• SRCS Updates (May): News from around the District fo...

    SRCS Parent and Family Feedback Survey As we wrap-up the school year and plan for the future, we ask our parents and families to please take our  2025 SRCS Parent and Family Feedback Survey ! This important survey is confidential and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. The feedback received will help to shape the work ahead and is critical to informing the important decisions the District makes each day in support of our SRCS Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAP). If you have multiple children at different schools, please complete once for each school. The survey deadline is Friday, May 23. Complete the survey in English Complete the survey in Spanish Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback related to how your school and our District can best support your child's success in SRCS! You may recall that the District also partners with YouthTruth for surveys. We are planning to use YouthTruth every other year; we look forward to surveying our SRCS students, families and staff using their more comprehensive survey next school year.  Davidson and ELC Reading Buddies Twice over the past few weeks, students from Davidson Middle School's leadership and AVID programs have headed over to the Early Learning Center at Short School to share their love of reading with TK students! The Davidson students engaged with the young learners with great enthusiasm and care. They were inspirational models and the TK students gained so much from the visits. Our thanks to the Davidson and ELC staff for coordinating the experiences! Students Engage in Panel at George Lucas Educational Foundation  Four Terra Linda High School students participated in a panel discussion at the George Lucas Educational Foundation headquarters, located at Skywalker Ranch in Marin County. The session was titled "Hopes and Fears for AI-Powered Tools in Education," and it was part of the Foundation's bi-annual HQ Week, when staff from across the country gather for collaborative planning and professional development.  The students were asked to share how they use artificial intelligence (AI) and what excites and concerns them about AI technologies in their learning experiences. Students were thoughtful, engaging in the panel discussion and had a great experience. The George Lucas Foundation supports K-12 learning, including their free online publication,  Edutopia . Author Visit Helps Students Get Ready for the Summer In partnership with Copperfield's Bookstore, the Bookstormer Foundation and SRCS, author Pablo Cartaya recently visited Bahia Vista Elementary and Laurel Dell Elementary fifth grade classes. Pablo shared his new book, A Hero’s Guide to Summer Vacation , and highlighted hilarious family stories as his inspiration for his writing. All students left with a signed copy of the book to enjoy heading into summer! Google Releases 13 and Under Gemini AI Recently, Google announced that Gemini AI will be available for children 13 and under with accounts that have parental controls through Google Family. Parents can manage access to Gemini in the  Google Family Link account . This is turned ON by default. If you want to prevent your child from accessing Gemini, tap "Controls" in your child's profile, then tap "Gemini," and then tap "Gemini apps." Google will let you know when your child accesses Gemini for the first time. Google warns that there are several things you should point out to your child if you decide to let them interact with Gemini (and these are solid rules for adults, too).  Help them understand that Gemini isn't a real person. It may talk like a person, but it has no emotions or feelings.  It's not always right. Any response should be double-checked by another source. Don't enter any sensitive or personal information into Gemini.  There are filters in place, but Gemini might present content that you don't want your children to interact with. City of San Rafael Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The City of San Rafael is updating its Citywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. This plan will guide investments for the next 5-10 years, incorporating community priorities, new data and the latest best practices. Learn more and share your experiences traveling around San Rafael. Board Resolutions The SRCS Board of Education adopted the following resolutions at their recent meetings: In Support of Recognizing May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month In Support of Recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month In Support of Recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month In Support and Recognition of May 2025 as Labor History Month 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. Grief Resources MCOE and Bay the Bay Health Grief Support Resources , which includes the recording of the April webinar “Helping Youth Cope with Loss.” Grief Camp for Kids & Teens. A free weekend camp for grieving Bay Area youth aged 7-17 years old (18, if still in high school). August 8-10 | Learn more |  Register Immigration Resources  MCOE Immigration Supports and Resources Supporting Students in Politically Charged Times Know Your Rights: How to Interact with I.C.E. ( English |  Spanish ) 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 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 – Rules of the Road Most bicycle crashes involving motorists can be avoided by riding visibly and predictably, following the rules of the road. Riding against traffic is dangerous because it dramatically increases the risk of collisions with oncoming vehicles and other cyclists; drivers do not anticipate a cyclist approaching from the wrong direction. Unpredictable behavior on an e-bike can increase the risk of impact at high speeds; the higher the speed, the less time the driver and cyclist have to react.  Riding and driving predictably, following the laws, saves lives. Remember: Eyes Up!  San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490

