wristbands will be $45. Not only is the carnival one of our favorite weekends each year, it is one of the largest Kiddo! fundraisers that enables us to provide programming to all MVSD students. We love celebrating with the community and appreciate your support. Kiddo! wants to be sure that everyone in our community is able to enjoy the carnival and has scholarships available. Please reach out to your school principal to request assistance.   Kiddo! Office  Monday, May 20th through Thursday, May 23rd – 8:15 – 3:30 pm Friday, May 24th 8:15 – 2:00 pm   Mill Valley Community Center Thursday, May 23rd – 3:00 – 6:00 pm   The Carnival is open Friday, May 24th from 4:00 – 10:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 – 10:00 pm; and Monday from 12:00 – 5:00 pm.   Also on Monday (1:00 – 5:30), please join us for our annual Day on the Green, a  free  community concert at Friends Field with food and beverages for purchase. We have three amazing performances lined up for you:  Free Creatures ,  Iriefuse , and  the Performing Arts Academy of Marin . Get ready to dance!! We need volunteers to make the carnival and entire weekend a success. You can volunteer  here  to sell advance discount vouchers, or to help us sell adult beverages at the Kiddo! concession stand during Day on the Green  here .

Wednesday, May 15 2024