    Thursday, May 15 2025

  • Youth in Arts C Street Celebration Saturday

    Please join us at the Youth In Arts C Street Celebration this Saturday, May 17 11:00am to 4:00pm. Students from SRCS will be performing, along with YIA Teaching Artists and 'Til Dawn. Chalk art street painting and other art activities for children, plus food and beverages from Pink Owl and Hot Italian Pizza. HeadsUp will be there with a table and activity as well so stop by to say hello! ELC & Laurel Dell- 11:00 am Bahia Vista & San Pedro- 11:15 am Coleman & Venetia Valley- 1:15 pm Glenwood & Sun Valley- 2:00 pm  

    Monday, May 12 2025

  • Invitación a la reunión del DELAC - VIRTUALMENTE - H...

    DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee / Comité Distrital para Aprendices del Idioma Inglés) AGENDA Thursday, May 8, 2025 el jueves 8 de mayo 6 - 7:30 pm Zoom Info/Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 Nos complace invitarles a la reunión del Comité Asesor de Estudiantes de Inglés (DELAC) este jueves 8 de mayo a las 6:00 PM. La reunión se llevará a cabo de manera virtual, y pueden unirse a través del enlace de Zoom que se proporciona a continuación. La agenda está adjunta. Tengan en cuenta que la reunión se llevará a cabo en español, con traducción al inglés disponible a solicitud.   Enlace de Zoom:  https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 We are pleased to invite you to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting this Thursday, May 8 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held virtually, and you can join us using the Zoom link provided below. The agenda is attached. Please note that the meeting will be conducted in Spanish, with English translation available upon request.   Zoom Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526

    Thursday, May 08 2025

  • Message from the Superintendent: Celebrating Our SRC...

    Celebrating Our SRCS Educators! Dear San Rafael City Schools Community,   Today, May 6, is the 2025 National Teacher Day, an opportunity to honor the incredible work of our SRCS educators!  To all our educators, thank you for your unwavering dedication. We recognize your commitment and contributions not just today, but all this week during Teacher Appreciation Week and importantly, throughout the entire year. We strive to celebrate you every day by supporting an environment that allows you to thrive as an educator and our students to excel in our schools. Your efforts to create supportive classrooms and positively impact students' lives are deeply valued. The  SRCS Board of Education recently adopted a resolution in celebration of our SRCS teachers, highlighting their role in shaping our students for future success and strengthening our community. The Board and District administration are grateful for the commitment and excellence they demonstrate. Each May, public school educators from SRCS and all of Marin are recognized and honored at the Annual Golden Bell Awards Event. The following educators were selected as 2025 Marin County Golden Bell Award recipients and will be honored at the May 22 event: Roxane Eger - Early Learning Center Valerie Cherbero - Bahia Vista Elementary School Amy Probst - Coleman Elementary School Nicole Kilian - Glenwood Elementary School Patricia Castaneda - San Pedro Elementary School Kelly Jean Underwood - Sun Valley Elementary School Freddy Dominguez - Venetia Valley School Alex Papanicolas - Davidson Middle School Nichole Caiocca - San Rafael High School Keeley White - Terra Linda High School Michele Harland - District Office As a community, we can be proud of our outstanding educators who are dedicated to doing their jobs well. Their work is not easy, but they remain focused on providing the best education for our children.   On this National Teacher Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to every one of our teachers. Thank you for inspiring, encouraging and believing in our students. You make a difference, and we appreciate you! Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent  San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490

    Tuesday, May 06 2025

  • Announcing the New San Pedro Principal, Carolyn Reibel!

    Announcing the New San Pedro Principal, Carolyn Reibel! Dear San Pedro School Community, I am delighted to announce that at their meeting this evening, the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education approved Carolyn Reibel as the new San Pedro Elementary School Principal for the upcoming 2025-26 school year!   After a thorough selection process, Ms. Reibel distinguished herself as a dedicated and talented leader with an unwavering commitment to ensuring students reach their full potential. Her extensive instructional experience, collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills demonstrate that she is the ideal candidate to take the reins as the school principal. We are fortunate that Ms. Reibel has a deep understanding of the San Pedro community. As a current member of the school’s administrative team, she will step into the role uniquely positioned to capitalize on San Pedro’s strengths and seamlessly carry forward the work to help the school grow. I would like to share some of Ms. Reibel’s own words about why she’s looking forward to this opportunity: I am honored and energized to lead in the role of principal at San Pedro Elementary School. This is an amazing team of students, families, staff and community partners committed to success for all. With this dedicated and strong foundation, together, we will shine! Ms. Reibel has nearly two decades of experience in education. Prior to serving as San Pedro’s assistant principal, she was a fifth grade teacher at San Pedro for four years. She also has elementary classroom teaching experience from roles in districts in Ross Valley, San Francisco and East Palo Alto. Ms Reibel earned a Master's degree in educational leadership from San Jose State University and she participates in the leadership support program at UC Berkeley’s College of Education. She was awarded a Marin Golden Bell in 2022 and has achieved National Board Certification for teaching. On July 1, 2025, Ms. Reibel will officially assume the role of San Pedro principal. Throughout her career, Ms. Reibel has earned an outstanding reputation for being a champion and advocate for students and their growth and success. Her clear, student-centered vision has cultivated safe and productive learning environments where students and staff have the tools and support they need to succeed. Ms. Reibel leads with a positive, steady nature, and with a remarkable ability to manage all aspects of school operations. She is known for being prepared, organized and reliable, and her effective communication and collaboration styles have built trusting relationships with students, families and staff.     I am confident that Ms. Reibel has an exceptional set of skills and qualities that will further enrich the school community and ensure academic excellence in partnership with teachers, staff and families.  Please join me in congratulating her!  Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent  San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490

    Tuesday, May 06 2025

  • Announcing the New Laurel Dell Principal, Katie O'Do...

    Announcing the New Laurel Dell Principal, Katie O'Donnell!  Dear Laurel Dell School Community, I am pleased to announce that at their meeting this evening, the San Rafael City Schools Board of Education approved Katie O’Donnell as the new Laurel Dell Elementary School Principal for the upcoming 2025-26 school year!  During the selection process, Ms. O’Donnell rose to the top as a champion for all students with an unwavering commitment to their growth and success. She leads with a collaborative spirit to ensure that all students and staff thrive in supportive and dynamic learning environments. I am confident that she has the skills and qualities to further enrich the school community and ensure academic excellence in partnership with teachers, staff and families.  We are fortunate that Ms. O’Donnell is already well-known and familiar with the Laurel Dell community. She has been a proud teacher at the school for four years, and she affectionately refers to Laurel Dell as her second home. She has built positive relationships with students, families and staff, and has been committed to fostering an environment where all feel valued, supported and inspired to succeed. She will officially assume the role of Laurel Dell principal on July 1, 2025. I would like to share some of Ms. O’Donnell’s own words about why she’s looking forward to this opportunity: I’m incredibly honored and excited to be named Laurel Dell’s new principal. This school is more than just a place of learning— it’s a strong, vibrant community. I feel fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated staff and supportive families, and I’m looking forward to building on the relationships that make Laurel Dell so special. Together, I know we can continue to create a school environment where every student thrives. Ms. O’Donnell’s experience expands her time at Laurel Dell - she has been an educator within SRCS for over 20 years and has served in various leadership roles such as instructional coach; mentor teacher; teacher in charge; and president of the teacher union. She has honed her skills and shared her valuable perspective through many District committees and initiatives, including our teacher evaluation system, equity work, curriculum reviews and more. Throughout her time at Laurel Dell and SRCS, Ms. O’Donnell has gained the insight and experience that allows her to understand our students’ needs and how to make an impact in their achievement and engagement. She is known for her strong organizational skills, systems-oriented approach, excellent instructional practices, thoughtful collaboration skills and creative problem-solving abilities.  I strongly believe that Ms. O’Donnell’s deep understanding of the Laurel Dell community, combined with her strong instructional experience and immense passion for students, make her the ideal leader for Laurel Dell.  Please join me in congratulating her!    Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent  San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490

    Tuesday, Apr 22 2025

  • From the SRCS Superintendent: Tragic News Regarding ...

    Tragic News Regarding Fatal Car Accident Dear SRCS Community, I am writing about a tragedy affecting our greater Marin community. You may have heard about the deeply heartbreaking news of the severe car accident this past weekend involving six students from Archie Williams High School; four students tragically died as a result of the accident, and two remain in the hospital. Our sincere condolences and sympathies go out to all their families and friends. The Tamalpais Union High School District has been sharing information with their community; below is one of their recent updates.  We recognize that in a community such as ours, there are many connections to those involved and many of our own youth may need support. Furthermore, tragedies such as these are immensely difficult to process, and everyone responds differently. It is in these times that we do best by coming together with compassion and understanding. While some of our mental health staff are graciously supporting schools in the Tam and other nearby districts, I want to assure you that our Wellness Centers and our elementary and middle schools have services available for any student or staff member who would like to speak with someone. Here are some resources from the National Association of School Psychologists with tips and information for coping with loss and here is a guide for understanding teen grief and how to provide support.  The message below also has some helpful resources.  I know our entire SRCS community joins me in keeping the students and their families in your thoughts and sending compassion, care and support to the Tam community and all those impacted.  Sincerely, Carmen Diaz Ghysels Superintendent  April 20, 2025 Dear Tam District Community Earlier this weekend, we shared the heartbreaking news that six Archie Williams students were involved in a severe car accident. We are heartbroken to confirm that four students tragically died as a result of the accident, and two remain in the hospital. With consent from their families, we can share that Archie Williams students Elsa Laremont Stranczek and Marley Barclay survived the accident. Elsa remains in critical condition and Marley is stable but still in critical condition as well. Both are surrounded by the care and support of their families.  We are deeply saddened to confirm the deaths of four incredible young lives: 9th grader Olive Koren, and 10th graders Josalynn Osborn, Sienna Katz, and Ada Kepley. Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel. Our hearts are with their families, friends, classmates, and the entire Archie Williams community as we grieve together. This is a time of immense pain for our school and district family. Counseling and grief support services are available this week and in the weeks ahead for all students and staff across Tam District schools. We strongly encourage anyone who is struggling to seek support—no one should navigate this alone.  In moments like these, the strength of our community is found in how we care for one another. Please continue to hold all six students, their families, and the entire Archie Williams community in your hearts as we move through this tragedy with love and compassion. In Community, Tara Taupier Superintendent Tamalpais Union High School District Resources: Grief Support: Hospice by the Bay Grief Support: Bay Area Community Resources North Marin Community Services Huckleberry Youth Services Addressing Grief in Children Talking with Children About Grief San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490

    Monday, Apr 21 2025

  • SRCS Updates (April): News from around the District ...

    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: Supporting the Designation of April 10, 2025 as Dolores Huerta Day Supporting and Recognizing Autism Awareness Month (April 2025) Supporting and Recognizing National Deaf History Month (April 2025) Support of Recognizing March 31, 2025 as Cesar Chavez Day 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 More &  Register 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

    Friday, Apr 18 2025

  • Please complete our DELAC Parent Survey 2024-25

    DELAC Parent Survey 2024–25 (District English Learner Advisory Committee / Comité Distrital para Aprendices del Idioma Inglés) Your voice matters! As a parent or guardian of an English learner in our district, your feedback is essential in helping us improve the programs and services that support your child’s success. Our survey linked here is designed to better understand your experiences, your knowledge of our English learner programs, and the ways we can strengthen communication, involvement, and support. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. Survey link:  https://forms.gle/5VuLXUDwa6a2P2F58 Your 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 for being a valued partner in your child’s education! This survey will close on Friday, May 2.

    Friday, Apr 18 2025

  • Invitación a la reunión del DELAC - VIRTUALMENTE - H...

    DELAC (District English Learner Advisory Committee / Comité Distrital para Aprendices del Idioma Inglés) AGENDA Thursday, April 17, 2025 el jueves 17 de abril 6 - 7:15 pm Zoom Info/Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 Nos complace invitarles a la reunión del Comité Asesor de Estudiantes de Inglés (DELAC) este jueves 17 de abril a las 6:00 PM. La reunión se llevará a cabo de manera virtual, y pueden unirse a través del enlace de Zoom que se proporciona a continuación. La agenda está adjunta. Tengan en cuenta que la reunión se llevará a cabo en español, con traducción al inglés disponible a solicitud.   Enlace de Zoom:  https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526 We are pleased to invite you to the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting this Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 PM. The meeting will be held virtually, and you can join us using the Zoom link provided below. The agenda is attached. Please note that the meeting will be conducted in Spanish, with English translation available upon request.   Zoom Link: https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/83200789526

    Thursday, Apr 17 2025